Talk:Accountant–client privilege

Rename
This article should be renamed "Tax Practitioner-Client Privilege." The current title is *far* too broad as the privilege applies, 1) ONLY to tax issues, and 2) ONLY to FEDERAL tax - there is no privilege as it pertains to state tax. Further, the privilege - which does NOT apply to general accounting -- is NOT limited to tax *accounting* questions.

Additionally, the current title is misleading because the tax practioner NEED NOT BE an accountant. The tax practitioner can be an attorney, an enroled agent, or an enroled actuary.

More importantly, the privilege does NOT apply to all accountants. Only communication with a Certified Public Accountant qualifies for the protection of the privilege. If your tax return is prepared by an accountant who is NOT a CPA, your communication with that accountant is NOT privileged (unless s/he is also an attorney, enroled agent, or enroled actuary.

For the reasons stated, the title of the article should be changed from "Accountant-Client Privilege" to "Tax Practitioner-Client Privilege." —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 207.200.116.12 (talk • contribs). on 3 April 2006.

Clarify
The last sentence of the third paragraph, referencing the "American policy" needs clarification as no previous explanation as to what this policy is or how it relates to the Canadian Federal Court case is made.

"In Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal took note of the American policy but refused to give any weight to it on the grounds that it is for Parliament to choose to enact a similar rule in Canada.[2]" — Preceding unsigned comment added by Rdyornot (talk • contribs) 22:07, 31 October 2014 (UTC)