Dave is a tax advisor who has been in public practice for many years. While looking through his files of one of his clients, he discovers that he made an error in calculating a client's tax payable resulting in the client paying too much tax by $10,000. The client is not likely to notice this error and Dave is reluctant to admit he made it since he is concerned that he might appear incompetent or careless, but time is running out for the client to make an amendment to their tax return which could remedy the situation for the client. After some reflection, Dave decides to tell the client and make amends for his error by arranging for the client's tax return to be amended free of charge before time runs out.
What ethical theory or theories did Dave act in accordance with? Briefly explain. Would your answer change if Dave had no regard for the outcome of his actions and simply thought that honesty was the best policy.

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The Answer of Dave is a tax advisor who has been in public practice for many years. While looking through his files of one of his clients, he discovers that he made an error in calculating a client's tax payable resulting in the client paying too much tax by $10,000. The client is not likely to notice this error and Dave is reluctant to admit he made it since he is concerned that he might appear incompetent or careless, but time is running out for the client to make an amendment to their tax return which could remedy the situation for the client. After some reflection, Dave decides to tell the client and make amends for his error by arranging for the client's tax return to be amended free of charge before time runs out.
What ethical theory or theories did Dave act in accordance with? Briefly explain. Would your answer change if Dave had no regard for the outcome of his actions and simply thought that honesty was the best policy.

Dave Is a Tax Advisor Who Has Been in Public