Crossword Genius

Observing moral obligations when theres no rebate on excise tax? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dutiful

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'observing moral' is the definition.
'dutiful' can be an answer for 'moral' (thesaurus). I'm not sure about the 'observing' bit.

'obligations when theres no rebate on excise tax?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'when' could be 'if' and 'if' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dutiful that I've seen before include "Fulfilling one's obligations" , "Loyal and obedient" , "to be working properly?" , "Compliant, obedient" , "Obediently observant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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