Understanding states’ various approaches to accountant-client privileges can make the difference in protecting communications from disclosure in litigation. In this edition of A Pinch of SALT, Sutherland SALT’s Pilar Mata and Melissa Smith examine the scope and breadth of accountant-client privileges that have been adopted by some states.
Idaho
The “I’s” Have It: Indiana and Idaho Unclaimed Property Developments
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Posted in Policy and Legislation, Unclaimed Property
Indiana just launched a new unclaimed property compliance enforcement effort that is bringing unwelcome news to some holders. In early April, Indiana sent out formal notices to holders indicating that fines could apply for failure to timely report and remit unclaimed property. In some cases, not only did holders receive the warning notice, but also an actual assessment and invoice reflecting the threatened fines. The letters accompanying these assessments indicated that the holder has 60 days to pay the assessment, including the fine, or demonstrate to the Indiana unclaimed property authorities that the assessment was incorrect. Adding salt to the wound, the letters indicated that failure to comply may subject the company to an audit.
Idaho, on the other hand, recently passed a law that eases the compliance burden associated with reporting unclaimed corporate securities and related distributions. HB 174 (effective July 1, 2011). Idaho’s new law makes two major changes to corporate securities reporting: (1) a requirement that the owner is actually “lost” before the dormancy period commences, and (2) clarification of the requirements for reporting unclaimed dividends paid pursuant to dividend reinvestment program accounts (DRIP accounts).…
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