Cartoon was unfair to accountants:

While we understand the cartoon you ran on page 12 of the March 7 issue was an attempt at humor, it clearly conflicts with the values and beliefs of the CPA profession. CPAs are trusted professionals who must meet rigorous certification standards and adhere to a strict code of ethics to practice their profession.

The cartoon depicts CPAs mocking taxavoidance schemes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The CPA profession vehemently opposes tax avoidance under any and all circumstances. The American Institute of CPAs has voiced strong opposition to what is known as “abusive tax shelters.” It has publicly supported provisions in recent federal legislation to curtail this type of tax avoidance. The Indiana CPA Society joins them in opposing this activity.

The society represents more than 7,000 CPAs throughout the state. These professionals are highly respected and sought
after when it comes to giving sound advice to thousands of citizens and businesses statewide. Preparing tax returns and providing tax advice is just one of a countless number of services that CPAs provide. After all, a core value of the profession for the more than 100 years since its founding is serving the public interest.

I urge you to give more thoughtful consideration to the cartoons you choose. The possibility that this cartoon impugns the integrity of the CPA profession fails to serve the profession or its clients in meeting their obligations as citizens.