The need for all tax preparers to have a written information security plan (WISP) is part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, effective for 2003. In recent years, the IRS and its Security Summitt have discovered that not all practitioners have a WISP. In response, the IRS drafted a template for firms to modify and adopt. Beyond the written plan, a firm must appoint a senior person to ensure the plan is understood and followed by everyone in the first and is kept up to date. This webinar covers the background and details of a WISP, and how to use it to limit exposure to cyberattacks, security breaches and improper disclosure of taxpayer information. In addition, tips for keeping up with security matters including risks posed by AI tools will be covered.
NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card
Who Should Attend
Anyone working as a paid tax preparer.
Topics Covered
- How the 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act added a security requirement relevant to all paid return preparers
- Basics of the GLB Act Safeguards Rule
- Nature of security issues tax practitioners need to be aware of and work to avoid including through provisions in their WISP
- How to use the IRS WISP template and ensure everyone at the firm is aware of it and takes it seriously
- Relevance of WISP to other rules of conduct and penalty provisions that involve security of taxpayer information
Learning Objectives
- Explain the basics of the Safeguards Rule enacted by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley law effective since 2003
- Describe the elements required for a written information security plan (WISP) for tax practitioners
- Understand the need for a firm to designate a qualified individual to implement and supervise the information security program
- Explain the WISP template provided by the IRS and how to use it
- Describe the need to regularly update the WISP, keep up to date on data security issues (including risks posed by AI tools), and fit the Safeguards Rule into a firm’s overall strategy for compliance with rules of conduct
Level
Overview
Instructional Method
Group: Internet-based
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
Basic understanding of tax preparation and policies
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Annette Nellen
Annette Nellen, CPA, CGMA, Esq., is a professor at San Jose State University. Her courses include tax research, taxation of property transactions, taxation for accounting majors, and financial accounting.
Annette chairs the AICPA Digital Asset Tax Task Force and is a member of the AICPA SALT Committee. She formerly served on the AICPA Tax Executive Committee, including 2 ½ years as chair. In 2023 she was appointed to the IRS Advisory Council (IRSAC) and served as the IRSAC chair for 2024 and was reappointed for a 4th year. Annette is the recipient of the 2013 Arthur J. Dixon Memorial Award given by the Tax Division of the AICPA, the highest award given by the accounting profession in the area of taxation. In June 2023, she was awarded the Sid Kess Award for Excellence in Continuing Education. She is the recipient of the 2026 CalCPA Distinguished Service Award. Annette was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for 2024 and 2025 by Accounting Today.
Annette is a regular contributor to Tax Notes State, and is the author of Bloomberg Tax Portfolio #533, Amortization of Intangibles. She is co-author and co-editor of four tax textbooks from Cengage. Annette has testified before the House Ways & Means Committee, Senate Finance Committee, California Assembly Revenue & Taxation Committee, and tax reform commissions and committees on various aspects of federal and state tax reform. She maintains the 21st Century Taxation website and blog (www.21stcenturytaxation.com). Prior to joining SJSU in 1990, Annette was with EY and the IRS.