Married clients retained the Firm to, among other things, prepare and file Canadian personal tax returns which included foreign income. The Firm did not perform the work competently and rendered fee billings which in the circumstances were not fair and reasonable.
The Investigation Committee determined the Firm contravened the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct as follows:
201.1 - Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
203 - Professional competence
214(b) - Fee quotations and billings
The Investigation Committee recommended the Firm:
- Accept a reprimand;
- Pay a fine of $5,000;
- Pay expenses of $3,000;
- Designate a partner or senior professional to successfully complete by the next available date a professional development course in international taxation that is satisfactory to the Director, Professional Conduct;
- No later than June 30, 2024, enter into an arrangement at its expense with a senior member of the profession with expertise in practice management (the “Advisor”), who is acceptable to CPABC’s Director, Professional Conduct, with the following terms:
- At the outset of the arrangement, the Firm must provide the Advisor with a copy of this Determination and Recommendation;
- The Advisor will conduct an overall review of the Firm’s practice management as it relates to engagement letters, billing practices and the management of client relationships. The Advisor must periodically meet with the Managing Partner at the outset of the arrangement and once toward the end of the arrangement;
- The Advisor must be given reasonable access by the Firm to sufficient documentation of the Firm to enable the Advisor to undertake the arrangement;
- This arrangement will last one year; and
- By no later than July 30, 2025, the Firm must provide written notification to the Director, Professional Conduct, that the Firm has completed the engagement.