WSR 02-13-021

PROPOSED RULES

BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY


[ Filed June 10, 2002, 1:51 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 02-02-001.

     Title of Rule: WAC 4-25-930 Does the board authorize the use of any other titles or designations?

     Purpose: To consider adopting a rule on the use of titles in association with the requirements of a recently adopted statutory section RCW 18.04.350(9) which in part states: "The board shall by rule allow the use of other titles by any person regardless of whether the person has been granted a certificate or holds a license under this chapter if the person using the titles or designations is authorized at the time of use by a nationally recognized entity sanctioning the use of board authorized titles."

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 18.04.350(9).

     Statute Being Implemented: RCW 18.04.350(9).

     Summary: To allow the use of "accredited business accountant" or "ABA"; "accredited tax preparer" or "ATP"; "accredited tax advisor" or "ATA"; and "certified financial planner" or "CFP."

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: To clarify which titles are not sufficiently similar to "certified public accountant" that the public could be misled.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Dana M. McInturff, CPA, 711 South Capitol Way, #400, Olympia, (360) 586-0163.

     Name of Proponent: Board of Accountancy - Primary; Washington Association of Accountants - Private, governmental.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: The board's goal with all of its rule proposals is to:

Promote clarity.
Ensure effective communication.
Ensure fairness in interpretation and application of the rules.
Promote efficiencies through minimizing gray areas.
     Specifically, RCW 18.04.350(9) directs the board to "allow the use of other titles by any person regardless of whether the person has been granted a certificate or holds a license under this chapter if the person using the titles or designations is authorized at the time of use by a nationally recognized entity sanctioning the use of board authorized titles."

     This rule will clarify which titles are not sufficiently similar to "certified public accountant" that the public could be misled.

     Proposal does not change existing rules.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. The proposed rule will not have more than minor economic impact on business.

     RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. The Board of Accountancy is not one of the agencies required to submit to the requirements of RCW 34.05.328.

     Hearing Location: Doubletree Hotel, Spokane City Center, 322 North Spokane Falls Court, Spokane, WA 99201, on July 26, 2002, at 9:00 a.m.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Cheryl Sexton by July 19, 2002, TDD (800) 833-6384, or (360) 664-9194.

     Submit Written Comments to: Dana M. McInturff, CPA, Executive Director, Washington State Board of Accountancy, P.O. Box 9131, Olympia, WA 98507-9131, fax (360) 664-9190, by July 22, 2002.

     Date of Intended Adoption: July 26, 2002.

May 30, 2002

Dana M. McInturff, CPA

Executive Director

OTS-5677.1


NEW SECTION
WAC 4-25-930   Does the board authorize the use of any other titles or designations?   Yes. The board authorizes the use of the following titles and designations, provided the individual is so authorized to use the title or designation by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation located in Alexandria, Virginia, or its successor:

     • "Accredited Business Accountant" or "ABA";

     • "Accredited Tax Preparer" or "ATP"; and

     • "Accredited Tax Advisor" or "ATA."

     The board also authorizes the use of the title "Certified Financial Planner" or "CFP" provided the individual is so authorized to use the title or designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards in Arlington, Virginia, or its successor.

     This authorization relates to title use only, is not limited to individuals holding a license or certificate under the act, and does not authorize these individuals to use the title "certified public accountant" or "CPA."

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