R5 - Ethics Flashcards
What governs those individuals who prepare federal tax returns for a fee?
- IRC
- related US Treasury regulations
What is defined as a transaction specifically identified by the Secretary of the US Treasury Department as a tax avoidance transaction?
Listed transaction
How is the “more likely than not” standard met?
Greater than 50% likelihood of a tax position being upheld by the courts
Which standard is more stringent?
“More likely than not” OR “Substantial authority”
More likely than not
Are IRS publications considered primary authoritative sources?
NO
What term describes any failure to make a reasonable attempt to comply with the provisions of the internal revenue laws?
Negligence
What term describes any failure to exercise ordinary and reasonable care in the preparation of a tax return?
Negligence
What term describes any failure by the taxpayer to keep adequate books and records or to substantiate items properly?
Negligence
How is the reasonable basis standard met?
Greater than 20% likelihood of a tax position being upheld
What is defined as the legal use and application of tax laws and cases in order to reduce the amount of tax due?
tax avoidance
What is defined as efforts, by illegal means and methods, to not pay taxes?
tax evasion
When would you have substantial authority?
> 33% but less than 50% likelihood tax position upheld
What is defined as an objective standard involving an analysis of the law and application of the law to relevant facts?
Substantial authority
What is defined as any person who prepares for compensation, or who employs persons to prepare for compensation, any tax return required under the IRC or any claim for refund of tax imposed by the IRC?
tax return preparer
Does a tax return preparer include a person who prepares as a fiduciary a return or claim for refund for any other person?
NO
True or false.
A tax practitioner is any of the following individuals who practice before the IRS: attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, enrolled actuaries, and enrolled retirement plan agents.
True
A tax shelter means any plan or arrangement if a significant purpose is the avoidance or _______ of federal income tax.
Evasion
A position is deemed unreasonable UNLESS there is ______ _______ for the position and the position does not involve either a tax shelter or a reportable transaction.
Substantial authority (>33% but less than 50%)
A position is deemed unreasonable UNLESS the position is disclosed, there is a _____ _____ for the position, and the position does not involve either a tax shelter or a reportable transaction
Reasonable basis (>20%)
A position is deemed unreasonable UNLESS with respect to a tax shelter or a reportable transaction, it is reasonable to believe that the position would ____ _____ _____ ____ be sustained on its merits.
More likely than not (>50%)
Circular 230 applies to tax _____.
practitioners
Is the following a best practice for tax advisors?
Communicating with the client regarding the terms of the engagement to determine the client’s purpose and use for the advice
Yes
Is the following a best practice for tax advisors?
Establishing the facts and arriving at a conclusion supported by the law and the facts
YES
Is the following a best practice for tax advisors?
Acting fairly and with integrity in practice before the IRS
YES
May a tax practitioner endorse or otherwise negotiate any check (including directing or accepting payment by any means into an account owned or controlled by the practitioner) issued to a client by the government in respect of a federal tax liability?
NO
May a tax practitioner willfully or recklessly sign a tax return?
NO
May a tax practitioner advise a client to take a tax position that the practitioner knows or should know lacks a reasonable basis?
NO
May a tax practitioner advise a client to take a tax return position that is frivolous?
NO
ABC Corp. retained Walter, CPA, to prepare its Year 6 income tax return. During the engagement, Walter discovered that ABC had failed to file its Year 2 income tax return. What is Walter’s professional responsibility regarding ABC’s unfiled Year 2 income tax return?
Consider withdrawing from prep of ABC’s Year 6 income tax return until the error is corrected
All written tax advice is covered by paragraph 10.37 of Circular ____.
230