What a Free WISP Template Provides
A template gives you a starting point. Most templates contain general language about:
- Protecting client information
- Password requirements
- Employee access controls
- Data storage practices
- Incident response procedures
For some firms, a template can be helpful for understanding what a WISP generally looks like. The challenge is that templates are intentionally generic — they are not written with your specific practice, software, staff structure, or security procedures in mind.
The Challenge With Templates
Many tax professionals download a template and then discover they still need to answer questions such as:
- Which security procedures apply to my practice?
- Which sections should I remove?
- Which sections should I customize?
- What information belongs in each section?
- How do I describe my current safeguards?
As a result, the hardest part often isn't finding a template. It's figuring out what information should actually go into it.
💡 The FTC Safeguards Rule requires your security plan to reflect your firm's actual operations — not generic language. A template that doesn't account for your specific software, staff, and procedures may not satisfy that requirement.
How SafeguardsReady Is Different
SafeguardsReady is designed to help organize the information commonly used to create a Written Information Security Plan. Instead of starting with a blank template, you'll complete a guided questionnaire about your practice. Your responses are then used to prepare a customized WISP document based on the information you provide.
What You Receive
- Guided questionnaire
- Customized WISP document
- Word and PDF versions
- Loom video walkthrough
- Follow-up support
Instead of spending hours editing a generic template, you'll receive documentation organized around your responses.
Which Option Is Right For You?
If you're comfortable reviewing, editing, and customizing a template yourself, a free template may be a reasonable starting point.
If you'd rather avoid the guesswork and receive documentation prepared from the information you provide, SafeguardsReady may be a simpler option.
Need Help Organizing Your WISP Documentation?
- Guided questionnaire included
- Customized WISP document
- Word & PDF versions
- Loom video walkthrough
- Delivered in 48 hours
SafeguardsReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Documents are prepared based on publicly available FTC and IRS guidance. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your compliance obligations.