Smith, Charles D. of Orange, CT

As a result of an investigation of alleged violations of the AICPA and the Connecticut Society of CPAs codes of professional conduct, Mr. Smith entered into a settlement agreement under the Joint Ethics Enforcement Program, effective March 9, 2026.

Information came to the attention of the ethics charging authority (ECA – AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee and the Connecticut Society of CPAs Professional Ethics Committee) alleging a potential disciplinary matter with respect to Mr. Smith’s performance of professional services.

The ECA reviewed the complaint, Mr. Smith’s responses to the ECA’s inquiries, and other relevant documents he submitted to support his response. Based on this information, there appears to be prima facie evidence of violations of the rules of the AICPA and Connecticut Society of CPAs codes of professional conduct as follows:

Violations

Acts Discreditable Rule (1.400.001)

Mr. Smith threatened to release confidential client information to a government entity and file false tax documents (1099s).

General Standards Rule, Due Professional Care (1.300.001b)

Tax returns were filed without authorization.

Agreement

In consideration of the ECA forgoing further investigation of Mr. Smith’s conduct as described above, and in consideration of the ECA forgoing any further proceedings in the matter, Mr. Smith agreed as follows:

1. To waive his rights to further investigation of this matter in accordance with the Joint Ethics Enforcement Program (JEEP) Manual of Procedures.

2. To waive his rights to a hearing under AICPA bylaws section 7.4 and bylaws section 10.2 of the Connecticut Society of CPAs.

3. To neither admit nor deny the above specified charges.

4. To his suspension of membership in the AICPA and the Connecticut Society of CPAs for a period of one year from the effective date of this agreement. During the period of suspension, he is prohibited from representing himself as a member of the AICPA and the Connecticut Society of CPAs and from using any AICPA credentials or certificates.

5. To comply immediately with professional standards applicable to the professional services he performs.

6. To complete the “Professional Ethics: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Comprehensive Course” 9-hour continuing professional education (CPE) course within 6 months of the effective date of this agreement and provide evidence of such completion (e.g., attendance sheets, course completion certificates).

7. That the ECA shall publish his name, the charges, and the terms of this settlement agreement.

8. That the ECA shall monitor his compliance with the terms of this settlement agreement and initiate an investigation where the ECA finds there has been noncompliance.