Ethics in Sales & Use Taxation

Question 1

What are the 4 reasons why ethics are important in our profession?

Answer 1

• They establish thresholds for professional conduct
• They set the standards by which to judge conduct
• They provide guidelines to people in the profession
• They instill confidence and trust with clients and the public

Question 2

Per the 20 canons of IPT’s Code of Ethics, it is unethical to…. (list all 20)

Answer 2

1. Do anything that discredits IPT.
2. Do anything that would result in a criminal conviction
3. Operate outside the boundaries between you and your employer/client.
4. Falsely represent another person/company.
5. Disclose confidential info to unauthorized parties.
6. Bribe a public official related to a tax matter.
7. Bribe someone to give you a recommendation of what you should buy (and it’s unethical for that person to accept anything as a bribe).
8. Get paid to refer clients to other tax professionals, unless the client is given advance notice and is made aware of how much the referral is.
9. Sell a project and promise a specific result/outcome.
10. Conduct an appeal, protest, or refund claim when there is no basis in fact/law.
11. Not exercise independent judgment while advising/representing a client.
12. Knowingly give misleading/false info or withhold info that is legally required to be revealed.
13. Use a misleading resume or lie about having a certification.
14. Sell business by making misleading representations.
15. Use client listings/references without their approval.
16. State/imply IPT authorization/endorsement.
17. Give misleading info on your IPT applications or renewals.
18. Allow any of your subordinates to break the IPT Code of Ethics.
19. Represent a client that would adversely affect another client, unless they both agree.
20. Have a personal interest in a tax matter that is adverse to the interests of your client or employer.