Tax Pros Get AI & Cyber Lifeline Amid Rising Threats and Regulations

ORLANDO, Fla. – May 20, 2026 – As tax professionals find themselves at a critical crossroads of technological innovation and regulatory pressure, a new strategic partnership aims to provide a much-needed roadmap. Verito, a specialized managed IT provider for accounting firms, and the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) have announced a new education partnership to deliver a comprehensive AI governance and cybersecurity curriculum to NATP's more than 23,000 members.

The initiative, launching in the second quarter of 2026, directly confronts the dual challenges rapidly reshaping the tax industry: the largely ungoverned integration of artificial intelligence into daily workflows and the escalating demands for stringent data protection from federal regulators.

A New Era of Risk and Regulation

The modern tax practice is no longer just about numbers and tax code. It's a high-stakes digital environment where vast quantities of sensitive client data are processed and stored. This has made tax and accounting firms prime targets for cybercriminals, who are increasingly using AI-powered tools to launch sophisticated phishing and ransomware attacks.

Simultaneously, AI tools have quietly become indispensable. Research indicates that 46% of accountants now use AI daily, a stark increase from just 18% in 2023. These tools are drafting communications, summarizing complex documents, and automating routine tasks, promising significant efficiency gains. However, this rapid adoption has often occurred in a policy vacuum, leaving firms exposed.

"AI is already inside the workflow of most tax firms, whether the firm's owner planned it or not," said Jatin Narang, CEO and co-founder of Verito, in a statement. "The question isn't whether to engage with these technologies. It's how to use them well, protect client data, and document the decisions you're making."

This technological shift is happening under the strict oversight of federal agencies. The Federal Trade Commission's updated Safeguards Rule (16 CFR Part 314) explicitly classifies professional tax preparers as 'financial institutions,' holding them to the same data security standards as banks. The rule mandates a detailed written security program, the appointment of a 'Qualified Individual' to oversee cybersecurity, and carries steep penalties for non-compliance, which can reach over $50,000 per violation.

Furthermore, the IRS, through Publication 4557, requires every preparer holding a PTIN to create and maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP). Failure to comply not only risks FTC enforcement but can also lead to the suspension of a preparer's Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), effectively shutting down their business, alongside potential civil litigation and state-level penalties.

A Strategic Alliance to Bridge the Gap

The partnership between Verito and NATP is designed to equip tax professionals with the specific knowledge and tools needed to navigate this complex landscape. By combining Verito's decade of experience in providing secure IT infrastructure for over 1,000 accounting firms with NATP's extensive reach and deep understanding of its members' needs, the curriculum offers a highly tailored solution.

"Protecting taxpayer data and helping members adapt to emerging technologies are important priorities for NATP," stated Scott Artman, CEO of the National Association of Tax Professionals. "We're pleased to work with Verito to provide education and resources that help tax professionals strengthen their practices and confidently navigate evolving cybersecurity and AI considerations."

The curriculum is structured around three core domains where firms face the most pressing questions:

• AI Governance for Tax Workflows: This module addresses how to vet and select appropriate AI tools, document their use in client engagements, and ensure that AI vendors handling taxpayer data meet security standards.
• Written Information Security Plans (WISPs): Members will learn how to build, update, and maintain an audit-ready WISP, a non-negotiable regulatory requirement. The program provides practical templates to streamline this process.
• Modern Data Protection Practices: This covers the technical foundations of a secure practice, including encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), access management, and incident response planning that aligns with expectations from clients and cyber insurance underwriters.

For NATP members, the partnership delivers tangible benefits, including continuing education credits, a library of ready-to-use templates for AI use policies and incident response plans, and access to subject-matter experts.

Building the 'Cyber-Ready' Firm

This initiative champions a concept Verito calls the 'Cyber-Ready Tax Practice'—a firm that treats its AI, data, and compliance responsibilities with the same rigor and deliberation as it handles a tax return. This framework is not about creating new, burdensome rules but about systematically applying existing regulations to the modern technological environment.

A 'Cyber-Ready' firm documents its adherence to standards like the IRS 'Security Six' (anti-virus, firewalls, MFA, backups, encryption, VPNs) and the specific mandates of the FTC Safeguards Rule. By formalizing these practices, particularly around AI usage, firms can move beyond a reactive, compliance-focused posture.

The benefits of this proactive stance extend far beyond avoiding penalties. A demonstrably secure and well-governed practice builds significant client trust, a crucial differentiator in a crowded market. It also strengthens a firm's position when applying for cyber insurance, potentially leading to better coverage and lower premiums. For firm owners planning for the future, a 'Cyber-Ready' posture can substantially increase firm valuation by mitigating risk and demonstrating operational maturity.

By providing a structured path through these complex decisions, the Verito-NATP curriculum empowers tax professionals to transform a landscape of risk and regulation into an opportunity for strategic growth and enhanced professional standing.