Managed IT for accounting firms
Managed IT for accounting and CPA firms
Helpdesk, security and the written information security plan that tax and accounting firms need under the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS guidance.
The short answer
WCC provides managed IT for accounting and CPA firms: helpdesk, monitoring, security and backup, plus the written information security plan tax preparers need under the FTC Safeguards Rule and IRS guidance. We keep your firm running through tax season and documented for insurers and clients.
Requirements
The rules that apply to your firm's data
| Rule | Who it applies to | What IT has to do |
|---|---|---|
| FTC Safeguards Rule | Tax preparers and many accounting firms | Written security plan, qualified individual, risk assessment, MFA, encryption, monitoring and an incident response plan |
| IRS Publication 4557 | Professional tax preparers | Safeguard taxpayer data and keep a written information security plan |
| IRS data theft reporting | Preparers who suffer a breach | Report taxpayer data theft to the IRS and state agencies quickly |
| Client and insurer requirements | Firms with cyber insurance or business clients | Document MFA, endpoint protection and backup |
Sources: IRS Protect Your Clients, FTC Safeguards Rule.
Services
What managed IT for accounting firms covers
Helpdesk and monitoring
Fast support for accountants and staff, with extra attention before filing deadlines.
Written security plan
We write and maintain the plan the Safeguards Rule requires, and can serve as or support your qualified individual.
Email and identity security
MFA and phishing protection, since tax-season phishing is the most common attack on firms.
Secure client portals
Encrypted file exchange instead of emailing tax documents.
Backup and recovery
Encrypted, tested backup for tax and accounting software and client files.
Remote and seasonal staff
Secure laptops and remote access for seasonal and remote workers.
Who we serve
Firms we support
Tax preparation firms
Seasonal peaks, preparer requirements and taxpayer data.
Safeguards Rule focus
CPA and audit firms
Client confidentiality, audit files and client security questionnaires.
Standard or Advanced tier
Bookkeeping and advisory
Small teams that need a full IT and security team without hiring one.
Fully managed
FAQ
Managed IT for accounting firms questions
What does managed IT for an accounting firm include?
Helpdesk, monitoring and patching, endpoint security, MFA, encrypted email, secure file exchange, backup and network management, plus the written security plan and documentation the FTC Safeguards Rule requires.
Does the FTC Safeguards Rule apply to my firm?
It applies to tax preparers and many firms that handle consumers' financial information. It requires a written information security program, a qualified individual to oversee it, risk assessments, MFA, encryption, monitoring, staff training and an incident response plan. The IRS points preparers to the same requirements in Publication 4557.
Can WCC write our written information security plan?
Yes. We write it, map it to your actual systems and update it as your firm changes. Our vCISO service can fill or support the qualified individual role.
Do you support our tax and accounting software?
We support the infrastructure around it, such as servers, workstations, remote access, security and backup, for software like CCH, UltraTax, Lacerte, Drake and QuickBooks. Application support stays with the vendor.
How much does managed IT cost for an accounting firm?
Most firms pay $150 to $225 per user per month for the Standard tier. A 15-person firm usually pays about $2,250 to $3,375 a month. See managed IT cost per user.
What should we do if we suspect a data breach?
Call us to contain it, then report taxpayer data theft to the IRS through your stakeholder liaison and notify state agencies as required. An incident response plan written ahead of time makes those first hours much easier.
Related
Related guides and services
Get a recommendation
Get a managed IT quote for your firm
Tell us about your firm, staff and software. We'll review your Safeguards Rule readiness and send a fixed monthly price.