About This Course:

Circular 230 sets the rules every paid preparer works under, whatever their credential. This introductory course covers who may practice before the IRS and with what representation rights, the duty of due diligence when a client’s figures don’t look right, how conflicts of interest arise and what must happen before representing clients on both sides of one, the §6695(g) penalty that applies to refundable credit due diligence, the limits on advertising and fee claims, and the sanctions that follow deliberate misconduct. Practical scenarios throughout show how each rule plays out in day-to-day practice.

Learning Objectives

• Identify who may practice before the IRS under Circular 230 and the representation rights attached to each category of practitioner
• Determine the due diligence owed under Circular 230 §10.22 when a client’s figures appear incomplete or inconsistent
• Recognize when a conflict of interest exists under Circular 230 §10.29 and identify the consent required before representing both parties
• Identify the refundable credit due-diligence requirements and the §6695(g) penalty that applies when they are not met
• Identify the Circular 230 limits on advertising, solicitation, and fee claims
• Identify the sanctions available for deliberate misconduct and the conduct that gives rise to them