Is it "unethical" for a CPA to accept gratuity from a client?

Question

Assume self-employed as a CPA, so ethics are governed by CPA ethics board but I don't see this issue addressed in the ethics documentation. That is why I am asking.

Why do you think money should be refused by cookies are OK. How about a ticket for an all expense paid trip to ???.

Answer 1

According the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct objectivity would be considered to be impaired unless the gift or entertainment is reasonable in the circumstances.

The member should exercise judgment in determining whether gifts or entertainment would be considered reasonable in the circumstances. Relevant facts and circumstances would include, but are not limited to:

The nature of the gift or entertainment

The occasion giving rise to the gift or entertainment

The cost or value of the gift or entertainment

The nature, frequency, and value of other gifts and entertainment offered or accepted

Whether the entertainment was associated with the active conduct of business either directly before, during, or after the entertainment

Whether other clients, customers, or vendors also participated in the entertainment

The individuals from the client, customer, or vendor and the member’s firm or employer who participated in the entertainment

In addition, a member would be presumed to lack integrity if he or she accepted or offered gifts or entertainment that he or she knew or was reckless in not knowing would violate the member, client, customer, or vendor’s policies or applicable laws and regulations.

Also see ethics ruling No. 114, “Acceptance or Offering of Gifts and Entertainment to or From an Attest Client” for guidance applicable to the offer or acceptance of gifts or entertainment to or from an attest client.

Answer 2

This totally depends on who's defining your ethics...
Is it a job with an official "code of ethics" or is it you (a possibly self employed CPA) wondering if taking a gift from a client is the right thing to do?

If it's your job, and there's a code of ethics, be very careful. Clients can be grateful, especially when you help them. So, if they offer you money, then refuse it. If they offer you a token of appreciation, like a store bought gift (or even treats like homemade cookies, candies), take the gift, thank them, notify your boss immediately and share whatever it is with others in the office. That way, everything's on the table.

If you're self employed, and feel like you want to accept a gratituty, and you have no regulatory board governing your actions, then if you want to take the gratuity...then take it. Hope that helps.