Chapter Accy 1

Accy 1.401(1) (1) No person licensed to practice as a certified public accountant shall commit an act discreditable to the profession.

Accy 1.401(2) (2) Interpretations of this section, not intended to be all-inclusive, are as follows:

Accy 1.401(2)(a) (a) Client’s records and accountant’s workpapers. A certified public accountant’s working papers are the property of the certified public accountant and need not be surrendered to the client. However, in some instances working papers will contain data that should properly be reflected in the client’s books and records but that for convenience have not been duplicated therein, with the result that the client’s records are incomplete. In such instances, the portion of the working papers containing such data constitutes part of the client’s records, and copies should be made available to the client upon request. If a certified public accountant is engaged to perform certain work for a client and the engagement is terminated prior to the completion of such work, the certified public accountant is required to return or furnish copies of only those records originally given to the certified public accountant by the client. Examples of working papers that are considered to be the client’s records would include all of the following:

Accy 1.401(2)(a)1. 1. Worksheets in lieu of books of original entry (e.g., listings and distributions of cash receipts or cash disbursements on columnar working paper).

Accy 1.401(2)(a)2. 2. Worksheets in lieu of general ledger or subsidiary ledgers, such as accounts receivable, job cost and equipment ledgers, or similar depreciation records.

Accy 1.401(2)(a)3. 3. All adjusting and closing journal entries and supporting details. (If the supporting details are not fully set forth in the explanation of the journal entry, but are contained in analyses of accounts in the accountant’s working papers, then copies of such analyses must be furnished to the client.)

Accy 1.401(2)(a)4. 4. Consolidating or combining journal entries and worksheets and supporting detail used in arriving at final figures incorporated in an end product such as financial statements or tax returns.

Accy 1.401(2)(b) (b) Working papers. Any working papers developed by the certified public accountant incident to the performance of an engagement which do not result in changes to the client’s records or are not in themselves part of the records ordinarily maintained by such clients are considered to be solely “accountant’s working papers” and are not the property of the client. For example, the certified public accountant may make extensive analyses of inventory or other accounts as part of the selective audit procedures. Even if such analyses have been prepared by client personnel at the request of the certified public accountant, they nevertheless are considered to be part of the accountant’s working papers. Only to the extent such analyses result in changes to the client’s records would the certified public accountant be required to furnish the details from the working papers in support of the journal entries recording such changes, unless the journal entries themselves contain all necessary details.

Accy 1.401(2)(c) (c) Duty discharged. Once the certified public accountant has returned the client’s records or furnished the copies of such records and necessary supporting data, the obligation has been discharged in this regard and it is not necessary to comply with any subsequent requests to again furnish such records.

Accy 1.401(2)(d) (d) Copies to the client. If the certified public accountant has retained copies of a client’s records already in possession of the client, the certified public accountant is not required to return such copies to the client.

Accy 1.401(2)(e) (e) Conviction of a crime. Conviction of a crime the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of accounting is an act discreditable to the profession in violation of this section. As enumerated below, the board shall act as follows:

Accy 1.401(2)(e)1. 1. On conviction of a felony, the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of accounting the board will initiate charges in every instance.

Accy 1.401(2)(e)2. 2. On conviction for willful failure to file an income tax return or another document that the certified public accountant as an individual is required by law to file, for filing a false or fraudulent income tax return or other document on his or her or a client’s behalf, or for willful aiding in the preparation and presentation of a false or fraudulent income tax return of a client, or for the willful making of a false representation in connection with the determination, collection, or refund of any tax, whether it be in his or her own behalf or in behalf of a client, the board will initiate charges in every instance.

Accy 1.401(2)(e)3. 3. On conviction of a misdemeanor the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice of accounting the board will review the circumstances and the nature of the act resulting in conviction. Each such situation will be considered by the board as an informal complaint. The minutes of the board will reflect the fact of review and the resulting disposition of the informal complaint. Such convictions that are professionally related and related to good moral character can be the basis for bringing formal charges and subsequent board action.

Accy 1.401(2)(e)4. 4. On conviction for failure to act with integrity and trustworthiness with information or property of others, the board will initiate charges in every instance.

Accy 1.401(2)(f) (f) Notification of convictions. A certified public accountant shall notify the board in writing within 48 hours after being convicted of a crime.

