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The Daily Insight

When does a CPA need to provide a copy of a tax return?

Author

Henry Morales

Published Mar 02, 2026

An example would be when the CPA prepares tax returns for the client, and the client subsequently directs the CPA to provide a copy of them to a potential lender to the client’s business — consent would be required prior to providing the returns.

Can a CPA-inactive certificate be used as a business title?

Individuals that hold a current CPA-Inactive certificate cannot practice public accounting, and cannot use the title “Certified Public Accountant” or “CPA.” An individual holding this certificate may refer to themselves as a “CPA-Inactive,” such as on a business card or letterhead, if they are not practicing public accounting.

How to use the title CPA Board of Accountancy?

General overview of title usage Title Requirement CPA The individual must hold an active CPA l CPA-Inactive The individual must hold an active CPA-I CPA-Retired The individual must have held a CPA lice Chartered Professional Accountant, or CP The Board does not permit the usage of t

When did Washington State Board of Accountancy issue CPA inactive certificate?

To perform attest or compilation services, a CPA must be part of a licensed CPA firm. License status can be verified on the Board’s licensee search or at CPAverify.org. CPA-Inactive is a certificate from the Washington State Board of Accountancy issued prior to July 1, 2001.

What can a CPA do for a client?

In some tax advisory engagements, for example, providing advice on aggressive tax positions, the CPA tax practitioner may also have direct reporting obligations to tax authorities. In addition, the client may engage the CPA tax practitioner to assist in resolving disputes that may be regarded as illegal conduct.

When does a CPA stop representing a taxpayer?

Once a special agent has been assigned to the client’s case, the CPA should cease representation of the taxpayer. Representing a taxpayer in a criminal tax investigation requires specific knowledge and expertise that most tax advisers do not possess.

What should a CPA know about client tax fraud?

A CPA should take steps to protect any materials related to services rendered with respect to a client with a potential criminal matter. The taxpayer’s attorney will find it helpful to know what documents have already been provided to the IRS, as well as the substance of any interviews.