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Bellator Cyber Guard
BELLATOR CYBER GUARD
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WISP TEMPLATE FOR TAX PREPARERS

A practical WISP template for your tax practice. Free.

Use this editable Word and PDF template to document the safeguards your firm actually uses to protect taxpayer data. Adapt each section to your people, systems, and processes.

Nine planning areas to customize for your firm
Editable Word & PDF for tax professionals
Free. No credit card. Instant download.
CONFIDENTIAL · FIRM COPY
Written Information Security Plan
ALIGNED TO IRS PUB 4557 GUIDANCE
Get your free WISP template
Editable Word & PDF. Instant download.
Your details stay with Bellator. Never sold, never shared.

Build a useful plan for your practice

01
Download the template

A complete example plan arrives instantly as an editable Word document and PDF, structured section by section.

02
Make it your firm’s plan

A useful WISP reflects your real practice. Every section arrives pre-written, so your work is naming your people, your systems, and the safeguards you actually use.

03
Review, approve & maintain it

Keep it with your records, review it regularly, and update it when your people, systems, or safeguards change.

Inside the editable WISP template

This template gives you a practical starting structure for documenting how your practice safeguards taxpayer data, with clear places to add your firm’s real people, systems, and procedures.

CONTENTS · 9 PLANNING AREAS
01Purpose, scope & plan objectives
02Responsible individuals: your Data Security Coordinator
03Risk assessment
04Hardware & software inventory
05Data safeguards & access controls
06Employee training & management
07Incident response & breach notification
08Service provider oversight
09Annual review & updates

How IRS guidance and your WISP fit together

Publication 4557 is the IRS guide for safeguarding taxpayer data. The FTC Safeguards Rule requires covered tax-preparation firms to maintain a written information security program.

A template is a starting point, not a certification. Make the plan useful by tailoring it to your firm’s real safeguards, responsible people, systems, and review practices.

Designed for tax-preparer workflows

Start with a usable structure instead of a blank page. The template organizes the planning areas so you can focus on the details of your own practice.
Editable starting pointWord and PDF formats
Make the document firm-specific. Identify your responsible people, technology, data-handling practices, and review schedule before you approve it.
Designed to customizeBuilt around your actual safeguards
Want a second set of eyes on your firm-specific plan? Book a free 15-minute WISP review or explore a custom-written WISP.

Common questions about WISP compliance

Is a WISP required for all tax preparers or just large firms?

The FTC Safeguards Rule can apply to tax-preparation firms, including smaller practices. What belongs in your program depends on how your firm handles taxpayer data, so document the safeguards that actually apply and obtain firm-specific advice when needed.

What happens if I don't have a WISP?

A written plan helps your firm document how it protects client information and responds to incidents. A downloaded document should be tailored to your real practices before you rely on it.

Is this WISP template really free? What's the catch?

The template is genuinely free and complete. Bellator is a cybersecurity firm for tax professionals. Some preparers who start with the template later ask us to review their plan or manage their security, and that is the whole business model.

Can I use this WISP template to satisfy the FTC Safeguards Rule?

The template is structured around safeguards discussed in IRS Publication 4557 and the FTC Safeguards Rule. Tailor it to your firm and obtain appropriate advice before treating it as your complete compliance program.

How often do I need to update my WISP?

Review it regularly and whenever your staff, technology, service providers, or office procedures change. Your plan should remain an accurate record of the safeguards you actually use.

Start with a plan built for your practice.

Download the editable WISP template and tailor it to how your firm protects taxpayer data.

Get My Free WISP TemplateFree template · No credit card · Instant download
Bellator Cyber Guard · (800) 492-6076 · security@bellatorcyber.comBellator Cyber Guard is a private cybersecurity firm and is not affiliated with the IRS or any government agency.