{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-4401.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-4401.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-4401.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-4401.html"}],"law_id":65495,"edition_id":1,"section_id":65495,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4401","catch_line":"Applicability of chapter","history":"2001, c. 832; 2007, c. 804; 2015, c. 287.","full_text":"A\n\nThis chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed from:1\n\nUsing the description “accountant” or “bookkeeper”;2\n\nStating that he practices accounting or bookkeeping;3\n\nPerforming services involving the use of accounting skills;4\n\nRendering tax services, or management advisory or consulting services;5\n\nKeeping the books of account and related accounting records; or6\n\nPreparing financial statements without providing assurance.B\n\nThis chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed from stating that he has prepared, compiled, assembled or drafted a financial statement, provided he does not use any additional language that comprises an assurance or make any claims, representations, or statements prohibited by § 54.1-4414.C\n\nThe prohibitions of § 54.1-4414 and the other provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to preclude any person who is not licensed from including a statement on financial statements indicating that no assurance is provided on the financial statements or using the following language: “I (We) have compiled the accompanying (financial statements) of (name of entity) as of (time period) and for the (period) then ended. A compilation is limited to presenting 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. Management has elected to omit substantially all (or certain) required disclosures (and the statement of cash flows). If the omitted disclosures were included in the financial statements, they might influence the user’s conclusions about the (entity’s) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about these matters.”D\n\nThe provisions of this chapter shall not be construed, interpreted, or applied to prohibit any public official or public employee from performing his duly authorized or mandated duties.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":238100,"text":"This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed from:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":238101,"text":"Using the description “accountant” or “bookkeeper”;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":238102,"text":"Stating that he practices accounting or bookkeeping;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":238103,"text":"Performing services involving the use of accounting skills;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":238104,"text":"Rendering tax services, or management advisory or consulting services;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":238105,"text":"Keeping the books of account and related accounting records; or","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":238106,"text":"Preparing financial statements without providing assurance.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"B"},"7":{"id":238107,"text":"This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed from stating that he has prepared, compiled, assembled or drafted a financial statement, provided he does not use any additional language that comprises an assurance or make any claims, representations, or statements prohibited by § 54.1-4414.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"C"},"8":{"id":238108,"text":"The prohibitions of § 54.1-4414 and the other provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to preclude any person who is not licensed from including a statement on financial statements indicating that no assurance is provided on the financial statements or using the following language: “I (We) have compiled the accompanying (financial statements) of (name of entity) as of (time period) and for the (period) then ended. A compilation is limited to presenting 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. Management has elected to omit substantially all (or certain) required disclosures (and the statement of cash flows). If the omitted disclosures were included in the financial statements, they might influence the user’s conclusions about the (entity’s) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not designed for those who are not informed about these matters.”","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"9":{"id":238109,"text":"The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed, interpreted, or applied to prohibit any public official or public employee from performing his duly authorized or mandated duties.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14599,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Accountants","identifier":"44","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":14598,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:49","permalink":{"id":244631,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14599,"identifier":"44","token":"54.1\/VI\/44","url":"\/54.1\/VI\/44\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":14598,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions Regulated by Other Entities","identifier":"VI","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:49","permalink":{"id":244629,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14598,"identifier":"VI","token":"54.1\/VI","url":"\/54.1\/VI\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":77707,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4400","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-4400\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4400","metadata":false},{"id":65495,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4401","catch_line":"Applicability of chapter","url":"\/54.1-4401\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4401","metadata":false},{"id":76023,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4402","catch_line":"Board; membership; qualifications; powers and duties","url":"\/54.1-4402\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4402","metadata":false},{"id":81120,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4403","catch_line":"General powers and duties of the Board","url":"\/54.1-4403\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4403","metadata":false},{"id":63559,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4404","catch_line":"Board to employ Executive Director; legal counsel","url":"\/54.1-4404\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4404","metadata":false},{"id":73724,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4405","catch_line":"Board of Accountancy Fund; receipts; disbursements","url":"\/54.1-4405\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4405","metadata":false},{"id":76188,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4405.1","catch_line":"Board of Accountancy Trust Account; creation; expenditures; excess moneys","url":"\/54.1-4405.1\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4405.1","metadata":false},{"id":62977,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4406","catch_line":"Powers and duties of the Executive Director","url":"\/54.1-4406\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4406","metadata":false},{"id":62850,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4407","catch_line":"Enforcement of laws by the Executive Director or investigators; authority of investigators appointed by the Executive Director","url":"\/54.1-4407\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4407","metadata":false},{"id":70412,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4408","catch_line":"Subpoenas","url":"\/54.1-4408\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4408","metadata":false},{"id":73633,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4409","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4409\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4409","metadata":false},{"id":71993,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4409.1","catch_line":"Licensing requirements for persons","url":"\/54.1-4409.1\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4409.1","metadata":false},{"id":76842,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4409.2","catch_line":"How a person may obtain a Virginia license","url":"\/54.1-4409.2\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4409.2","metadata":false},{"id":76079,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4410","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4410\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4410","metadata":false},{"id":84949,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4411","catch_line":"Practice privilege provisions for persons who hold the license of another state","url":"\/54.1-4411\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4411","metadata":false},{"id":73017,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4412","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4412\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4412","metadata":false},{"id":80082,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4412.1","catch_line":"Licensing requirements for firms","url":"\/54.1-4412.1\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4412.1","metadata":false},{"id":81954,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4413","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4413\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4413","metadata":false},{"id":72351,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4413.2","catch_line":"Issuance, renewal, and