The need for an ethical and professional approach 5 / 5

Advising on tax? You have duties to the HMRC too!

Information given to HMRC must be complete and accurate

Examples:

  • Not declaring taxable income

  • Claiming un-entitled reliefs

  • Not notifying HMRC of their mistakes re under payment of tax etc

If the client commits an offence - you need to decide if it was an error or fraud

You then explain to the client that they should disclose the error to the HMRC

If the client won't disclose still - then you must stop representing the client and disclose matters to HMRC if it's in the public interest or you think there might be money laundering

Professional and ethical guidance

Accountants often act for taxpayers in dealings with HMRC.

Their duties and responsibilities should be towards both clients and HMRC

The accountant must uphold standards of the ACCA that is

  1. To adopt an ethical approach to work, employers and clients

  2. Acknowledge the professional duty to society as a whole

  3. Maintain an objective outlook

  4. Provide professional high standards of service, conduct and performance at all times.

The ACCA “Code of Ethics and Conduct”

The ACCA “Code of Ethics and Conduct” sets out five fundamental principles which members should adhere to meet these expectations, namely:

  1. Integrity

  2. Objectivity

  3. Professional competence and due care

  4. Confidentiality

  5. Professional behaviour

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