IRS Cybersecurity Compliance White Paper
A comprehensive guide to every cybersecurity requirement facing tax professionals — IRS Publication 4557, FTC Safeguards Rule, GLBA, and WISP — explained in plain English with actionable steps.
- All four compliance frameworks mapped and cross-referenced
- Step-by-step implementation checklist for each requirement
- Penalty breakdown — IRS, FTC, and state-level consequences
- Updated for 2026 PTIN renewal and WISP attestation requirements
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Download the Free White Paper
IRS Pub 4557, FTC Safeguards Rule, GLBA, and WISP — all in one guide
Detailed walkthroughs, checklists, and implementation steps
Reflects the latest PTIN attestation requirements and FTC enforcement actions
No strings attached — get the white paper and start implementing today
What's Inside the White Paper
Tax professionals face a confusing web of overlapping cybersecurity mandates. This white paper cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to full compliance.
Framework Breakdown
Each framework explained — what it requires, who enforces it, what the penalties are, and how they overlap with each other.
Implementation Checklists
Practical, step-by-step checklists for Security Six, FTC's 9 mandatory controls, WISP sections, and vendor management.
Penalty Guide
Full penalty breakdown — FTC fines ($100K+ per violation), PTIN revocation, EFIN deactivation, state-level enforcement, and civil liability.
2026 Updates
PTIN renewal now requires WISP attestation. This edition covers the new Form W-12 requirements and recent FTC enforcement actions.
Who This White Paper Is For
Written specifically for tax industry professionals navigating cybersecurity compliance
Tax Preparers & EAs
Solo practitioners and small firms that need a clear compliance roadmap without hiring a cybersecurity team.
CPAs & Accounting Firms
Multi-partner firms handling sensitive financial data across multiple clients and needing firm-wide compliance.
Bookkeepers & Payroll
Bookkeeping and payroll services that handle financial data and fall under the same FTC and IRS requirements.
Compliance Officers
Internal compliance leads who need a reference document to audit their firm's cybersecurity posture against all frameworks.
Financial Advisors
Financial advisors and planners classified as 'financial institutions' under GLBA who must meet FTC Safeguards requirements.
Firm Owners & Partners
Decision-makers who need to understand the business risk of non-compliance and the investment required to get compliant.
From Download to Compliant
Use the white paper as your roadmap — or let Bellator handle the heavy lifting
Download & Review
Get the white paper and assess where your practice stands against each framework's requirements.
Identify Gaps
Use the included checklists to pinpoint exactly which controls, policies, and documentation you're missing.
Implement or Hire
Handle it yourself with our step-by-step guidance, or bring in Bellator to implement everything for you.
“The white paper finally made sense of all the overlapping requirements. We used it to audit our practice and then brought Bellator in to close the gaps. Best decision we made all year.”
White Paper — Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, completely free with no strings attached. Fill out the form and you'll receive an instant download link. We created this resource because too many tax professionals are confused by the overlapping compliance requirements — and confusion leads to non-compliance.
No. The white paper is an educational guide that explains what you need and how to get compliant. Your WISP is a separate, formal document specific to your practice that you must maintain for IRS and FTC compliance. We offer a free WISP template separately, and Bellator can create a custom WISP tailored to your practice for $577.
This is the 2026 edition, updated to reflect the latest PTIN renewal requirements (including WISP attestation on Form W-12), recent FTC enforcement actions against tax preparers, and current penalty amounts. We update the white paper whenever there are significant regulatory changes.
Probably. Most tax professionals are partially compliant with one or two frameworks but have gaps in others. Having a WISP doesn't mean you meet the FTC Safeguards Rule's 9 mandatory controls. Meeting the IRS Security Six doesn't cover the FTC's Qualified Individual requirement. The white paper's cross-reference tables make it easy to see exactly where you have coverage and where you have gaps.
Understand your IRS compliance obligations
Download our free white paper on cybersecurity compliance for tax professionals.