WSR 08-12-081

PROPOSED RULES

BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY


[ Filed June 3, 2008, 5:37 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-08-038.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 4-25-400 What is the authority for and the purpose of the board's rules?, 4-25-410 Definitions, 4-25-520 What public records does the board maintain?, 4-25-521 How can the board be contacted?, 4-25-540 What rules govern the proceedings before the board?, 4-25-550 Do I need to notify the board if I change my address?, 4-25-551 Must I respond to inquiries from the board?, 4-25-610 Which rules govern the conduct of CPAs, CPA-inactive certificateholders, CPA firms, and firm owners?, 4-25-620 What are the requirements concerning integrity and objectivity?, 4-25-622 When must a CPA or CPA firm be independent?, 4-25-626 What restrictions govern commissions, referral, and contingent fees?, 4-25-630 What are the requirements concerning competence?, 4-25-631 With which rules, regulations and professional standards must a CPA, CPA-inactive certificateholder, CPA firm, and firm owner comply?, 4-25-640 What are the requirements concerning records and clients confidential information?, 4-25-650 What acts are considered discreditable?, 4-25-660 What are the limitations on advertising and other forms of solicitation?, 4-25-670 What enforcement actions must be reported to the board?, 4-25-735 How does a CPA-inactive certificateholder apply for licensure?, 4-25-745 How do I apply for an initial CPA license?, 4-25-746 How do I apply for a Washington state CPA license if I hold a valid CPA license in another state?, 4-25-750 What are the CPA firm licensing requirements?, 4-25-752 How do I register to be a resident nonlicensee owner of a licensed firm and with which rules must a nonlicensee firm owner comply?, 4-25-820 What are the requirements for participating in quality assurance review (QAR)?, 4-25-830 What are the CPE requirements? and 4-25-910 What are the bases for the board to impose discipline?; new WAC 4-25-747 Must an individual holding a license from another state apply and obtain a Washington state license to hold out and practice in Washington state? and 4-25-753 Must a firm holding a license from another state apply and obtain a Washington state license to hold out and practice in Washington state?; and repealing WAC 4-25-756 I am licensed in another state -- How do I notify the board of my intent to enter the state in order to obtain practice privileges in the state of Washington?

     Hearing Location(s): The Heathman Lodge, Sacajawea, 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive, Vancouver, WA 98662, on July 18, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: July 18, 2008.

     Submit Written Comments to: Richard C. Sweeney, Executive Director, P.O. Box 9131, Olympia, WA 98507-9131, e-mail webmaster@cpaboard.wa.gov, fax (360) 664-9190, by July 11, 2008.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Cheryl Sexton by July 11, 2008, TTY (800) 833-6384 or (360) 664-9194.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: To adopt, amend, or repeal rules to implement the revisions to chapter 18.04 RCW passed through the 2008 legislative session (SSB 6604).

     General Note: SSB 6604 passed by the legislature during the 2008 regular session amended the Public Accountancy Act. The amendments require the board to modify the majority of its rules to:

• Include out-of-state individuals and firms and the employees of those persons.
• Remove references to practice privileges as it currently exists and expand or modify current rules because notification and fees no longer apply.
• Remove references to the exclusion of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs from the licensing requirements.
• Make ethics and prohibited practices found in board rules applicable to all persons including persons exercising practice privileges.
• Repeal current WAC 4-25-756 because "entering the state" and notification for "practice privileges" is unnecessary.
• Replace current WAC 4-25-756 with a proposed rule summarizing the practice privileges' requirements of SSB 6604.
     Additionally, the board is proposing to revise language to:

• Remove reference in the rules that "notices" will be mailed on January 1. This is an agency policy issue not a requirement of regulated persons.
• Clarify that the validation of license status or status as a CPA-inactive certificateholder, or resident nonlicensee firm owner occurs at the time the license number is entered into the board's licensee database and available for public confirmation.

WAC section: The suggested revision:
WAC 4-25-400 Clarifies that the board sets the qualifications to be a licensee of Washington state. The board does not set the qualifications to be a licensee in any other state.
WAC 4-25-410 For ease of reference and consistency, the board incorporates definitions appearing in RCW 18.04.025 into its rules.
Proposed Section:

(2) "Active individual participant" - changes reference from "natural person" to "individual" to coincide with definition in RCW 18.04.025 changed by SSB 6604.

(4)(a) Clarifies that the CPA examination is the uniform examination used by all United States jurisdictions.
(4)(b) Changes applicant for "CPA" license to an applicant for an "individual" license to distinguish from a "firm."
(4)(b) Adds "initial" to distinguish from a renewal or reinstatement applicant.
(4)(b) Removes reference to "practice privileges." SSB 6604 eliminated the requirement for out-of-state CPAs to notify the Washington state board of intent to practice.
(4)(d) Adds practice privileges to applicants for reinstatement.
(5) Replaces the definition of "attest services" for consistency with the definition of "attest" in RCW 18.04.025 as amended by SSB 6604.
(6) Points the reader to the definition of "licensee" in this same section.
(10) "Client" - clarifies that the definition is applicable to all licensees, certificate holders, and nonlicensee owners regulated by the board and entities affiliated with a licensed firm, being retained to perform "professional services."
(11)(a) Points the reader to the definition of "licensee" in this same section and clarifies that the definition is applicable to all licensees, certificate holders, and nonlicensee owners of a licensed firm regulated by the board and persons affiliated with a licensed firm.
(12) Adds the definition for "compilation" from SSB 6604 for consistency and ease of reference.
(14) Changes "person" to "individual" to coincide with the definitions in SSB 6604. This provides clarification that a CPA is a living human being rather than a nongovernmental organization or business entity. Clarifies that a CPA includes individuals exercising practice privileges as referenced in RCW 18.04.350(2).
(15) Changes "person" to "individual" to coincide with the definitions in SSB 6604.
Formerly (16) "Entering the state" deleted. SSB 6604 eliminated the reference to entering the state. This definition is no longer needed.
(17) "Firm" - adds reference to Washington state law under which limited liability companies or partnerships, or professional service corporations are formed to provide an index to the reader.
(20) Removes "firm" from the definition because the definition of "person" in SSB 6604 includes firms.
(21) Adds the definition for "home office" from SSB 6604 for consistency and ease of reference.
(22) "Inactive" - changes "person" to "individual" to coincide with the definitions in SSB 6604. This rule is applicable to living human beings rather than nongovernmental organizations or business entities.
(23) Adds the definition for "individual" from SSB 6604 for consistency and ease of reference.
(24) "Independence" - changes "attest" to "professional" services. Professional services include compilations which are not considered "attest" services under the definition included in SSB 6604. Independence is required when professional standards require a report expressing assurance.
(27) Changes "accountancy" to "accounting" to coincide with definition of the "practice of public accounting" in RCW 18.04.025.
(28) Clarifies that "licensee" includes those out-of-state individuals and firms referenced in the Public Accountancy Act as amended by SSB 6604.
Formerly (29) "Natural person" deleted. SSB 6604 changed the definition of "natural person" to "individual." See (23) above.
(30) Clarifies that a "nonlicensee firm owner" is an individual.
(33) Adds the definition for "person" from SSB 6604 for consistency and ease of reference.
(35) "Practice privileges" - changes individual to "person" to include firms exercising practice privileges as authorized by RCW 18.04.195 as amended by SSB 6604. Adds the consent to the appointment of the issuing state board as agent for the service of process from RCW 18.02.350 (4)(d).
(36) "Principal place of business" - adds licensed firm to the definition.
(38) "Quality assurance review" - replaces attest work with "audit, compilation and review and other attestation work" to reflect board rule, WAC 4-25-820, that includes compilation and other attestation services. SSB 6604 removed compilation from the definition of attest.
(41) "Reports on financial statements" - conforms the definition to the definition found in RCW 18.04.025 and as amended by SSB 6604. Expanded to include other attestation standards as established by board rule, WAC 4-25-820.
(42) "Representing oneself" - conforms the definition to the board's current interpretation.
(43) "Rules of professional conduct" - changes CPA and CPA firm to "licensee" as defined by the board. With this change this definition is applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges.
(45) "Sole proprietorship" - new definition to distinguish an individual from a firm. A proprietorship is a legal form of organization.
(46) "State" - adds the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to conform to the definition of "state" in RCW 18.04.025 as amended by SSB 6604.
WAC 4-25-520 •     Removes the reference to individuals granted practice privileges. SSB 6604 eliminated the requirement for out-of-state individuals to notify the board when practicing in Washington state. Therefore, the board will no longer grant practice privileges or track such notification.

•     Changes "rule files" to "rule-making files" to better describe public records that the board maintains.

WAC 4-25-521 •     Adds the board's physical address for information purposes.

•     Changes the board's e-mail address for information purposes.

WAC 4-25-540 (1) - (6) Adds "staff" to clarify that staff makes the initial decision and denial. The executive director does not participate in the initial decision.

(7) Conforms language to RCW 18.04.420.

WAC 4-25-550 Adds language to clarify that individuals and firms in Washington state must comply with this rule. Individuals and firms exercising practice privileges as reflected in SSB 6604 are not required to provide any notification of address changes to the board.
WAC 4-25-551 Adds language to clarify that individuals and firms exercising practice privileges as reflected in SSB 6604 are required to respond to board inquiry in addition to individuals and firms licensed in Washington state.
WAC 4-25-610 Chapter 18.04 RCW authorizes the board to prescribe rules of professional conduct for all licensees, certificate holders, and nonlicensee owners of licensed firms, in order to establish and maintain high standards of competence and ethics.

•     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not conduct themselves unprofessionally through their employees.

WAC 4-25-620 Chapter 18.04 RCW authorizes the board to prescribe rules of professional conduct for all licensees, certificate holders, and nonlicensee owners of licensed firms, in order to establish and maintain high standards of competence and ethics.

•     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not conduct themselves unprofessionally through their employees.

WAC 4-25-622 •     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Adds CPA-inactive certificateholders, nonlicensee firm owners, and employees. This clarifies that a licensee may not conduct themselves unprofessionally through their employees.

•     Replaces "attest" with "professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards." SSB 6604 revised the definition of attest to exclude compilations. Independence is required for compilations if the report does not disclose a lack of independence.

WAC 4-25-626 •     Replaces CPA, CPA-inactive certificateholder, firm owner, or licensed firm with "licensees and/or their employees." The rule, in part, prohibits licensees and their employees from receiving commissions, referral fees, and contingent fess when rendering "attest" or "compilation" services. Only licensees are authorized to perform compilation, or other professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards.

•     Commissions, referral fees, and contingent fees are permitted by all regulated persons when attest and compilation services are not provided and prescribed disclosure is made.

•     Replaces "attest" with "compilation, or other professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards." SSB 6604 revised the definition of attest to exclude compilations.

•     Removes redundant repetitive language.

WAC 4-25-630 •     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not conduct themselves in an incompetent manner through their employees.

•     Clarifies that the service provided is a professional service.

WAC 4-25-631 •     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Specifically, includes individuals exercising practice privileges or firms exercising practice privileges through an individual.

•     Adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not disregard rules, regulations and professional standards through their employees.

•     Corrects grammar.

•     Adds documentation requirements for individuals and firms when professional services are governed by standards not listed in the rule.

•     Removes the note that the standards may be inspected at the board's office.

WAC 4-25-640 •     Adds CPA-inactive certificateholder, and nonlicensee firm owner. These regulated individuals may provide those services described in RCW 18.04.350(10). When the CPA-inactive certificateholder and nonlicensee firm owner provide those services, they are bound by the requirements concerning records and client confidential information.

•     Adds "nonlicensee" to all references to firm owner to conform the rule to RCW 18.04.195. Other firm owners are included in the definition of licensee.

•     Adds "compilation or other reporting services governed by professional standards" to "attest" to reflect board rule, WAC 4-25-820, that includes compilation and other attestation services. SSB 6604 eliminated "compilation" from the definition of attest.

WAC 4-25-650 •     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     Adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not act in a discreditable manner through their employees.

•     Numbers the list of discreditable acts for ease of reference.

WAC 4-25-660 •     Replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the definition is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

•     (2) Specifically, includes individuals exercising practice privileges or firms exercising practice privileges through a qualified practice privilege individual.

•     (4) Establishes the requirement for out-of-state persons qualified only for restricted professional services and offering those restricted professional services within this state to post the restriction on their web site clearly, visibly, and prominently.

•     (5) Conforms the language referencing nonlicensee firm owners to chapter 18.04 RCW.

WAC 4-25-670 •     (1) Eliminates the requirement to use a form to report enforcement actions.

•     (2) Verbiage change for clarity.

•     (3) Adds clarifying language to avoid inconsistency with subsection (2).

WAC 4-25-735 •     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change will facilitate the agency's eventual move to online application.

•     Changes the effective date of licensure as implied by current rule: Current agency guidance is that the license is not valid until the applicant receives a hard copy in the mail. However, once posted to the board database the license is effective.

WAC 4-25-745 •     Clarifies that the rule only applies to individuals as opposed to firms.

•     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change will facilitate the agency's eventual move to online application.

•     Changes the effective date of licensure as implied by current rule: Current agency guidance is that the license is not valid until the applicant receives a hard copy in the mail. However, once posted to the board database the license is effective.

