Chapter 4

Permits

Section 1.Authority.These rules are promulgated pursuant to Wyoming Statutes 33-3-118, W.S. 33-3-119, and W.S. 33-3-120.

Section 2.Registration of Firms.

(a)All certificate holders who perform compilation or attest services outside of a permitted firm from a Wyoming office shall register and obtain permits.  A firm that does not have an office as defined in chapter 1, section 2(r) of these rules, but performs compilations for a client whose home office is in Wyoming and is not required to comply with the AICPA peer review requirements or some state's peer review requirements must register with the Board and obtain a permit.

(b)CPA firms required to register shall meet the application requirements as follows:

(i)A corporation must file a copy of the filed articles of incorporation at the time of initial application and any subsequent amendments thereto in accordance with chapter 1 of these rules.

(ii)A limited liability company must file a copy of the articles of organization with the secretary of state or other appropriate authority of the state at the time of initial application and any subsequent amendments thereto in accordance with chapter 1 of these rules.

(c)An application to register a firm shall be made on forms provided by the Board and upon the sworn statement of a designated certificate holder who holds an active Wyoming certificate or qualifies for practice privileges and is responsible for the CPA firm in the State of Wyoming.  All notifications required under this act and these rules shall be the responsibility of this designated certificate holder.

(d)Designated certificate holders shall register Wyoming office locations with the CPA firm registration and provide the following information:

(i)Office address, both physical and mailing, if different;

(ii)Phone number;

(iii)Name of certificate holder providing attest or compilation services at each location; and

(iv)A list of all office locations within Wyoming. 

(e)After issuance of a CPA firm permit, the firm shall practice under the name registered with the Board. 

Section 3. Renewal/Activation.

(a)All CPA firm permits expire December 31st of each calendar year. Renewal notifications shall be e-mailed to designated certificate holders no later than October 1st each calendar year.

(b)The designated certificate holder shall submit an application for renewal which shall be processed in the Board's electronic licensing system no later than December 31st of each calendar year and be accompanied by the following:

(i) A complete individual certificate renewal unless authorized to use practice privileges;

(ii)Copies of applicable amended articles of incorporation or articles of organization;

(iii)Applicable fees, to include outstanding certified notice fees as outlined in chapter 1, section 13(c)(ii) of these rules;

(iv)A list of all firm ownership, including certificate status and percentage ownership; and

(v)A list of all certificate holders associated with the firm.  

(c)Firms eligible for practice privileges may activate an expired firm permit at any time and are subject to activation fees as set forth in chapter 1, section 13(c)(iii) of these rules.

Section 4.Non-certificate Holders. CPA firms whose ownership includes non-certificate holders shall provide a list of the names of all certificate and non-certificate holder owners at initial registration and at the time of annual permit renewal.  This list shall document compliance with subsection (ii) of this section.

(i)Subsequent changes must be reported within sixty (60) days;

(ii)If the withdrawal of a certificate holder results in the CPA firm's ownership being controlled by more than 49% of non-certificate holders, the CPA firm shall take corrective action within sixty (60) days to ensure the CPA firm complies with W.S. 33-3-118(b)(xvi)and (xvii).

Section 5.Non-Resident Firms.  CPA firms that qualify for practice privileges but elect to obtain/maintain a permit in Wyoming shall comply with all provisions and requirements set forth in W.S. 33-3-118(b)(xiv) and (xv), W.S. 33-3-120, W.S. 33-3-132, and these rules.

Section 6.Refunds.  Refunds of firm permit fees paid may be processed at the discretion of the Board.  All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to the Board office within thirty (30) days of payment of the fee.  All refunds are subject to requirements in chapter 1, section 13(d) of these rules.