Скачать или смотреть ⚠️ The PTIN Renewal Trap: Are You Falsely Certifying Your WISP?

It’s PTIN renewal season, and thousands of tax professionals are checking a box on Form W-12 that could lead to their professional undoing. When you renew, you aren't just paying a fee—you are attesting, under penalty of perjury, that you are aware of your legal obligation to have a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).

In this video, Eric Green (Tax Rep Network) warns practitioners about the "Compliance Trap." If you have a data breach and the IRS or FTC discovers you checked that box without actually having a WISP in place, the penalties aren't just civil—they can be career-ending.

🔍 What’s Required for Your 2026 PTIN Renewal:

Identity & Tax Compliance: You must be current with your own taxes (or have an approved payment arrangement like an Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise).

The WISP Mandate: Understanding why the IRS and FTC require a written data security plan for every firm, regardless of size.

The Perjury Risk: Why "checking the box" without a plan is considered prima facie evidence of negligence in the event of a cyberattack.

🛡️ Real-World Consequences: A CPA’s Story

Eric shares a "horror story" of a CPA who experienced a data breach. The examiner didn't just look at the breach—they went back to the PTIN renewal and asked: "You checked the box saying you had a WISP. Where is it?" The lack of documentation led to significant government sanctions that could have been avoided with basic preparation.

🚀 How to Protect Yourself Today:

Get the WISP in writing: It doesn't have to be 100 pages, but it must exist.

Secure your comms: Stop using email for sensitive data. Eric explains why he uses Liscio to lock down client communication.

Offsite Backups: Ensure your data survives physical disasters (like the "building fire" story Eric shares).

💡 About Eric Green:

Eric Green is a tax attorney and the founder of Tax Rep Network. He helps CPAs, EAs, and attorneys build high-profit representation practices while navigating the complex intersection of IRS ethics, cybersecurity law, and firm management.

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