58-26a - Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act
Title 58 > 58-26a
Sections (21)
General Provisions
58-26a-101 - Title.
This chapter is known as the “Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act.”
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
58-26a-102 - Definitions.
7/1/2026 In addition to the definitions in Section 58-1-102 , as used in this chapter:
(1) “Accounting experience” means applying accounting and auditing skills and principles that are taught as a part of the professional education qualifying a person for licensure under this chapter and generally accepted by the profession, under the supervision of a licensed certified public accountant.
(2) “AICPA” means the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
(3) “Attest and attestation engagement” means providing any or all of the following financial statement services:an audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS);a review of a financial statement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS);an examination of prospective financial information to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE);an examination, review, or agreed upon procedures engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE), other than an examination described in Subsection (3)(a)(iii); oran engagement to be performed in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.The standards specified in this definition shall be adopted by reference by the division under its rulemaking authority in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, and shall be those developed for general application by recognized national accountancy organizations such as the AICPA and the PCAOB.
(4) “Board” means the Utah Board of Accountancy created in Section 58-26a-201.
(5) “Certified Public Accountant” or “CPA” means an individual currently licensed by this state or any other state, district, or territory of the United States of America to practice public accountancy or who has been granted a license as a certified public accountant under prior law or this chapter.
(6) “Certified Public Accountant firm” or “CPA firm” means a qualified business entity holding a valid registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm under this chapter.
(7) “Client” means the person who retains a licensee for the performance of one or more of the services included in the definition of the practice of public accountancy. “Client” does not include a CPA’s employer when the licensee works in a salaried or hourly rate position.
(8) “Compilation” means providing a service to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) that is presenting, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management or owners, without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements.
(9) “Experience” means: accounting experience; orprofessional experience.
(10) “Licensee” means the holder of a current valid license issued under this chapter.
(11) “NASBA” means the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
(12) “PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(13) “Practice of public accounting” means, while holding oneself out as a certified public accountant, offering to perform or performing one or more kinds of services involving the use of auditing or accounting skills, including issuing reports or opinions on financial statements, performing attestation engagements, performing one or more kinds of advisory or consulting services, preparing tax returns, or furnishing advice on tax matters for a client.
(14) “Peer review” means a board approved study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the attest and compilation services rendered by a licensee in the practice of public accounting, performed by a licensee holding an active license in this or another state who is not affiliated with the licensee being reviewed.
(15) “Principal place of business” means the office location designated by the licensee for purposes of substantial equivalency and licensure by endorsement.
(16) “Professional experience” means experience lawfully obtained while licensed as a certified public accountant in another state, recognized by rule, in the practice of public accountancy performed for a client, which includes expression of assurance or opinion.
(17) “Qualified business entity” means a sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership engaged in the practice of public accountancy.
(18) “Qualified continuing professional education” means a formal program of education that contributes directly to the professional competence of a certified public accountant.
(19) “Qualifying examinations” means: the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination;the AICPA Examination of Professional Ethics for CPAs;the Utah Laws and Rules Examination; andany other examination approved by the board and adopted by the division by rule in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(20) “Report,” when used with reference to financial statements, means:an opinion, report, or other form of language that: states or implies assurance as to the reliability of the attested information or compiled financial statements; orimplies that the person or firm issuing the report has special knowledge or competence in accounting or auditing and specifically includes compilations and reviews; such an implication of special knowledge or competence may arise from use by the issuer of the report of names or titles indicating that the person or firm is a public accountant or auditor, or from the language of the report itself; orany disclaimer of opinion when it is conventionally understood to imply any positive assurance as to the reliability of the attested information or compiled financial statements referred to or language suggesting special competence on the part of the person or firm issuing such language; and the report includes any other form of language that is conventionally understood to imply such assurance or such special knowledge or competence.”Report” does not include a financial statement prepared by an unlicensed person if:that financial statement has a cover page which includes essentially the following language: “I (we) have prepared the accompanying financial statements of (name of entity) as of (time period) for the (period) then ended. This presentation is limited to preparing, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management (owners). I (we) have not audited or reviewed the accompanying financial statements and accordingly do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.”; andthe cover page and any related footnotes do not use the terms “compilation,” “review,” “audit,” “generally accepted auditing standards,” “generally accepted accounting principles,” or other similar terms.
(21) “Review of financial statements” means providing a service in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) in which the accountant obtains limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether the accountant is aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for them to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, primarily through the performance of inquiry and analytical procedures.
