Terms of Business
Terms of Business
ESDG Accountancy
Updated: 11th January 2025
1. Applicable Law
1.1 Our agreement with you is governed by English law. Any disputes will be handled exclusively by the Courts of England. Both parties agree to this jurisdiction and waive any objections to it.
1.2 Only you (our client) can enforce this agreement under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. No third party has rights under this contract.
1.3 Our advice is confidential and for your use only. We are not responsible for any third party who accesses our work or advice.
2. Client Identification
2.1 UK law requires us to verify your identity and, where applicable, the beneficial owners of your business. We must keep records of this and our work for you, and report anything required by law (e.g., anti-money laundering regulations).
2.2 We may use electronic checks for identification (these are not credit checks).
3. Quality of Service
3.1 We aim to provide excellent service. If you have any issues, please contact your engagement partner first. If unresolved, reach out to Edward Stittle, 020 4522 9740, or ed@esdgaccountancy.com. We’ll acknowledge complaints within 5 business days and aim to resolve them within 8 weeks.
3.2 If you’re still unhappy, you can contact the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) at www.icaew.com. For consumer clients, you may also use an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider—we’ll share details if needed.
4. Commissions
5.1 If we or our associates earn commissions from transactions we arrange for you (e.g., referrals), we’ll inform you in writing of the amount and terms. You agree we can keep these commissions without reducing your fees, as long as it aligns with our ICAEW Code of Ethics.
5. Fees and Payment
6.1 Our fees are based on time spent, staff expertise, and the complexity or risk of the work. We’ll bill you periodically, and payment is due on receipt unless agreed otherwise.
6.2 We may provide indicative fees for specific services, but these aren’t fixed unless stated. Otherwise, fees are calculated using hourly rates which are usually all subject to VAT:
- Partners: £225
- Managers: £175
- Staff Accountants: £120
- Bookkeeping / Apprentice Accountant : £60
Standard Fees (excl. VAT unless stated):
Please note these do not include any Disbursements
- Company incorporation: £400
- Minimum personal tax return fee: £420 (discounted if Spouse return also required)
- Residential property CGT (individual): £750
- Residential property CGT (husband & wife): £850
- Accountant’s/mortgage reference: £120
- Company car workings: £240
- Dormant accounts: £400
- Registered office service: £160
- Confirmation statement: £100 +
- Director/shareholder changes: £60
VAT is charged at 20% where applicable.
6.3 Extra work outside our agreed scope will incur additional fees. Expenses (e.g., travel) will be billed separately.
6.4 Reports and accounts won’t be released until invoices are paid in full.
6.5 We may ask you to set up a monthly standing order for fees. We’ll discuss a suitable amount once we assess the work involved.
7. Records
7.1 We’ll return your original documents after preparing your accounts or returns. We’ll keep our files for 7 years, then destroy them unless they’re of ongoing importance. Let us know in writing if you want us to keep anything longer.
8. Electronic Communication
8.1 Emails can be unreliable, so don’t rely on emailed advice without written confirmation from us. We’re not responsible for issues arising from email use. If you don’t accept this risk, tell us in writing to avoid email.
8.2 You’re responsible for virus-checking any attachments we send.
9. Data Protection
9.1 We’ll process your personal data (and that of your business) to provide our services, meet legal obligations, and improve our records. We comply with UK data protection laws.
9.2 You’re also responsible for ensuring any data you share with us complies with these laws.
9.3 Our files may be reviewed by regulators or quality control bodies, who are bound by confidentiality rules.
9.4 If we process data for you (e.g., payroll), we’ll use secure measures and meet our obligations as a data processor. You must ensure you have consent to share this data with us. Contact [Insert Data Controller Name] for more details.
10. Professional Standards
10.1 We follow ICAEW’s bye-laws, regulations, and Code of Ethics (see www.icaew.com/regulations). We may correct HMRC errors on your behalf if we spot them.
10.2 As Statutory Auditors under the Companies Act 2006, we comply with the FRC’s Ethical Standard and International Standards on Auditing (UK) (see www.frc.org.uk/audit-standards).
11. Conflicts of Interest
11.1 We may work with other clients whose interests differ from yours. If a conflict arises, we’ll notify you and resolve it per our Code of Ethics.
12. Regulatory Details
12.1 We’re registered with ICAEW for audit work (check www.auditregister.org.uk). Our professional indemnity insurance is with [Insert Insurer Name], covering worldwide activity (excluding the USA/Canada).
13. Timing
13.1 If you provide all required information on time, we’ll aim to meet regulatory deadlines. We’re not liable for penalties if delays occur beyond our control.
14. Use of Our Name
14.1 Don’t use our name in your documents or statements without our written permission, unless required by law.
15. Our Liability
15.1 We’ll provide services with reasonable care and skill. We’re only liable for losses directly caused by our negligence or fraud, not for issues due to your incorrect/incomplete information or failure to follow our advice.
15.2 You won’t hold our staff personally liable for losses related to our services.
15.3 Our advice is for you alone—third parties can’t rely on it, and we’re not responsible if they do.
16. Termination
16.1 Either of us can end this agreement with 14 days’ written notice. We may end it immediately if you don’t cooperate or provide misleading information. We’ll try to agree on finishing any ongoing work, but we’re not liable for consequences if we must stop for legal/regulatory reasons.