Accy 1.401(2)(g) (g) Receiving fees for services not performed. The deliberate receipt and retention of a fee from a client for services not performed when the client has been given reason to believe that there should be performance, or the withholding of services and receiving a retainer or fee when the services agreed upon have knowingly been withheld, are acts discreditable to the profession. The amount or rate of charge for services is a contractual matter between the certified public accountant and the client, and except as related to the provision, the board does not have authority to set or regulate fees or for taking jurisdiction in such matters. The term “services not performed” means situations in which the actual work for which payment is received is not done.

Accy 1.401(2)(h) (h) Discrimination in employment practices. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age or national origin in hiring, promotion or salary practices is presumed to constitute an act discreditable to the profession in violation of this section.

Accy 1.401 History History: Cr. Register June, 1974, No. 222, eff. 7-1-74; cr. (2), Register, February, 1976, No. 242, eff. 4-1-76; am. (2) (b), Register, July, 1979, No. 283, eff. 9-1-79; renum. from Accy 1.501 and am. (2) (intro.) (a) and (b), cr. (2) (d) and (e), Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80; am. (2) (b) intro. and cr. (2) (b) 4., Register, April, 1981, No. 304, eff. 5-1-81; am. (2) (d), renum. (2) (e) to be Accy 1.402 (2) (e), Register, June, 1982, No. 318, eff. 7-1-82; cr. (2) (bm), Register, April, 1985, No. 352, 5-1-85; CR 03-071: am. (1), (2) (intro.) and (a) (intro.), cons. and renum. (2) (am) (intro.) and 1. to be (2) (b) and am., renum. (2) (an) to (d) to be (2) (c) to (h) and am. (2) (c) to (g) Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: am. (1), (2) (a) (intro.), (c), (e) 2., cr. (2) (f) (title), am. (2) (f) Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 1.402 Accy 1.402 Advertising or other forms of solicitation. No certified public accountant may advertise or solicit a client in a manner that is false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive.

Accy 1.402 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1974, No. 222, eff. 7-1-74; cr. (2), Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; r. and recr. (2) (a), (g), (j) and (n), Register, February, 1976, No. 242, eff. 4-1-76; r. and recr. Register, July, 1978, No. 271, eff. 9-1-78; renum. from Accy 1.502 and am. (2) (intro.), Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80; am. (1) and (2) (c), (2) (e) renum. from Accy 1.401 (2) (e), Register, June, 1982, No. 318, eff. 7-1-82; r. and recr. Register, April, 1986, No. 364, eff. 5-1-86; CR 03-071: am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04.

Accy 1.404 Accy 1.404 Incompatible occupations.

Accy 1.404(1) (1) A person who is engaged in practice as a certified public accountant shall not concurrently engage in any business or occupation that would create a conflict of interest rendering professional services.

Accy 1.404(2) (2) Interpretations of sub. (1) not intended to be all-inclusive, are as follows:

Accy 1.404(2)(a) (a) Engaging concurrently with the practice of public accounting in any business or occupation inconsistent with the certified public accountant’s responsibilities under the Wisconsin rules of conduct would constitute involvement in an incompatible occupation prohibited by sub. (1).

Accy 1.404(2)(b) (b) The proscription in sub. (1) applies to any business or occupation which:

Accy 1.404(2)(b)1. 1. Detracts from the public image of the profession, as for example, on legal grounds, or involves conduct which would constitute an act discreditable to the profession.

Accy 1.404(2)(b)2. 2. Impairs the certified public accountant’s objectivity in rendering professional services to clients.

Accy 1.404(2)(b)3. 3. Inherently involves responsibilities which are likely to conflict with the certified public accountant’s responsibility to others arising out of the client-certified public accountant relationship.

Accy 1.404(2)(c) (c) A conflict of interest exists when a certified public accountant or firm of such persons who are licensed to practice in Wisconsin becomes associated with or employed by a nonlicensed individual or firm offering accounting, tax, or consulting services, such as those customarily provided by certified public accountants, in a manner and with representation or implication that third parties could interpret or conclude that attest services are performed or offered by both the nonlicensed individual or firm and the certified public accountant. A conflict of interest also exists if the services of the licensed certified public accountant or firm of such persons can be influenced or decisions altered by the noncertified associate or employer.

