THE REQUEST

Your company recently made a lot of money from Sam's Company in a legitimate business deal, and more business is likely, although there is nothing in terms of immediate prospects. Quite surprised, you receive a call and request from Sam's Company as follows:

"Hello, my wife and I want to vacation in your city, but I want to write the expenses off as a business expense. Please write me a letter requesting my consultative expertise on whatever you can dream up. I'll need a letter in my file in case the IRS challenges me regarding the validity of the trip. Thanks for your help."

What would be your response?

1. Is this type of write-off a common practice? Wouldn't it be okay, if Sam's Company did confer with you when in town, even if it were for a very short time?

2. How should you handle this?

3. Is there any responsibility on your part to try to affect ethical behaviors of members of other firms?