SSTSs.

• Author: Laffie, Lesli S.

Effective Oct. 31, 2000, enforceable Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs) replace the Statements on Responsibilities in Tax Practice (SRTPs). (For backgound, see "Tax Executive Committee Exposes Proposed Statements on Standards for Tax Services," TTA, May 2000, p. 357, and DC Currents: "TEC Initiatives," TTA, Nov. 2000, p. 809.)

The Preface to the SSTSs states that, while the number and names of the SSTSs and the substantive rules remain the same as in the SRTPs, the language has been edited to clarify and reflect the SSTSs' enforceability. The standards' applicability is not limited to Federal income tax practice; thus, the language has been changed to mirror the broader scope. The SSTSs are intended to be part of an ongoing process that may require continuing change and interpretation. The eight SSTSs and one Interpretation are as follows:

1. Tax Return Positions and Interpretation No. 1-1, "Realistic Possibility Standard."

2. Answers to Questions on Returns.

3. Certain Procedural Aspects of Preparing Returns.

4. Use of Estimates.

5. Departure From a Position Previously...