reinstatement of licenses and lifting the suspension of privileges","url":"\/54.1-4413.2\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4413.2","metadata":false},{"id":81324,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4413.3","catch_line":"Standards of conduct and practice","url":"\/54.1-4413.3\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4413.3","metadata":false},{"id":57633,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4413.4","catch_line":"Penalties","url":"\/54.1-4413.4\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4413.4","metadata":false},{"id":86268,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4413.5","catch_line":"Confidential consent agreements","url":"\/54.1-4413.5\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4413.5","metadata":false},{"id":63959,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4414","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","url":"\/54.1-4414\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4414","metadata":false},{"id":56105,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4415","catch_line":"Exemptions from unlawful acts","url":"\/54.1-4415\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4415","metadata":false},{"id":65607,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4416","catch_line":"Board's powers with respect to hearings under this chapter","url":"\/54.1-4416\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4416","metadata":false},{"id":63703,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4417","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4417\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4417","metadata":false},{"id":64058,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4418","catch_line":"Recovery of cost after grant of formal fact-finding","url":"\/54.1-4418\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4418","metadata":false},{"id":66516,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4419","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4419\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4419","metadata":false},{"id":69333,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4420","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/54.1-4420\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4420","metadata":false},{"id":57198,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4421","catch_line":"Biennial report","url":"\/54.1-4421\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4421","metadata":false},{"id":62207,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4422","catch_line":"Expired","url":"\/54.1-4422\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4422","metadata":false},{"id":77879,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4423","catch_line":"Use of consultants in investigations","url":"\/54.1-4423\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4423","metadata":false},{"id":72620,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4424","catch_line":"Certain information not to be made public","url":"\/54.1-4424\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4424","metadata":false},{"id":65630,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4425","catch_line":"Time for filing complaints against CPAs or CPA firms","url":"\/54.1-4425\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4425","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":77707,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4400","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/54.1-4400\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4400","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76023,"structure_id":14599,"section_number":"54.1-4402","catch_line":"Board; membership; qualifications; powers and duties","url":"\/54.1-4402\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4402","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-4401\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2001. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 832<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2007, chapter 804<\/a>; in 2015, chapter 287<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":63959,"section_number":"54.1-4414","catch_line":"Prohibited acts","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-4414\/"}],"permalink":{"id":244637,"object_type":"law","relational_id":65495,"identifier":"54.1-4401","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4401","url":"\/54.1-4401\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-4401\/","token":"54.1\/VI\/44\/54.1-4401","dublin_core":{"Title":"Applicability of chapter","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-4401","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed<\/span> from: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Using the description “accountant” or “bookkeeper”; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Stating that he practices accounting or bookkeeping; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Performing services involving the use of accounting skills; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Rendering tax services, or management advisory or consulting services; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Keeping the books of account and related accounting records; or <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Preparing financial statements<\/span> without providing assurance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed<\/span> from stating that he has prepared, compiled, assembled or drafted a financial statement<\/span>, provided he does not use any additional language that comprises an assurance<\/span> or make any claims, representations, or statements prohibited by § 54.1-4414<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The prohibitions of § 54.1-4414<\/a> and the other provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to preclude any person who is not licensed<\/span> from including a statement on financial statements<\/span> indicating that no assurance<\/span> is provided on the financial statements<\/span> or using the following language: “I (We) have compiled the accompanying (financial statements<\/span>) of (name of entity) as of (time period) and for the (period) then ended. A compilation is limited to presenting in the form of financial statements<\/span> information that is the representation of management (owners). I (We) have not audited or reviewed the accompanying financial statements<\/span> and, accordingly, do not express an opinion<\/span> or any other form of assurance<\/span> on them. Management has elected to omit substantially all (or certain) required disclosures (and the statement of cash flows). If the omitted disclosures were included in the financial statements<\/span>, they might influence the user’s conclusions about the (entity’s) financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements<\/span> are not designed for those who are not informed about these matters.” <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed, interpreted, or applied to prohibit any public official or public employee from performing his duly authorized or mandated duties. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nAPPLICABILITY OF CHAPTER (\u00a7 54.1-4401)\n\nA. This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed\nfrom:\n\n 1. Using the description “accountant” or “bookkeeper”;\n\n 2. Stating that he practices accounting or bookkeeping;\n\n 3. Performing services involving the use of accounting skills;\n\n 4. Rendering tax services, or management advisory or consulting services;\n\n 5. Keeping the books of account and related accounting records; or\n\n 6. Preparing financial statements without providing assurance.\n\nB. This chapter shall not be construed to prevent any person who is not licensed\nfrom stating that he has prepared, compiled, assembled or drafted a financial\nstatement, provided he does not use any additional language that comprises an\nassurance or make any claims, representations, or statements prohibited by\n§ 54.1-4414.\n\nC. The prohibitions of § 54.1-4414 and the other provisions of this chapter\nshall not be construed to preclude any person who is not licensed from including\na statement on financial statements indicating that no assurance is provided on\nthe financial statements or using the following language: “I (We) have\ncompiled the accompanying (financial statements) of (name of entity) as of (time\nperiod) and for the (period) then ended. A compilation is limited to presenting\nin the form of financial statements information that is the representation of\nmanagement (owners). I (We) have not audited or reviewed the accompanying\nfinancial statements and, accordingly, do not express an opinion or any other\nform of assurance on them. Management has elected to omit substantially all (or\ncertain) required disclosures (and the statement of cash flows). If the omitted\ndisclosures were included in the financial statements, they might influence the\nuser’s conclusions about the (entity’s) financial position, results\nof operations, and cash flows. Accordingly, these financial statements are not\ndesigned for those who are not informed about these matters.”\n\nD. The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed, interpreted, or\napplied to prohibit any public official or public employee from performing his\nduly authorized or mandated duties.\n\nHISTORY: 2001, c. 832; 2007, c. 804; 2015, c. 287.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}