WAC 4-25-746 •     Renumbers for easy reference.

•     Changes "accountancy" to "accounting" to coincide with definition of the "practice of public accounting" in RCW 18.04.025.

•     Clarifies that the rule only applies to individuals as opposed to firm.

•     Adds clarifying language specifying entitlements granted when an individual is granted a license.

•     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change will facilitate the agency's eventual move to online application.

•     Changes the effective date of licensure as implied by current rule: Current agency guidance is that the license is not valid until the applicant receives a hard copy in the mail. However, once posted to the board database the license is effective.

•     Remove references to the exclusion of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs from the licensing requirements.

WAC 4-25-747

New Section

For ease of understanding and reference, this proposed rule summaries the practice privileges requirements of SSB 6604 amending RCW 18.04.350.
WAC 4-25-750 •     Removes reference to the exclusion of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs from the firm licensing requirements due to the amendment of RCW 18.04.350 by SSB 6604.

•     SSB 6604 amended RCW 18.04.195 identifying which entities must obtain firm licenses including out-of-state firms exercising practice privileges. Rather than list the requirements in this rule, the board is proposing a new section, WAC 4-25-753, to summarize the firm licensing and practice privilege requirements for firms.

•     Removes requirement that all owners must be natural persons to conform to RCW 18.04.195 as amended by SSB 6604. RCW 18.04.195, as amended by SSB 6604, requires a simple majority of the ownership of the licensed firm in terms of financial interests and voting rights of all owners shall be held by persons who are licensees or holders of a valid license issued under the Public Accountancy Act or by another state. RCW 18.04.025, as amended by SSB 6604, defines "person" to include limited liability companies and corporations. This amendment will bring the board's rule into conformity with RCW 18.04.195 and allow professional limited liability companies or professional corporations to be registered owners of CPA firms provided the professional limited liability company or professional corporation is registered with the board as a CPA firm.

•     Changes reference from "natural person" to "individual" to coincide with definition in RCW 18.04.025 changed by SSB 6604.

•     Specifies who on behalf of the firm must apply for an initial firm license, renewal, or amendment.

•     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change facilitates the agency's eventual move to online application.

•     Provides notice that forms are available from the board.

•     Changes the effective date of licensure as implied by current rule: Current agency guidance is that the license is not valid until the applicant receives a hard copy in the mail. However, once posted to the board database the license is effective.

•     Includes other minor housekeeping language amendments.

WAC 4-25-752 •     Adds "initially register" to distinguish the rule from renewal.

•     Changes reference from "natural person" to "individual" to coincide with definition in RCW 18.04.025 changed by SSB 6604.

•     Verbiage improvements for clarity.

•     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change facilitates the agency's eventual move to online registration.

•     Changes the effective date of registration as implied by current rule: Current agency guidance is that the registration is not valid until the applicant receives a hard copy in the mail. However, once posted to the board database the registration is effective.

WAC 4-25-753

New Section

For ease of understanding and reference, this proposed rule summarizes the firm licensing and practice privilege requirements for firms of RCW 18.04.195, as amended by SSB 6604.
WAC 4-25-756

Repeal

SSB 6604 eliminated the reference to entering the state and the requirement for out-of-state CPAs to notify the Washington state board of intent to practice within Washington state. The rule is unnecessary.
WAC 4-25-820 •     Replaces attest with "audit, compilation and review and other attestation standards." SSB 6604 removed compilation from the definition of attest. The board's quality assurance review program includes monitoring licensees' compliance with compilation standards.

•     RCW 18.04.195 requires out-of-state firms qualified for practice privileges that perform compilations and other professional services when professional standards require a report expressing assurance to meet the board's QAR program requirements. However, RCW 18.04.350(2), as amended by SSB 6604, eliminates notification. Therefore, out-of-state firms qualified for practice privileges that perform compilations and other professional services when professional standards require a report expressing assurance are exempt from QAR registration requirements. Note: If the firm does not comply in their home state, the board may take disciplinary action against the firm's right to exercise practice privilege.

•     Clarifies that the registration requirement for participation in the QAR program is applicable only to those licensed firms with an office in this state.

•     Removes reference that "notice" will be mailed on January 1. This is an agency policy issue not a requirement of regulated persons.

•     Numbers bulleted list for easy reference.

WAC 4-25-830 •     Clarifies that the rule is applicable to individuals as opposed to firms.

•     (1)(a) and (3) replaces "CPA" with "individual licensed to practice in this state." The board's definition of "CPA" includes those individuals exercising practice privileges. This replacement clarifies that those individuals exercising practice privileges are not required to comply with the CPE requirements.

•     (3) Removes dated implementation language that is no longer necessary.

•     (8) Changes CPA "waiver" to "extension." This verbiage change more accurately reflects board practice. The board does not waive continuing education requirements but allows additional time to complete the requirements. This conforms to RCW 18.04.215(7) that authorizes the board to renew a certificate or license upon condition that the applicant follow a particular program of CPE.

•     (8) Adds "resident" to nonlicensee firm owners to clarify and conform with statute, RCW 18.04.195 and board rule, WAC 4-25-790.

•     Changes the agency's legacy practice of requiring signed forms. This change will facilitate the agency's eventual move to online business.

•     Provides notice that a form is available.

WAC 4-25-910 •     Adds to the listing of authorizing sections: RCW 18.04.350, as amended by SSB 6604, that authorizes the board to impose discipline against out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges.

•     (1) and (2) removes all references to notification or renewal of practice privileges. SSB 6604 eliminated the notification requirement.

•     (1), (2), (4), and (5) - adds "resident" to nonlicensee firm owners to clarify and conform with statute and board rule. RCW 18.04.195(12) and board rule, WAC 4-25-750, require "resident" nonlicensee firm owners to register with the board. Therefore, the board may take disciplinary action against a "resident" nonlicensee firm owner for prohibited acts.

•     (5), (6), (8), (14) - replaces CPA and CPA firm with "licensee." With this change, the rule is also applicable to those out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges to conform with the amendments to chapter 18.04 RCW by SSB 6604.

(4) Verbiage improvements for clarity.

(5) Adds references to specific sections of chapter 18.04 RCW for clarify [clarity], indexing and easy reference.

(5)(i) Adds CPA-inactive certificateholders to the listing of regulated individuals to whom the board will apply the subsection.

(6), (8), (9), (13), and (15) - points the reader to the definition of "licensee" as defined by board rule, WAC 4-25-410, for clarity and easy reference.

(6) and (9) - adds employees of regulated persons. This clarifies that a licensee, CPA-inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner may not act in a discreditable manner through their employees.

(6) Adds to the list of prima facie evidence sanctions imposed by nongovernmental professionally related standard-setting bodies as authorized by RCW 18.04.195 (13)(b). Nongovernmental professionally related standard-setting bodies include the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the Washington Society of CPAs (WSCPA), and others recognized by the board.

(8)(b) Replace client with a list of persons from whom the regulated person may not borrow funds. This covers out-of-state individuals and firms providing services to Washington state clients.

(9) Adds the listing of regulated persons to whom the board will apply this subsection for clarity.

(9) Incorporates disciplinary authority from RCW 18.04.350, as amended by SSB 6604 that authorizes the board to impose discipline against out-of-state individuals and firms exercising practice privileges and RCW 18.04.195.

(11) Makes concealing another's violation of the Public Accountancy Act or board rules a separate subsection.

(15) Includes persons exercising practice privileges as authorized by RCW 18.04.195 and 18.04.350 as amended by SSB 6604.

(15) Eliminates the reference to use a form to report enforcement actions to conform with board rule, WAC 4-25-670.

(15) Adds the reference to "timely" notification of sanctions imposed by others to conform with board rule, WAC 4-25-670.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: SSB 6604 that passed through the 2008 legislative session revised the Public Accountancy Act (chapter 18.04 RCW) enhancing the mobility of certified public accountants and requiring the licensing of out-of-state firms providing audit or opinion-type services. The board of accountancy needs to adopt, amend, or repeal rules to implement the revisions to chapter 18.04 RCW. See above.

     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.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption:
WAC section: Statutory authority for adoption: Statute being implemented:
WAC 4-25-400 RCW 18.04.055 RCW 18.04.055
WAC 4-25-410 RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.025 RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.025
WAC 4-25-520 RCW 18.04.055, 42.56.070 RCW 18.04.055, 42.56.070
WAC 4-25-521 RCW 18.04.055, 42.56.040 RCW 18.04.055, 42.56.040
WAC 4-25-540 RCW 18.04.055(1), 34.05.220, and 34.05.482 RCW 18.04.055(1), 34.05.220, and 34.05.482
WAC 4-25-550 RCW 18.04.055(16) RCW 18.04.055(16)
WAC 4-25-551 RCW 18.04.055(16) RCW 18.04.055(16)
WAC 4-25-610 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-620 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-622 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-626 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-630 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-631 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-640 RCW 18.04.055(2), 18.04.390 (4)(b), 18.04.405(1) RCW 18.04.055(2), 18.04.390 (4)(b), 18.04.405(1)
WAC 4-25-650 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-660 RCW 18.04.055(2) RCW 18.04.055(2)
WAC 4-25-670 RCW 18.04.195 (13)(b), 18.04.215 (9)(b) RCW 18.04.195 (13)(b), 18.04.215 (9)(b)
WAC 4-25-735 RCW 18.04.055(12), 18.04.105(4) RCW 18.04.055(12), 18.04.105(4)
WAC 4-25-745 RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.105(1), 18.04.215(1) RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.105(1), 18.04.215(1)
WAC 4-25-746 RCW 18.04.180, 18.04.215(6) RCW 18.04.180, 18.04.215(6)
WAC 4-25-747

New Section

RCW 18.04.350 (2), (3), (4), (5) RCW 18.04.350 (2), (3), (4), (5)
WAC 4-25-750 RCW 18.04.055(8), 18.04.195, 18.04.205 RCW 18.04.055(8), 18.04.195, 18.04.205
WAC 4-25-752 RCW 18.04.055(13), 18.04.195 (11) and (12) RCW 18.04.055(13), 18.04.195 (11) and (12)
WAC 4-25-753

New Section

RCW 18.04.055(8), 18.04.195 RCW 18.04.195
WAC 4-25-756

Repeal

RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.350(2) RCW 18.04.350(2)
WAC 4-25-820 RCW 18.04.055(9) RCW 18.04.055(9)
WAC 4-25-830 RCW 18.04.055(7), 18.04.215(5) RCW 18.04.055(7), 18.04.215(5)
WAC 4-25-910 RCW 18.04.055(16), 18.04.195 (11)(d), 18.04.295, 18.04.305, 18.04.350(2) RCW 18.04.055(16), 18.04.195 (11)(d), 18.04.295, 18.04.305, 18.04.350(2)

     Statute Being Implemented: See Statutory Authority above.

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

     Name of Proponent: Primarily the Washington state board of accountancy, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Richard C. Sweeney, CPA, Olympia, Washington, (360) 586-0163.

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

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. The board of accountancy is not one of the agencies required to submit to the requirements of RCW 34.05.328.

June 3, 2008

Richard C. Sweeney, CPA

Executive Director

OTS-1614.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-400   What is the authority for and the purpose of the board's rules?   The Public Accountancy Act (act), chapter 18.04 RCW, establishes the board as the licensing and disciplinary agency for certified public accountants (CPA), CPA-Inactive certificateholders, CPA firms, and owners of CPA firms. The act authorizes the board to promulgate rules to carry out the purpose of the act, which include:

     • Protecting the public interest;

     • Enhancing the reliability of information used for guidance in financial transactions or for accounting for or assessing financial status or performance;

     • Establishing one set of qualifications to be a licensee of this state;

     • Assuring that CPAs practicing in Washington have substantially equivalent qualifications to those practicing in other states;

     • Regulating ownership of CPA firms;

     • Publishing consumer alerts and public protection information regarding persons and firms who violate the act or board rules; and

     • Providing general consumer protection information to the public.

     The board's rules, contained in chapter 4-25 WAC, encompass these subjects:

     • Definitions;

     • Administration of the board;

     • Ethics and prohibited practices;

     • Entry and renewal requirements;

     • Continuing competency; and

     • Regulation and enforcement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 05-01-137, § 4-25-400, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 01-22-036, § 4-25-400, filed 10/30/01, effective 12/1/01; 00-11-067, § 4-25-400, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00; 93-12-063, § 4-25-400, filed 5/27/93, effective 7/1/93.]

OTS-1615.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-410   Definitions.   For purposes of these rules the following terms have the meanings indicated unless a different meaning is otherwise clearly provided in these rules:

     (1) "Act" means the Public Accountancy Act codified as chapter 18.04 RCW.

     (2) "Active individual participant" means ((a natural person)) an individual whose primary occupation is at the firm or affiliated entity's business. An individual whose primary source of income from the business entity is provided as a result of passive investment is not an active individual participant.

     (3) "Affiliated entity" means any entity, entities or persons that directly or indirectly through one or more relationships influences or controls, is influenced or controlled by, or is under common influence or control with other entities or persons. This definition includes, but is not limited to, parents, subsidiaries, investors or investees, coinvestors, dual employment or management in joint ventures or brother-sister entities.

