Ethical Standards in Tax Practice

OVERVIEW

Introducing an enhanced Ethics course tailored for tax practitioners, offering a comprehensive examination of the Treasury Department Circular 230. The IRS 2 hour Continuing Education course, Ethical Standards in Tax Practice, includes two hours of CE credits to tax practitioners that will count towards the annual CE requirement to participate in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) and meets the ethic requirement for Enrolled Agents.

Ethical Standards in Tax Practice course begins by establishing a solid foundation of understanding both Circular 230 and the broader field of ethics. The subsequent modules form the core of the course, diving into the ethical responsibilities and best practices outlined within Circular 230. Participants gain insights into the specific behaviors and practices essential for maintaining an ethical career in the tax field.

In addition to covering ethical duties, this ethics course also addresses crucial topics such as penalties for violations-updated for 2025, the protocols governing disciplinary proceedings, and the enforcement of decisions related to violations. By encompassing these essential aspects, the course provides a thorough and complete review of Circular 230, equipping practitioners with the necessary knowledge and understanding to comply with its requirements effectively.

During our reading, we’ll be introduced to James who took a position at a CPA firm and was hired to prepare tax returns. We’ll discover throughout the course if both James and his CPA manager were both subjected to Circular 230 guidelines or just James and why or why not?

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Develop a thorough understanding of the provisions and requirements of Circular 230, including recent updates and changes.
• Analyze the ethical standards and responsibilities imposed on tax practitioners under Circular 230, including duties to clients and the IRS.
• Master the due diligence requirements for preparing tax returns and other documents, ensuring compliance with Circular 230 standards.
• Identify potential conflicts of interest and learn strategies for managing and resolving them in accordance with Circular 230 guidelines.
• Understand the sanctions and penalties for non-compliance with Circular 230, including procedures for disciplinary actions by the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
• Develop robust recordkeeping and retention practices that align with Circular 230 requirements to ensure documentation of compliance.

At the end of the course, participants will be required to pass a comprehensive final exam covering all topics addressed throughout the course. The exam is open book, and the downloadable PDF containing the course material is available on the first page of the course. A minimum score of 70% is necessary to satisfy the 2 hour Continuing Education (CE) Ethics requirement and to obtain a Certificate of Completion. Successful course completions are reported to the IRS within three business days.