Section 1: 10–20%R1
Ethics and Responsibilities in Tax Practice
Exam Insight
Circular 230, the SSTS, and the preparer-position confidence thresholds are tested on nearly every REG form. The exam rewards candidates who can match a fact pattern to the exact standard — substantial authority, more likely than not, or reasonable basis — and who know when contingent fees and disclosure are allowed.
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What AICPA Wants You to Know
- 1Identify who is governed by Treasury Circular 230 and the duties it imposes
- 2Apply the diligence, conflict-of-interest, and contingent-fee rules of Circular 230
- 3List the sanctions the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility may impose
- 4Apply the SSTS standards for taking and disclosing a return position
- 5Match each confidence level (more likely than not, substantial authority, reasonable basis) to the disclosure required
- 6Distinguish legal tax avoidance from criminal tax evasion