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Accountancy Resources

Additional Resources for Accounting

NOTICE: This page is designed to be a general guide to accountancy professionals regarding the profession as regulated by the Indiana Board of Accountancy and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. It is not intended to be offered as legal advice, and it may contain typographical errors. The Indiana Board of Accountancy and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency are prohibited from providing legal advice on issues contained herein. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. To obtain official copies of the Indiana Code or Indiana Administrative Code, contact your nearest public library or review the statutes & rules below with links to visit the website of the Indiana General Assembly at www.in.gov/legislative.

  • Statutes & Rules

    Licensure Law and Administrative Rules governing the accountancy profession are found in various parts of the Indiana Code. The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency provides access to the Licensure Law and Administrative Rules, available by clicking on the links below:

    Title 25 Article 2.1 - Accountants

    • Chapter 1. Title and Definitions
    • Chapter 2. State Board of Accountancy
    • Chapter 3. Certified Public Accountant
    • Chapter 4. Certificates
    • Chapter 5. Permits for Firms
    • Chapter 6. Accounting Practitioners
    • Chapter 7. Appointment of Agent
    • Chapter 8. Enforcement
    • Chapter 9. Complaints
    • Chapter 10. Hearings
    • Chapter 11. Reinstatement
    • Chapter 12. Violations
    • Chapter 13. Injunctions and Criminal Penalties
    • Chapter 14. Client Records
    • Chapter 15. Statute of Limitations

    Title 23 Article 1.5 - Professional Corporations

    • Chapter 1. Definitions
    • Chapter 2. Administrative Provisions
    • Chapter 3. Ownership
    • Chapter 4. Change of Corporate Form
    • Chapter 5. Foreign Professional Corporations

    Title 25 Article 1 - Professions and Occupations

    • Chapter 0.1. Effect of Certain Acts
    • Chapter 1. Evidence of License Applicant's Payment of Personal Property Taxes Required
    • Chapter 1.1. Effect of Criminal Convictions on Licensed or Registered Persons
    • Chapter 1.2. Effect of Delinquency in Child Support Payments on Licensed or Registered Persons
    • Chapter 2. Renewal of Licenses Granted by State Agencies. Notice of Expiration
    • Chapter 3. Civil Immunity of Regulatory Ethics
    • Chapter 4. Continuing Education
    • Chapter 5. Professional Licensing Agency
    • Chapter 5.5. Electronic Registry of Professions
    • Chapter 6. Professional Licensing Agency Functions and Duties
    • Chapter 7. Investigation and Prosecution of Complaints Concerning Regulated Occupations
    • Chapter 8. Occupational and Professional Licensure, Registration, and Certification Fees
    • Chapter 9. Health Professions Standards of Practice
    • Chapter 11. Professional Licensing Standards of Practice
    • Chapter 12. Renewal of Licenses Held by Individuals in Military Service
    • Chapter 13. Indiana Scheduled Prescription Electronic Collection and Tracking Program
    • Chapter 14. Repealed
    • Chapter 15. Exemptions for Athletic Organization Practitioner Licensed in Other Jurisdictions
    • Chapter 16. Evaluation of Regulated Occupations
    • Chapter 17. Licensure of Individuals with Military Training; Licensure of Military Spouses

    Title 872 Article 1 - General Provisions

    • Rule 0.5. Definitions
    • Rule 1. Requirements for Certification, Licensure, and Registration
    • Rule 2. Rules of Professional Conduct; Applicability
    • Rule 3. Permits to Practice; Continuing Education
    • Rule 4. Nonlicensee Firm Owners
    • Rule 5. Substantial Equivalency
    • Rule 6. Peer Review

    Additional Information

    Update: May 21, 2012 Emergency Rulemaking

    Final Rule Filed January 2, 2013

    If you do not have Adobe Acrobat on your computer you may download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader at http://www.adobe.com/

    Visit the online version of the Indiana Register in order to stay up-to-date on Board activities regarding the administrative rules of Title 872.