     (4) "Applicant" means an individual who has applied:

     (a) To take the national uniform CPA ((exam)) examination;

     (b) For ((a CPA)) an initial individual license, ((a CPA)) an initial firm license, or initial registration as a resident nonlicensee owner((, or practice privileges));

     (c) To renew ((a CPA)) an individual license, a CPA-Inactive certificate, a CPA firm license, or registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner;

     (d) To reinstate ((a CPA)) an individual license, a CPA-Inactive certificate, ((or)) registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner, or practice privileges.

     (5) "Attest ((services))" ((are services performed by a licensee in accordance with:

     (a) Statements on Auditing Standards and related Auditing Interpretations issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA);

     (b) Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services and related Accounting and Review Services Interpretations issued by the AICPA;

     (c) Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements and related Attestation Engagements Interpretations issued by the AICPA; or

     (d) Auditing standards issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB))) means providing the following financial statement services:

     (a) Any audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with the statements on auditing standards;

     (b) Any review of a financial statement to be provided in accordance with the statements on standards for accounting and review services;

     (c) Any examination of prospective financial information to be performed in accordance with the statements on standards for attestation engagements; and

     (d) Any engagement to be performed in accordance with the public company accounting oversight board auditing standards.

     (6) "Audit," "review," and "compilation" are terms reserved for use by licensees ((and individuals granted practice privileges under the act)), as defined in subsection (28) of this section.

     (7) "Board" means the board of accountancy created by RCW 18.04.035.

     (8) "Certificate" means a certificate as a CPA-Inactive issued in the state of Washington prior to July 1, 2001, as authorized by the act, unless otherwise defined in rule.

     (9) "Certificateholder" means the holder of a valid CPA-Inactive certificate where the individual is not a licensee and is prohibited from practicing public accounting.

     (10) "Client" means the person or entity that retains a ((CPA firm, a CPA, the CPA's firm, or a firm owner,)) licensee, as defined in subsection (28) of this section, a CPA-Inactive certificateholder, a nonlicensee firm owner of a licensed firm, or an entity affiliated ((entity, or the owner of an affiliated entity)) with a licensed firm to perform professional services through other than an employer/employee relationship.

     (11) "Commissions and referral fees" are compensation arrangements where:

     (a) The primary contractual relationship for the product or service is not between the client and ((the CPA firm, the CPA, the CPA's firm, or a firm owner)) licensee, as defined in subsection (28) of this section, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, nonlicensee firm owner of a licensed firm, or a person affiliated with a licensed firm;

     (b) ((The CPA firm, the CPA, the CPA's firm, or a firm owner is)) Such persons are not primarily responsible to the client for the performance or reliability of the product or service;

     (c) ((The CPA firm, the CPA, the CPA's firm, or a firm owner)) Such persons add((s)) no significant value to the product or service; or

     (d) A third party instead of the client pays the ((CPA firm, the CPA, the CPA's firm, or a firm owner)) persons for the products or services.

     (12) "Compilation" means providing a service to be performed in accordance with statements on standards for accounting and review services that is presenting in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management (owners) without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements.

     (13) "Contingent fees" are fees established for the performance of any service pursuant to an arrangement in which no fee will be charged unless a specified finding or result is attained, or in which the amount of the fee is otherwise dependent upon the finding or result of such service.

     (((13))) (14) "CPA" or "certified public accountant" means ((a natural person)) an individual holding a ((CPA)) license to practice public accounting under chapter 18.04 RCW or recognized by the board in the state of Washington, including ((a person granted)) an individual exercising practice privileges pursuant to RCW 18.04.350(2).

     (((14))) (15) "CPA-Inactive" means ((a natural person)) an individual holding a CPA-Inactive certificate recognized in the state of Washington. An individual holding a CPA-Inactive certificate is prohibited from practicing public accounting and may only use the CPA-Inactive title if they are not offering accounting, tax, tax consulting, management advisory, or similar services to the public.

     (((15))) (16) "CPE" means continuing professional education.

     (((16) "Entering the state" means an individual is practicing public accounting in the state of Washington and that individual spends more than ten percent of his or her total work hours on activities conducted within the state of Washington, maintains an office or workstation in the state of Washington or advertises to provide his or her services within the state of Washington.))

     (17) "Firm" means a sole proprietorship, a corporation, or a partnership. "Firm" also means a limited liability company or partnership formed under chapters 25.15 and 18.100 RCW and a professional service corporation formed under chapters 23B.02 and 18.100 RCW.

     (18) "Generally accepted accounting principles" (GAAP) is an accounting term that encompasses the conventions, rules, and procedures necessary to define accepted accounting practice at a particular time. It includes not only broad guidelines of general application, but also detailed practices and procedures. Those conventions, rules, and procedures provide a standard by which to measure financial presentations.

     (19) "Generally accepted auditing standards" (GAAS) are guidelines and procedures, promulgated by the AICPA, for conducting individual audits of historical financial statements.

     (20) "Holding out" means any representation to the public by the use of restricted titles as set forth in RCW 18.04.345 by a person ((or firm)) that the person ((or firm)) holds a license or practice privileges under the act and that the person ((or firm)) offers to perform any professional services to the public ((as a licensee)). "Holding out" shall not affect or limit a person ((or firm)) not required to hold a license under the act from engaging in practices identified in RCW 18.04.350.

     (21) "Home office" is the location specified by the client as the address to which a service is directed.

     (22) "Inactive" means the ((person)) individual held a valid certificate on June 30, 2001, has not met the current requirements of licensure and has been granted CPA-Inactive certificateholder status through the renewal process established by the board. A CPA-Inactive may not practice public accounting nor may the individual use the CPA-Inactive title if they are offering accounting, tax, tax consulting, management advisory, or similar services to the public.

     (((22))) (23) "Individual" means a living, human being.

     (24) "Independence" means an absence of relationships that impair a licensee's impartiality and objectivity in rendering ((attest)) professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards.

     (((23))) (25) "Interactive self-study program" means a CPE program that provides feedback throughout the course.

     (((24))) (26) "IRS" means Internal Revenue Service.

     (((25))) (27) "License" means a license to practice public ((accountancy)) accounting issued to an individual or a firm under the act or the act of another state.

     (((26))) (28) "Licensee" means an individual or firm holding a valid license to practice public ((accountancy)) accounting issued under the act, including out-of-state individuals qualifying for practice privileges in this state under RCW 18.04.350(2) and out-of-state firms permitted to offer or render certain professional services in this state under the conditions prescribed in RCW 18.04.195 (1)(b).

     (((27))) (29) "Manager" means a manager of a limited liability company licensed as a firm under the act.

     (((28))) (30) "NASBA" means the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

     (((29) "Natural person" means a living, human being.

     (30))) (31) "Nonlicensee firm owner" means ((a CPA)) an individual, not licensed in any state to practice public accounting, who holds an ownership interest in a firm ((owner who is not licensed in any state)) permitted to practice public ((accountancy)) accounting in this state.

     (((31))) (32) "PCAOB" means Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

     (((32))) (33) "Peer review" means a study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the attest or compilation work of a licensee or licensed firm in the practice of public ((accountancy)) accounting, by a person or persons who hold licenses and who are not affiliated with the person or firm being reviewed, including a peer review, or any internal review or inspection intended to comply with quality control policies and procedures, but not including the "quality assurance review" under ((RCW 18.04.025(14))) subsection (38) of this section.

     (((33))) (34) "Person" means any individual, nongovernmental organization, or business entity regardless of legal form, including a sole proprietorship, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, or not-for-profit organization, and including the sole proprietor, partners, members, and, as applied to corporations, the officers.

     (35) "Practice privileges" means ((an individual)) a person:

     ((•)) (a) Has a principal place of business outside of Washington state;

     ((•)) (b) Is licensed to practice public accounting in another substantially equivalent state;

     ((• Has notified the board of intent to enter the state;

     •)) (c) Meets the statutory criteria for ((a grant)) the exercise of privileges as set forth in RCW 18.04.350(2) for individuals or RCW 18.04.195 (1)(b) for firms;

     (d) Exercises the right to practice public accounting in this state individually or on behalf of a firm;

     ((•)) (e) Is subject to ((discipline in the state of Washington)) the personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the board in this state; ((and

     •)) (f) Must comply with the act and all board rules applicable to Washington state licensees to retain the privilege; and

     (g) Consents to the appointment of the issuing state board of another state as agent for the service of process in any action or proceeding by this state's board against the certificateholder or licensee.

     (((34))) (36) "Principal place of business" means a single fixed location designated by the individual from which the individual, or licensed firm conducts, directs, controls, ((and)) or coordinates the majority of his or her business activities.

     (((35))) (37) "Public practice" or the "practice of public accounting" means performing or offering to perform by a person or firm holding itself out to the public as a licensee, or as an individual holding practice privileges, for a client or potential client, one or more kinds of services involving the use of accounting or auditing skills, including the issuance of "audit reports," "review reports," or "compilation reports" on financial statements, or one or more kinds of management advisory, or consulting services, or the preparation of tax returns, or the furnishing of advice on tax matters. The "practice of public accounting" shall not include practices that are permitted under the provisions of RCW 18.04.350(6) by persons or firms not required to be licensed under the act.

     (((36))) (38) "Quality assurance review or QAR" is the process, established by and conducted at the direction of the board, of study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the ((attest)) audit, compilation and review, and other attestation work of a licensee or licensed firm in the practice of public ((accountancy)) accounting, by a person or persons who hold licenses and who are not affiliated with the person or firm being reviewed.

     (((37))) (39) "Reciprocity" means board recognition of licenses, permits, certificates or other public accounting credentials of another jurisdiction that the board will rely upon in full or partial satisfaction of licensing requirements.

     (((38))) (40) "Referral fees" see definition of "commissions and referral fees" in subsection (11) of this section.

     (((39))) (41) "Reports on financial statements" means any reports or opinions prepared by licensees, based on services performed in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, standards for attestation engagements, or standards for accounting and review services, as to whether the presentation of information used for guidance in financial transactions or for accounting for or assessing the status or performance of an entity, whether public, private, or governmental, conforms with generally accepted accounting principles or an "other comprehensive bases of accounting," or the presentation and disclosure requirements of other professional standards. "Reports on financial statements" does not include services referenced in RCW 18.04.350(((6))) (10) provided by persons not holding a license under the act.

     (((40))) (42) "Representing oneself" ((for the purposes of RCW 18.04.295(2) and WAC 4-25-910(3),)) means having a license, practice privilege, certificate or registration that entitles the holder to use the title "CPA," "CPA-Inactive," or be a nonlicensee firm owner.

     (((41))) (43) "Rules of professional conduct" means rules adopted by the board to govern the conduct of ((CPAs and CPA firms)) licensees, as defined in subsection (28) of this section, while representing themselves to others as ((CPAs)) licensees. These rules also govern the conduct of CPA-Inactive certificateholders, nonlicensee firm owners, and persons ((granted)) exercising practice privileges pursuant to RCW 18.04.350(2).

     (((42))) (44) "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

     (((43))) (45) "Sole proprietorship" means a legal form of organization owned by one person meeting the requirements of RCW 18.04.195.

     (46) "State" includes the states and territories of the United States, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands at such time as the board determines that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is issuing licenses under the substantially equivalent standards of RCW 18.04.350 (2)(a).

     (((44))) (47) "Statements on auditing standards (SAS)" are interpretations of the generally accepted auditing standards and are issued by the Auditing Standards Board of the AICPA. Licensees are required to adhere to these standards in the performance of audits of financial statements.

     (((45))) (48) "Statements on standards for accounting and review services (SSARS)" are standards, promulgated by the AICPA, to give guidance to licensees who are associated with the financial statements of nonpublic companies and issue compilation or review reports.

     (((46))) (49) "Statements on standards for attestation engagements (SSAE)" are guidelines, promulgated by the AICPA, for use by licensees in attesting to assertions involving matters other than historical financial statements and for which no other standards exist.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 05-01-137, § 4-25-410, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 03-24-033, § 4-25-410, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(16). 02-04-064, § 4-25-410, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(11). 01-11-124, § 4-25-410, filed 5/22/01, effective 6/30/01; 98-12-020, § 4-25-410, filed 5/27/98, effective 6/27/98; 94-23-071, § 4-25-410, filed 11/15/94, effective 12/16/94.]

OTS-1616.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-04-064, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02)

WAC 4-25-520   What public records does the board maintain?   The board maintains the following public records:

     (1) A data base of licensees((,)) and certificateholders ((and individuals granted practice privileges));

     (2) A data base of CPA examination candidates;

     (3) A data base of registered resident nonlicensee firm owners;

     (4) Board orders;

     (5) Board meeting minutes;

     (6) Board policies;

     (7) Board ((rules)) rule-making files; and

     (8) Documents dealing with the regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement responsibilities of the board.

     In order to obtain a list of individuals under the provisions of RCW 42.17.260(9), educational and professional organizations must use the form provided by the board and apply for and receive recognition by the board. Fees for lists must be paid in advance.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055 and 42.17.260. 02-04-064, § 4-25-520, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 01-11-125, § 4-25-520, filed 5/22/01, effective 6/30/01; 98-12-021, § 4-25-520, filed 5/27/98, effective 6/27/98. Statutory Authority: Chapter 42.17 RCW. 93-14-050, § 4-25-520, filed 6/29/93, effective 7/30/93.]

