Upholding Privacy in Tax Consultations

Tax Practitioner Confidentiality

Concerning tax advice, the same standard law protections of confidentiality that apply to a communication between a taxpayer and an attorney also apply to a communication between a taxpayer and any federally authorized tax practitioner, to the extent the communication would be considered similar client privilege.

A "tax practitioner" shall not reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client gives informed consent; the disclosure is impliedly authorized to carry out the word.

A "tax practitioner" may reveal information relating to the representation of a client to the extent the "tax practitioner" reasonably believes necessary:

  • To Prevent Reasonably Certain Death or Substantial Bodily Harm.
  • To Reveal the Client's Intention to Commit a Crime and the Information Necessary to Prevent the Crime.
  • To Prevent the Client From Committing a Fraud That is Reasonably Certain to Result in Substantial Injury to the Financial Interests or Property of Another, and in Furtherance of Which the Client Has Used or is Using the "Tax Practitioner's" Services.
  • To Prevent, Mitigate, or Rectify Substantial Injury to the Financial Interests or Property of Another That is Reasonably Certain to Result or Has Resulted From the Client's Commission of a Crime or Fraud in Furtherance of Which the Client Has Used the Lawyer's Services;
  • To Secure Legal Advice About the "Tax Practitioner's" Compliance With These Rules, Other Laws, or Court Orders;
  • To Establish a Claim or Defense on Behalf of the "Tax Practitioner" in a Controversy Between the "Tax Practitioner" and the Client, to Develop a Defense to a Criminal Charge or Civil Claim Against the Lawyer Based Upon Conduct in Which the Client Was Involved, or to Respond to Allegations in Any Proceeding Concerning the Lawyer's Representation of the Client.
  • To Comply With Other Laws or a Court Order.

I am not an employee of the United States Treasury Department or the Internal Revenue Service.

I work for and represent taxpayers disputing federal and state tax matters.

As a Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner enrolled with the United States Department of Treasury to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, under the rules of professional conduct outlined in United States Treasury Department Circular 230: Nothing contained in this communication was intended or written to be used by any taxpayer to avoid penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer by the Internal Revenue Service. No one may use or refer to any tax advice in this communication in promoting, marketing, or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan, or arrangement to any other party. Any taxpayer cannot use it for such a purpose without express prior written permission.