(22) “Substantial equivalency” means a determination by the division in collaboration with the board or the board’s designee that:the education, examination, and experience requirements set forth in the statutes and administrative rules of another state are comparable to or exceed the education, examination, and experience requirements set forth in the Uniform Accountancy Act; oran individual CPA’s education, examination, and experience qualifications are comparable to or exceed the education, examination, and experience requirements set forth in the Uniform Accountancy Act.In ascertaining whether an individual’s qualifications are substantially equivalent as used in this chapter, the division in collaboration with the board shall take into account the qualifications without regard to the sequence in which the education, examination, and experience requirements were attained.
(23) “Uniform Accountancy Act” means the model public accountancy legislation developed and promulgated by national accounting and regulatory associations that contains standardized definitions and regulations for the practice of public accounting as recognized by the division in collaboration with the board.
(24) “Unlawful conduct” is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-26a-501.
(25) “Unprofessional conduct” is as defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-26a-502 and as may be further defined by rule.
(26) “Year of experience” means 2,000 hours of experience: generally accepted by the profession; andunder the supervision of a licensed certified public accountant.
Amended by Chapter 229, 2017 General Session
58-26a-102 - Definitions.
7/1/2026 In addition to the definitions in Section 58-1-102 , as used in this chapter:
(1) “Accounting experience” means applying accounting and auditing skills and principles that are taught as a part of the professional education qualifying a person for licensure under this chapter and generally accepted by the profession, under the supervision of a licensed certified public accountant.
(2) “AICPA” means the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
(3) “Attest and attestation engagement” means providing any or all of the following services:an audit or other engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS);a review of a financial statement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS);an examination of prospective financial information to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE);an examination, review, or agreed upon procedures engagement to be performed in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE), other than an examination described in Subsection (3)(a)(iii); oran engagement to be performed in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.The division shall adopt the standards specified in this definition: that are developed for general application by recognized national accountancy organizations such as the AICPA and the PCAOB; andby reference under the division’s rulemaking authority in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(4) “Board” means the Utah Board of Accountancy created in Section 58-26a-201.
(5) “Certified Public Accountant” or “CPA” means an individual currently licensed by this state or any other state, district, or territory of the United States of America to practice public accountancy or who has been granted a license as a certified public accountant under prior law or this chapter.
(6) “Certified Public Accountant firm” or “CPA firm” means a qualified business entity holding a valid registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm under this chapter.
(7) “Client” means the person who retains a licensee for the performance of one or more of the services included in the definition of the practice of public accountancy.”Client” does not include a CPA’s employer when the licensee works in a salaried or hourly rate position.
(8) “Compilation” means providing a service to be performed in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS) that is presenting, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management or owners, without undertaking to express any assurance on the statements.
(9) “Experience” means:accounting experience; orprofessional experience.
(10) “Licensee” means the holder of a current valid license issued under this chapter.
(11) “NASBA” means the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
(12) “PCAOB” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
(13) “Practice of public accounting” means, while holding oneself out as a certified public accountant, offering to perform or performing one or more kinds of services involving the use of auditing or accounting skills, including issuing reports or opinions on financial statements, performing attestation engagements, performing one or more kinds of advisory or consulting services, preparing tax returns, or furnishing advice on tax matters for a client.
(14) “Peer review” means a board approved study, appraisal, or review of one or more aspects of the attest and compilation services rendered by a licensee in the practice of public accounting, performed by a licensee holding an active license in this or another state who is not affiliated with the licensee being reviewed.
(15) “Principal place of business” means the office location designated by the licensee for purposes of licensure by endorsement.
(16) “Professional experience” means experience lawfully obtained while licensed as a certified public accountant in another state, recognized by rule, in the practice of public accountancy performed for a client, which includes expression of assurance or opinion.
(17) “Qualified business entity” means a sole proprietorship, corporation, limited liability company, or partnership engaged in the practice of public accountancy.
(18) “Qualified continuing professional education” means a formal program of education that contributes directly to the professional competence of a certified public accountant.
(19) “Qualifying examinations” means:the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination;the AICPA Examination of Professional Ethics for CPAs;the Utah Laws and Rules Examination; andany other examination approved by the board and adopted by the division by rule in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
(20) “Report,” when used with reference to financial statements, means:an opinion, report, or other form of language that:states or implies assurance as to the reliability of the attested information or compiled financial statements; orimplies that the individual or firm issuing the report has special knowledge or competence in accounting or auditing and specifically includes compilations and reviews; such an implication of special knowledge or competence may arise from use by the issuer of the report of names or titles indicating that the person or firm is a public accountant or auditor, or from the language of the report itself; orany disclaimer of opinion: that is conventionally understood to imply any positive assurance as to the reliability of the attested information or compiled financial statements referred to or language suggesting special competence on the part of the individual or firm issuing such language; andthe report includes any other form of language that is conventionally understood to imply such assurance or such special knowledge or competence.”Report” does not include a financial statement prepared by an unlicensed person if:that financial statement has a cover page that includes essentially the following language: “I (we) have prepared the accompanying financial statements of (name of entity) as of (time period) for the (period) then ended. This presentation is limited to preparing, in the form of financial statements, information that is the representation of management (owners). I (we) have not audited or reviewed the accompanying financial statements and accordingly do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on them.”; andthe cover page and any related footnotes do not use the terms “compilation,” “review,” “audit,” “generally accepted auditing standards,” “generally accepted accounting principles,” or other similar terms.