  • Continuing Education Requirements

    Use the table below to determine the needs for your circumstance.

    CPE Hours Required by Issuance Date:Total Hours Required for 3 Year Reporting PeriodMinimum Hours for Year of Issuance or Reactivation
    January 1 – March 31, first year of the reporting period12020
    April 1 – June 30, first year of the reporting period11015
    July 1 – September 30, first year of the reporting period10010
    October 1 – December 31, first year of the reporting period900
       
    January 1 – March 31, second year of the reporting period8020
    April 1 – June 30, second year of the reporting period7015
    July 1 – September 30, second year of the reporting period6010
    October 1 – December 31, second year of the reporting period500
       
    January 1 – March 31, third year of the reporting period40N/A
    April 1 – June 30, third year of the reporting period30N/A
    July 1 – September 30, third year of the reporting period20N/A
    October 1 – December 31, third year of the reporting period00

    "N/A" means that there is no specifically stated requirement for the year of issuance or reactivation because the licensee would have to obtain the prorated CPE hours for the three (3) year reporting period. Ethics hours are not prorated. (IC 25-2.1-2-15 and IC 25-2.1-4-5)

  • CPA Mobility

    View Other Jurisdictions Reciprocity Rules

  • Licensee FAQs
    • Question: I don't practice accountancy anymore, but want to maintain my license. What are my options?
      • Answer:
        • Renew inactive. Inactive licensees do not have practice privileges and do not have to attest to CPE compliance. Renewal is still triennial and the license fee is the same.
        • Renew active. Active licensees have full practice privileges and must renew triennially and attest to full CPE compliance.
        • Fail to renew. Licensees that fail to renew will expire and be subject to reinstatement procedures if a renewal is attempted. You can find the reinstatement instructions and forms located on the Renewal Instructions page.
    • Question: How do I change my CPA status from Active to Inactive?
      • Answer: You can only change your status at renewal or reinstatement.
    • Question: How do I return my inactive license to active status?
      • Answer: To return your inactive license to active status, you will need to complete the reactivation application and provide proof of 120 hours of CPE in the 3 years preceding reactivation (including 4 hours Ethics, 12 hours Accounting and Auditing, and no more than 50% self-study).
    • Question: When can I switch to a retired status?
      • Answer: You may select "Retired" status on your renewal application.  Please note that "Retired" status is available only for CPA license.
    • Question: How will the Board notify me of important updates or notices?
      • Answer: Primarily, the Board now uses electronic communications to send out important information. That is why it is vitally important to update all your personal information with the Board as it changes
    • Question: How do I change my name, address, or e-mail address with the Board?
    • Question: I am not a CPA. I offer bookkeeping and tax preparation for my clients. How does my business fit into Indiana's Accountancy statutes and rules?
      • Answer:
        • Non-CPAs may operate businesses that strictly provide bookkeeping and tax preparation.
        • Unlicensed individuals cannot hold themselves out as CPAs, PAs or accountants and should not advertise in a way that leads consumers to believe they can provide public accounting services.
        • Unlicensed individuals can not issue audits, reviews, financial statements, or compilation reports.
    • Question: I am a CPA. I only offer bookkeeping and tax preparation for my clients. Do I have to obtain a firm permit?
      • Answer: A CPA that operates a firm and uses the terms, CPA, accounting, etc. in any advertising must obtain a firm permit.
    • Question: If I want to do tax returns part-time, do I need to register myself as a firm? If so, will I be subject to a peer review?
      • Answer: If you plan to do any side work, including tax returns, and hold yourself out as a CPA, you must register as a firm. You will not be subject to a peer review as long as you do not perform any write-up work including financial statements, compilations, reviews, or audits.
    • Question: What firms are eligible to obtain a firm permit?
      • Answer:
        • The majority of the financial ownership and voting rights of a firm must hold active and valid CPA certificates to be eligible for a firm permit.
        • The firm must have a principal place of business in Indiana.
        • A firm of which only a minority of owners or no owners hold CPA certificates is NOT eligible to obtain a firm permit.
    • Question: If I perform mostly write up work, is my firm subject to a peer review?
      • Answer: Yes, the issuance of a financial statement requires a minimum of a compilation report unless it is a SSARS 8 engagement; therefore your firm is due a peer review. If you render only SSARS 8 engagements you are not subject to a peer review.
    • Question: My firm operates at more than one location. Is a firm permit required for each location?
      • Answer: No, only one permit per firm is required regardless of number of locations.
    • Question: When is Peer Review required?
      • Answer: 
