Verito and NATP Unveil Cutting-Edge AI Governance Curriculum for Tax Professionals

Verito Partners with NATP to Elevate AI Governance Education for Tax Preparers

In a groundbreaking initiative, Verito, a leading cloud hosting and IT service provider for accounting firms, has teamed up with the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) to deliver an innovative AI governance and cybersecurity curriculum aimed at tax professionals. This collaborative effort will offer tax preparers access to essential education resources, preparing them to navigate the complexities of AI and modern data protection protocols.

Key Aspects of the Education Partnership

Launching in Q2 2026, this comprehensive curriculum is specifically designed for NATP’s 23,000+ members across the United States. It responds to the rapid changes in tax practice, where AI tools are woven into the fabric of daily workflows. As tax professionals increasingly rely on AI for drafting returns and communicating with clients, the necessity for structured guidelines regarding data usage and regulatory compliance intensifies.

The curriculum seeks to provide tax preparers with a structured framework for dealing with AI technology and its implications for client data security. It builds upon Verito's established concept of the Cyber-Ready Tax Practice, which advocates for a proactive approach to managing AI use and regulatory documentation as rigorously as traditional practices.

Why the Curriculum Is Timely

Tax practices are undergoing a substantial transformation as AI tools become commonplace. From assisting with return drafting to enriching client interactions, these technologies are shaping how firms operate. However, the absence of formal policies on how these tools are utilized raises significant risks.

Moreover, current regulatory standards demand a heightened level of diligence regarding client data management. For instance, every tax preparer is required to maintain a Written Information Security Plan (WISP) as specified by IRS Publication 4557. Additionally, the updated FTC Safeguards Rule has shifted expectations, mandating firms to uphold data protection standards akin to those of financial institutions.

Curriculum Content Overview

Verito's curriculum will encompass three pivotal areas where tax professionals are seeking guidance:
1. AI Governance for Tax Workflows: This segment focuses on identifying fitting AI tools for tax preparation tasks, documenting AI usage in client engagements, and vetting AI vendors that handle sensitive taxpayer information.
2. Written Information Security Plans (WISPs): It will cover the strategies for building, updating, and maintaining WISPs, accompanied by templates and documentation that are ready for audit.
3. Modern Data Protection Practices: Tax professionals will learn about encryption, access management, multi-factor authentication, and incident response patterns that are now essential in safeguarding data.

The curriculum draws from Verito's extensive experience supporting over 1,000 tax and accounting firms using popular software like Drake, UltraTax, and QuickBooks. The insights gained by working closely with these firms will inform best practices and shape the educational materials provided.

Supporting Firms in Adapting to Emerging Challenges

Jatin Narang, CEO and co-founder of Verito, emphasizes the necessity for tax firms to engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies. He states, "AI is already part of the workflow for most tax firms, whether planned or not. The question is not whether to adopt these technologies but how to use them effectively while ensuring the protection of client data and proper documentation of decision-making processes. This is what constitutes a Cyber-Ready Tax Practice."

The partnership promises to deliver value through the provision of continuing education credits and ready-to-use templates, including AI use policies and vetting checklists. Furthermore, it will enable firms to build a defensible Cyber-Ready Tax Practice that enhances client retention and positions them favorably for cyber insurance qualification.

NATP’s CEO, Scott Artman, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "Safeguarding taxpayer data and assisting members in adapting to new technologies are key priorities for the NATP. We are excited to collaborate with Verito in providing resources that empower tax professionals in navigating the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and AI."

Conclusion

This strategic alliance between Verito and NATP marks a significant advance in equipping tax professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital environment. As both organizations work together to strengthen cybersecurity and educational resources, tax professionals can look forward to navigating modern challenges with confidence and expertise.

For more information, you can visit NATP's official website or contact Verito directly for partnership details.