OTS-1617.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-11-126, filed 5/22/01, effective 6/30/01)

WAC 4-25-521   How can I contact the board?   The board's administrative office, executive director and staff are located in Olympia, Washington. You may utilize the following numbers or addresses to contact the board:

     • 711 South Capitol Way, Suite 400, Olympia, WA 98501 (physical address);

     • P.O. Box 9131, Olympia, Washington 98507-9131 (mailing address);

     • 360/753-2586 (telephone);

     • 360/664-9190 (fax);

     • 800/833-6388 (TT service);

     • 800/833-6385 (Telebraille services);

     • ((webmaster@cpaboard.wa.gov)) customerservice@cpaboard.wa.gov (e-mail address); and

     • www.cpaboard.wa.gov (web site address).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055 and 42.17.250. 01-11-126, § 4-25-521, filed 5/22/01, effective 6/30/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(1). 94-02-068, § 4-25-521, filed 1/4/94, effective 2/4/94.]

OTS-1619.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-550   Do I need to notify the board if I change my address?   Yes. All ((CPAs)) individuals licensed in this state, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, CPA firms licensed ((with the board)) in this state, individuals registered with the board as resident nonlicensee firm owners, and applicants must notify the board in writing within thirty days of any change of address. Firms licensed in this state must notify the board of any opening, closing, or relocation of the main office or a branch office in this state.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(16). 05-01-137, § 4-25-550, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 01-22-036, § 4-25-550, filed 10/30/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 98-12-023, § 4-25-550, filed 5/27/98, effective 6/27/98; 93-12-073, § 4-25-550, filed 5/27/93, effective 7/1/93.]

OTS-1620.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-551   Must I respond to inquiries from the board?   Yes. All ((CPAs)) licensees, including out-of-state individuals qualifying for practice privileges in this state under RCW 18.04.350(2) and out-of-state firms permitted to offer or render certain professional services in this state under the condition prescribed in RCW 18.04.195 (1)(b), CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((CPA firms licensed with the board, individuals registered with the board as resident)) nonlicensee firm owners, and applicants must respond, in writing, to board communications requesting a response. Your response must be made within twenty days of the date the board's communication is posted in the U.S. mail. Communications from the board to you are directed to the last address you furnished the board.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(16). 05-01-137, § 4-25-551, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 01-22-036, § 4-25-551, filed 10/30/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 98-12-047, § 4-25-551, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/29/98; 93-12-072, § 4-25-551, filed 5/27/93, effective 7/1/93.]

OTS-1618.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-540   What rules govern the proceedings before the board?   Except where they are inconsistent with the rules in this chapter and subject to additional rules that the board may adopt from time to time, practice and procedure in and before the board are governed by the uniform procedural rules codified in the Washington Administrative Code, chapter 10-08 WAC.

     For certain types of decisions, the board has adopted an appeal process authorized by RCW 34.05.482 through 34.05.494 which is called a brief adjudicative proceeding. Decisions to which this appeal process will be applied are:

     (1) Staff denials of initial individual license applications, renewals, or applications for reinstatement;

     (2) Staff denials of CPA-Inactive certificate renewals or applications for reinstatement;

     (3) Staff denials of practice privilege rights or reinstatements;

     (4) Staff denials of initial resident nonlicensee firm owner registration applications, renewals, or applications or requests for reinstatement;

     (5) Staff denials of initial firm license applications, renewals, and amendments;

     (6) Staff denials of exam applications; and

     (7) A proposed suspension as a result of a determination ((whether a licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or registered nonlicensee firm owner has been certified)) by a lending agency ((and reported for)) of nonpayment or default on a federally or state-guaranteed student loan or service conditional scholarship.

     To appeal a decision you must submit your request for a brief adjudicative proceeding, in writing, to the board within thirty days after the decision by board staff is posted in the U.S. mail. The presiding officer for the brief adjudicative proceedings is the executive director, or designee. After consulting with a board member, the executive director, or designee, renders a decision either upholding or overturning the decision by board staff. This decision, called an order, is mailed to you.

     If you are dissatisfied with the order in the brief adjudicative proceeding, you may appeal to the board's vice-chair, or designee. This appeal process is called an administrative review. Your appeal must be received by the board, orally or in writing, within twenty-one days after the brief adjudicative proceedings order is posted in the U.S. mail. The vice-chair, or designee, considers your appeal and either upholds or overturns the brief adjudicative proceeding order. The vice-chair's, or designee's, decision, also called an order, is mailed to you.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(1), 34.05.222 [34.05.220], and 34.05.482. 05-01-137, § 4-25-540, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(1), 34.05.220, and 34.05.482. 02-04-064, § 4-25-540, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(1) and 34.05.482. 00-11-070, § 4-25-540, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00; 98-12-022, § 4-25-540, filed 5/27/98, effective 6/27/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 93-12-074, § 4-25-540, filed 5/27/93, effective 7/1/93.]

OTS-1621.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-610   Which rules govern the conduct of CPAs, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, CPA firms, and firm owners?   The rules that govern the conduct of CPAs, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, CPA firms, and firm owners are as follows:

     (1) Professional judgment - In carrying out their responsibilities, a person representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, and/or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) and employees of such persons must exercise professional judgment in all their activities.

     (2) The public interest - A person representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, and/or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) and employees of such persons must accept the obligation to act in a way that will serve the public interest, honor the public trust, and demonstrate commitment to professionalism.

     (3) Integrity - To maintain and broaden public confidence a person representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, and/or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) and employees of such persons must perform all professional responsibilities with the highest sense of honesty.

     (4) Objectivity - Objectivity is to be maintained by a person representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, and/or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) and employees of such persons. Specifically, ((a)) such persons ((representing oneself as a CPA, CPA-Inactive, or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, CPA firms, and firm owners)) must:

     (a) Avoid rendering professional services where actual or perceived conflicts of interest exist;

     (b) Be independent in fact and appearance when providing attestation services.

     (5) Due care - A person representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, and/or using the CPA or CPA-Inactive title, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) and employees of such persons must comply with federal and state laws and the profession's technical and ethical standards, maintain competence and strive to improve the quality of services, and discharge professional responsibility to the best of the person's or the firm's ability.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-610, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-610, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-610, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1622.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-620   What are the requirements concerning integrity and objectivity?   When offering or performing services, ((CPAs)) licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((CPA firms, and firm owners)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must:

     • Remain honest and objective;

     • Not misrepresent facts;

     • Not subordinate their judgment to others; and

     • Remain free of conflicts of interest unless such conflicts are specifically permitted by board rule or professional standards listed in WAC 4-25-631.

     If the language of the professional standards listed in WAC 4-25-631 differ from or conflict with specific board rules, board rules prevail.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-620, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-620, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 98-12-048, § 4-25-620, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-620, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1623.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 03-24-034, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03)

WAC 4-25-622   When ((must a CPA or CPA firm be independent)) is independence required?   When performing ((attest)) professional services((, CPAs and CPA firms are responsible for maintaining)) for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards, licensees, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must evaluate and maintain their independence so that ((attest)) opinions, reports, conclusions, and judgments will be impartial and viewed as impartial by parties expected to rely on ((the attest)) any report expressing assurance by such persons. ((CPAs and CPA firms)) Such persons are required:

     ((•)) (1) To comply with all applicable independence rules, regulations, and the AICPA code of conduct as referenced in and required by WAC 4-25-631; and

     ((•)) (2) To decline ((attest)) attestation engagements where ((the CPA or CPA firm has)) such persons have a relationship that could lead a reasonable and foreseeable user to conclude that ((the CPA or CPA firm is)) such persons are not independent.

     Independence is not required when performing a compilation engagement provided the ((CPA's)) report discloses a lack of independence.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 03-24-034, § 4-25-622, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03; 98-12-049, § 4-25-622, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-622, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1624.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-626   What restrictions govern commissions, referral, and contingent fees?   For the purposes of this section, the term "licensed firm" includes any affiliated entity(ies) and the term "firm owner" includes the owner(s) of any affiliated entity(ies).

     (1) ((A CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, a firm owner, or a licensed firm)) Licensees and/or their employees must not for a commission recommend or refer to a client any product or service, or for a commission recommend or refer any product or service to be supplied by a client, or receive a commission, when ((the CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, the CPA's or CPA-Inactive certificateholder's firm, the owner's firm, or the firm)) such persons perform((s attest services)) compilation, or other professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards for that client. This prohibition applies:

     (a) During the period in which ((the CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, the CPA's or CPA-Inactive certificateholder's firm, the owner's firm, or the firm is)) such persons are engaged to perform the ((attest)) attestation services; and

     (b) During the period covered by any historical financial statements ((involved in the attest services)) for which an attestation report was issued by such persons.

     (2) ((A CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, licensed firm, or firm owner who is not prohibited by this section from performing services for or receiving a commission and who is paid or expects to be paid a commission must disclose, consistent with the requirements set forth in subsection (7) of this section, that fact to any person or entity to whom the CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, the CPA's or CPA-Inactive certificateholder's firm, the firm owner, the owner's firm, or the licensed firm recommends or refers a product or service to which the commission relates.

     (3) A CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, firm owner, or licensed firm accepting a referral fee for recommending or referring any services to any person or entity or who pays a referral fee to obtain a client must disclose, consistent with the requirements set forth in subsection (7) of this section, such acceptance or payment to the client.

     (4) A CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, firm owner, or licensed firm)) Licensees and/or their employees must also not:

     (a) Perform for a contingent fee any professional services for, or receive such a fee from a client for whom ((the CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, the CPA's or CPA-Inactive certificateholder's firm, the firm owner, the owner's firm, or the licensed firm performs attest services)) such persons perform compilation, or other professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards; or

     (b) Prepare an original or amended tax return or claim for a tax refund for a contingent fee for any client.

     (((5))) (3) The prohibition ((in subsection (4)(a) of this section)) against contingent fees applies:

     (a) During the period in which ((the CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, the CPA's or CPA-Inactive certificateholder's firm, the owner's firm, or the licensed firm is)) such persons are engaged to perform the ((attest)) attestation services; and

     (b) During the period covered by any historical financial statements involved in the ((attest)) attestation services.

     (((6))) (4) Fees are not considered contingent if fixed by courts or other public authorities, or, in tax matters, if determined based on the results of judicial proceedings or the findings of governmental agencies. Fees may vary depending, for example, on the complexity of services rendered.

     (((7) All CPAs, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, firm owners, and licensed firms who accept commission, referral and contingent fee arrangements must)) (5) Any person subject to board rules who is not prohibited by this section from performing services for, or receiving a commission, referral or contingent fee and who are paid or expect to be paid accordingly must disclose that fact to any person or entity to whom such persons recommend or refer a product or service to which the commission, referral or contingent fee relates in the manner prescribed below:

     (a) Disclose the arrangement in writing and in advance of client acceptance;

     (b) Disclose the method of calculating the fee or amount of fee;

     (c) Specify the ((CPA's)) licensee's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's, or nonlicensee firm owner's role as the client's advisor; and

     (d) Obtain the client's consent to the fee arrangement in writing.

     (((8))) (6) Nothing in this rule shall be interpreted to preclude ((a CPA)) licensees, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, or nonlicensee firm owners((, or licensed firm)) from purchasing, selling, or merging all or a portion of a ((CPA practice)) licensed firm or affiliated entity or to require disclosure to clients of terms or payments made or received pursuant to the purchase, sale, or merger.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-626, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-626, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 01-03-012, § 4-25-626, filed 1/5/01, effective 2/5/01; 98-12-055, § 4-25-626, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/29/98.]

OTS-1625.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-630   What are the requirements concerning competence?   ((CPAs)) Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((CPA firms, and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must not undertake to perform any professional service ((as a CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, CPA firm, or as a firm owner)) unless ((they)) such persons can reasonably expect to complete the service with professional competence.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-630, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-630, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-630, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1626.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-631   Compliance is required with which rules, regulations and professional standards ((must a CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, CPA firm, and firm owner comply))?   ((CPAs)) Licensees, including out-of-state individuals qualifying for practice privileges in this state under RCW 18.04.350(2) and out-of-state firms permitted to offer or render certain professional services in this state under the conditions prescribed in RCW 18.04.195 (1)(b), CPA-Inactive certificateholders, CPA firms, ((and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must comply with rules, regulations, and professional standards promulgated by the appropriate bodies for each service undertaken. However, if the requirements found in the professional standards listed in this section differ((s)) from the requirements found in specific board rules, board rules prevail.

     ((Such appropriate)) Authoritative bodies include, but are not limited to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC); the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB); the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB); the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB); the Cost Accounting Standards Board (CASB); the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB); the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office (GAO); the Federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB); the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and federal, state, and local audit, regulatory and tax agencies.

