Tax Return Preparer Ethical Issues is a document-based course that examines tax preparer conduct standards. It addresses the issues of confidentiality, accuracy, conflict of interest, taxpayer omissions, and return of client records. The ethical rules governing these issues are discussed, and tax preparers are presented with real-world scenarios that focus on the ethical issues that may be encountered in their professional activities. A final examination covering the course material is administered.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the permitted scope of tax return preparer responsibilities


• Identify the best practices for tax advisers in preparing or assisting in the preparation of a submission to the Internal Revenue Service


• List practitioner duties and restrictions concerning – information to be furnished to the IRS, the practice of law, dealing with taxpayer omissions, errors, and noncompliance with U.S. revenue laws, the requirement for preparer diligence as to the accuracy, and return of client records


• Describe the various sanctions that may be imposed for a preparer’s failure to comply with applicable conduct rules