Surviving the 2021 Tax Season: Checklists to Manage Your Risk

Busy season is, well, busy. A little bit of advance planning and preparation now, can help mitigate the risk of an error or omission during busy season. Inform clients of significant changes in tax laws, such as guidance released or enforcement actions taken since last tax season related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Reform”) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (CARES) Act, Families First Coronavirus Response (FFCRA) Act, and syndicated conservation easements through client newsletters. Retain a distribution list of such communications, including the dates transmitted, and documenting that the client was informed of these changes. If organizers fail to adequately address such issues, consider supplementing them with additional questions or specifically addressing them in documented conversations with clients.

Update your project management system

Incorporate Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness applications deadlines, if applicable into your project management system. If a client has engaged the firm to assist in applying for loan forgiveness, add the final date to file the request into the firm’s control log or docket system. If a deadline is missed and proceeds are not forgiven, the client may blame the CPA. Remember to include IRS and state correspondence with due dates for notices and information document requests into the control log or docket system, as While the IRS has made significant progress opening backlogged mail, as of November 24, 2020, there were over 9 million unprocessed tax returns. Obtain powers of attorney so the firm may access the IRS’s e-systems to understand the status of items caught-up in the backlog. Documentation will be critical, including receiving timely notices from clients and retaining copies of certified mail receipts. If correspondence is lost or misplaced by the IRS, and the CPA does not have appropriate documentation, clients may blame their CPA for adverse consequences. Consider including reminder dates in the control log for follow-up with the client or tax agency, if warranted.

Don’t forget to address the indirect impact of COVID-19

Notify individual and business tax clients with COVID homes of potential additional filing obligations and tax effects. What’s a “COVID home”? Who needs to be notified? Read the Risk Alert COVID Homes” Create Professional Liability Risk for CPA Firms for information on how claims may arise. Also consider sending a notification letter to affected individuals. AICPA Tax Section members are able to receive a sample letter. Ensure remote workers have the resources needed to be productive. Technology-related resources are foremost, including adequate internet speeds. With multiple individuals working from the home and virtual education, some remote workers also may need mental and emotional resources, such as Remote Work after the Pandemic and Leading in a Work-From-Home Environment.

Fortify the firm’s data security protocols as remote working is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Consider establishing a virtual private network (VPN) if one is currently not in place. Remind all firm personnel of existing data security policies and revisit these policies in the event that updates are needed. Establish a secure portal to permit clients to safely transmit information to the firm. Data Security Tips to Help Weather a Pandemic outlines additional considerations and recommendations.

As 2020 ends and CPAs head into busy season, it is important to plan what you can and make sure that you are squared away with all you need to know this tax season.

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Deborah K. Rood, CPA, MST, is a Risk Control Consulting Director for CNA, the endorsed underwriter of the AICPA Professional Liability Insurance Program. She previously practiced public accounting for 16 years with a regional public accounting firm. Deb provides risk control consulting services for CPA firms in the AICPA program. She participates in the development and delivery of risk management training and education products including the live risk management seminar and self-study programs.