Part 3 · Practices & Procedures

Circular 230: Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary)

Circular 230: Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary) is a critical concept in EA Exam Part 3, Practices & Procedures. This topic covers essential tax principles that frequently appear on the exam. Understanding circular 230 (sanctions & disciplinary) is crucial for passing Part 3.

Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary): EA Exam Part 3 at a glance, what is tested and the IRS references

Quick answer

This subtopic covers sanctions and discipline under Circular 230 (censure, suspension, disbarment, and monetary penalties) and the process by which the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) enforces them.

Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary) is tested on EA Exam Part 3 (Practices & Procedures). Primary IRS reference: Circular 230 §10.50.

About this EA exam topic

This subtopic covers sanctions and discipline under Circular 230 (censure, suspension, disbarment, and monetary penalties) and the process by which the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) enforces them.

The EA exam tests the types of sanctions, the conduct that leads to them, and the role of OPR.

What you'll be tested on

  • Types of sanctions: censure, suspension, disbarment, monetary penalty
  • Conduct triggering discipline
  • The role of the Office of Professional Responsibility
  • Reinstatement basics

How to prepare

  • Order the sanctions from least to most severe.
  • Know OPR administers Circular 230 discipline.
  • Connect incompetence/disreputable conduct to sanctions.

Practice questions for Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary)

What this topic covers

Circular 230 (Sanctions & Disciplinary) appears in Part 3: Representation, Practices & Procedures within the Practices & Procedures domain. VantageEA practice questions focus on how circular 230 rules are applied in realistic EA exam fact patterns.

What candidates practice

Candidates practice identifying tested facts, choosing the best multiple-choice answer, and reviewing explanations tied to Circular 230 §10.50, Circular 230 §10.51, Circular 230 §10.52, Circular 230 §10.60, Circular 230 §10.62, Circular 230 §10.63, Circular 230 §10.65, Circular 230 §10.70, Circular 230 §10.76, Circular 230 §10.79, Circular 230 §10.82. This topic supports timed 100-question PSI-style mock tests and shorter topic review sessions.

Related practice-question themes include circular-230, sanctions, disbarment, suspension.

Topic overview

Exam partPart 3: Representation, Practices & Procedures
DomainPractices & Procedures
TopicCircular 230
Difficultyeasy to medium to hard
Last updated2025-tax-year

Frequently asked questions

Who enforces Circular 230?

The IRS Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), which can censure, suspend, disbar, or impose monetary penalties.

Which part?

Part 3 (Representation).

Reference?

Treasury Circular 230.

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