Terms of Service

Governing the use of our professional accounting services

Last updated: 15th June 2023

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of RAS Accountants' ("we", "our", "us") professional services and website. By engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

We are a firm of chartered accountants registered in England and Wales (Company No. 12345678). Our registered office is at 123 High Street, Harlow, CM20 1AA.

2. Our Services

We provide professional accounting, tax, and business advisory services as detailed in our service agreements. Specific terms for each service will be outlined in individual engagement letters.

2.1 Scope of Services

  • Services are provided based on information you supply
  • We will exercise reasonable skill and care in performing services
  • We cannot guarantee outcomes (e.g., specific tax savings)

2.2 Your Responsibilities

  • Provide complete, accurate information in a timely manner
  • Maintain proper accounting records
  • Review all work we submit to you
  • Meet all filing deadlines for documents/signatures

3. Fees and Payment

Our fees are calculated based on the time spent and complexity of work. We will provide fee estimates in advance, but these are not fixed quotes unless expressly agreed in writing.

3.1 Payment Terms

  • Payment is due within 14 days of invoice date
  • Late payments may incur interest at 5% above Bank of England base rate
  • We may require upfront payments for new clients

3.2 Disbursements

You agree to reimburse us for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred on your behalf (e.g., Companies House fees).

4. Confidentiality

We will maintain the confidentiality of your information, except where:

  • Disclosure is required by law (e.g., to HMRC)
  • You authorize disclosure
  • Information is already publicly available

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your data as outlined in our Privacy Policy.

5. Limitation of Liability

Our liability to you is limited as follows:

  • We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses
  • Our total liability is limited to the fees paid for the relevant service
  • We are not liable for losses caused by your failure to provide accurate/complete information
  • We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by our regulatory bodies

Nothing in these Terms limits our liability for fraud or death/personal injury caused by negligence.

6. Termination

Either party may terminate our engagement by giving 30 days' written notice. Upon termination:

  • You must pay for all services rendered up to termination date
  • We will provide a handover of work in progress
  • Confidentiality obligations continue after termination

We may terminate immediately if you breach these Terms or fail to pay fees when due.

7. Complaints

If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us immediately. We will:

  • Acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days
  • Investigate thoroughly and fairly
  • Provide a written response within 20 working days

If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer it to our professional body (ICAEW).

8. General

8.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English courts.

8.2 Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website.

8.3 Entire Agreement