Testimony begins on CPA/client privilege legislation

Testimony began last week on one of The Ohio Society's top legislative priorities: a bill that would create testimonial privilege between CPAs and their clients.

Sponsored by Sen. Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), SB 80 would establish a testimonial privilege which allows business and personal clients to openly discuss issues, problems and opportunities with their CPA without the threat of subpoena should a future court action occur. 

OSCPA has worked tirelessly for months to educate Ohio legislators about the need for Ohioans to have this critical protection. “Ohioans deserve to have the ability to safely explore confidential issues with their CPA,” said Barbara Benton, CAE, OSCPA vice president of governmental affairs.

The privilege will protect deliberative confidential discussions, whether oral or in writing, between CPA and client. In response to concerns by law enforcement agencies, all other CPA work products (the “paper trail”) will not be protected from subpoena to ensure criminal investigations of potential white collar crime will not be impeded.

Contact your legislator today

OSCPA anticipates opposition to SB 80. The OSCPA governmental affairs team can help members share their views with legislators on the need for this legislation. For more information on this issue and how you can get involved, contact Barbara Benton.

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