(21) “Review of financial statements” means providing a service in accordance with the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services in which the accountant obtains limited assurance as a basis for reporting whether the accountant is aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial statements for the financial statements to be in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework, primarily through the performance of inquiry and analytical procedures.
(22) “Uniform Accountancy Act” means the model public accountancy legislation developed and promulgated by national accounting and regulatory associations that contains standardized definitions and regulations for the practice of public accounting as recognized by the division in collaboration with the board.
(23) “Unlawful conduct” means the same as that term is defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-26a-501.
(24) “Unprofessional conduct” means the same as that term is defined in Sections 58-1-501 and 58-26a-502 and as may be further defined by rule.
(25) “Year of experience” means 2,000 hours of experience:generally accepted by the profession; andunder the supervision of a licensed certified public accountant.
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
Board
58-26a-201 - Board.
7/1/2026
(1) There is created the Utah Board of Accountancy consisting of four licensed certified public accountants and one member of the general public.
(2) The board shall be appointed and shall serve in accordance with Section 58-1-201.
(3) The duties and responsibilities of the board shall be in accordance with Sections 58-1-202 and 58-1-203. In addition, the board shall designate one of its members on a permanent or rotating basis to: assist the division in reviewing complaints concerning the unlawful or unprofessional conduct of a licensee; andadvise the division in its investigation of these complaints.
(4) A board member who has, under Subsection (3), reviewed a complaint or advised in its investigation may be disqualified from participating with the board when the board serves as a presiding officer of an administrative proceeding concerning the complaint.
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
58-26a-201 - Board.
7/1/2026
(1) There is created the Utah Board of Accountancy consisting of four licensed certified public accountants and one member of the general public.
(2) The board shall be appointed and shall serve in accordance with Section 58-1-201.
(3) The board shall perform the duties and responsibilities described in Sections 58-1-202 and 58-1-203.The board shall designate one of the board’s members on a permanent or rotating basis to:assist the division in reviewing complaints concerning the unlawful or unprofessional conduct of a licensee; andadvise the division in the division’s investigation of these complaints.
(4) A board member who has, under Subsection (3), reviewed a complaint or advised in the investigation of the complaint may be disqualified from participating with the board when the board serves as a presiding officer of an administrative proceeding concerning the complaint.
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
Licensing
58-26a-301 - Licensure or registration required — License and registration classifications.
(1) A license is required for an individual to engage in the practice of public accounting, except as specifically provided in Section 58-26a-305 or 58-1-307.Registration with the division is required for a qualified business entity to engage in the practice of public accounting, except as specifically provided in Section 58-26a-305 or 58-1-307.
(2) The division shall issue to an individual who qualifies under this chapter a license in the classification of Certified Public Accountant.The division shall issue to a qualified business entity which qualifies under this chapter a registration in the classification of Certified Public Accountant Firm.
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
58-26a-302 - Qualifications for licensure and registration — Licensure by endorsement.
7/1/2026
(1) Each applicant for licensure under this chapter as a certified public accountant shall: submit an application in a form prescribed by the division;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;submit a certified transcript of credits from an accredited institution acceptable to the board showing:successful completion of a total of 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours of collegiate level education with a concentration in accounting, auditing, and business;a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent at a college or university approved by the board; andcompliance with any other education requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;submit evidence of one year of accounting experience in a form prescribed by the division;submit evidence of having successfully completed the qualifying examinations in accordance with Section 58-26a-306; andsubmit to an interview by the board, if requested, for the purpose of examining the applicant’s competence and qualifications for licensure.
