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Self-Study Courses

Ethics Checklist for Tax Practitioners

2 CPE Credits $41.00/credit hour
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0 (7 ratings)

This online course provides tax practitioners with a practical, checklist driven framework for navigating the complex ethical rules that govern modern tax practice. Circular 230, AICPA and NAEA professional standards, federal penalty provisions, and emerging issues such as AI assisted tax work create a challenging environment for practitioners. Clients expect accuracy, integrity, transparency, and professional judgment—all while regulatory scrutiny continues to increase.

In this course, you will learn how to apply a seven part ethics checklist designed to strengthen compliance, reduce exposure to penalties, and support sound decision making in day to day practice. Using real world scenarios, the program highlights common ethical dilemmas, risks associated with client expectations, and best practices for safeguarding client information—especially when using software or AI tools. The course also reviews current developments from Congress, the IRS, and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) so practitioners can stay informed and aligned with evolving ethical expectations.

Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card

Publication Date: June 2026

Designed For
This course is designed for tax professionals seeking to strengthen their ethical decision‑making, meet continuing education ethics requirements, and reduce risk in their practices.

Topics Covered

  • General business ethics and decision‑making frameworks
  • Circular 230 compliance requirements
  • AICPA and NAEA rules of professional conduct
  • Common federal penalty provisions and compliance considerations
  • Ethical risks in the use of GenAI and tax software tools
  • Identifying and resolving ethical issues in daily tax practice
  • Current legal and regulatory developments affecting tax ethics

Learning Objectives

  • Identify key rules of conduct and compliance requirements relevant to tax practice
  • Explain essential Circular 230 provisions and their application to real‑world engagements
  • Evaluate the ethical risks associated with software and AI tools, including client data security
  • Apply actions and safeguards that help ensure adherence to professional conduct standards
  • Explain how to use a structured seven‑part ethics checklist to minimize the risk of penalties or violations

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Regulatory Ethics (2 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

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.
$82.00 / 2 CPE
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