ACCOUNTANT & TAX AGENT ENGAGEMENT LETTER
S & H Accountants Pty Ltd
Phone: 03 8759 5532 | 1300 SAH TAX
Web: www.sahtax.com.au
Email: info@sahtax.com.au
Date
Today
To
You / Your Entity (Company, Trust, Sole Trader, Partnership or SMSF)
Re: Appointment as Your Accountant and Tax Agent
We confirm our appointment as your Accountant and Registered Tax Agent. This document outlines the terms and conditions of our engagement.
By proceeding, you authorise S & H Accountants Pty Ltd (Registered Tax Agent No. 25320110) to act on your behalf in relation to taxation, accounting, ASIC and other regulatory matters.
Scope of Services
We will:
- Analyse and discuss your accounting and financial affairs
- Prepare financial statements where required
- Prepare and lodge taxation returns and activity statements
- Communicate with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ASIC and other authorities on your behalf
- Provide advice and undertake additional services as agreed
Important:
This engagement does not include audit or review services unless explicitly agreed. No assurance is provided, and we do not guarantee detection of fraud, errors or illegal activities.
Authorisation
You authorise us to:
- Act as your Tax Agent
- Access your ATO records
- Communicate with ATO, ASIC and other authorities
- Lodge documents and act on your instructions
Your Responsibilities
You agree and acknowledge that:
- You must provide complete, accurate and timely information
- You are responsible for all information provided
- You must keep records for a minimum of 5 years
- You must retain original receipts for substantiation
Income
You must declare all income, including:
- Australian and foreign income
- Capital gains
Expenses
To claim deductions:
- Expenses must be for income-producing purposes
- You must maintain appropriate documentation
Record Requirements
Receipts must include:
- Supplier name
- Amount
- Nature of expense
- Date
Apportionment
Where expenses are partly private and business:
- You must maintain supporting records
- Claims must be reasonable and justifiable
Accounting & Record Keeping Obligations
You must ensure:
- Bookkeeping is maintained regularly
- Bank and balance sheet reconciliations are completed monthly
- Records are accurate and complete
- Financial information is provided on time
ATO Audits and Compliance
You acknowledge:
- You may be subject to ATO audit or review
- Supporting documentation must be available
- Penalties and interest may apply for incorrect claims
- Missing documents must be replaced where possible
We rely on the information you provide and do not independently verify it unless specifically engaged.
Fees and Payment Terms
- Fees are based on time, complexity and skill required
- Additional services will incur additional fees
- Payment terms are 14 days from invoice date
- For work exceeding $1,000, 50% upfront payment may be required
- Fees may be deducted from tax refunds where agreed
Failure to pay may result in recovery action.
Additional Services
Services not included unless agreed:
- ATO audits and investigations
- Complex tax advice
- Business restructuring
- Financial modelling or forecasting
Responsibility for Systems
You are responsible for:
- Accounting systems
- Internal controls
- Prevention and detection of fraud
Privacy and Confidentiality
We comply with:
- Privacy Act requirements
- Tax Agent Services Act 2009
Your information will remain confidential unless disclosure is required by law.
Professional Standards
We comply with:
- Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) standards
- Ethical and professional obligations
- Continuing professional education requirements
Client Rights and Obligations
You have the right to:
- Object to ATO decisions
- Request private rulings
You must:
- Lodge returns on time
- Maintain accurate records
- Provide complete and truthful information
Safe Harbour Provisions
You may be eligible for reduced penalties if:
- You provide all relevant information
- Information is provided on time
Failure to do so may result in penalties.
Work Limitations
We:
- Rely on information provided by you
- Do not audit or verify unless engaged
- Must comply with the law, even where inconsistent with your instructions
Employment and Fair Work Obligations
You are responsible for compliance with:
- Fair Work Act requirements
- Employee wages, entitlements and records
We do not provide employment law advice unless separately engaged.
Ownership of Documents
- Final documents belong to you
- Working papers remain our property
- Copies will be provided upon request
Lien (Unpaid Fees)
We reserve the right to retain certain documents until outstanding fees are paid, subject to legal limitations.
Acknowledgement and Acceptance (Digital)
By clicking “Accept”, submitting your onboarding form, or continuing to use our services, you confirm that:
- You have read and understood this Engagement Letter
- You agree to the terms and conditions outlined above
- All information provided by you is true and correct
- You authorise S & H Accountants Pty Ltd to act on your behalf
- You accept responsibility for all fees and obligations
This acceptance is legally binding and equivalent to a signed agreement.