Accy 1.404(2)(d) (d) A conflict of interest exists when a certified public accountant who is not licensed permits his or her status as a certified public accountant to be used or publicized in a manner or situation that third parties could assume or conclude that attest services are being performed or offered by or through nonlicensed individuals or firms.

Accy 1.404 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1974, No. 222, eff. 7-1-74; cr. (2), Register, February, 1976, No. 242, eff. 4-1-76; r. and recr. Register, July, 1978, No. 271, eff. 9-1-78; cr (2), Register, July, 1979, No. 283, eff. 9-1-79; renum. from Accy 1.504, Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80; am. (2) (intro.) and (a), Register, April, 1981, No. 304, eff. 5-1-81; cr. (2) (c) and (d), Register, June, 1982, No. 318, eff. 7-1-82; am. (2) (b) 1., Register, April, 1985, No. 352, eff. 5-1-85; CR 03-071: am. (1) and (2) (a) to (d) Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: am. (1) Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 1.405 Accy 1.405 Firm Names.

Accy 1.405(1) (1) An individual or firm may practice as a certified public accountant in any form of business organization permitted by state law. No person licensed to practice as a certified public accountant may practice under a firm name that is misleading as to the type of organization. A misleading CPA firm name is any of the following:

Accy 1.405(1)(a) (a) A name that contains any representation that would be likely to cause a reasonable person to misunderstand or be confused about the legal form of the firm, or about who the owners or members of the firm are, such as a reference to a type of organization or an abbreviation thereof that does not accurately reflect the form under which the firm is organized, including any of the following:

Accy 1.405(1)(a)1. 1. A name that implies the existence of a corporation when the firm is not a corporation, such as through the use of the words “corporation,” “incorporated,” “Ltd.,” “professional corporation,” or an abbreviation thereof as part of the firm name if the firm is not incorporated or is not a professional corporation.

Accy 1.405(1)(a)2. 2. A name that implies the existence of a partnership when there is not a partnership, such as by use of the term “partnership” or “limited liability partnership” or the abbreviation “LLP” if the firm is not such an entity.

Accy 1.405(1)(a)3. 3. A name that includes the name of an individual who is not a CPA if the title “CPAs” is included in the firm name.

Accy 1.405(1)(a)4. 4. A name that includes information about or indicates an association with persons who are not members of the firm, except as provided in subs. (3) and (4).

Accy 1.405(1)(a)5. 5. A name that includes the terms “& Company,” “& Associate,” or “Group,” if the firm does not include, in addition to the named partner, shareholder, owner, or member, at least one other unnamed partner, shareholder, owner, member, or staff employee.

Accy 1.405(1)(b) (b) A name that contains any representation that would be likely to cause a reasonable person to have a false or unjustified expectation of favorable results or capabilities, through the use of a false or unjustified statement of fact as to any material matter.

Accy 1.405(1)(c) (c) A name that claims or implies the ability to influence a regulatory body or official.

Accy 1.405(1)(d) (d) A name that includes the name of an owner whose license has been revoked for disciplinary reasons by the board, whereby the licensee has been prohibited from practicing public accountancy or prohibited from using the title CPA or holding himself or herself out as a certified public accountant.

Accy 1.405(2) (2) Any of the following is a permissible type of CPA firm name if it does not otherwise violate this subchapter:

Accy 1.405(2)(a) (a) A firm name that includes the names of one or more former or present owners.

Accy 1.405(2)(b) (b) A firm name that excludes the names of one or more former or present owners.

Accy 1.405(2)(c) (c) A firm name that uses the CPA title as part of the firm name when all named individuals are owners of the firm who hold such title or are former owners who held such title at the time they ceased to be owners of the firm.

Accy 1.405(2)(d) (d) A firm name that includes the name of a non-CPA owner if the CPA title is not a part of the firm name.

Accy 1.405(3) (3) A network firm may use a common brand name or share common initials as part of the firm name.

Accy 1.405(4) (4) A network firm may use the network name as the firm’s name, provided that it also shares one or more of the following characteristics with other firms in the network:

Accy 1.405(4)(a) (a) Common control, as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S., among the firms through ownership, management, or other means.

Accy 1.405(4)(b) (b) Profits or costs, excluding costs of operating the association, costs developing audit methodologies, manuals and training courses, and other costs that are immaterial to the firm.