(2) The division may issue a license under this chapter to a person who holds a license as a certified public accountant issued by any other state of the United States of America if the applicant for licensure by endorsement:submits an application in a form prescribed by the division;pays a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;submits to an interview by the board, if requested, for the purpose of examining the applicant’s competence and qualifications for licensure; andshows evidence of having passed the qualifying examinations; andmeets the requirements for licensure which were applicable in this state at the time of the issuance of the applicant’s license by the state from which the original licensure by satisfactorily passing the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination was issued; orhad four years of professional experience after passing the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination upon which the original license was based, within the 10 years immediately preceding the application for licensure by endorsement; orshows evidence that the applicant’s education, examination record, and experience are substantially equivalent to the requirements of Subsection (1), as provided by rule.This Subsection (2) applies only to a person seeking to obtain a license issued by this state and does not apply to a person practicing as a certified public accountant in the state under Subsection 58-26a-305(1).
(3) Each applicant for registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm shall:submit an application in a form prescribed by the division;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;have, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a simple majority of the ownership of the Certified Public Accountant firm, in terms of financial interests and voting rights of all partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, held by individuals who are certified public accountants, licensed under this chapter or another state of the United States of America, and the partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, whose principal place of business is in this state, and who perform professional services in this state hold a valid license issued under Subsection 58-26a-301(2) or the corresponding provisions of prior law; andmeet any other requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.Each separate location of a qualified business entity within the state seeking registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm shall register separately.A Certified Public Accountant firm may include owners who are not licensed under this chapter as outlined in Subsection (3)(a)(iii), provided that:the firm designates a licensee of this state who is responsible for the proper registration of the Certified Public Accountant firm and identifies that individual to the division; andall nonlicensed owners are active individual participants in the CPA firm.
Amended by Chapter 339, 2020 General Session
58-26a-302 - Qualifications for licensure and registration — Licensure by endorsement.
7/1/2026
(1) Each applicant for licensure under this chapter as a certified public accountant shall:submit an application in a form the division approves by rule;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;submit a certified transcript of credits from an accredited institution acceptable to the board showing:successful completion of a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or the equivalent with a concentration of accounting and business at a college or university approved by the board; andcompliance with any other education requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act;submit evidence of accounting experience in a form the division approves by rule of at least:one year of accounting experience for an individual with a master’s degree or the equivalent with a concentration of accounting and business; ortwo years of accounting experience for an individual with a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent with a concentration of accounting and business;submit evidence of having successfully completed the qualifying examinations in accordance with Section 58-26a-306; andsubmit to an interview by the board, if requested, for the purpose of examining the applicant’s competence and qualifications for licensure.
(2) The division may issue a license under this chapter to an individual who holds a license as a certified public accountant issued by another state if the applicant for licensure by endorsement:submits an application in a form the division approves by rule;pays a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;submits to an interview by the board, if requested, for the purpose of examining the applicant’s competence and qualifications for licensure; andshows evidence of having passed the qualifying examinations; andmeets the requirements for licensure that were applicable in this state at the time of the issuance of the applicant’s license by the state from which the original licensure by satisfactorily passing the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination was issued; orhad four years of professional experience after passing the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination upon which the original license was based, within the 10 years immediately preceding the application for licensure by endorsement; orshows evidence that the applicant’s education, examination record, and experience are substantially equivalent to the requirements of Subsection (1), as provided by rule.This Subsection (2) applies only to an individual seeking to obtain a license issued by this state and does not apply to an individual practicing as a certified public accountant in the state under Subsection 58-26a-305(1).
(3) Each applicant for registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm shall:submit an application in a form the division approves by rule;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;have, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a simple majority of the ownership of the Certified Public Accountant firm, in terms of financial interests and voting rights of all partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, held by individuals who are certified public accountants, licensed under this chapter or another state of the United States of America, and the partners, officers, shareholders, members, or managers, whose principal place of business is in this state, and who perform professional services in this state hold a valid license issued under Subsection 58-26a-301(2) or the corresponding provisions of prior law; andmeet any other requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.Each separate location of a qualified business entity within the state seeking registration as a Certified Public Accountant firm shall register separately.A Certified Public Accountant firm may include owners who are not licensed under this chapter as outlined in Subsection (3)(a)(iii), provided that:the firm designates a licensee of this state who is responsible for the proper registration of the Certified Public Accountant firm and identifies that individual to the division; andall nonlicensed owners are active individual participants in the CPA firm.
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
58-26a-303 - Term of license and registration — Expiration — Renewal.
(1) The division shall issue each license and registration under this chapter in accordance with a two-year renewal cycle established by rule. The division may by rule extend or shorten a renewal cycle by as much as one year to stagger the renewal cycles it administers.
(2) At the time of renewal a licensee shall show satisfactory evidence of each of the following renewal requirements: completion of qualified continuing education as required under Section 58-26a-304; andsuccessful completion of a peer review meeting the requirements established by rule by the division in collaboration with the board.
(3) Each license or registration automatically expires on the date shown on the license or registration unless it is renewed in accordance with Section 58-1-308.
