The Member was employed in a full-time role as an assurance manager at an accounting firm. Outside of their regular employment, the Member engaged in public practice without appropriate licencing by preparing personal tax returns for members of the public.
The personal tax returns prepared by the Member contained inaccurate information which misrepresented the immigration status of the involved parties. The personal tax returns were subsequently reassessed by the Canadian Revenue Agency and the involved parties were required to repay taxes, pay penalties and interest due to the inaccurate information.
The Investigation Committee determined that the Member contravened the following:
Rules of the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct:
201.1 - Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
202.1 - Integrity and due care
203 - Professional competence
206.1 - Compliance with professional standards
Bylaws:
700 (1) to (4) Public Practice by CPA Members
The Committee recommended that the Member:
- accept a reprimand;
- pay a fine of $2,500; and
- pay investigation expenses of $2,375.