Short answer: Illinois' accountant privilege works differently: 225 ILCS 450/27 says a CPA 'shall not be required by any court to divulge' information obtained in a confidential capacity, and the Illinois Supreme Court held the privilege belongs to the CPA. It shields CPAs from courts; it doesn't permit voluntary disclosure.
On this page
What the statute says
'A licensed or registered CPA shall not be required by any court to divulge information or evidence which has been obtained in the licensee or registrant's confidential capacity as a licensed or registered CPA' (225 ILCS 450/27). The section is scheduled to be repealed January 1, 2029.
Who holds it
In Brunton v. Kruger the Illinois Supreme Court held that the privilege is held by the accountant, not the client (2015 IL 117663).
Why it matters for licensing
A privilege against compelled disclosure doesn't authorize voluntary disclosure. Professional-conduct rules and engagement terms still govern client information.
Federal rules apply too
Tax return information is covered nationwide by IRC 7216 and its consent rules (26 CFR 301.7216-3). Mode lists accounting at 15+ employees (Mode).
This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your own attorney or compliance advisor before you share or license any records.
What could your company's records be worth?
Answer 6 questions. See the published range for a company like yours and which program fits. Takes about a minute.
Frequently asked questions
Is Illinois stricter than other states?
States differ in form. Compare your board's rule with counsel; we summarize only what we've read.
Does this cover non-CPA staff?
Rules usually reach partners, employees and others in the firm. Check the exact text.
Sources
- 225 ILCS 450/27, Confidentiality of licensee's and registrant's recordsilga.gov
- Brunton v. Kruger, 2015 IL 117663 (Illinois Supreme Court)illinoiscourts.gov
- 26 CFR § 301.7216-3, Disclosure or use permitted only with the taxpayer's consent (Cornell LII)law.cornell.edu
- Mode / BizBuyData referral pagebizbuydata.com
Referral-fee disclosure: we may be paid by a program if your company signs with it after using this site. General information only, not legal advice.
Compare programs
Best AI data program for an accounting firmSide by side from each program's own pages. Rankings follow published rules, not referral fees.
See buyers that name accounting and professional-services firms, from their own pages, with sources and dates.