Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation

Professional Conduct in Relation to Taxation (PCRT) consists of the fundamental principles and the standards for tax planning. It sets out the principles and standards that are required of members and students when undertaking tax work. 

The current edition is effective from 1 January 2023.  

 

 

Key Points

  • PCRT is jointly prepared by seven accountancy and tax bodies.
  • Members must be familiar with and follow PCRT and a failure to do so may expose a member to disciplinary action.
  • There are a series of helpsheets designed to support the fundamental principles and standards set out in PCRT. Specific commentary about developments in the tax system are also addressed in the form of topical guidance. 

Updated version of PCRT published 01 October 2025, effective from 01 January 2026. 

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has introduced new ethical provisions for accountants providing tax planning services. Whilst ATT members are not required to meet the IESBA standards, members of four of the other author bodies are subject to them. Members of these four bodies must therefore adhere to both PCRT and the new provisions.   

There is strength and clarity in all the bodies adhering to the same standard, especially given a number of members belong to more than one body. PCRT has therefore been updated to align the wording with that used in relation to the IESBA Tax Planning Code.  

The structure of PCRT remains unchanged and still consists of the same five Fundamental Principles and the same five Standards for Tax Planning. Members following PCRT should not find that the revisions present significant extra burdens when providing tax advice. The updated edition is effective from 01 January 2026.

Helpsheets

PCRT is supported by supplementary help sheets as follows:   

The help sheets represent guidance designed to help members apply the Fundamental Principles and Standards in their tax work. While not mandatory a member in a disciplinary case may be asked to explain why they did not follow the help sheet guidance. For example, a case might be brought against a member under the fundamental principle of Integrity. As part of the investigation by the disciplinary body the member could be asked to explain why, as recommended in the ‘Dealing with errors’ help sheet, they had not advised their client to make good the tax underpayment which they had identified in the client’s tax affairs.

Topical Guidance

PCRT is also supported by guidance covering the application of PCRT to the requirements of a few topical areas as follows. Topical Guidance may be added to or withdrawn over time. 

As members of CFE Professional Affairs Committee the CIOT have prepared some FAQ on professional judgement in tax planning and PCRT which are available on the CIOT website. 

Earlier editions of PCRT can be found below: 

Page last reviewed and updated 2 October 2025