This course delves into the major revisions incorporated in the 2025 Edition of the IESBA Handbook: the newly introduced Section 280 (for professional accountants in business) and Section 380 (for professional accountants in public practice) addressing tax-planning activities and services, effective for engagements beginning after 30 June 2025; and the new Part 5 (the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance or IESSA), plus a new standard on using the work of an external expert (with certain value-chain independence provisions effective July 2028). The session covers scope, key requirements, threats/safeguards, transitional provisions and early-adoption options.

Key Topics Covered:
• New Section 280: Tax Planning Activities (PAIBs)
• New Section 380: Tax Planning Services (PAPPs)
• Requirement for “credible basis” for tax-planning arrangements
• Threats to fundamental principles (self-interest, advocacy, etc.) in tax-planning work
• Effective date and transitional provisions for tax planning rules (after 30 June 2025)
• Introduction of Part 5: IESSA – ethics and independence for sustainability assurance engagements
• Effective dates for sustainability assurance rules and external expert standard (15 December 2026, some July 2028)
• Using the work of an external expert: new standard in the Code, linked to sustainability assurance

• Auditors
• Professional accountants in business (PAIBs) engaged in tax-planning advice or structuring.
• Professional accountants in public practice (PAPPs) providing tax-planning services or working on sustainability assurance engagements.
• Audit and assurance firms preparing for sustainability assurance work and independence compliance.
• Compliance, ethics and governance professionals within organisations facing the new IESBA ethics and independence regime.