     Such standards include:

     (1) Statements on Auditing Standards and related Auditing Interpretations issued by the AICPA;

     (2) Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services and related Accounting and Review Services Interpretations issued by the AICPA;

     (3) Statements on Governmental Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards issued by GASB;

     (4) Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements and related Attestation Engagements Interpretations issued by AICPA;

     (5) Statements of Financial Accounting Standards and Interpretations, and Staff Positions issued by FASB, together with those Accounting Research Bulletins and Accounting Principles Board Opinions which are not superseded by action of the FASB;

     (6) Statement on Standards for Consulting Services issued by the AICPA;

     (7) Statements on Quality Control Standards issued by the AICPA;

     (8) Statements on Standards for Tax Services and Interpretation of Statements on Standards for Tax Services issued by the AICPA;

     (9) Statements on Responsibilities in Personal Financial Planning Practice issued by the AICPA;

     (10) Statements on Standards for Litigation Services issued by the AICPA;

     (11) Professional Code of Conduct issued by the AICPA including interpretations and ethics rulings;

     (12) Governmental Auditing Standards issued by the U.S. Governmental Accountability Office;

     (13) AICPA Industry Audit and Accounting Guides;

     (14) SEC Rules, Concept Releases, Interpretative Releases, and Policy Statements;

     (15) Standards issued by the PCAOB; and

     (16) IRS Circular 230.

     If the professional services are governed by standards not included in subsections (1) through (16) of this section, ((you)) individuals and firms including persons qualifying for practice privileges under RCW 18.04.350(2) who offer or render professional services in this state or for clients located in this state and the firms rendering professional services in this state or for clients located in this state through such qualifying individuals must:

     ((• Justify)) (a) Maintain documentation of the justification for the departure from the standards listed in subsections (1) through (16) of this section;

     ((•)) (b) Determine and document what standards are applicable; and

     ((• Comply)) (c) Demonstrate compliance with the applicable standards.

     ((Copies of the above standards may be inspected at the board's office.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-631, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-631, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055 (2) and (6). 00-11-071, § 4-25-631, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(6). 98-12-050, § 4-25-631, filed 5/29/98, effective 6/29/98. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-631, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1627.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-640   What are the requirements concerning records and clients confidential information?   (1) Client: The term "client" as used throughout this section includes former and current clients. For purposes of this section, a client relationship has been formed when confidential information has been disclosed by a prospective client in an initial interview to obtain or provide professional services.

     (2) Property of the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, and/or nonlicensee firm owner: In the absence of an express agreement between ((the)) a licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, and/or nonlicensee firm owner and the client to the contrary, all statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by a licensee incident to or in the course of professional service to clients, except reports submitted by a licensee, are the property of the licensee.

     (3) Sale or transfer of client records: No statement, record, schedule, working paper, or memorandum, including electronic records, may be sold, transferred, or bequeathed without the consent of the client or his or her personal representative or assignee, to anyone other than one or more surviving partners, shareholders, or new partners or new shareholders of the licensee, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, or any combined or merged partnership, limited liability company, or corporation, or successor in interest.

     (4) Confidential client communication or information: ((A)) Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, nonlicensee firm owners, or employees of ((a licensee)) such persons must not without the consent of the client or the heirs, successors or personal representatives of the client disclose any confidential communication or information pertaining to the client obtained in the course of performing professional services.

     This rule does not:

     (a) Affect in any way ((a licensee's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's, firm owner's, or employee of a licensee's)) the obligation of those persons to comply with a lawfully issued subpoena or summons;

     (b) Prohibit disclosures in the course of a quality review of a licensee's attest, compilation, or other reporting services governed by professional standards;

     (c) Preclude ((a licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, firm owner, or employee of a licensee)) those persons from responding to any inquiry made by the board or any investigative or disciplinary body established by local, state, or federal law or ((formally)) recognized by the board((. However, a licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, firm owner, or employee of a licensee must not disclose or use to their own advantage any confidential client information that comes to their attention in carrying out their official responsibilities)) as a professional association; or

     (d) Preclude a review of client information in conjunction with a prospective purchase, sale, or merger of all or part of ((a CPA's)) the professional practice of public accounting of any such persons.

     (5) Client records: Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must furnish to their client or heirs, successors or personal representatives, upon request and reasonable notice:

     (a) A copy of ((the licensee's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's or firm owner's)) records, schedules, and electronic documents of those persons, to the extent that such records and schedules would ordinarily constitute part of the client's records and are not otherwise available to the client; and

     (b) Any accounting or other records belonging to, or obtained from or on behalf of, the client, that the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner, or employees of such persons removed from the client's premises or received for the client's account, including electronic documents; but ((the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or firm owner)) such persons may make and retain copies of such documents of the client when they form the basis for ((work done by the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or firm owner)) the professional services offered or rendered by those persons.

     (c) Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and/or employees of such persons must not refuse to return client records, including electronic documents, pending client payment of outstanding fees.

     (6) Audit and review record retention requirements: For a period of seven years after a licensee concludes an audit or review ((the licensee)) such persons must retain the following records and documents, including electronic records unless hard copies of such exist:

     (a) Records forming the basis of the audit or review;

     (b) Records documenting audit or review procedures applied;

     (c) Records documenting evidence obtained including financial data, analyses, conclusions, and opinions related to the audit or review engagement; and

     (d) Records documenting conclusions reached by the licensee in the audit or review engagement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2), 18.04.390 (4)(b) and 18.04.405(1). 05-01-137, § 4-25-640, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 03-24-033, § 4-25-640, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 02-22-082, § 4-25-640, filed 11/5/02, effective 12/31/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.40.055 [18.04.055]. 93-22-046, § 4-25-640, filed 10/28/93, effective 11/28/93.]

OTS-1628.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-650   What acts are considered discreditable?   ((CPAs)) Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((CPA firms, and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must not:

     ((•)) (1) Commit, or allow others to commit in their name, any act that reflects adversely on their fitness to represent themselves as a CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, CPA firm, or a firm owner;

     ((•)) (2) Seek to obtain clients by the use of coercion, intimidation or harassing conduct; or

     ((•)) (3) Permit others to carry out on their behalf, either with or without compensation, acts which violate the rules of conduct.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-650, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 01-22-036, § 4-25-650, filed 10/30/01, effective 12/1/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 93-22-090, § 4-25-650, filed 11/2/93, effective 12/3/93.]

OTS-1629.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-660   What are the limitations on advertising and other forms of solicitation?   (1) ((CPAs)) Licensees, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, ((CPA firms, and)) nonlicensee firm owners, and employees of such persons must not make false, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or unfair statements or claims regarding their services. Examples of such statements or claims include, but are not limited to, statements or claims which:

     (a) Contain a misrepresentation of fact;

     (b) Fail to make full disclosure of relevant facts;

     (c) Imply your professional services are of an exceptional quality, which is not supported by verifiable facts;

     (d) Create false expectations of favorable results;

     (e) Imply educational or professional attainments, specialty designations, or licensing recognition not supported in fact; or

     (f) Represent that professional services will be performed for a stated fee when this is not the case, or do not disclose variables that may reasonably be expected to affect the fees that will be charged.

     (2) If you are a licensee, firm owner, or person qualified for practice privileges under RCW 18.04.350(2) offering or rendering professional services in this state or for clients located in this state or a firm rendering professional services in this state or for clients located in this state through such qualifying individuals, and/or using the CPA title to perform or solicit services via a web site, you must either include a statement on the web site that you hold a current Washington state license, are licensed in a substantially equivalent state to perform such services and are therefore legally authorized to render such services in this state, or provide a name and contact information for an individual in your organization who will respond to inquiries regarding ((individual)) license information within seven business days. The required information must be clearly visible and prominently displayed.

     (3) If you are a CPA-Inactive certificateholder using the CPA-Inactive title to perform or solicit services via a web site you must clearly, visibly, and prominently display the following on the web site:

     (a) That you hold a current Washington state CPA-Inactive certificate;

     (b) That you do not hold a license to practice public accounting in this state; and

     (c) That Washington state law does not allow a CPA-Inactive certificateholder to offer or provide accounting, auditing, attest, reports on financial statements, tax preparation or advisory, management advisory, consulting or similar services to the public in association with the use of the title "CPA," "Certified Public Accountant," "CPA-Inactive," or "Certified Public Accountant-Inactive."

     (4) If you are an out-of-state person qualified only for restricted services by law or board order and are offering such restricted professional services either within in this state or for clients located in this state or a firm offering such restricted professional services through such restricted qualifying individuals within this state or for clients located in this state, the web site must clearly, visibly, and prominently display the following:

     (a) That such persons offering to perform such services hold a restricted license by the named state in which they have their principal place of business limiting their services to those services enumerated in the restriction of the persons' license;

     (b) That such persons are subject to the personal and subject matter jurisdiction of the Washington state board of accountancy and the disciplinary authority of the Washington state board;

     (c) That such persons do not hold a license to practice public accounting in this state; and

     (d) That Washington state law does not allow such persons to offer or provide any services other than those permitted by the state of licensure and enumerated on the web site.

     (5) If you are a ((resident)) nonlicensee firm owner ((of a firm licensed by the board)) and you perform or solicit services in association with the firm via a web site, you must clearly, visibly, and prominently display a statement that you are a nonlicensee owner registered with the Washington state board of accountancy or provide a name and contact information for an individual in your organization who will respond to inquiries regarding registration information within seven business days.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(2). 05-01-137, § 4-25-660, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-660, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 00-11-072, § 4-25-660, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 93-22-090, § 4-25-660, filed 11/2/93, effective 12/3/93.]

OTS-1630.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-670   What enforcement actions must be reported to the board?   (1) A licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner must notify the board, ((on a form and)) in the manner prescribed by the board ((policy)), within thirty days of the issuance of:

     (a) A sanction, order, suspension, revocation, or modification of a license, certificate, permit or practice rights by the SEC, PCAOB, IRS, or another state board of accountancy for any cause other than failure to pay a professional license fee by the due date or failure to meet the continuing professional education requirements of another state board of accountancy; or

     (b) Charges filed by the SEC, IRS, PCAOB, another state board of accountancy, or a federal or state taxing, insurance or securities regulatory body that the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner committed a prohibited act that would be a violation of board ethical or technical standards.

     (2) ((Sole practitioners)) Individual licensees and sole proprietors are to report action pursuant to subsection (1) of this section taken against the ((sole practitioner, the sole practitioner's)) individual's ((CPA license, the CPA firm, or the CPA firm)) license and/or the license of the sole proprietorship.

     (3) Licensed CPA firms with more than one licensed owner are not required to report on action taken against owners, principals, partners, or employees.

     (4) If you hold a license or CPA-Inactive certificate issued through the foreign reciprocity provisions of the act, you must notify the board of any investigations undertaken, or sanctions imposed, by a foreign credentialing body against your foreign credential within thirty days of ((your)) receiving notice that an investigation has begun or a sanction was imposed.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.195 (10)(b) and 18.04.215 (9)(b). 05-01-137, § 4-25-670, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 03-24-033, § 4-25-670, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03.]

OTS-1631.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-735   How does a CPA-Inactive certificateholder apply for licensure?   CPA-Inactive certificateholders are ((natural persons)) individuals who held a valid certificate on June 30, 2001, but did not hold a valid Washington state license to practice public accounting on that date. Individuals who did not hold a valid certificate on June 30, 2001 and licensees are not eligible for CPA-Inactive certificateholder status.

     (1) If you are a CPA-Inactive certificateholder you:

     (a) May not "practice public accounting" as that term is defined in WAC 4-25-410;

     (b) Must meet the CPE requirements of WAC 4-25-830(1) and supporting documentation requirements of WAC 4-25-833;

     (c) Must comply with the act and board rules;

     (d) Must meet the renewal requirements of WAC 4-25-790; and

     (e) Must use the title CPA-Inactive and print or display the word "Inactive" immediately following the initials CPA or certified public accountant whenever the initials CPA or certified public accountant is printed on a business card, letterhead, or other document including documents published or transmitted through electronic media, in exactly the same font and font size as the initials CPA or certified public accountant.

     (2) If you are a CPA-Inactive certificateholder, to qualify for licensure you must:

     (a) Meet the experience requirements of WAC 4-25-730 or have had an approved experience affidavit on file with the board on or before June 30, 2001; and

     (b) Meet the CPE requirements of WAC 4-25-830(5).

     (3) ((To apply for a license you must use the form(s) provided by the board. An application is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required documentation, required information, and other documentation deemed necessary by the board are received by the board.)) To apply for a license, you must submit to the board a certification that you meet the requirements of subsection (2) of this section and:

     (a) ((A complete application form(s) including your certification, under the penalty of perjury, that you have:

     (i))) Have not held out in public practice during the time in which you were a CPA-Inactive certificateholder; and

     (((ii) Met the CPE requirements in WAC 4-25-830(5); and))

     (b) Other required documentation((, required)) or information((, and other documentation)) deemed necessary by the board.

     Board forms are available on the board's web site or upon request for your use.

     (4) ((Upon approval of)) An initial application is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required information, required documentation, or other documentation or information the board may deem necessary is received by the board. When your application is approved, your license will be mailed to ((the last address you provided to the board)) your address of record.

     (5) Your CPE reporting period and your renewal cycle will remain the same.

     (6) You may not use the title "CPA" or "Certified Public Accountant" until ((you receive notice from the board that your license has been granted. With the exception of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs holding valid practice privileges in Washington state under WAC 4-25-756, attest services may only be offered or provided in a CPA firm licensed by the board and meeting the requirements of WAC 4-25-750)) the date the approval of your license is posted in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(12) and 18.04.105(4). 05-01-137, § 4-25-735, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-735, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02.]

