The Member was engaged to prepare a client’s T1 Returns for 2013 and 2014. The Member:
- failed to advise the client that they had over-contributed to a Registered Retirement Saving Plan (RRSP) in 2013. The client continued to over-contribute to their RRSP, resulting in the assessment of penalties by the Canada Revenue Agency; and
- did not adequately assist the client in resolving the over-contributions to the RRSP.
During the investigation the Member did not provide complete answers to the investigator’s questions, and treated the investigator and CPABC staff unprofessionally by using profanity in written and oral communications.
The Investigation Committee determined that the Member contravened the following,
CGA-BC Code of Ethical Principles & Rules of Conduct:
EP3 – Due Care & Professional Judgement
R101 – Discredit
CPABC Code of Professional Conduct:
104.1 – Requirement to co-operate
201.1 – Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
202.1 – Integrity and due care
The Committee recommended the Member:
- accept a reprimand;
- pay a fine of $3,000; and
- pay expenses of $2,250 plus GST