What it is
A firm improves tax quality by counting its errors. This log records each error with category, severity and the stage where it was caught.
It totals errors by category, severity, stage and preparer, and shows errors per return, so training and checklists can target real problems.
When to use it
- During review season.
- At the end of the season for a lessons-learned meeting.
- In monitoring under the firm’s quality management system.
What’s inside
- Log tab with 200 rows
- Metrics by category, severity and stage
- Preparer table with error rate
- Check that totals agree to the log
Standard cited
This template follows Quality management. It is written in our own words, except for phrases the standard requires the document to contain, with [bracketed placeholders] for client details, amounts in USD and dates as MM/DD/YYYY. Check it against the current standard and your firm’s methodology before use.
Questions
Why track errors caught by the client or an agency?
They are the costliest. A count of them shows whether review is working.
Is the data for staff evaluation?
It can be, but treat the rates with judgment. Volume and complexity differ by preparer.
Can I add categories?
Yes. Add the label to the list and to the Metrics tab.
Related templates
- Individual Tax Return Review Checklist
- Business Tax Return Review Checklist
- Audit Review Notes Log (Excel)
- Staff Competence and Training Matrix
Last updated 11/06/2026. All free templates.