        • All Indiana firms that perform ANY attest functions (audits, reviews, compilations or agreed upon procedures) must have a peer review completed once every three years regardless of the frequency these services are completed.
        • Contact the Indiana CPA Society (http://incpas.org/advocacy-compliance/compliance/peer-review) for more information about enrolling in peer review.
        • If you have any other questions about peer review, contact the Board compliance department at 317-234-3025.
    • Question: What happens when a consumer files a complaint?
      • Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General will investigate and may file a formal complaint with the Board. Before that point and throughout the investigation, all consumer complaints remain confidential, even from the Board.
    • Question: Is disciplinary action available to the public?
      • Answer: Yes. After a formal complaint has been filed, it is available to view through the PLA website. Any documentation as to the final outcome of the complaint will also be posted on the website.
    • Question: I'm a CPA. Do I need an attorney to represent me if a complaint has been filed against me?
      • Answer: The decision to retain or consult legal counsel is entirely yours. The Board does not require that you hire an attorney.
    • Question: Can Board action such as a letter of reprimand or probation affect my licensure status in other jurisdictions?
      • Answer: Possibly. Most states require that licensees disclose disciplinary action taken against them by other state licensing boards or professional accounting organizations. Each state has its own laws and rules. The decision to file a complaint against a licensee for past disciplinary action is solely made by other jurisdictions.
  • Continuing Education FAQs
    • Question: When submitting your renewal as an Active license holder, you will be attesting that you have met the following CPE requirements:
      • Answer:
        • A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three year reporting period.
        • No less than 20 hours per calendar year.
        • No less than 10% of the total hours (12 hours), for the reporting period, must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
        • No less than 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
        • No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
    • Question: How is this enforced?
      • Answer: Following each renewal, the Board is required to complete an audit of between 3% to 10% of licensees that renewed active. That is why it is critically important that you retain all certificates of completion for every class you attend over the three year reporting period. Retention of these certificates is specifically required by state law.
    • Question: How much CPE do I need if my license was issued in the current reporting period?
      • Answer: Please refer to the table in the Board's rules for more information (872 IAC 1-3-16).
    • Question: What is the difference between Renewal Periods and Reporting Periods?
      • Answer:
        • License Renewal Periods
          • Licenses have a three (3) year cycle.
          • July 1, 2018 - expires June 30, 2021
          • July 1, 2021 - expires June 30, 2024
          • July 1, 2024 - expires June 30, 2027
        • PE Reporting Periods
          • January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2020
          • January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2023
          • January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2026
    • Question: What is the difference between group study and self-study?
      • Answer:
        • Group study is defined as education received through real-time interaction with an instructor and other participants may be in a classroom, conference room setting, telephonic, or by using the internet.
        • Self Study is "designed to permit a participant to learn a given subject without involvement of an instructor."
        • The Board's rules presume that online classes are self-study. Make sure that if the class was administered in a group setting, your certificate of completion indicates as much.
    • Question: How can I tell if a sponsor will be accepted by the Board or not?
      • Answer: The Audit Committee will review each certificate of completion individually and evaluate the credibility of the sponsors and the subject matter of the courses according to the requirements of the Board's rules, particularly 872 IAC 1-3. In evaluating sponsors, the Committee typically gives greater deference to sponsors that are registered with NASBA per 872 IAC 1-3-4(c).
    • Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as CPE credit?
      • Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction.
    • Question: I want to take a course online; can I include that course as CPE credit?
      • Answer:
        • The course must be formally organized, primarily instructional, and designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in providing services in the practice of public accountancy.
        • The Board's rules presume that online classes are self-study. Make sure that if the class was administered in a group setting, your certificates of completion indicate as much.
    • Question: I plan to teach a CPE seminar. Can I include that seminar as CPE credit?
      • Answer: You will be permitted 2 hours preparation CPE credit for every 1 hour of CPE instructed for the first time you perform a lecture. You will not be able to count this preparation time again if you repeat the lecture, instruction, or discussion leadership. This amount cannot exceed 50% of the required minimum of the subject.
