The Consequences of Failing To Complete Your CPA Education Requirements

As a Certified Public Accountant, you’re used to working long hours to meet your employer’s or client’s deadlines. Unfortunately, many CPAs fail to comply with their state’s continuing professional education (CPE) deadlines. Failure to meet these deadlines can result in fines, additional CPE hours, or even suspension in the most egregious cases.

The Professional License Defense Team at the LLF National Law Firm has worked with CPAs nationwide who haven’t met their CPE requirements. Our team stands ready to work for you to avoid or mitigate any punishment from your professional licensing board. Call 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential online contact form today.

Each State Has Different Policies Regarding CPE Non-Compliance

Each state has its own rules that address the failure to meet CPE deadlines. Some states may impose a fine or require additional CPE hours absent hardship or other extenuating circumstances. In some cases, your license may also be suspended.

For example, the Indiana Board of Accountancy may require a CPA who misses the CPE deadline to pay a $1,000 fine and complete the CPE requirement within 6 months. In Florida, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is authorized by law to require CPAs to complete additional professional education hours, not to exceed 25% of total required hours, if a CPA misses the deadline.

For more egregious violations, your CPA license can be suspended. North Carolina law allows the North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners to suspend a CPA’s license for one year for failure to meet CPE requirements in a timely manner. The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy has implemented a system of fines ranging from $300 to $1,000, depending on the number of deficient hours. Additionally, your license will be suspended unless and until the CPE hours are completed in full.

The LLF National Law Firm Professional License Defense Team Can Help

There are numerous reasons you may have fallen behind on your CPE requirements. You could have fallen ill or been required to care for a family member. Perhaps you lost your job, or you’ve experienced a personal problem such as addiction or divorce. In many states, the professional licensing board will take these factors into consideration.

Our Professional License Defense Team has worked with CPAs nationwide to mitigate the penalties associated with CPE deficiencies. Even if you’ve been out of compliance for years, we can help. We’ll learn all the specific facts of your case and try to reduce or even eliminate the penalties, such as lesser fines or an extended period of time to complete your credits.

The LLF National Law Firm Team Has the Experience You Need

At the LLF National Law Firm, our Professional License Defense Team has represented CPAs throughout the country in these and other matters. Our team can negotiate with your licensing board so you can continue your practice. Our dedicated legal professionals will be with you every step of the way.

Call 888-535-3686 and schedule a consultation today. You can also use our online contact form to provide us with details about your case. All information will be held in strict confidence.