Section 1 - 3 Flashcards
A tax return preparer is a person who (3)
1 Prepares for compensation
2 Employs someone to prepare for compensation
3. A person who preps tax returns for a refund
3 reasons a person cannot be a tax preparer
Mere assistance (typing/mechanical shit) Prepares as a fiduciary Preps a return for a refund of the employer
Three confidential communications
1 Advise client on tax matters
- Confidential between attorney and practitioner
- Noncriminal tax matters before IRS by or against the USA
REECA can practice before the IRS
Registered Tax return preps Enrolled Retirement plan agents Enrolled Actuaries Enrolled Agents CPA Attorney
If you can practice before the IRS what type of documentation do they give you
Enrollment/registration card
OR
Certificate
If the enrollment/registration card or Certificate is INVALID - Who can NOT practice before IRS?
Enrolled Agent, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent, Registered Tax Return Preparer
What tis an IRS Power of Attorney?
Taxpayer’s WRITTEN authorization for someone to act on behalf of the taxpayer on tax related matters. The individual can perform all acts that the taxpayer can perform
A tax return preparer is subject to penalties if they FAIL to do the following:
___ a return or claim that is required
____ of the tax return to the taxpayer
Kepp for ___ years a copy of the return, __ number, tax years the returns were prepared
Fulfill ____ requirements for a taxpayer entitled to the ___ credit
Sign a return or claim that’s required
Furnish a copy of the tax return to the taxpayer
Keep for 3 years a copy of the return, ID number, current/previous tax years the returns were filed
Fulfill Due Diligence requirements for at taxpayer entitled to to the Earned Income Tax Credit
What does Treasury Circular No 230 contain rules of?
Rules governing the recognition of attorneys,CPA, Enrolled Agent, Enrolled Retirement Plan Agent, Registered Tax Return Preparers, and other people representing taxpayers before IRS
Information must be furnished before the IRS UNLESS WHAT?
the practitioner IN GOOD FAITH believes the records are privelidged
If the practitioner ias aware of noncompliance before the government, the practitioner must:
Advise the client of the fact of the noncompliance (state the fact that noncompliance exists)
When must a practitioner exercise due diligence? (3)
Prepping/assisting: — approving/filing tax returns, documents, affidavits, & other papers
Determining correctness of all representations made by the practitioner to the gov.
Determining the correctness of all representations made by the practitioner to the client
If a practitioner relies on the work product of another person (assuming they used reasonable care)… what did they exercise?
Due diligence
Can a practitioner charge unconscionable(unjust/one-sided) fees?
Can a practitioner charge contingent fees?
Nope
Yes. Three ways:
- IRS examines or challenges an orignal/amended/ return or claim for refund
- Claim for credit/refund is filed only with the determination of statutory interest or penalties
- Any judicial proceedings under the IRC
When must a practioner return client’s records? Can the practitioner keep copies?
Return all records that’s necessary to comply with the client’s FEDERAL tax obligations
They can retain copies
Does a dispute over fee relieve a practitioner their responsibility?
Generally no. Two ways it could
- State law permits retention of client’s records by a practitioner in the case of a dispute over fees for services.
- Practitioner must provide client w/ reasonable access to review/copy records that are necessary for the client to comply w/ tax obligations
When can a CPA represent a client if a conflict of interest exists?
Never
When would a conflict of interest exist:
Representing 1 client would directly adverse another client
Sig. risk that the representations of 1 or more clients will be materially limited by the CPA’s responsibility to another client/former client/3rd person/ personal interest of the CPA
When can a CPA represent a client?
Each affected client waives the conflict of interest and gives informed consent – IN WRITING
A CPA who prepares tax returns may not endorse or negotiate any check issued to a client by the government in respect to a ____
federal tax liability
What is the standard for returns?
CPAmay not willfully/recklessly advise a client/sign a return/ sign a claim/take position that:
- is unreasonable
- Attempt to understate the tax liability
What is the standard for documents
CPA may not advise a client to submit a document that:
- Purpose is to delay/impede tax laws
- That is frivolous (no value, care free)
- Omits information intentionally that violates/disregards a rule or regulation
Can a CPA rely in good faith w/o verification of information furnished by the client when ADVISING to take a position on a tax return??
Yes
When must a CPA possess competence?
When practicing before the IRS