Episode Details

Elizabeth (Liz) Young, the new Director of the AICPA & CIMA's Tax Practice & Ethics team joins the podcast to discuss the importance of clear communication with clients, especially during the tax filing season.

Liz emphasizes the need for valid contracts and signed engagement letters before filing extensions. Common risks and pitfalls associated with not having them in place include improperly filed extensions, missed deadlines, fee disputes and potential loss of revenue.

Sharing her passion for safeguarding the profession and futureproofing it for upcoming generations, she is focused on initiatives to recruit, retain and support young practitioners.

AICPA resources

Say "I do" to engagement letters — Understand the importance of establishing parameters of client relationships and detail the scope of services to be provided.

Tax Extension FAQ for Clients — Do you have clients who are hesitant about filing an extension to file their tax return? Communicate the who, what, when and how to ease their minds.

Annual Tax Compliance Kit — Engagement letters, organizers, checklists and practice guides help you manage your tax season workflow

Tax season resource center — Access the AICPA's central hub for guidance, tools and developments throughout the tax filing season.

April Walker: On today's podcast, listen for some important reminders for the upcoming April 15th deadline.

Hi everyone and welcome to the AICPA's Tax Section Odyssey podcast, where we offer thought leadership on all things tax facing the profession. I'm April Walker, Lead Manager from the tax section, and I'm here today with Liz Young. She is my new boss and the new director of tax practice and ethics team here at the AICPA. Welcome, Liz.

Liz Young: Thanks, April. It's great to be here with everyone.

Walker: Here we are. We're actually recording this on April 1st, but it will post later in the week, and April 15th is coming up very quickly. I'm sure our members have everything handled and in order and ready to go. But in case you don't, I thought we could talk through some deadline oriented questions that we get a lot and get your thoughts on them, Liz, especially considering your most recent position which was in KPMG and risk management.

To start off, let's talk about filing extensions. Because in the next week or so, you're either filing extensions or you're wrapping up returns. I thought that'll be a good starting place.

I'm thinking about two different scenarios. First, your clients that you've had forever. You're sure they're going to sign the engagement letter, but they haven't signed it yet. You've been in contact with them for this and that reason, but the return's not going to be completed before the deadline. It may be that their tax returns is always on extension.

What are the risks and pitfalls in this situation with filing an extension without having that signed engagement letter?

Young: Thanks, April. It's great to be here today and it's wonderful to have the opportunity to talk ab