Benchmark Homework: Ethics in Taxation
The accounting professional considers ethics to be a fundamental expectation of professionals, especially those with the CPA designation. Taxation is a specialty within the accounting profession where there is a propensity for clients to hide or falsify information or the tax professional to encourage such behavior. For this homework, you will address three aspects of taxation and ethics. Your paper should be between 500 to 750 words and address the following items:
• Discuss the legal and ethical aspects of accurately reporting income on tax returns using Circular 230 as published by the Department of Treasury (located in the study materials). Discuss at least two items in Section B on Duties and Restrictions and the consequences to tax preparers if they fail to adhere to the guidelines as provided by the Department of Treasury. In your discussion, provide a summary of the items along with examples of the application of the two items in professional practice.
• Compare the concepts of "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." In your comparison, include examples of each to show the distinction. Use the information you gathered from Circular 230 or refer to the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs) (www.aicpa.org) to support the distinction between tax avoidance and tax evasion.
• Discuss how ethics in taxation can correlate to the Christian worldview. In other words, what guidance from a Biblical perspective could be applied to preparation of tax returns for clients? Refer to the GCU website and documents related to Christian worldview in the study materials for assistance on this homework.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.