Accounting Toolkit

Welcome to the APL Toolkit

Areas of Risk and Mitigation

• Areas of Risk and Mitigation
• Warning Signs of Potential Claims
• Top Three CPA Practice Risk Management Tips
• Liability to Third Party Non-Clients
• Types of Claims Brought Against Accountants
• Common Reasons Claims are Brought Against Accountants

Establishing the Client Relationship

• Factors to Consider When Screening Potential Clients
• 10 Signs of a Potentially Bad Client
• High-Risk Clients
• New Client Interview Form
• New Client Request Form
• Potential Client Screening Form
• Authorization to Obtain Information
• New Client Request for Information

Engagement Letters

• More on Engagement Letters
• Key Elements of the Accountant's Engagement Letter
• Checklist - Engagement Letter
• Engagement Letter Template - General 
• Example Engagement Letter - Audit (1)
• Engagement Letter Template - Audit (2)
• Engagement Letter Template - Tax Return (1)
• Engagement Letter Template - Tax Return (2)
• Engagement Letter Template - Tax Return (3)
• Example Engagement Letter - Estate and Inheritance Tax Return

Practice Management

• Attestation Services
• Audit Services
• Peer Review
• CPA Firm Billing and Collection Tips

Privacy and Disclosure

• Privacy and Disclosure Basics
• Example Privacy Policy
• Example Use of Tax Return Information Consent
• Example IRS Section 7216 Disclosure Statement
• Example Disclosure Consent

Record Retention

• Record Retention Basics
• Example Record Retention Policy

Tax Practice Resources

• Tax Filing Deadlines/Calendaring System Recommendations
• Tax Rates
• CPA Reference Guide
• Disengagement Information
• Example Disengagement Letter
• Withdraw or Not to Withdraw Checklist