Warning Against Limiting Tax Advice to Professional Accounting Bodies
The International Federation of Francophone Accountants and Auditors (FIDEF) warns against the negative effects of limiting tax advice to only members of professional accounting bodies. This reflection, currently being considered in some FIDEF and IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) member countries, could, according to the federation, undermine the coherence of the tax system and compromise the quality of support offered to taxpayers.
Key Role of Accountants in Taxation
At its general assembly in Lyon on September 16 and 17, 2025, FIDEF highlighted the central role of the accounting profession in securing the tax base and combating tax base erosion. Accountants, guarantors of the reliability of company declarations and the transparency of financial information, contribute to strengthening public resources and investor confidence.
Risks of Excluding Accountants from Tax Advice
The organization believes that excluding accountants from the field of tax advice would create an artificial break between financial information and tax information, two closely related areas. Such an approach, FIDEF notes, would risk harming the consistency of compliance mechanisms, the fluidity of taxpayer support, and ultimately, the effectiveness of tax administrations themselves.
Call for Inclusive Approach
In the face of these challenges, FIDEF advocates for an inclusive and complementary approach to skills. Drawing on the experience and multidisciplinary training of accountants, it calls on public authorities to establish a balanced regulatory framework, adapted to local realities, but above all guaranteeing the quality, transparency, and security of tax practices.
Strengthening Cooperation Between Tax Professions
For the federation, strengthening cooperation between tax professions is the best way to ensure the performance and credibility of tax systems in the Francophone space. By promoting a collaborative approach, FIDEF aims to support the development of effective and efficient tax systems that benefit both taxpayers and governments.
