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People

Text Me Not: Hidden Perils of Modern Communication for CPAs Logo aicpa

  Gerald H. Schreiber, CPA |   Free |   AICPA |   29 Nov 2016 |   AICPA Insights

In today's fast-paced digital world, people expect answers at the touch of a keypad. That's why you may find more of your clients text you at all hours, looking for guidance on their latest tax issues. Think twice before you respond -- there could be legal, privacy and security implications for sending the information they're looking for via text. This blog post suggests some guidelines to consider.

Topics covered:
  • Management accounting: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Employee benefit plan auditing: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Governmental auditing: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Financial accounting & reporting: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Assurance: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Not-for-profit: People: Communication, Foundational
  • IT management & assurance: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Firm practice management: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Tax: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Forensic & valuation services: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Fair value measurement: People: Communication, Foundational
  • Personal financial planning: People: Communication, Foundational

2 Comments/Reflections

Marian Lakshika Fernando

Marian Lakshika Fernando May 2022

There are conversations that can be done via text messages. But it is not always the case. one should be aware which information should be divulge in text conversations with clients.
Bernhard Heyns

Bernhard Heyns Dec 2016

Methods of communication has become increasingly more and more over the last couple of years and a colleague or customer would be easily able to find more information about you via all the online sources ie: Facebook, Linkedin, Skype or Whatsapp.

As mentioned all these social media and communication tools don't have the disclaimers you would have in your email signature and provided you supply a customer with the wrong information which might lead to some financial loss you could expose yourself to a significant risk.

it is always best to respond to customers professionally and emails or phone calls would probably be the best way to minimize the risk you expose yourself and your company to.

This article has again highlighted the importance of ensuring you use the correct communication method and the risks you need to be aware off.