OTS-1632.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-745   How do I apply for an initial individual CPA license?   (1) To qualify to apply for an initial license you must meet the:

     (((1))) (a) Good character requirements of RCW 18.04.105 (1)(a);

     (((2))) (b) Education requirements of WAC 4-25-710;

     (((3))) (c) Examination requirements of WAC 4-25-720;

     (((4))) (d) Experience requirements of WAC 4-25-730; and

     (((5))) (e) If more than four years have lapsed since you passed the examination, you must meet the CPE requirements of WAC 4-25-830 (1)(a) within the thirty-six month period immediately preceding submission of your license application and must include four CPE hours in ethics meeting the requirements of WAC 4-25-830(3) which must be completed within the six month period immediately preceding submission of your license application.

     (2) To apply for an initial license you must ((use the application form(s) provided by the board. You must fully complete the form(s) and submit the form(s), all applicable fees, and all required documentation to the board's office)) fully provide the information above.

     ((An initial)) Board form(s) are available on the board's web site or upon request for your use.

     (3) Processing of your application ((is not complete and)) cannot ((be processed)) begin until all ((fees,)) the required information, applicable fees, and required documentation or other documentation or information the board may deem necessary is received by the board. When the processing of your application is complete, your license will be mailed to ((the last address you provided to)) your address of record with the board.

     (4) Your initial license will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following initial licensure.

     (5) You may not use the title CPA until ((you receive notice from the board that your Washington state CPA license has been approved. With the exception of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs holding valid practice privileges in Washington state under WAC 4-25-756, attest services may only be offered or provided in a CPA firm licensed by the board and meeting the requirements of WAC 4-25-750)) the date the approval of your license is posted in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.105(1), and 18.04.215(1). 05-01-137, § 4-25-745, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-745, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.105 and 18.04.215. 99-18-115, § 4-25-745, filed 9/1/99, effective 1/1/00.]

OTS-1633.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-746   How do I apply for a Washington state CPA license if I hold a valid CPA license in another state?   Pursuant to RCW 18.04.180 and 18.04.215(6) the board may issue ((a)) an individual license through interstate reciprocity if you hold a CPA license to practice public accounting issued by another state provided your state of licensure makes similar provisions for granting reciprocity to holders of a valid certificate or license in this state.

     (1) To qualify to apply for ((a)) an individual Washington state ((CPA)) license entitling you to use the title CPA and/or offer or render compilation, or other professional services for which a report expressing assurance is prescribed by professional standards in Washington state under the interstate reciprocity provisions you must:

     (((1))) (a) Meet the good character requirements of RCW 18.04.105 (1)(a);

     (((2))) (b) Meet the CPE requirements in WAC 4-25-830; and

     (((3))) (c) You must have:

     (((a))) (i) Passed the examination required for issuance of your certificate or license in the other state with grades that would have been passing grades at that time in this state and:

     (((i))) (ii) Met all current requirements for licensure at the time you apply; or

     (((ii))) (iii) Met, at the time of the issuance of your license in the other state, all the requirements applicable at that time to obtain a license in this state; or

     (((iii))) (iv) Had five years of experience in the practice of public ((accountancy)) accounting within the ten years immediately preceding your filing an application for licensure in this state; or

     (((iv))) (v) Had three years of experience in the practice of public ((accountancy)) accounting within the five years immediately preceding your filing an application for licensure in this state; or

     (((b))) (2) The board may accept NASBA's designation of the applicant as substantially equivalent to national standards as meeting the requirements of (((a))) subsection (1)(c) of this ((subsection)) section.

     (3) To apply for a ((Washington state CPA)) license under the ((interstate)) reciprocity provisions you must ((use the application form(s) provided by)) submit to the board's office information that you are qualified for reciprocity as outlined in subsections (1) and (2) of this section, including a certification that you:

     (a) Have not held out in public practice during any time prior to submitting your application unless expressly permitted by board rule then existing; and

     (b) Have met the CPE requirements in WAC 4-25-830. ((You must fully complete the form(s) and submit the form(s), all applicable fees, and all required documentation to the board's office.))

     Board form(s) are available on the board's web site or upon request for your use.

     (4) An initial application is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required information, required documentation, or other documentation or information the board may deem necessary is received by the board. ((When the processing))

     (5) At date of approval of your application ((is complete, notification)), it will be posted in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation.

     (6) Your license will be mailed to the ((last)) address ((you provided to)) of record with the board provided at the time of your application, or subsequently changed by formal notice to the board.

     ((Your Washington state CPA license will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following initial licensure.))

     (7) Provided no sanctions or investigations by other jurisdictions are in process and you have met the requirements for applying for licensure through interstate reciprocity, upon filing a completed application with the board, you may use the CPA title in Washington state.

     ((With the exception of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs holding valid practice privileges in Washington state under WAC 4-25-756, attest services may only be offered or provided in a CPA firm licensed by the board and meeting the requirements of WAC 4-25-750.

     If you are granted a license under these reciprocity provisions,)) (8) Your initial license will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following initial licensure.

     (9) You must notify the board within thirty days if your license or certificate issued by the other jurisdiction has lapsed or otherwise become invalid.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.180 and 18.04.215(6). 05-01-137, § 4-25-746, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-746, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.180 and 18.04.215(3). 99-18-116, § 4-25-746, filed 9/1/99, effective 1/1/00.]

OTS-1634.1


NEW SECTION
WAC 4-25-747   Must a nonresident individual holding a license from another state apply and obtain a Washington state license to hold out and practice in Washington state?   No. Nonresident individuals holding valid licenses to practice public accounting issued by a substantially equivalent state, may hold out and practice within Washington state and/or provide public accounting services in person, by mail, telephone, or electronic means to clients residing in Washington state without notice or payment of a fee.

     As a condition of this privilege, the nonresident individual is deemed to have consented to:

     (1) The personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of this state's board;

     (2) Comply with the Public Accountancy Act of this state, chapter 18.04 RCW, and this board's rules, chapter 4-25 WAC;

     (3) Cease offering or rendering professional services in this state if the license from the individual's principal place of business becomes invalid;

     (4) The appointment of the state board which issued the certificate or license as their agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding by this state's board against the certificateholder or licensee;

     (5) Render attest services for a client with a home office in this state only through a firm that has obtained a license from this state (RCW 18.04.195, 18.04.205 and WAC 4-25-750);

     (6) Not render any professional services in this state unless the nonresident individual is licensed to render such services in the state of licensure upon which the privilege is contingent;

     (7) Cease offering or performing professional services in this state, individually and/or on behalf of a firm, if the license from the state of the individual's principal place of business is no longer valid; and

     (8) Cease offering or performing specific professional services in this state, individually and/or on behalf of a firm, if the license from the state of the individual's principal place of business is restricted from offering or performing such specific professional services.

[]

OTS-1635.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-750   What are the CPA firm licensing requirements?   ((With the exception of out-of-state sole practitioning CPAs holding valid practice privileges in Washington state under WAC 4-25-756, attest services may only be offered or performed in a CPA firm licensed by the board and meeting the requirements of this section. An entity wishing to use "CPA(s)" or "certified public accountant(s)" in the firm name must first obtain a license from the board.)) (1) How may a CPA firm be organized? A CPA firm may be organized as:

     (a) A proprietorship;

     (b) A partnership;

     (c) A professional corporation (PC) or professional service corporation (PS);

     (d) A limited liability company (LLC);

     (e) A limited liability partnership (LLP); or

     (f) Any other form of legal entity authorized by statute for use by a CPA firm.

     (2) What happens when a CPA firm alters its legal form? A change in the legal form of a firm constitutes a new firm. Accordingly, the new entity must first obtain a CPA firm license from the board.

     (3) What are the ownership requirements for a CPA firm?

     (a) All owners of a licensed CPA firm are required to:

     (i) ((Be natural persons;

     (ii))) Fully comply with the provisions of chapter 18.04 RCW; and

     (((iii))) (ii) Be subject to discipline by the board for violations of chapter 18.04 RCW or 4-25 WAC;

     (b) A simple majority of the ownership of the licensed firm in terms of financial interests and voting rights of all partners, owners, or shareholders must be:

     (i) Licensees in this state or holders of a valid license to practice public accountancy issued by another state;

     (ii) Entitled to practice public accounting in Washington state; and

     (iii) Principally employed by the corporation or actively engaged in its business.

     (c) At least one general partner of a partnership, one shareholder of a corporation, and one ((manager)) member of a limited liability company must be a licensee.

     (d) Each CPA proprietor, partner, shareholder or ((manager)) member who is either a resident or is entering the state and practicing public accountancy in this state must hold a valid Washington state license or practice privileges.

     (e) The principal partner of the partnership and any partner having authority over issuing reports on financial statements must be a licensee under the act or holder of a valid license to practice public accountancy issued by another state and must be entitled to practice public accounting in this state.

     (f) The principal officer of the corporation and any officer or director having authority over issuing reports on financial statements must be a licensee under the act or holder of a valid license to practice public accountancy issued by another state and must be entitled to practice public accountancy in this state.

     (g) The ((principal manager or)) managing member of a limited liability company and any member having authority over issuing reports on financial statements must be a licensee under the act or holder of a valid license to practice public accountancy issued by another state and must be entitled to practice public accountancy in this state.

     (h) A nonresident CPA owner must be licensed to practice public accountancy in at least one state.

     (i) A nonlicensee owner must:

     (i) Be ((a natural person)) an individual;

     (ii) Meet the good character requirements of RCW 18.04.105 (1)(a);

     (iii) Comply with the act and board rules; and

     (iv) Be an active individual participant in the licensed firm or affiliated entities as these terms are defined in WAC 4-25-410; and

     (j) A resident nonlicensee firm owner must meet the requirements of WAC 4-25-752 and register with the board concurrent with submission of the firm license, or submission of an amendment to the firm license, to the board.

     (4) What are the requirements for the firm's main office and a branch office? ((The)) A firm's main office located in this state must be under the direct supervision of a resident licensee.

     A branch office is an office of a licensed CPA firm which is physically separated from the main office. A branch office operates under the ((CPA firm)) license of the main office.

     (5) How ((do I)) does a firm apply for an initial ((CPA)) firm license? To apply for an initial ((CPA)) firm license ((you must use the application form(s) provided by the board and)) an owner, or designee, must submit or, in the case of an out-of-state firm required to be licensed under RCW 18.04.195 (1)(a), an individual qualified for practice privileges in this state under RCW 18.04.350(2) who has been authorized by the applicant firm to make the application must submit the ((completed form(s))) following information, all applicable fees, ((all required documentation including the following)) and such other information the board deems necessary to the board's office:

     (a) The firm name;

     (b) Address and telephone number of the main office and any branch offices of the firm;

     (c) Name of the managing licensee of the main office located and maintained in this state;

     (d) Resident licensee owners' names ((and the states in which they hold CPA licenses));

     (e) Name(s) of all nonlicensee owners((;

     (f) Complete registration form(s), including the appropriate fee, for each resident nonlicensee owner)); and

     (g) Type of legal organization under which the firm operates.

     Board form(s) are available from the board's web site or upon request for your use.

     An initial application is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required information described in subsection (5) of this section, ((and required)) or other documentation or information the board may deem necessary is received by the board. ((Upon completion of processing, a CPA firm license will be mailed to the main office at the last address provided to the board.)) On the date the application is approved, the firm's license will be included in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation. Confirmation of the approval of the firm's license will be mailed to the address of record with the board provided at the time of the application, or subsequently changed by formal notice to the board.

     The initial CPA firm license will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following initial licensure.

     (6) How do I renew a CPA firm license? To renew a CPA firm license ((you must use the form(s) provided by the board. In January of the year of expiration, a renewal form(s) will be mailed to the main office at the last address provided to the board. You must submit a properly completed renewal form(s), all applicable fees and all required documentation to the board by April 30th of the year of expiration. Failure to file a complete renewal form for a firm license by April 30 of the year of expiration will result in late fees. The board may waive, reduce, or extend the due date of renewal and/or late fees based on individual hardship including, but not limited to, financial hardship, critical illness, or active military deployment)) an owner or designee or, in the case of an out-of-state firm required to be licensed under RCW 18.04.195 (1)(a), an individual qualified for practice privileges in this state under RCW 18.04.350(2) who has been authorized by the applicant firm to make the application, must submit the information described in subsection (5) of this section that is current at the date the renewal application is submitted to the board. A renewal application is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required information, and required documentation ((is)), and other documentation deemed necessary by the board are received by the board. ((Upon completion of processing, the CPA firm license will be mailed to the main office at the last address provided to the board.))

     Board form(s) are available from the board's web site or upon request for your use. Failure to file a complete application for renewal of a firm license by April 30 of the year of expiration will result in late fees. The board may waive, reduce, or extend the due date of renewal and/or late fees based on reasonable cause including, but not limited to, financial hardship, critical illness, or active military deployment.

     On the date the renewal application is approved, the firm's license will be included in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation. Confirmation of the validity of the renewed firm's license status will be mailed to the address of record with the board provided at the time of the application, or subsequently changed by formal notice to the board.

     The CPA firm license will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following the date of renewal.

     (7) When and how must ((I)) the firm notify the board of changes in the ((CPA)) licensed firm? ((A CPA)) An individual authorized by the firm must provide the board written notification ((of the following)) and other documentation deemed necessary by the board within ninety days of ((its)) any or all of the following occurrences:

     (a) Dissolution of ((a CPA)) the firm;

     (b) The occurrence of any event that would cause the firm to be in violation of RCW 18.04.195 or this rule; or

     (c) An event that requires an amendment to a firm license.