  • Inactive License FAQs
    • Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
      • Answer: Inactive License holders maintain their license and pay the licensing fees but are not required to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE). An expired licensee has failed to renewal and pay licensing fees or participate in Continuing Professional Education at all.
    • Question: I forgot my license number, how can I learn my license number?  
      • Answer: You can search by your name online: mylicense.in.gov/everification/Search.aspx
    • Question: Do I need to submit my CPE certificates and documents?  
      • Answer: Yes, you will need to submit all documents relating to Continuing Professional Education. You will need to submit our CPE Tracking Worksheet(s), along with copies of your certificates.
    • Question: Do you ever audit licensees?  
      • Answer: Yes, the board will perform an audit of randomly selected that renew active.
    • Question: How do I make changes to my address and email?
      • Answer: Be sure to review Page 10 - Visual Guide to Website to Renew, Update and Order License Card. This page will provide you with the specific location on our website to update your information.
    • Question: When will I get my License Card?  
      • Answer: You will not be mailed a License Card. You may go online to the License Express section and download a free license card and certificate.
    • Question: What is the difference between Renewal Periods and Reporting Periods?
      • Answer:
        • License Renewal Periods - Licenses have a three (3) year cycle
          • July 1, 2018 – expires June 30, 2021
          • July 1, 2021 – expires June 30, 2024
        • CPE Reporting Period - Reporting period for license issued with expiration date of 2024
          • January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
          • January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
          • January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
    • Question: What are the CPE requirements?
      • Answer: Referenced Code Summary 872 IAC 1-3
        • A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three year reporting period.
        • No less than 20 hours per calendar year.
        • A minimum of 10% of the total hours required for the reporting period must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
        • A minimum of 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
        • No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
    • Question: I want to take a course online; can I include that course as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: The course must be formally organized, primarily instructional, and designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in providing services in the practice of public accountancy. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: I plan to teach a seminar. Can I include that seminar as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: Lecturing, Instructing, and Discussion Leaders: You will be permitted 2 hours of preparation time CPE for every 1 hour of instruction but only for the first time you instruct the class. You will not be able to count this preparation time again if you repeat the lecture, instruction, or discussion leadership. This amount cannot exceed 50% of the required minimum of the subject. (872 IAC 13-3)
        • Example: Teaching a course in ethics. You can only receive credit for no more than 2 hours of CPE. To receive 2 hours of preparation CPE, you will need to have prepared a total of 1 hour of instruction for a total of 3 hours.
    • Question: Can I include lunch meetings and committee work with the state CPA organization?
      • Answer: You are not permitted to include them as CPE. In addition, you can not include business meetings that relate to elections of directors or officers or treasurers’ reports and committee reports. You will not be able to include local or national professional groups. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: How do I calculate time?
      • Answer:
        • One (1) fifty (50) minute period is equal to one (1) hour.
        • Twenty-five (25) minutes is equal to one-half (.5) hour. Half hour increments will only be  accepted after one full hour has been completed.
        • When the total minutes of a course are greater than fifty (50) minutes, but not divisible by fifty (50), CPE credit hours granted will be rounded down to the nearest one-half (.5) credit.
          • Example: a course with a total of 140 minutes will equate to 2.0 hours of CPE credit. (872 IAC 1-3-3)
    • Question: Can I take some college courses to meet my CPE credit?
      • Answer: You can receive CPE credit for graduate level courses. PA’s and AP’s who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration and economics may receive CPE credit for taking courses at an accredited university or college in accounting, business administration, and economics. (872 IAC 1-3-3.3) 4
    • Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction. (872 IAC 1-3-3.1)
    • Question: What is the difference between Renewal Periods and Reporting Periods?
      • Answer:
        • License Renewal Periods - Licenses have a three (3) year cycle
          • July 1, 2018 – expires June 30, 2021
          • July 1, 2021 – expires June 30, 2024

