IRS WISP
Download Your Free Written Information Security Plan Template & Secure Your Firm
Updates to the IRS WISP “There’s no way around it for anyone running a tax business. Having a written security plan is a sound business practice – and it’s required by law,” said Jared Ballew of Drake Software, co-lead for the Summit tax professional team and incoming chair of the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC).
When tax preparers renew their PTIN on the W-12 , they will notice it now states “Data Security Responsibilities: “As a paid tax return preparer, I am aware of my legal obligation to have a data security plan and to provide data and system security protections for all taxpayer information. Check the box to confirm you are aware of this responsibility.”
The IRS requires a written information security plan for accountants to protect clients’ data. Having a written information security plan is required because once implemented properly it helps you take the right steps to practice good security.
Our free information security plan template, which you can download for free by filling out the form, covers topics that range from:
- Antivirus protections
- Two-factor authentication
- Password
- Cybersecurity
- Employee training
- Steps to take in the case of a data breach.
What Exactly Is An IRS WISP?
A Written Information Security Plan is the formal document in which an accounting firm describes the technical, physical, and administrative safeguards which ensure information privacy.
A WISP requires an accounting firm to be well prepared for any cyber threat which is posed to the sensitive data held in a firm’s possession – physically or electronically. The goal of the IRS requiring this document is to keep individual firms accountable for the security of breaches in customer data. Those who choose to neglect these stringent guidelines may incur a heavy fine from the federal government.
Does YOUR Accounting Firm Need a WISP?
Certified Public Accounting firms are some of the most vulnerable to security breaches since they contain a customers’ sensitive data. The financial data of different businesses and their owners can offer a huge payday for those intent to exploit your system. Recognizing this ever-growing problem, the different levels of government put these legal responsibilities on these firms to encourage compliance.
What If Your Firm Has No WISP?
The fifth Title of the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999, also known as the Gramm Leach Bliley Act, states that all financial institutions working under the Federal Trade Commission are required to take necessary steps to ensure the protection of customers’ sensitive data as stated in the Safeguard Rule. The Federal Trade Commission has implemented this rule through different regulatory sectors. Violation of this rule results in a heavy penalty, the details of which are:
- The firm violating the law would have to pay a large fine
- The individual members of the firm are personally accountable to also pay a fine for each violation.
- Title 18 of the United States Code also declares violating individuals may face imprisonment for five years for each violation.
- Also both the fine and imprisonment can be imposed on the violating party.
- Depending on the severity of the violations the prosecuting institutions can seek a higher fine or jail term. The scope and number of customers who are impacted dictate the severity of punishment
How Difficult Is It To Make A WISP IRS?
Creating an IRS written information security plan isn’t the easiest thing in the world. This template will make it a lot easier to do. Having someone who knows IT is going to be preferred, but not required.
A non-IT professional will spend ~20-30 hours without the WISP template.
An IT professional creating an accountant data security plan, you can expect ~10-20 hours per employee without the security plan template.
Someone with a lot of experience creating data security plans can complete one in ~2-3 hours.
Using this template, you can cut those times in half and have something that has been approved from thousands of submissions.
Identify the Data You Need to Protect
It is important to recognize the types of data that may be vulnerable. Common types of sensitive data include client or customer records, employee payroll information, passwords and other access credentials, banking and financial accounts, tax returns, and related documents. Identifying which data needs to be protected allows you to establish proper security measures for each type.
Download Your Free Written Information Security Plan Template