     (8) What events require a firm amendment? ((A CPA)) An individual authorized by the firm must provide written notification to the board, by submitting ((a firm amendment form)) the following information and the appropriate amendment fee, within ninety days of the following ((events' occurrence)):

     (a) Admission or departure of an owner;

     (b) Any change in the name of the firm; or

     (c) Change in the resident managing licensee of the main office in this state.

     (9) How long do I have to correct noncompliance with licensure requirements due to a change in ownership or an owner's credentials? ((A CPA)) An individual authorized by the firm must notify the board within ninety days of any change in ownership or lapse of an owner's license, certificate, registration or practice privilege that has caused the firm's license to be out of compliance with licensure requirements and must correct the noncompliance within ninety days of the lapse, unless the board grants a longer time period due to ((individual hardship)) reasonable cause including, but not limited to, financial hardship, critical illness, or active military deployment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(8), 18.04.195 and 18.04.205. 05-01-137, § 4-25-750, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 03-24-033, § 4-25-750, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03; 02-04-064, § 4-25-750, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 00-11-074, § 4-25-750, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(8) and 18.04.205(3). 99-18-117, § 4-25-750, filed 9/1/99, effective 1/1/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(3), 18.04.205(3) and 18.04.195. 96-12-061, § 4-25-750, filed 5/31/96, effective 7/1/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 93-22-089, § 4-25-750, filed 11/2/93, effective 12/3/93.]

     Reviser's note: The typographical error in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appears in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

OTS-1636.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-04-064, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02)

WAC 4-25-752   How do I initially register to be a resident nonlicensee owner of a licensed firm and with which rules must a nonlicensee firm owner comply?   To qualify as a nonlicensee owner of a licensed ((CPA)) firm, you must:

     (1) Be ((a natural person)) an individual;

     (2) Meet the good character requirements of RCW 18.04.105 (1)(a);

     (3) Comply with the act and board rules;

     (4) Be an active individual participant in the licensed firm or affiliated entities as these terms are defined in WAC 4-25-410; and

     (5) If you are a resident of Washington state, you must:

     (a) File a complete registration with the board; and

     (b) Demonstrate a passing grade of ninety percent or better on the AICPA professional ethics examination.

     ((To register as a resident nonlicensee firm owner, you must use the form(s) provided by the board. You need to fully complete the form(s) and submit the form(s), all applicable fees, and all required documentation to the board's office.)) You must submit your registration concurrent with or prior to submission of the firm license application or firm license amendment, pursuant to WAC 4-25-750.

     An initial registration is not complete and cannot be processed until all fees, required documentation, required information, and other ((documentation)) information deemed necessary by the board are received by the board. ((When the processing of your registration is complete, your registration will be mailed to the last address you provided to the board.))

     If you are a Washington state resident, you may not hold ownership interest in a CPA firm licensed in Washington state until you receive written notice from the board of your Washington state registration number. On the date the registration is approved, your registration number will be included in the board's licensee data base and, therefore, made publicly available for confirmation. Confirmation of the approval of your initial registration will be mailed to the address of record with the board provided at the time of the application, or subsequently changed by formal notice to the board.

     Your initial registration will expire on June 30 of the third calendar year following initial issuance of the registration.

     ((You must submit your registration concurrent with or prior to submission of the firm license application or firm license amendment, pursuant to WAC 4-25-750. If you are a Washington state resident, you may not hold ownership interest in a CPA firm licensed in Washington state until you receive written notice from the board of your Washington state registration number.))

     All nonlicensee firm owners are subject to discipline for violation of the act or board rules.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(13) and 18.04.195(8). 02-04-064, § 4-25-752, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02.]

OTS-1637.1


NEW SECTION
WAC 4-25-753   Must a firm holding a license from another state apply and obtain a Washington state license to hold out and practice in Washington state?   (1) A firm license must be obtained from the board if any of the following criteria apply:

     (a) The firm has an office in this state and performs attest or compilation services for clients in this state;

     (b) The firm has an office in this state and, by any means, represents the firm to the public that the firm is a firm of certified public accountants; or

     (c) The firm is licensed in another state and performs audit or examination services for clients with a home office in this state.

     (2) A firm license is not required to perform other professional services in this state, including compilation, review and other services for which reporting requirements are provided in professional standards, if the firm complies with the following:

     (a) The firm performs such services through individuals with practice privileges under RCW 18.04.350(2) and WAC 4-25-747 or reciprocal license under RCW 18.04.180 and 18.04.183 and board rules;

     (b) The firm is licensed to perform such services in the state in which the individuals with practice privileges have their principal place of business; and

     (c) The firm meets the board's quality assurance program requirements, when applicable.

     (3) As a condition of this privilege, the nonresident firm is deemed to have consented to:

     (a) The personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of this state's board;

     (b) Comply with the Public Accountancy Act of this state, chapter 18.04 RCW, and this board's rules, chapter 4-25 WAC;

     (c) Cease offering or rendering professional services in this state through a specific individual or individuals if the license(s) of the individual(s) through whom the services are offered or rendered becomes invalid;

     (d) Cease offering or rendering specific professional services in this state through an individual or individuals if the license(s) from the state(s) of the principal place of business of such individual(s) is restricted from offering or performing such specific professional services;

     (e) The appointment of the state board which issued the firm license as their agent upon whom process may be served in any action or proceeding by this state's board against firm licensee;

     (f) Not render audit or examination services for a client with a home office in this state unless the firm that has obtained a license from this state (RCW 18.04.195 and 18.04.295) and this section; and

     (g) Not render any professional services in this state through nonresident individual(s) who are not licensed to render such services by the state(s) in which the principal place of business of such individual(s) is (are) located.

[]

OTS-1638.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-14-036, filed 6/26/07, effective 7/27/07)

WAC 4-25-820   What are the requirements for participating in quality assurance review (QAR)?   (1) Purpose. The Washington state board of accountancy is charged with protection of the public interest and ensuring the dependability of information used for guidance in financial transactions or for accounting for or assessing the status or performance of commercial and noncommercial enterprises, whether public, private or governmental. The purpose of the QAR program is to monitor licensees' compliance with ((attest)) audit, compilation and review, and other attestation standards.

     (2) Out-of-state firms otherwise qualified for practice privileges under RCW 18.04.195 (1)(b) are responsible for compliance with this section. These firms are exempt from the registration requirements set forth in this section.

     (3) Structure and implementation.

     (a) The board will annually appoint a quality assurance review committee to perform the following functions:

     (i) Review of financial statements and the reports of licensees thereon to assess their compliance with applicable professional standards;

     (ii) Review of licensees' reports and information covered by those reports for conformity with applicable professional standards;

     (iii) Improvement of reporting practices of licensees through education and rehabilitative measures; and

     (iv) Such other functions as the board may assign to the committee.

     (b) Once every three years the board ((will)) requires ((each)) a licensed firm with an office in this state to participate in the board's quality assurance review program. ((Participating firms will be notified by the board in January of the reporting requirement, and)) Participating firms will be required to submit a quality assurance review status form, along with the appropriate fee, by the following April 30th. Failure to submit a complete quality assurance review status form postmarked by the April 30th due date, will result in the assessment of late fees. The board may waive late fees based on individual hardship including, but not limited to, financial hardship, critical illness, or active military deployment.

     (c) Each participating firm shall submit, for each of its offices, one licensee report and the information covered by that report, for each of the following types of service or any other service the board determines:

     ((•)) (i) Compilation report on historical financial statements;

     ((•)) (ii) Review report on historical financial statements;

     ((•)) (iii) Audit report on historical financial statements;

     ((•)) (iv) Agreed-upon procedures;

     ((•)) (v) Forecasts;

     ((•)) (vi) Internal controls;

     ((•)) (vii) Performance audits; and

     ((•)) (viii) Projections.

     (d) A participating firm shall select these reports from all reports prepared during the twelve months preceding the date of board request or, if no reports have been issued within the last twelve months, from all reports during the preceding three years.

     (e) If reports issued by all offices of a firm are reviewed and issued in a controlled, centralized process, only one each of the type of licensee reports, including the information covered by the reports, specified above need be submitted by the firm as a whole.

     (((d))) (f) The board may exempt from the requirement of (c) of this subsection any firm that has participated in a board-approved peer review program within the three years immediately preceding the date of board request.

     (((e))) (g) Firms requesting exemption must submit a copy of an unmodified report, letter of comments, response to letter of comments, if applicable, and letter of acceptance from the reviewing organization. Firms that receive modified peer review reports may request exemption, but must submit copies of such reports and related correspondence, at the discretion of the board, for consideration on an individual basis.

     (((f))) (h) Any documents submitted in accordance with (c) of this subsection may have the name of the client, the client's address, and other identifying factors omitted, provided that the omission does not render the type or nature of the entity undeterminable. Dates may not be omitted.

     (((g))) (i) Reports submitted to the committee pursuant to (c) of this subsection and comments of reviewers, the committee and the board on such reports or workpapers relating thereto, shall also be preserved in confidence except to the extent that they are communicated by the board to the licensees who issued the reports or disclosure is required under administrative procedure rules or by direction of a court of law.

     (((h))) (j) The committee's review of the licensee reports and other information covered by those reports shall be directed toward the following:

     (i) Presentation of the financial statements covered by the licensee reports and/or other information covered by those reports in conformity with applicable professional standards for presentation and disclosure;

     (ii) Compliance by licensees with applicable reporting standards; and

     (iii) Compliance by licensees with the rules of the board and other regulations relating to the practice of public accounting.

     (((i))) (4) If the board determines that a report and/or other information covered by the report referred to the board by the committee is substandard or seriously questionable with respect to applicable professional standards, the board may take one or more of the following actions:

     (((i))) (a) Send the licensee a letter of comment detailing the perceived deficiencies and require the licensee to develop quality control procedures to ensure that similar occurrences will not occur in the future;

     (((ii))) (b) Require any licensee who had responsibility for issuance of a report, or who substantially participated in preparation of the report and/or related workpapers, to successfully complete specific courses or types of continuing education as specified by the board;

     (((iii))) (c) Require that the licensee responsible for a substandard report submit all or specified categories of its reports to a preissuance review in a manner and for a duration prescribed by the board. The cost of the preissuance review will be at the firm's expense;

     (((iv))) (d) Require the licensee responsible for a substandard report to submit to a peer review conducted in accordance with standards acceptable to the board. The cost of the peer review will be at the licensee's expense;

     (((v))) (e) Require the licensee responsible for substandard work to submit to on-site field review or other investigative procedures of work product and practices by board representatives in order to assess the degree or pervasiveness of substandard work. The board may assess the costs of such field review or procedures to the licensee if the results of such investigative efforts substantiate the existence of substandard work product;

     (((vi))) (f) Initiate an investigation pursuant to RCW 18.04.295, 18.04.305, and/or 18.04.320.

     (((j))) (5) The board may solicit and review licensee reports and/or other information covered by the reports from clients, public agencies, banks, and other users of such information.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(9). 07-14-036, § 4-25-820, filed 6/26/07, effective 7/27/07; 05-01-135, § 4-25-820, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-820, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055. 94-02-071, § 4-25-820, filed 1/4/94, effective 2/4/94.]

OTS-1639.1


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-830   What are the CPE requirements for individuals?   (1) The following CPE is required for individuals during the three calendar year period prior to renewal:

     (a) ((CPAs)) An individual licensed to practice in this state must complete 120 CPE credit hours which is limited to 24 CPE credit hours in nontechnical subject areas and must include 4 CPE credit hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section;

     (b) A CPA-Inactive certificateholder or a resident nonlicensee firm owner must complete 4 CPE credit hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section; and

     (c) Individuals holding practice privileges are exempt from the CPE requirements of this section.

     (2) CPE requirements for renewal of a license that was issued less than three years before the end of a CPA-Inactive certificate renewal cycle: When you convert your status from a CPA-Inactive certificateholder to a licensee, your CPE reporting period (the three calendar year period prior to renewal) and renewal cycle will remain the same. The CPE requirements for renewal are as follows:

     (a) If your license was issued during the first calendar year of your CPE reporting period, you must have completed 80 CPE credit hours which is limited to 16 CPE credit hours in nontechnical subject areas and must include 4 CPE credit hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

     (b) If your license was issued during the second calendar year of your CPE reporting period, you must have completed 40 CPE credit hours which is limited to 8 CPE credit hours in nontechnical subject areas and must include 4 CPE credit hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

     (c) If your license was issued during the third calendar year of your CPE reporting period, you must have completed 4 CPE credit hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

     (3) Ethics and regulations applicable to practice in Washington state: During each CPE reporting period all ((CPAs)) individuals licensed in this state, individual CPA-Inactive certificateholders in this state, and resident nonlicensee firm owners are required to complete four CPE credit hours in ((professional)) approved ethics and regulations with specific application to the practice of public accounting in Washington state((; however, for CPE reporting periods beginning January 1, 2006, and later, during each CPE reporting period all CPAs, CPA-Inactive certificateholders, and resident nonlicensee firm owners are required to complete four hours in board approved ethics and regulations CPE)). In order to be approved by the board, the CPE sponsor or instructor must submit documentation associated with the ethics and regulations CPE to the board for approval and the sponsor or instructor must obtain written approval from the board. The ethics and regulations CPE must cover all of the following topics, and the ethics and regulations CPE must substantially address these topics:

     (a) Chapter 18.04 RCW and chapter 4-25 WAC. The CPE must include general level information on the Public Accountancy Act, the board's rules, policies, and the rule-making process.

