1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (“Code”) sets forth the principles that govern the services provided by Income Tax Unlimited (“the Firm”). It applies to all owners, employees, contractors, and representatives of the Firm (“Firm Personnel”) in the performance of tax, accounting, consulting, and related services for clients (“Clients”).

2. Duty to Clients

2.1 Client Interests and Professional Judgment
The Firm exercises independent professional judgment and takes reasonable steps to protect Client interests within the bounds of applicable law and professional standards.

2.2 Responsibility for Returns and Documents
The Firm assists Clients in preparing tax returns and related filings; however, Clients remain ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided and for the contents of any return or document they sign.

2.3 Explanation of Alternatives
Where the law or facts allow more than one reporting position, the Firm will:
 

• Inform the Client of the available alternatives

• Explain the reasonably foreseeable tax consequences and risks associated with each  

• Identify which positions have stronger or weaker support under tax law and guidance

The Client makes the final decision on the position to be taken, provided that the position has a reasonable basis in law and fact.

2.4 Referral to Other Professionals
When appropriate to protect a client’s interests, the Firm may recommend that the Client obtain advice from an attorney or another professional admitted to practice before the tax court or other tribunal.

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3. Legal and Professional Standards

3.1 Reasonable Basis Requirement

The Firm will not prepare or sign a return, claim, or other document that reflects a position lacking a reasonable basis in law or fact.

3.2 Improper or Fraudulent Positions

If a Client requests that the Firm take a position that is false, misleading, or otherwise contrary to law or professional standards, the Firm will decline to do so. If the Client persists, the Firm will withdraw from the engagement.

3.3 Insufficient Information

If a Client refuses or fails to provide information, documentation, or disclosures necessary to properly calculate tax liability or complete an engagement, the Firm may decline or terminate the engagement.

3.4 Compliance with Laws and Regulations

The Firm complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards in the conduct of its own business, including the timely filing and payment of its own tax obligations.

4. Confidentiality and Use of Client Information

4.1 Confidential Nature of Information

All nonpublic information obtained from or about Clients in the course of an engagement is treated as confidential. The Firm will not disclose such information except:
 

• With the Client’s explicit consent

• As required or permitted by law, regulation, or a valid legal process
   

4.2 Internal Controls and Supervision

Firm Personnel are instructed and supervised regarding their confidentiality obligations. The Firm maintains procedures reasonably designed to safeguard Client information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

4.3 Prohibited Use of Information

Firm Personnel will not use, or appear to use, confidential Client information obtained in the course of an engagement for personal advantage, for the advantage of a third party, or for any unethical or illegal purpose.

5. Relationship with Taxing Authorities

5.1 Professional, Independent Conduct

The Firm maintains a professional and independent relationship with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and other taxing authorities. Firm Personnel avoid conduct that could create the appearance of an unduly close or improper relationship with any government agency or official.

5.2 Representation of Clients

When authorized, the Firm may represent Clients before the IRS or other taxing authorities. In doing so, the Firm will:
 

• Advocate the Client’s position within the limits of the law and professional standards

• Provide complete and truthful information as required by those authorities
   

5.3 No Duty to Report Clients

The Firm has no general duty to report a Client to the IRS or other authorities if the Firm suspects negligence or possible fraud. However, the Firm may decline or terminate representation where continuing the engagement would be inconsistent with this Code, applicable law, or professional standards.

6. Professional Reputation and Public Communications

6.1 Preservation of Reputation

The Firm conducts its practice in a manner that preserves its professional reputation, credibility, and self-respect.

6.2 Documentation and Substantiation

The Firm may request supporting documentation or clarification from Clients as necessary to substantiate positions taken on returns or other filings, especially where required by law, regulation, or government guidance.

6.3 Advertising and Public Statements

Public communications, including advertising and website content, must be accurate, not misleading, and consistent with professional standards. The Firm avoids:
 

• False or exaggerated claims about experience, volume of returns, education, or credentials

• Statements that could reasonably create a false impression about the nature or quality of services provided

7. Quality, Accuracy, and Scope of Engagement

7.1 Quality and Due Care

The Firm exercises due care in planning, performing, and reviewing all professional work. Work is performed with the level of thoroughness and attention to detail reasonably expected of a competent professional in the tax and accounting field.

7.2 Review of Prior Work

When appropriate to the engagement, the Firm may review prior returns, filings, or advice. The Firm will clarify whether ongoing monitoring of law changes affecting previously filed returns is within or outside the agreed scope of services.

7.3 Explanation of Risks in Uncertain Areas

When facts are uncertain or the application of the law is unsettled, the Firm will communicate the uncertainties and the probable effects of different alternatives, allowing the Client to make an informed decision within lawful boundaries.

8. Termination of Engagement

8.1 Grounds for Termination by the Firm

The Firm may terminate an engagement if, in its professional judgment:
 

• The Client insists on a position that is illegal, fraudulent, or lacks a reasonable basis

• The Client refuses to provide necessary information or documentation

• Continuing the engagement would violate this Code, applicable law, or professional standards

8.2 Notice and Transition

Where practical, the Firm will provide reasonable notice of termination and, subject to applicable law and ethical obligations, cooperate in the orderly transfer of Client records to the Client or a successor preparer.

9. Acknowledgment

By engaging Income Tax Unlimited, Clients acknowledge that the Firm operates under this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. The Firm’s commitment to these principles is fundamental to the integrity of its services and to the protection of Clients, the public, and the tax system as a whole.