The live Webcast, entitled  "Ethics: Our Joint Responsibility," airs February 12 from 2-3 pm ET. 

Program panelists will focus specifically on the Treasury Circular 230, which governs practice before the Internal Revenue Service, and will address common compliance issues that practitioners confront when filing for a client. By registering and logging on to http://www.taxtalktoday.tv, practitioners can view the program live, or can view the archived version at a later date.

"Standards for tax practice are intricate, and as a result can be quite confusing to follow. Moreover, everyday life situations can blur the lines between what is ethical, and what is not," said Les Witmer, the program moderator. "This episode will clarify how the Circular works, allowing practitioners to better represent taxpayers before the IRS."

In particular, Tax Talk Today will examine the common questions that pose confusion for practitioners. For instance: "What if you have a new client who has been aggressive about expensing rather than capitalizing assets? If the return has already been filed, does the practitioner have an obligation to disclose what he/she perceives to be an error? And, to whom is this disclosed?" Questions regarding a practitioner’s duty to disclose a client’s unreported income -- when the practitioner has not prepared the file -- will also be addressed.  

The IRS Director of Practice, Stanley Oshinksy, will discuss the intentions behind the Circular, how questions about the application of the standards can be clarified and how the rules are enforced. He will be joined by practitioners who will point out how the ethical standards of the accounting and legal professions interact with the Treasury Circular 230.

Panelists will field questions from participants, who will be given the chance to call-in, or send their questions via fax or email. To send a question, email Questions@taxtalktoday.tv

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