Accy 1.405(4)(c) (c) A common business strategy that involves ongoing collaboration among the firms whereby the firms are responsible for implementing the association’s strategy and are held accountable for performance pursuant to that strategy.

Accy 1.405(4)(d) (d) A significant part of professional resources.

Accy 1.405(4)(e) (e) Common quality control policies and procedures that participating firms are required to implement and that are monitored by the association.

Accy 1.405 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1974, No. 222, eff. 7-1-74; cr. (2), Register, December, 1974, No. 228, eff. 1-1-75; r. and recr. (1) (a), renum. (2) to be (3) and cr. (2), Register, February, 1976, No. 242, eff. 4-1-76; renum. from Accy 1.505 and am. (3) (intro.), Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80; am. (2) (intro.) and (a), Register, April, 1981, No. 304, eff. 5-1-81; am. (3) (a), Register, June, 1982, No. 318, eff. 7-1-82; am. (2), Register, July, 1983, No. 331, eff. 8-1-83; am. (1) (intro.) and (a), Register, January, 1985, No. 349, eff. 2-1-85; r. (1) (b), Register, February, 1990, No. 410, eff. 3-1-90; am. (1) (a), Register, February, 1992, No. 434, eff. 3-1-92; r. and recr. (1) (intro.), Register, May, 1994, No. 461, eff. 6-4-94; CR 03-071: cons. and renum. (1) (intro.), (a) to be (1) and (3) (intro.), (a) to be (3) and am., r. (1) (c), am. (2) Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04; 2015 Wis. Act 217: r. and recr. Register May 2016 No. 725, eff. 6-1-16.

Accy 1.406 Accy 1.406 Practice while suspended. No person who is licensed to practice as a certified public accountant, who has been suspended, shall practice as a certified public accountant during the period of such suspension.

Accy 1.406 History History: Cr. Register, June, 1974, No. 222, eff. 7-1-74; renum. from Accy 1.506, Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80; CR 03-071: am. Register May 2004 No. 581, eff. 6-1-04.

Accy 1.407 Accy 1.407 Communications. A certified public accountant shall, when requested, respond to communications from the board within 30 days of the mailing of such communications by registered or certified mail.

Accy 1.407 History History: Cr. Register, July, 1978, No. 271, eff. 9-1-78; renum. from Accy 1.507, Register, July, 1980, No. 295, eff. 8-1-80.

Accy 1.408 Accy 1.408 Ownership requirements.

Accy 1.408(1) (1) In this section “ownership interest” means any equity or voting interest in a firm.

Accy 1.408(2) (2) An applicant for a license as a certified public accounting firm shall demonstrate that more than 50% of the ownership interest of the firm is held by individuals who hold certificates or licenses to practice as a certified public accountant issued under the laws of any state or foreign country.

Accy 1.408(3) (3) A firm applying for licensure meets the ownership requirement under sub. (2) in the following circumstances:

Accy 1.408(3)(a) (a) If the applicant is a sole proprietorship and the owner holds a certificate and license to practice as a certified public accountant issued under the laws of this state.

Accy 1.408(3)(b) (b) If the applicant is organized as a service corporation and more than 50% of the voting rights are held by individuals who are certified public accountants.

Accy 1.408(3)(c) (c) If the applicant is organized as a business corporation and more than 50% of the voting rights are held by individuals who are certified public accountants.

Accy 1.408(3)(d) (d) If the applicant is organized as a partnership or limited liability partnership and more than 50% of the voting rights are held by individuals who are certified public accountants.

Accy 1.408(3)(e) (e) If the applicant is organized as a limited liability company and more than 50% of the voting rights are held by individuals who are certified public accountants.

Accy 1.408(4) (4) An applicant firm with ownership characteristics other than those identified in sub. (3) may submit information about the ownership interests of all members of the firm to the board. The board may determine that more than 50% of the ownership interest of the firm is held by individuals who hold certificates or licenses to practice as a certified public accountant. In making this determination the board shall consider whether ownership interest of all members of the firm results in control and management of the firm by individuals who hold certificates or licenses to practice as a certified public accountant.

Accy 1.408 History History: CR 02-052: cr. Register December 2002 No. 564, eff. 1-1-03.