After requests from tax preparers, the IRS, in conjunction with the Security Summit, released new tools to aid tax professionals in establishing a written information security plan.
This Aug. 9 guidance was long-awaited since the IRS released information in 2020 stating, “Anyone who prepares or substantially helps prepare any federal tax return or claim for refund for compensation must have a valid PTIN from the IRS. During the renewal process, you’ll be asked to attest to your data security responsibility, and whether you are aware of your obligation to have a data security plan in place to provide data and security system protections for all taxpayer information.”
Personal data is extremely valuable in the world of cybersecurity, and tax preparers hold a substantial amount of sensitive client information in their systems, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
NATP recently discussed the template’s release with data security expert and NATP instructor Brad Messner, who has been teaching a workshop about the importance of data security plans for years.
NATP is hosting a data security online workshop taught by Messner in September, where attendees will learn what information is necessary to complete a plan, including how to implement and manage it for in-person and virtual offices. Attendees will leave with a plan that meets IRS and insurance requirements.
About National Association of Tax ProfessionalsThe National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) is the largest association dedicated to equipping tax professionals with the resources, connections and education they need to provide the highest level of service to their clients. NATP is comprised of over 23,000 leading tax professionals who believe in a superior standard of ethics and exemplify professional excellence. Members rely on NATP to deliver professional connections, content expertise and advocacy that provides them with the support they need to best serve their clients. The organization welcomes all tax professionals in their quest to continually meet the needs of the public, no matter where they are in their careers.
The NATP headquarters is located in Appleton, WI. To learn more, visit www.natptax.com.
Information included in this article is accurate as of the publish date. This post is not reflective of tax law changes or IRS guidance that may have occurred after the date of publishing. All taxpayer circumstances are different, and NATP recommends contacting research services if you have specific questions about your clients’ tax situations.