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
58-26a-304 - Continuing education.
(1) Except as provided in Subsections (2) through (4), as a condition precedent for a license renewal, each licensee shall, during each two-year licensure cycle or other cycle defined by rule, complete 80 hours of qualified continuing professional education in accordance with standards defined by rule.
(2) A person practicing as a certified public accountant in the state under Subsection 58-26a-302(2) and who is seeking a license renewal in this state shall be determined to have met the continuing professional education requirement of this section by: meeting the continuing professional education requirements for license renewal in the state in which the licensee’s principal place of business is located;demonstrating compliance with the requirements of Subsection (2)(a) by signing a statement to that effect on the renewal application of this state;complying with all continuing professional education requirements described in Subsection (1) if the state where the person’s principal place of business is located has no continuing professional education requirements for license renewal;completing at least one hour of continuing professional education that covers:this chapter; andUtah Administrative Code, R156-26a, Utah Certified Public Accountant Licensing Act Rule; andcompleting at least three hours of ethics education that cover one or more of the following areas:the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct;case-based instruction focusing on real-life situational learning;ethical dilemmas faced by accounting professionals; orbusiness ethics.
(3) If a renewal cycle is extended or shortened under Section 58-26a-303, the continuing education hours required for license renewal under this section shall be increased or decreased proportionally.
(4) A licensee may request a waiver of the requirements of Subsection (1) for a period not exceeding three years by:submitting an application for waiver in a form approved by the division; anddemonstrating that the licensee will be engaged in activities or be subject to circumstances which prevent the licensee from meeting the requirements of Subsection (1) during the period of the waiver.An application for waiver shall be granted upon a showing of good cause.A licensee who is granted a waiver under this section shall complete 30 hours of continuing professional education within the six months immediately following the expiration of the waiver that includes at least 16 hours of continuing professional education focusing on auditing and accounting.
Amended by Chapter 229, 2017 General Session
58-26a-305 - Exemptions from licensure.
7/1/2026
(1) In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307, the following may engage in acts included within the definition of the practice of public accountancy, subject to the stated circumstances and limitations, without being licensed under this chapter: a person licensed by any other state, district, or territory of the United States as a certified public accountant or its equivalent under any other title while practicing in this state if:the person’s principal place of business is not in this state; and the person’s license as a certified public accountant is from any state which the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) National Qualification Appraisal Service has verified to be substantially equivalent to the CPA licensure requirements of the Uniform Accountancy Act; orthe person’s license as a certified public accountant is from a state which the NASBA National Qualification Appraisal Service has not verified to be substantially equivalent to the CPA licensure requirements of the Uniform Accountancy Act and the person obtains from the NASBA National Qualification Appraisal Service verification that the person’s CPA qualifications are substantially equivalent to the CPA licensure requirements of the Uniform Accountancy Act and Subsection 58-26a-302(1)(c)(i); andthe person consents, as a condition of the grant of this privilege: to personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the division;to comply with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter;that in the event the license from the state of the person’s principal place of business becomes invalid, the person shall cease offering or rendering professional services in this state both individually and on behalf of the firm; andto the appointment of the state board which issued the person’s license as the person’s agent upon whom process may be served in an action or proceeding brought by the division against the licensee;through December 31, 2012, a person licensed by any other state, district, or territory of the United States as a certified public accountant or its equivalent under another title while practicing in this state if:the person does not qualify for a practice privilege under Subsection (1)(a);the practice is incidental to the person’s regular practice outside of this state; andthe person’s temporary practice within the state is in conformity with this chapter and the rules established under this chapter;an officer, member, partner, or employee of any entity or organization who signs any statement or report in reference to the financial affairs of the entity or organization with a designation of that person’s position within the entity or organization;a public official or employee while performing his official duties;a person using accounting or auditing skills, including the preparation of tax returns, management advisory services, and the preparation of financial statements without the issuance of reports; oran employee of a CPA firm registered under this chapter or an assistant to a person licensed under this chapter, working under the supervision of a licensee, if:neither the employee or assistant nor the licensed employer or registered CPA firm represents that the unlicensed person is a certified public accountant; andno accounting or financial statements are issued over the unlicensed person’s name.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person who qualifies under Subsection (1)(a) has all the privileges of a licensee of this state and may engage in acts included within the definition of the practice of public accountancy, whether in person or by mail, telephone, or electronic means, based on a practice privilege in this state, and no notice, fee, or other submission shall be provided by that person.The division may revoke, suspend, or restrict an exemption granted under Subsection (1)(a) or (b), or place on probation or issue a public or private reprimand to a person exempted under those subsections for the reasons set forth in Subsection 58-1-401(2).
