442.08 Licensure.

(1) The department shall issue a license to an individual who holds an unrevoked certificate as a certified public accountant, submits an application for the license on a form provided by the department, and pays the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a).

(2) The department shall issue a license to a firm that submits an application for the license on a form provided by the department, pays the initial credential fee determined by the department under s. 440.03 (9) (a), and does each of the following:

(a) Identifies each office of the firm that is located in this state.

(b) If any person who holds an ownership interest in the firm is not licensed under sub. (1), designates an individual licensed under sub. (1) as the individual responsible for the firm's compliance with this chapter.

(c) Demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the department, each of the following:

1. That all attest services provided by the firm in this state are under the charge of an individual licensed under sub. (1).

2. That more than 50 percent of the ownership interest of the firm is held by individuals who hold certificates or licenses to practice as a certified public accountant issued under the laws of any state or foreign country.

3. That each person who holds an ownership interest in the firm, and who does not hold a certificate or license to practice as a certified public accountant, is an individual who actively participates in the firm or an affiliated entity.

(3) The examining board shall promulgate rules that define “ownership interest" for purposes of sub. (2) and for determining the percentage of a person's ownership interest in a firm. In promulgating the rules, the examining board shall consider the financial interests and voting rights of all members of a firm.

History: 1977 c. 29; 1981 c. 356; 1991 a. 39; 2001 a. 16; 2007 a. 20.