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Outsourcing Tax Return Preparation: Domestic vs. Offshore, IRC Section 7216, Client Consent, Privacy Concerns

Note: CLE credit is not offered on this program

Recording of a 110-minute CPE webinar with Q&A

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Conducted on Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Recorded event now available

or call 1-800-926-7926

This webinar will examine the pros and cons of outsourcing tax return preparation. Our experienced panel will cover the differences between domestic and offshore assignments, required and ethical disclosures, data security concerns, and other problematic issues.

Description

"Tax Season Is Coming, and These Firms Can't Find Enough Accountants in the U.S. The accountant shortage is so acute, small and midsize firms are ditching audits and hiring overseas"---WSJ Jan. 18, 2023.

The severe shortage of accounting and tax professionals has given rise to outsourcing tax return preparation. Most firms are considering creative ways to supplement staff, and outsourcing has become an effective remedy for many practitioners. The benefits and caveats of this approach are many and assorted.

Firms that outsource tax return preparation must comply with numerous rules and regulations mandated by various agencies. IRC Section 7216 dictates requirements for disclosure of personal tax return information outside the U.S. Failure to comply could result in criminal consequences. Practitioners outsourcing returns are subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act under FTC rules requiring oversight and safeguards for offsite preparation.

In addition to compliance concerns, a primary consideration is whether to outsource preparation within or outside the U.S. Some tax professionals retain the services of specific personnel overseas who function similarly to domestic employees, returning annually or as needed for return preparation. The cost savings can be remarkable. Selecting a trusted and reliable outsourcing provider is critical whether a foreign or domestic service is retained.

Listen as our panel of outsourcing experts details the essential considerations for firms outsourcing or considering outsourcing accounting and tax return projects.

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Outline

  1. Outsourcing returns: introduction
  2. Domestic outsourcing
  3. International outsourcing
  4. Section 7216: disclosure of return information by preparers
  5. Client consent
  6. Addressing privacy and security concerns
  7. Risk management

Benefits

The panel will cover these and other critical issues:

  • IRC Section 7216 requirements for practitioners outsourcing tax returns
  • Various methods and levels of outsourcing tax return preparation and the pros and cons of each
  • Steps tax firms can take to ensure the security of clients' personal information
  • Differences between domestic and offshore outsourcing

Faculty

Keats, Kristen
Kristen Keats, CPA
Owner
Sherwood Tax

Ms. Keats, CPA is a community leader with over twenty years of experience serving small businesses and self-employed...  |  Read More

Whittam, Laurance
Laurence Whittam
Managing Director
Impact Global Solutions

Impact Global Solutions

 |  Read More

Access Anytime, Anywhere

CPE credit is not available on downloads.

CPE On-Demand

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