Amended by Chapter 339, 2020 General Session
58-26a-305 - Exemptions from licensure.
7/1/2026
(1) In addition to the exemptions from licensure in Section 58-1-307, the following may engage in acts included within the definition of the practice of public accountancy, subject to the stated circumstances and limitations, without being licensed under this chapter:an individual that:holds a valid license or permit in good standing as a certified public accountant or equivalent issued by another state, if at the time the individual was licensed, the individual showed evidence of having successfully completed the equivalent of qualifying examinations required for that state; andconsents, as a condition of the grant of the privilege described in Subsection 58-Ch58_26a|(1)(a)]:to personal and subject matter jurisdiction and disciplinary authority of the division;to comply with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter;that in the event the license from the state of the individual’s principal place of business becomes invalid, the individual shall cease offering or rendering professional services in this state both individually and on behalf of the firm; andto the appointment of the state board which issued the individual’s license as the individual’s agent upon whom process may be served in an action or proceeding brought by the division against the individual;an officer, member, partner, or employee of any entity or organization who signs any statement or report in reference to the financial affairs of the entity or organization with a designation of that individual’s position within the entity or organization;a public official or employee while performing the public official’s or employee’s official duties;an individual using accounting or auditing skills, including the preparation of tax returns, management advisory services, and the preparation of financial statements without the issuance of reports; oran employee of a CPA firm registered under this chapter or an assistant to a person licensed under this chapter, working under the supervision of a licensee, if:neither the employee or assistant nor the licensed employer or registered CPA firm represents that the unlicensed individual is a certified public accountant; andno accounting or financial statements are issued in the unlicensed individual’s name.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an individual who qualifies under Subsection (1)(a) has all the privileges of a licensee of this state and may engage in acts included within the definition of the practice of public accountancy, whether in person or by mail, telephone, or electronic means, based on a practice privilege in this state, and no notice, fee, or other submission shall be provided by that person.The division may revoke, suspend, or restrict an exemption granted under Subsection (1)(a), or place on probation or issue a public or private reprimand to a person exempted under those subsections for the reasons set forth in Subsection 58-1-401(2).
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
58-26a-306 - Examination requirements.
7/1/2026
(1) Before taking the qualifying examinations, an applicant shall: submit an application in a form approved by the division;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;demonstrate completion of at least 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours of the education requirement described in Subsection 58-26a-302(1)(c); andbe approved by the board, or an organization designated by the board, to take the qualifying examinations.
(2) A person must sit for and meet the conditioning requirements of the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination as established by the AICPA.
Amended by Chapter 339, 2020 General Session
58-26a-306 - Examination requirements.
7/1/2026
(1) Before taking the qualifying examinations, an applicant shall:submit an application in a form approved by the division;pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;demonstrate completion of at least a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent as described in Subsection 58-26a-302(1)(c); andbe approved by the board, or an organization designated by the board, to take the qualifying examinations.
(2) An individual shall sit for and meet the conditioning requirements of the AICPA Uniform CPA Examination as established by the AICPA.
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
58-26a-307 - CPA emeritus status — Renewal of license.
(1) A person currently licensed as a certified public accountant may, on any renewal date of that license, apply for and obtain a transfer of that license to a status of CPA emeritus registration if: the licensee is at least 60 years of age as of the date of renewal;the licensee has a disability; orthe board finds other good cause for believing that the licensee will not return to the practice of public accountancy;the licensee makes an application for transfer of status and registration and pays a registration fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504;the licensee, on application for transfer, certifies that the licensee will not engage in the practice of public accountancy while in the status of CPA emeritus registration; andthe licensee is in good standing as a CPA and not subject to any order of revocation, suspension, or probation.
(2) Each CPA emeritus registration shall be issued in accordance with a two-year renewal cycle established by rule.
(3) CPA emeritus registrants may not engage in the practice of public accountancy.
(4) CPA emeritus registrants are not required to fulfill the continuing professional education or peer review provisions of this chapter.
(5) Each CPA emeritus registrant is responsible for renewing the registration, according to procedures that the division establishes by rule in collaboration with the board in accordance with Section 58-1-308.
(6) A CPA emeritus registrant may reinstate the CPA license by: submitting an application in a form prescribed by the division;paying a fee determined by the department under Section 63J-1-504; andshowing evidence of having completed the continuing professional education requirement established by rule.
Amended by Chapter 366, 2011 General Session
License Denial and Discipline
58-26a-401 - Grounds for denial of license — Disciplinary proceedings.
