New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules Ac - Board of Accountancy
Here’s a detailed overview of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Rules, Chapter Ac – Board of Accountancy:
📘 Structure of the Rules
The rules are organized into five main chapters, plus two appendices:
Ac 100 – Organizational Rules (Part Ac 101–106): Defines terms like “Board,” “CPA firm,” “public accountancy” etc. (regulations.justia.com)
Ac 200 – Rules of Practice & Procedure (Part Ac 201): Governs hearings, disciplinary processes, eligibility reviews. (regulations.justia.com)
Ac 300 – Certification, Registration & Permits (Part Ac 301–305): Covers education, examination, experience, reciprocity, firm permits. (regulations.justia.com)
Ac 400 – Continued Status (Part Ac 401–405): Addresses renewal, continuing professional education (CPE), inactive/active status. (regulations.justia.com)
Ac 500 – Ethics (Part Ac 501–507): Adopts professional conduct standards (notably the AICPA Code). (regulations.justia.com)
Appendices A & B: Reference incorporated materials and forms. (regulations.justia.com)
🔍 Key Provisions and Requirements
✅ Definitions (Ac 100)
“Public Accountancy” includes any service requiring licensure per RSA 309-B (law.cornell.edu).
Others: attest, CPA firm, licensee, semester hour, etc. (regulations.justia.com).
🎓 Education & Exam (Ac 300)
Education: Bachelor's degree; 120–150 semester hours with minimum 12 accounting and 24 business hours (nasba.org).
Exam: Must pass all sections of the Uniform CPA Exam with a minimum score of 75, completing within an 18-month window (can petition for waiver).(nasba.org)
🛠️ Experience Requirements
Applicants need:
With Bachelor’s: 2 years full-time (1,500 hrs/year), or 3,000 hours total
With Master’s: 1 year (1,500 hours) (nasba.org)
A supervisor (licensed CPA/CA/CPC) must document and verify experience via forms NHBOA‑3A/B. (regulations.justia.com)
🔁 Reciprocity (Ac 304)
Licensed CPAs from other states or qualifying foreign jurisdictions may qualify via reciprocity, subject to equivalent education and experience (regulations.justia.com).
Applicants must hold SSN or ITIN (nasba.org).
🔄 Firm Permits (via NASBA guidelines)
Firms must file NHBOA‑5, demonstrate NH physical presence, majority ownership by certified individuals, and peer-review compliance. (nasba.org)
📚 Continued Status & CPE (Ac 400)
Annual requirement: 20 hours CPE
3‑year cycle: 120 hours total including at least 4 ethics hours (nasba.org).
Inactive licenses may require reactivation under specific rules (e.g., Ac 403.02). (nasba.org)
⚖️ Ethics (Ac 500)
Incorporates the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
Sections cover integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, independence, and disciplinary procedures (cpe.furthered.com).
🗣️ Why These Matter
The Ac rules implement RSA 309-B, ensuring CPAs in NH meet consistent standards in:
Licensing (education, exam, experience)
Practice oversight (discipline, reciprocity, firm standards)
Ongoing competency (CPE, ethics)
They reflect national best practices and allow flexibility for interstate and foreign credential recognition.
📘 Further Resources
Official Board site (OPLC) for current rules, forms, board minutes: “Board‑accountancy‑laws‑and‑rules” (oplc.nh.gov)
Justia or LII for text of Ac chapters and parts (law.cornell.edu)
✅ How I Can Help Next
Extract or explain exact language of a specific section (e.g., Ac 302.03 on experience).
Compare NH’s rules with another state’s.
Assist with preparing reciprocity or licensing documents under NH guidelines.
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