The Member made errors and omissions on the personal income tax returns of married clients over several years, primarily by attributing income and deductions to the wrong spouse. The Member also failed to be alert to the foreign tax consequences of the clients’ financial transactions, and failed to advise the clients to file income tax returns in several foreign jurisdictions as a result. The clients had to pay interest on unpaid taxes due to the Member’s actions.
The Investigation Committee determined the Member contravened the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct and legacy CMA Rules of Professional Conduct as follows:
CPABC Code of Professional Conduct
201.1 – Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
202.1 – Integrity and due care
203 – Professional competence
CMA Society of BC Rules of Professional Conduct
201.1 – Maintaining Good Reputation of the Profession
202.1 – Integrity and Due Care
203 – Sustaining Professional Competence
The Committee recommended the Member:
- Accept a reprimand; and
- Pay expenses of $3793.