Arthur Young & Co., a firm of certified public accountants, was the independent

Question

Arthur Young & Co., a firm of certified public accountants, was the independent auditor for Amerada Hess Corporation. During its review of Amerada’s financial statements as required by federal securities laws, Young confirmed Amerada’s statement of its contingent tax liabilities and prepared tax accrual work papers. These work papers, which pertained to Young’s evaluation of Amerada’s reserves for contingent tax liabilities, included discussions of questionable positions Amerada might have taken on its tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiated a criminal investigation of Amerada’s tax returns when, during a routine audit, it discovered questionable payments made by Amerada from a “special disbursement account.” The IRS summoned Young to make available all its information relating to Amerada, including the tax accrual work papers. Amerada instructed Young not to obey the summons. The IRS then brought an action against Young to enforce the administrative summons.

a) What are the arguments that Young must turn over the work papers?

b) What are the arguments that the work papers are protected from government summons?

Explanation / Answer

Since IRS summon is administrative he is required to turn in the papers

1. Audit working papers which contains relevant information is owned by Young but he has to disclose the paper in two conditions

1. The client consents
2. Court orders the disclosure

Since IRS summon is administrative he is required to turn in the papers

1. Internal revenue service (IRS) Restructuring and Reform Act grants accountants who are authorized under federal law to practice infront of the IRS.it is in general considered unethical for accountants to disclose confidential communication from a client unless the disclosure is in accordance with

1. AICPA or GASS requirement
2. A court order
3. The client’s request

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