Slayer CPA
SectionsBlogLog In
Taxation and Regulation/Blueprint/1.B

Circular 230 and tax practice

Area 1: Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Federal Tax Procedures (10-20%)

Your Progress

0 of 42 questions attempted

Topics

  • Practice before the IRS
  • Covered opinions and due diligence
  • Sanctions and disciplinary proceedings

Lessons

  • Circular 230 and Professional Responsibilities

Study Frameworks

Circular 230 — Enforcement and Penalties

IRS Enforcement Framework
Practitioner Sanctions (OPR)
Censure (public reprimand)
Suspension from practice
Disbarment from practice
Monetary penalty
Preparer Penalties
§6694(a): Unreasonable position — $1,000 or 50% of income
§6694(b): Willful/reckless — $5,000 or 75% of income
§6695: Failure to sign/PTIN — $50 per return
Statute of Limitations
General: 3 years from filing/due date
25% omission: 6 years
Fraud or no return filed: unlimited

Preparer Penalty Summary — Sections 6694 and 6695

PenaltyTriggerAmountDefense
§6694(a)Unreasonable position (undisclosed: fails substantial authority ~40%)Greater of $1,000 or 50% of preparer incomeReasonable cause and good faith
§6694(a) — disclosedDisclosed position fails reasonable basis (~20%)Greater of $1,000 or 50% of preparer incomeReasonable cause and good faith
§6694(a) — tax shelterTax shelter position fails more likely than not (>50%)Greater of $1,000 or 50% of preparer incomeReasonable cause and good faith
§6694(b)Willful or reckless conductGreater of $5,000 or 75% of preparer income (reduced by 6694(a))No defense available
§6695 — adminFailure to sign, furnish PTIN, provide copy, retain records$55 per failure (max $28,000/year per category)Reasonable cause
§6695(g) — due diligenceFailure to meet EIC/CTC/AOTC/HOH due diligence$600 per credit per returnReasonable cause
Practice These Topics(42 questions)