Get Your Free IRS-compliant WISP template for 2026
Every tax preparer handling taxpayer data must have a Written Information Security Plan. Download our professionally crafted template — updated for 2026 IRS requirements and Publication 4557 compliance.
What's included in your WISP template
A complete, ready-to-customize security plan that satisfies every IRS requirement.
Data protection policies
Pre-written policies for handling, storing, and disposing of taxpayer data — compliant with IRS Publication 4557 Section 3.
Access control procedures
Role-based access templates that define who can view, modify, and transmit sensitive client information.
Incident response plan
Step-by-step procedures for detecting, reporting, and recovering from a data breach — including IRS notification requirements.
Employee training guidelines
Security awareness training requirements and documentation templates for every staff member who handles taxpayer data.
Risk assessment framework
Systematic approach to identifying vulnerabilities in your practice and prioritizing security improvements.
Technology safeguards checklist
Complete checklist covering firewalls, encryption, antivirus, backup procedures, and secure remote access.
Three steps to IRS compliance
Having a WISP isn't optional — the IRS requires it. Here's how to get compliant today.
Download the template
Enter your email below and get instant access to the 2026 WISP template in editable Word format.
Customize for your practice
Fill in your firm's details, review each section, and tailor the policies to match your specific workflow and technology.
Implement and document
Train your team, put the plan into action, and maintain the documentation the IRS requires during audits.
DIY vs. professional WISP
“I spent two weeks trying to write a WISP from scratch before finding Bellator's template. It covered everything I missed and I had it customized for my practice in under two hours. This should be required reading for every tax preparer.”
WISP template FAQ
Yes. IRS Publication 4557 and the FTC Safeguards Rule both require tax preparers who handle taxpayer information to maintain a Written Information Security Plan. Failure to have one can result in PTIN revocation, fines, and loss of your ability to practice.
The template is delivered as an editable Microsoft Word document (.docx) so you can easily customize it for your practice. A PDF version is also included for reference.
Yes. Our team reviews and updates the template every year to reflect the latest IRS requirements, FTC Safeguards Rule changes, and cybersecurity best practices. The 2026 version incorporates all current Publication 4557 guidance.
Yes. You can customize and use the template across all locations of your tax practice. Each office should maintain its own copy with location-specific details filled in.
Not at all. The template is written in plain language with clear instructions. Each section includes guidance on what to write and why it matters. If you need additional help, our team offers professional WISP customization services.
A completed WISP is your primary documentation during an IRS security audit. Our template is structured to match exactly what auditors look for, making it easy to demonstrate compliance during a review.
Compare the operating outcome—not just the price
Choose the option that makes ownership and total cost clear
A useful comparison shows what is included, who watches and responds, where extra work remains, and which costs appear after the headline quote.
Coverage and exclusions
Response ownership
Total operating cost
- 01
Define what must be covered
Count the devices, users, systems, hours, and response situations that matter.
- 02
Compare the work behind the quote
Check monitoring, investigation, containment, setup, support, and minimums.
- 03
Choose for fit
Match the option to your internal capacity, risk, and need for human response.
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Keep exploring Tax security & WISP
Understand what tax professionals need to document, protect, and prepare before an IRS or FTC review.
- Common question: free WISP templateStart with a written information security planUse a practical WISP framework built around the safeguards tax practices need.
- Common question: IRS Publication 4557 requirementsRead the Publication 4557 guideSee how the IRS expects tax professionals to safeguard taxpayer data.
- Common question: IRS WISP requirementsReview the WISP requirementsWork through the required sections and the evidence your practice should retain.
- Common question: FTC Safeguards Rule checklistUse the FTC Safeguards checklistTranslate the rule into a clear list of security and documentation tasks.
- Common question: tax practice incident response planPrepare a tax-office incident planKnow who to contact, what to preserve, and how to respond to a client-data incident.