Stay audit-ready with a practical WISP and turnkey IT solutions
CPA firms manage some of the most sensitive data, Social Security numbers, tax returns, payroll records, and bank account details. Because of this, the IRS and FTC Safeguards Rule require tax professionals to create and maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).
At Joker Business Solutions, we’ve built a free WISP template designed for CPA firms to save time, stay compliant, and protect client data. Even better, our IT services can help you implement the safeguards the IRS requires, from backups and encryption to antivirus and monitoring.
What Is a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)?
A WISP is a formal document that outlines how your firm protects client data through administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. For CPA firms and tax preparers, it’s more than paperwork, it’s your compliance roadmap and proof to regulators that you take data security seriously.
IRS & FTC Requirements for Data Security
The IRS and FTC require CPA firms to safeguard taxpayer data under:
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IRS Publication 4557: Safeguarding Taxpayer Data
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IRS Publication 1345: E-File Security Requirements
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Internal Revenue Code §7216
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FTC Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314)
These regulations require firms to:
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Maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP)
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Perform annual risk assessments
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Use safeguards like encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure backups
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Train employees annually on security best practices
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Maintain an incident response plan for breaches
Without a WISP, firms risk penalties, audits, and loss of e-file privileges.
Why CPA Firms Need a WISP
Cybercriminals target CPA firms because of the valuable data they hold. A WISP isn’t just compliance, it’s business protection. It helps your firm:
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Reduce risk of breaches, identity theft, and ransomware attacks
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Pass IRS and FTC compliance audits with confidence
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Build client trust by demonstrating a commitment to data protection
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Train staff and hold vendors accountable to security standards
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Free WISP Template for CPA Firms
To make compliance easier, Joker Business Solutions has created a downloadable WISP template that you can customize for your firm.
What’s Included in the Template?
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Firm Profile section to document your environment
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Data Classification Policy (public, internal, confidential/NPI)
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Administrative, Technical, and Physical Safeguards
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Access Control & Password Policy
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Remote Work & Device Security Policies
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Incident Response Plan with timelines
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Data Retention & Disposal Policy
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Employee Acknowledgment Log and Breach Log Template
👉 Download the Free CPA Firm WISP Template (PDF)
How Joker Business Solutions Helps CPA Firms Stay Compliant
While a WISP provides the plan, your firm still needs the tools and IT infrastructure to enforce it. That’s where Joker Business Solutions comes in.
We help CPA firms implement IRS-compliant safeguards, including:
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Automated Data Backups – Daily encrypted backups stored securely and tested regularly
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Antivirus & Endpoint Protection – Enterprise-grade protection to block ransomware, malware, and phishing attempts
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Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Extra login protection for email, tax software, and client portals
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Encryption Services – Protect laptops, workstations, and files with AES-256 encryption
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Secure Remote Access – VPN and cloud access solutions with monitoring
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Disaster Recovery Planning – Ensure your firm can keep operating in case of outages or cyberattacks
💡 With Joker Business Solutions, CPA firms don’t just get a compliance template, they get a technology partner that ensures IRS and FTC requirements are actually met in practice.
How to Use the Free WISP Template
- Download the template PDF.
- Customize it with your firm’s details.
- Train employees on policies.
- Review and update annually.
- Work with Joker Business Solutions to ensure your backups, antivirus, encryption, and monitoring align with IRS and FTC standards.