          CPE Reporting Period - Reporting period for license issued with expiration date of 2024

          • January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
          • January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022
          • January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023
    • Question: What are the CPE requirements?
      • Answer: Referenced Code Summary 872 IAC 1-3
        • A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three year reporting period.
        • No less than 20 hours per calendar year.
        • A minimum of 10% of the total hours required for the reporting period must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
        • A minimum of 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
        • No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
    • Question: I want to take a course online; can I include that course as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: The course must be formally organized, primarily instructional, and designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in providing services in the practice of public accountancy. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: I plan to teach a seminar. Can I include that seminar as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: Lecturing, Instructing, and Discussion Leaders: You will be permitted 2 hours of preparation time CPE for every 1 hour of instruction but only for the first time you instruct the class. You will not be able to count this preparation time again if you repeat the lecture, instruction, or discussion leadership. This amount cannot exceed 50% of the required minimum of the subject. (872 IAC 13-3)
        • Example: Teaching a course in ethics. You can only receive credit for no more than 2 hours of CPE. To receive 2 hours of preparation CPE, you will need to have prepared a total of 1 hour of instruction for a total of 3 hours.
    • Question: Can I include lunch meetings and committee work with the state CPA organization?
      • Answer: You are not permitted to include them as CPE. In addition, you can not include business meetings that relate to elections of directors or officers or treasurers’ reports and committee reports. You will not be able to include local or national professional groups. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: How do I calculate time?
      • Answer:
        • One (1) fifty (50) minute period is equal to one (1) hour.
        • Twenty-five (25) minutes is equal to one-half (.5) hour. Half hour increments will only be  accepted after one full hour has been completed.
        • When the total minutes of a course are greater than fifty (50) minutes, but not divisible by fifty (50), CPE credit hours granted will be rounded down to the nearest one-half (.5) credit.
          • Example: a course with a total of 140 minutes will equate to 2.0 hours of CPE credit. (872 IAC 1-3-3)
    • Question: Can I take some college courses to meet my CPE credit?
      • Answer: You can receive CPE credit for graduate level courses. PA’s and AP’s who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration and economics may receive CPE credit for taking courses at an accredited university or college in accounting, business administration, and economics. (872 IAC 1-3-3.3) 4
    • Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction. (872 IAC 1-3-3.1)
  • License Reinstatement FAQs
    • Question: What is the difference between Expired and an Inactive License?
      • Answer: Inactive License holders maintain their license and pay the licensing fees but are not required to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE). An expired licensee has failed to renew and pay licensing fees or participate in Continuing Professional Education at all.
    • Question: I forgot my license number, how can I learn my license number?
    • Question: Do I need to submit my CPE certificates and documents?
      • Answer: Yes, you will need to submit all documents relating to Continuing Professional Education. You will need to submit our CPE Tracking Worksheet(s), along with copies of your certificates.
    • Question: Do you ever audit licensees?
      • Answer: Yes, the board will perform an audit of randomly selected that renew active.
    • Question: How do I make changes to my address and email?
      • Answer: Login to your MyLicense.IN.gov account and you can updated your contact information.
    • Question: What are the CPE requirements for renewals?
      • Answer: Referenced Code Summary 872 IAC 1-3
        • A minimum of 120 total hours of instruction during the three year reporting period.
        • No less than 20 hours per calendar year.
        • A minimum of 10% of the total hours required for the reporting period, must be in Accounting and/or Auditing (A&A).
        • A minimum of 4 hours, for the reporting period, must be in Ethics.
        • No more than 50% of the required 120 hours for the reporting period, will be accepted as self study.
    • Question: I want to take a course online; can I include that course as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: The course must be formally organized, primarily instructional, and designed to enhance your knowledge and skill in providing services in the practice of public accountancy. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: I plan to teach a seminar. Can I include that seminar as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: Lecturing, Instructing, and Discussion Leaders: You will be permitted 2 hours of preparation time CPE for every 1 hour of instruction but only for the first time you instruct the class. You will not be able to count this preparation time again if you repeat the lecture, instruction, or discussion leadership. This amount cannot exceed 50% of the required minimum of the subject. (872 IAC 1- 3-3)