Grounds for refusing to issue a license to an applicant, for refusing to renew the license of a licensee, for revoking, suspending, restricting, or placing on probation the license of a licensee, for issuing a public or private reprimand to a licensee, and for issuing a cease and desist order shall be in accordance with Section 58-1-401 .
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
Unlawful and Unprofessional Conduct
58-26a-501 - Unlawful conduct.
7/1/2026 “Unlawful conduct” includes:
(1) using “certified public accountant,” “public accountant,” “CPA,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the person is a certified public accountant, unless that person: has a current license as a certified public accountant issued under this chapter; orqualifies for a practice privilege as provided in Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a);
(2) a firm assuming or using “certified public accountant,” “CPA,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the firm is composed of certified public accountants unless each office of the firm in this state: is registered with the division; andmeets the requirements of Subsections 58-26a-302(3)(a)(iii) and (iv);
(3) signing or affixing to any accounting or financial statement the person’s name or any trade or assumed name used in that person’s profession or business, with any wording indicating that the person is an auditor, or with any wording indicating that the person has expert knowledge in accounting or auditing, unless that person is licensed under this chapter and all of the person’s offices in this state for the practice of public accountancy are maintained and registered as provided in this chapter; and
(4) except as provided in Section 58-26a-305, engaging in the following conduct if not licensed under this chapter to practice public accountancy: issuing a report on financial statements of any other person, firm, organization, or governmental unit; orissuing a report using any form of language substantially similar to conventional language used by licensees respecting:a review of financial statements; ora compilation of financial statements.
Amended by Chapter 238, 2016 General Session
58-26a-501 - Unlawful conduct.
7/1/2026
(1) “Unlawful conduct” includes:using “certified public accountant,” “public accountant,” “CPA,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the individual is a certified public accountant, unless that individual:has a current license as a certified public accountant issued under this chapter; oris exempt from licensure under Subsection 58-26a-305(1)(a);a firm assuming or using “certified public accountant,” “CPA,” or any other title, designation, words, letters, abbreviation, sign, card, or device tending to indicate that the firm is composed of certified public accountants unless each office of the firm in this state:is registered with the division; andmeets the requirements of Subsections 58-26a-302(3)(a)(iii) and (iv);signing or affixing to any accounting or financial statement the person’s name or any trade or assumed name used in that person’s profession or business, with any wording indicating that the person is an auditor, or with any wording indicating that the person has expert knowledge in accounting or auditing, unless that person is licensed under this chapter and all of the person’s offices in this state for the practice of public accountancy are maintained and registered as provided in this chapter; andexcept as provided in Section 58-26a-305, engaging in the following conduct if not licensed under this chapter to practice public accountancy:issuing a report on financial statements of any other person, firm, organization, or governmental unit; orissuing a report using any form of language substantially similar to conventional language used by licensees respecting:a review of financial statements; ora compilation of financial statements.
(2) Except as provided in Subsection (2)(c), if, upon inspection or investigation, the division concludes that a person has engaged in unlawful conduct and that disciplinary action is appropriate, the division shall promptly issue a citation to the person in accordance with this chapter and any pertinent division rules.A citation issued under Subsection (2)(a) shall:be in writing;describe with particularity the nature of the violation, including a reference to the statute or rule alleged to have been violated;state that the recipient must notify the division in writing within 20 calendar days from the day on which the recipient receives the citation if the recipient intends to contest the citation at a hearing conducted under Title 63G, Chapter 4, Administrative Procedures Act; andexplain the consequences of failure to timely contest the citation or make payment of any fine assessed by citation within the time specified by the citation.The division may issue a notice instead of a citation.A citation issued as described in Subsection 58-Ch58_26a|(2)] may be served:upon a person upon whom a summons may be served in accordance with the Utah Rules of Civil Procedure; andmay be made personally or upon the person’s agent by a division investigator or by any person designated by the director; orby mail.If, within 20 calendar days from the date of the service of the citation described in Subsection (2)(a), the recipient of the citation fails to request a hearing to contest the citation, the citation becomes the final order of the division and is not subject to further agency review.The division may extend the time period described in Subsection (2)(e) for cause.The division may refuse to issue or renew, suspend, revoke, or place on probation the license of a licensee who fails to comply with a citation after the citation becomes final.The failure of an applicant for licensure to comply with a citation after the citation becomes final is grounds for denial of a license.The division may not issue a citation more than one year after the day on which the violation that is the subject of the citation is reported to the division.
(3) The division shall assess a fine under Subsection (2) according to the following:for a first offense, a fine of up to 2,000; andfor any subsequent offense, a fine of up to $2,000 for each day of continued offense.An action the division initiates for a first or second offense that has not resulted in a final order of the division may not preclude the initiation of any subsequent action for a second or subsequent offense during the pendency of the preceding action.
