Explore the key changes in the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) 2025 Handbook, including new tax planning standards and the introduction of sustainability-assurance ethics and independence rules. Understand the obligations, timelines and implications for professional accountants in business and practice.
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.
