In a separate thread the topic of ethics has arisen.
When making decisions regarding the ethical treatment of clients and one's possible obligation to the US Treasury and various state governments; what do various tax preparers use as a source for making ethical decisions?
Circular 230? Although that is a guideline implemented by the US government, and I doubt anyone would use a government proclamation as a source for ethical behaviour.
AICPA standards for tax practice? Would anyone use a committee report as a basis for their ethical behavior?
One's feelings? Which "evolve" over time so that one's ethical behavure may change?
Do clients set a higher or lower ethical bar, that we(ethicly) should use,in preparing a tax return? Or representing a client?
And are one's ethics affected by:
Are there insignificant/immaterial/trivial matters that are best dealt with expediently rather than ethicly?
Does one comply with the purpose of the laws, or the literal wording of the laws?
Does one dot every "i" and cross every "t" because the risk of future unanticipated consequences; or do we need to find a level of "good enough" due to the burden of complexity the tax law brings to us and our clients?
Try to respond ethicly in nature and tone, if you respond!