(4) The division may collect a fine that is not paid by:referring the matter to a collection agency; orbringing an action in a court with jurisdiction.A county attorney or the attorney general shall provide legal assistance and advice to the director in an action to collect a fine.A court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to the prevailing party in an action brought by the division to collect a fine.
Amended by Chapter 283, 2025 General Session
58-26a-502 - Unprofessional conduct.
(1) “Unprofessional conduct” includes: undertaking an engagement when the licensee knows or should know that the licensee could not reasonably expect to complete it with professional competence;making unauthorized disclosures of confidential information obtained in the practice of public accountancy;engaging in any business or activity that creates a conflict of interest with a licensee’s practice in the profession when the licensee knows or should know that it is a conflict of interest and the licensee does not fully disclose the conflict of interest in writing to all affected parties;failing to meet the requirements for continuing professional education or peer review required under this chapter; orissuing a report on financial statements of a client, other than a report in which a lack of independence is disclosed, or performing an attest engagement subject to the attestation standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants when the licensee is not independent, in fact and appearance, to the client.
(2) A licensee may not, for a commission, recommend or refer to a client a product or service, or for a commission recommend or refer a product or service to be supplied by a client, or receive a commission, when the licensee also performs for that client:an audit or review of a financial statement;a compilation of a financial statement when the licensee expects, or reasonably might expect, that a third party will use the financial statement and the licensee’s compilation report does not disclose a lack of independence; oran examination of prospective financial information.The prohibition under Subsection (2)(a) applies during:the period in which the licensee is engaged to perform any of the services listed in Subsection (2)(a); andthe period covered by any historical financial statements involved in any such listed services.A licensee who is not prohibited under Subsection (2)(a) from performing services or receiving a commission and who is paid or expects to be paid a commission shall disclose that fact to any person or entity to whom the licensee recommends or refers a product or service to which the commission relates.A licensee who accepts a referral fee for recommending or referring a service of a licensee to a person or entity or who pays a referral fee to obtain a client shall disclose the acceptance or payment to the client.
(3) A licensee may not:perform for a contingent fee a professional service for, or receive a contingent fee from a client for whom the licensee or the licensee’s firm performs: an audit or review of a financial statement;a compilation of a financial statement when the licensee expects, or reasonably might expect, that a third party will use the financial statement and the licensee’s compilation report does not disclose a lack of independence; oran examination of prospective financial information; orprepare an original or amended tax return or claim for a tax refund for a contingent fee for a client.The prohibition in Subsection (3)(a) applies during:the period in which the licensee is engaged to perform any of the services listed in Subsection (3)(a); andthe period covered by any historical financial statements involved in the listed services.Except as stated in Subsections (3)(d) and (e), a contingent fee is a fee established for the performance of a service pursuant to an arrangement in which no fee will be charged unless a specified finding or result is attained, or in which the amount of the fee is otherwise dependent upon the finding or result of the service.Solely for the purposes of this Subsection (3), fees are not regarded as being contingent if fixed by courts or other public authorities, or in tax matters, if determined based on the results of judicial proceedings or the findings of a governmental agency.A licensee’s fee may vary depending, for example, on the complexity of service rendered.
Amended by Chapter 265, 2008 General Session
Regulatory and Operating Standards
58-26a-601 - Ownership of statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by licensee.
(1) All statements, records, schedules, working papers, and memoranda made by a licensee under this chapter, incident to or in the course of professional service to a client, are the property of the licensee, in the absence of any express agreement between the licensee and the client to the contrary.
(2) A licensee may not sell, trade, or bequeath statements, records, schedules, working papers, or memoranda without the consent of the client or the client’s personal representative or assignee to anyone other than another licensee or one or more surviving partners or shareholders or new partners or shareholders of the licensee or any combined or merged CPA firm or successors-in-interest to the CPA firm.
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session
58-26a-602 - Privity.
A licensee, a CPA firm registered under this chapter, and any employee, partner, member, officer, or shareholder of a licensee or CPA firm are not liable to persons with whom they are not in privity of contract for civil damages resulting from acts, omissions, decisions, or other conduct in connection with professional services performed by that person, except for:
(1) acts, omissions, decisions, or conduct that constitute fraud or intentional misrepresentations; or
(2) other acts, omissions, decisions, or conduct, if the person performing the professional services: knew that a primary intent of the client was for the professional services to benefit or influence the particular person seeking to establish liability; andidentified in writing to the client that the professional services performed on behalf of the client were intended to be relied upon by the particular person seeking to establish liability.
Enacted by Chapter 261, 2000 General Session