     (b) WAC 4-25-521 How can I contact the board?

     (c) WAC 4-25-550 Do I need to notify the board if I change my address?

     (d) WAC 4-25-551 Must I respond to inquiries from the board?

     (e) WAC 4-25-600 Series -- Ethics and prohibited practices. The CPE must include detailed information on each rule and all related board policies.

     (f) WAC 4-25-800 Series -- Continuing competency. The CPE must include detailed information on each rule and all related board policies.

     (g) WAC 4-25-910 What are the bases for the board to impose discipline?

     (h) AICPA Code of Conduct: The CPE must include general level information on the AICPA Code of Conduct.

     (i) Variances or key differences between Washington state law (chapter 18.04 RCW and chapter 4-25 WAC) and the AICPA Code of Conduct.

     (j) Other topics or information as defined by board policy.

     (4) CPE requirements to renew a retired license or CPA-Inactive certificate:

     (a) In order to renew ((your)) a retired license you must meet the CPE requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section within the thirty-six month period immediately preceding the date the renewal application is received by the board; however, the four CPE hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section must be completed within the six-month period immediately preceding the date your renewal application was received by the board.

     (b) In order to renew ((your)) a retired CPA-Inactive certificate, you must meet the CPE requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section within the six-month period immediately preceding the date your renewal application was received by the board.

     (5) CPE requirements for a CPA-Inactive certificateholder to either qualify to apply for a license or return to their previously held status as a licensee: If you hold a valid CPA-Inactive certificate and you wish to apply for a license or you want to return to your previously held status as a licensee, you must meet the CPE requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section within the thirty-six month period immediately preceding the date your application is received by the board.

     (6) Reinstatement of a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, certificate, or registration as resident nonlicensee firm owner:

     (a) If you seek to reinstate a lapsed, suspended, or revoked license, you must satisfy the requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section within the thirty-six month period immediately preceding the date the application for reinstatement was received by the board; however, the four CPE hours in ethics meeting the requirements of subsection (3) of this section must be completed within the six-month period immediately preceding the date your application for reinstatement was received by the board.

     (b) If you seek to reinstate a lapsed, suspended, or revoked CPA-Inactive certificate, or registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner, you must satisfy the requirements of subsection (1)(b) of this section within the six-month period immediately preceding the date your application for reinstatement was received by the board.

     (7) Reciprocity: If you are applying for an initial Washington state CPA license under the reciprocity provisions of the act, you must satisfy the requirements in subsection (1)(a) of this section within the thirty-six month period immediately preceding the date your application was received by the board. For purposes of initial licensure, you do not need to satisfy the ethics requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section. Thereafter, in order to renew your Washington state license, you must comply with all the renewal requirements in subsection (1)(a) of this section.

     (8) CPE ((waiver)) extension request: In order to renew your license, CPA-Inactive certificate, or registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner you must complete the required CPE by the end of the CPE reporting period preceding your renewal unless you can demonstrate your failure to meet the CPE requirements was due to reasonable cause. The board may provide limited extensions to the CPE requirements for reasons of individual hardship including, but not limited to, financial hardship, critical illness, or active military deployment. You must request such an extension in writing ((on the form(s) provided by the board)). The request must include justification for the request and identify the specific CPE you plan to obtain to correct your CPE deficiency.

     A form useful for this purpose is available from the board's web site or will be provided to you upon request.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(7), 18.04.215(5). 05-01-137, § 4-25-830, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 02-04-064, § 4-25-830, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(7), 18.04.104(8), 18.04.215(4). 00-11-077, § 4-25-830, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(7), 18.04.215(4) and 18.04.105(8). 99-23-045, § 4-25-830, filed 11/15/99, effective 1/1/00.]

OTS-1640.2


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 05-01-137, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05)

WAC 4-25-910   What are the bases for the board to impose discipline?   RCW 18.04.055, 18.04.295, ((and)) 18.04.305, and 18.04.350 authorize the board to revoke, suspend, refuse to issue, renew, or reinstate an individual or firm license, CPA-Inactive certificate, persons exercising practice privileges in this state, or registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner; impose a fine not to exceed thirty thousand dollars; recover investigative and legal costs; impose full restitution to injured parties; impose remedial sanctions; impose conditions precedent to renew; or prohibit a resident nonlicensee from holding an ownership interest in a firm licensed ((firm)) in this state for the specific acts listed below.

     The following are specific examples of prohibited acts that constitute grounds for discipline under RCW 18.04.295 ((and)), 18.04.305, and 18.04.350. The board does not intend this listing to be all inclusive.

     (1) Fraud or deceit in applying for the CPA examination, obtaining a license, registering as a resident nonlicensee firm owner, ((submitting notification of practice privileges,)) or in any filings with the board.

     (2) Fraud or deceit in renewing or requesting reinstatement of a license, CPA-Inactive certificate, registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner((, or practices privileges)).

     (3) Cheating on the CPA exam.

     (4) Making a false or misleading statement in support of another(('s)) person's application or request to:

     (a) Take the national uniform CPA examination((, application for));

     (b) Obtain a license((,)) or registration required by the act or board;

     (c) Reinstate or modify the terms of a revoked or suspended license, certificate, or registration as a resident nonlicensee firm owner((, submission of notification of)) in this state;

     (d) Reinstate revoked or suspended practice privileges((, renewal, or reinstatement)) of an individual or firm licensed in another state.

     (5) Dishonesty, fraud, or negligence while representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((CPA firm,)) or a resident nonlicensee firm owner including but not limited to:

     (a) Practicing public accounting in Washington state prior to obtaining a license required by RCW 18.04.215 or 18.04.195;

     (b) Offering or rendering public accounting services in this state by an out-of-state individual or firm not qualified for practice privileges under RCW 18.04.195 or 18.04.350(2);

     (c) Making misleading, deceptive, or untrue representations;

     (((c))) (d) Engaging in acts of fiscal dishonesty;

     (((d))) (e) Purposefully, knowingly, or negligently failing to file a report or record, or filing a false report or record, required by local, state, or federal law;

     (((e))) (f) Unlawfully selling unregistered securities;

     (((f))) (g) Unlawfully acting as an unregistered securities salesperson or broker-dealer;

     (((g))) (h) Discharging a trustee's duties in a negligent manner or breaching one's fiduciary duties; or

     (((h))) (i) Withdrawing or liquidating, as fees earned, funds received by a ((CPA)) licensee, ((CPA firm)) CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or a resident nonlicensee firm owner from a client as a deposit or retainer when the client contests the amount of fees earned, until such time as the dispute is resolved.

     (6) The following shall be prima facie evidence that a ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((CPA firm, or)) a nonlicensee firm owner, or the employees of such persons has engaged in dishonesty, fraud, or negligence while representing oneself as a ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((CPA firm, or)) a nonlicensee firm owner, or an employee of such persons:

     (a) An order of a court of competent jurisdiction finding that the ((CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, CPA firm, or the nonlicensee firm owner to have)) person or persons committed an act of negligence, fraud, or dishonesty or other act reflecting adversely on ((a CPA's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's, CPA firm's, or nonlicensee firm owner's)) the person's fitness to represent himself ((or)), herself, or itself as a ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder(('s, CPA firm)), or a nonlicensee firm owner;

     (b) An order of a federal, state, local or foreign jurisdiction regulatory body, or ((the)) a PCAOB, finding that the ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((CPA firm,)) or nonlicensee firm owner ((to have)), or employee of such persons committed an act of negligence, fraud, or dishonesty or other act reflecting adversely on ((a CPA's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's, the nonlicensee firm owner's, or CPA firm's)) the person's fitness to represent himself, herself, or itself as a ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, a CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or a nonlicensee firm owner((, or a CPA firm));

     (c) Sanctions and orders entered against such persons by a nongovernmental professionally related standard-setting body for violation of ethical or technical standards in the practice of public accounting by a licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner;

     (d) Cancellation, revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew the right to practice as a ((CPA)) licensee, ((CPA-Inactive)) certificateholder, or a nonlicensee firm owner by any other state for any cause other than failure to pay a fee or to meet the requirements of continuing education in the other state; or

     (((d))) (e) Suspension or revocation of the right to practice before any state agency, federal agency, or the PCAOB.

     (7) Any state or federal criminal conviction or commission of any act constituting a crime under the laws of this state, or of another state, or of the United States.

     (8) A conflict of interest such as:

     (a) Self dealing as a trustee, including, but not limited to:

     (i) Investing trust funds in entities controlled by or related to the trustee;

     (ii) Borrowing from trust funds, with or without disclosure; and

     (iii) Employing persons related to the trustee or entities in which the trust has a beneficial interest to provide services to the trust (unless specifically authorized by the trust creation document).

     (b) Borrowing funds from ((a client)) an individual residing in this state, not-for-profit organization, or nongovernmental commercial client required to register with the appropriate Washington state agency to conduct business in this state unless the client is in the business of making loans of the type obtained by the ((CPA)) licensee, as defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((CPA firm,)) or nonlicensee firm owner and the loan terms are not more favorable than loans extended to other persons of similar credit worthiness.

     (9) A violation of the Public Accountancy Act or failure to comply with a board rule contained in chapter 4-25 WAC, by a licensee, defined in WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or employees of such persons of this state or a licensee of another substantially equivalent state qualified for practice privileges, including but not limited to:

     (a) An individual exercising the practice privileges authorized by RCW 18.04.350(2) when not qualified;

     (b) Submission of an application for firm license on behalf of a firm licensed in another state and required to obtain a license under RCW 18.04.195 (1)(a)(iii) by an individual not qualified under RCW 18.04.350(2) or authorized by the firm to make such application;

     (c) Failure of an individual exercising the practice privileges authorized under RCW 18.04.350(2) to cease offering or performing professional services in this state, individually or on behalf of a firm, when the license from the state of the individual's principal place of business is no longer valid;

     (d) Failure of an individual exercising the practice privileges authorized under RCW 18.04.350(2) to cease offering or performing specific professional services in this state, individually or on behalf of a firm, when the license from the state of the individual's principal place of business has been restricted from performing those specific services;

     (e) Failure of a firm not licensed in this state to cease offering or performing professional services in this state through one or more individuals whose license from the state of those individuals' principal place(s) of business is (are) no longer valid or is (are) otherwise restricted from performing the specific engagement services;

     (f) Failure of a licensed firm to comply with the ownership requirements of RCW 18.04.195 within a reasonable time period, as determined by the board;

     (g) Failure of a firm licensed in this state or another state to comply with the board's quality assurance program requirements, when applicable.

     (10) Violation of one or more of the rules of professional conduct included in chapter 4-25 WAC ((or)).

     (11) Concealing another's violation of the Public Accountancy Act or board rules.

     (((11))) (12) Failure to cooperate with the board by failing to:

     (a) Furnish any papers or documents requested or ordered to produce by the board;

     (b) Furnish in writing a full and complete explanation related to a complaint as requested by the board;

     (c) Respond to an inquiry of the board;

     (d) Respond to subpoenas issued by the board, whether or not the recipient of the subpoena is the accused in the proceeding.

     (((12))) (13) Failure to comply with an order of the board.

     (((13) A CPA's, CPA-Inactive certificateholder's, or nonlicensee firm owner's)) (14) Adjudication of a licensee, as defined by WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or a nonlicensee firm owner as mentally incompetent is prima facie evidence that the ((CPA, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner)) person lacks the professional competence required by the rules of professional conduct.

     (((14))) (15) Failure of a licensee, as defined by WAC 4-25-410, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, ((or)) nonlicensee firm owner, or person exercising practice privileges authorized by RCW 18.04.195 and 18.04.350 to timely notify the board, ((on a form and)) in the manner prescribed by the board ((policy, within thirty days)), of any of the ((issuance of)) following:

     (a) A sanction, order, suspension, revocation, or modification of a license, certificate, permit or practice rights by the SEC, PCAOB, IRS, or another state board of accountancy for any cause other than failure to pay a professional license fee by the due date or failure to meet the continuing professional education requirements of another state board of accountancy; ((or))

     (b) Charges filed by the SEC, IRS, PCAOB, another state board of accountancy, or a federal or state taxing, insurance or securities regulatory body that the licensee, CPA-Inactive certificateholder, or nonlicensee firm owner committed a prohibited act that would be a violation of board ethical or technical standards.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(16), 18.04.295, and 18.04.305. 05-01-137, § 4-25-910, filed 12/16/04, effective 1/31/05; 03-24-033, § 4-25-910, filed 11/25/03, effective 12/31/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055(11), 18.04.295, and 18.04.305. 02-04-064, § 4-25-910, filed 1/31/02, effective 3/15/02; 00-11-078, § 4-25-910, filed 5/15/00, effective 6/30/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.04.055 and 18.04.295. 94-23-070, § 4-25-910, filed 11/15/94, effective 12/16/94.]

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