The AICPA’s Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs) are enforceable tax practice standards for members of the AICPA.  The SSTSs apply to all members regardless of the jurisdictions in which they practice and the types of taxes with respect to which they are providing services.  The original SSTSs, adopted in 2000, were revised in 2009, effective January 1, 2010. See below for links to the current and the former SSTSs.

            Statements on Standards for Tax Services - Effective January 1, 2010        

            Statements on Standards for Tax Services - 2000-2009

SSTS Interpretations  

SSTS Interpretation No. 1-1, “Realistic Possibility Standard” (2000)
Interpretation No. 1-1, "Realistic Possibility Standard" of Statement on Standards for Tax Services No. 1, Tax Return Positions (2000), offers guidance to members regarding the “realistic possibility standard."  (This Interpretation is included in the SSTSs 2000-2009 document, above.)  NOTE:  Interpretation No. 1-1 currently is being updated.  

SSTS Interpretation No. 1-2, Tax Planning (2003)
Interpretation No. 1-2, "Tax Planning," of Statement on Standards for Tax Services No. 1, Tax Return Positions, offers additional guidance to members regarding providing services in connection with tax planning.  Interpretation 1-2 sets forth a five-step process for members to use in providing tax planning opinions and in reviewing third-party opinions.  The Interpretation applies to members in public practice as well as those in industry.  It also applies both to prospective and completed transactions, including recommending or expressing oral and written opinions on tax return positions, and to tax return preparation.   NOTE: Interpretation 1-2 currently is being updated.          

Additional Tax Practice Standards and Ethics Rules
 For information on additional standards and ethics rules applicable to tax practice, see Standards and Ethics under the Interest Areas - Tax section of the website.