        • Example: Teaching a course in ethics. You can only receive credit for no more than 2 hours of CPE. To receive 2 hours of preparation CPE, you will need to have prepared a total of 1 hour of instruction for a total of 3 hours.
    • Question: Can I include lunch meetings and committee work with the state CPA organization?
      • Answer: You are not permitted to include them as CPE. In addition, you can not include business meetings that relate to elections of directors or officers or treasurers’ reports and committee reports. You will not be able to include local or national professional groups. (872 IAC 1-3-4)
    • Question: How do I calculate time?
      • Answer:
        • One (1) fifty (50) minute period is equal to one (1) hour.
        • Twenty-five (25) minutes is equal to one-half (.5) hour. Half hour increments will only be accepted after one full hour has been completed.
        • When the total minutes of a course are greater than fifty (50) minutes, but not divisible by fifty (50), CPE credit hours granted will be rounded down to the nearest one-half (.5) credit.
          • Example: a course with a total of 140 minutes will equate to 2.0 hours of CPE credit.
        • (872 IAC 1-3-3)
    • Question: Can I take some college courses to meet my CPE credit?
      • Answer: You can receive CPE credit for graduate level courses. PA’s and AP’s who do not have a Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration and economics may receive CPE credit for taking courses at an accredited university or college in accounting, business administration, and economics. (872 IAC 1-3-3.3)
    • Question: I teach a college course in beginning accounting, can I include that class as a CPE credit?
      • Answer: You cannot receive CPE credit for day-to-day course instruction. (872 IAC 1-3-3.1)
  • Firm Permit FAQs
    • Question: If I want to do tax returns part-time, do I need to register myself as a firm? If so, will I be subject to a peer review?
      • Answer: If you plan to do any side work, including tax returns, and hold yourself out as a CPA, you must register as a firm. You will not be subject to a peer review as long as you do not perform any write-up work including financial statements, compilations, reviews, or audits.
    • Question: What firms are eligible to obtain a firm permit?
      • Answer: The majority of the financial ownership and voting rights of a firm must hold active and valid CPA certificates to be eligible for a firm permit. The firm must have a principle place of business in Indiana. A firm of which only a minority of owners or no owners hold CPA certificates is NOT eligible to obtain a firm permit.
    • Question: If I perform mostly write up work, is my firm subject to a peer review?
      • Answer: Yes, the issuance of a financial statement requires a minimum of a compilation report unless it is a SSARS 8 engagement; therefore your firm is due a peer review. If you render only SSARS 8 engagements you are not subject to a peer review.
    • Question: My firm operates at more than one location. Is a firm permit required for each location?
      • Answer: No, only one permit per firm is required regardless of number of locations.
    • Question: When is Peer Review required?
      • Answer: All Indiana firms that perform ANY attest functions (audits, reviews, compilations or agreed upon procedures) must have a peer review completed once every three years regardless of the frequency these services are completed. Contact the Illinois CPA Society for more information about enrolling in peer review. If you have any other questions about peer review, contact the Board compliance department at 317-234-3025.
    • Question: What is peer review?
      • Answer: According to the IC § 25-2.1-1-12, peer review is a study or review of at least one aspect of the work of an individual or firm practicing accountancy that attests or issues compilation reports. These reviews are not performed by the Board of Accountancy. The Board of Accountancy appoints an administering entity who then matches reviewing firms with firms needing quality review. Currently, the administering entity is the Indiana CPA Society.
    • Question: What is the difference between a system review and an engagement review?
      • Answer: A system review is conducted on-site at the firm being reviewed while engagement reviews are conducted off-site.
    • Question: What firms are required to participate in peer review?
      • Answer: Any firm that performs attest services must complete a peer review once during the license cycle. Please see the Board’s rules for certain initial licensure exceptions. If a firm fails to have the peer review completed as required, the license may be subject to disciplinary action including renewal denial or revocation. 3 Question: Where can I locate more information about Peer Reviews? Answer: Check the Indiana CPA Society’s web page on peer review here: incpas.org/Public/PeerReview/IndianaFirms
    • Question: How often do I need to renew my Firm Permit?
      • Answer: Licenses have a three (3) year cycle as seen below:
    Licensees have a three (3) year Cycle
    Renewal PeriodsRenewals Begin:Late Fees Begin:
    July 1, 2018 - Expires June 30, 2021May 1, 2021July 1, 2021
    July 1, 2021 - Expires June 30, 2024May 1, 2024July 1, 2024
    July 1, 2024 - Expires June 30, 2027May 1, 2027July 1, 2027
  • Other Governing Bodies

    Indiana CPA Society

    • Website: INCPAS.org
    • Phone: [317] 726-5000
    • Toll Free: [800] 272-2054
    • Email: info@incpas.org
    • Mail:
      • 8250 Woodfield Crossing Blvd #100
        Indianapolis, Indiana 46240-4348

    National Association of State Boards of Accountancy

    • Website: Nasba.org
    • Phone: 866-MY-NASBA
    • Email: cbtcpa@nasba.org
    • Mail:
      • 150 Fourth Ave. North Ste. 700
        Nashville, Tennessee 37219-2417

    American Institute of CPAs

  • Consumer Information

    Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

    • Question: I think my CPA overcharged me for some work. Does the Board regulate fees charged by CPA's?
      • Answer: The Board does not have the authority to regulate fees.
    • Question: My CPA did not file my taxes in a timely manner, and now the IRS is assessing monetary penalties. I wish to receive restitution. Can the Board force the CPA and/or the accounting firm to pay these penalties?
      • Answer: No. The Board's main objective is to determine if the licensee or licensed accounting firm violated the accountancy statutes and rules. If the conduct of the CPA or licensed accounting firm costs the consumer money, the consumer should file a civil lawsuit against that individual or firm.
    • Question: How do I file a complaint? Complaints should be directed to the Office of the Indiana Attorney General (OAG) via their website (https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/consumer-protection-division/file-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/).What happens after I file a complaint?
      • Answer: Once the complaint is filed, the OAG will investigate and may file a formal complaint with the Board. Before that point and throughout the investigation, all consumer complaints remain confidential, even from the Board.
    • Question:Is disciplinary action available to the public?
      • Answer: Yes. After a formal complaint has been filed, it is available to view through the PLA website. Any documentation as to the final outcome of the complaint will also be posted on the website.
    • Question: How can I get a copy of the Statutes and Rules?
      • Answer: You can read the Statutes and Rules in the first section of this page.

    If you have any other questions, feel free to email us at pla14@pla.in.gov.

    NOTICE: This page is designed to be a general guide for consumers regarding the accountancy profession regulated by the Indiana Board of Accountancy and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency. It is not intended to be offered as legal advice, and it may contain typographical errors. The Indiana Board of Accountancy and the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency are prohibited from providing legal advice on issues contained herein. For legal advice, please consult an attorney. To obtain official copies of the Indiana Code of Indiana Administrative Code, contact your nearest public library or visit the website of the Indiana General Assembly at www.in.gov/legislative.

    Information on how to submit a Consumer complaint can be found on the Consumer Complaint Process page.

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