Legal
Terms and Conditions
These terms govern engagement of accounting, tax, payroll, VAT, and related professional services.
1. Agreement to Terms
By engaging Hampton Tax Accountants Limited ("Company," "we," "us") to provide accounting, bookkeeping, tax advisory, payroll, VAT returns, financial controlling, or year-end accounts services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not engage our services.
2. Description of Services
Hampton Tax Accountants Limited provides the following professional services:
- Bookkeeping: Recording and organising financial transactions
- Year End Accounts: Preparation of annual financial statements and accounts
- Business Advisory: Financial planning, budgeting, cash flow management, and internal controls
- Tax Advisory: Tax planning, advice, and minimising tax liabilities
- Payroll Services: Management of employee pay runs and payroll administration
- VAT Returns: Preparation and submission of VAT returns for registered businesses
The scope of services will be defined in writing through a service agreement or engagement letter between you and the Company.
3. Client Responsibilities
To enable us to provide effective services, you agree to:
- Provide complete, accurate, and timely financial information and documentation
- Maintain detailed records of transactions, invoices, receipts, and bank statements
- Supply all necessary information required for tax returns and regulatory filings
- Inform us promptly of any changes in your business circumstances or personal situations that may affect our advice
- Provide employee and payroll information for payroll services in a timely manner
- Review our work and raise any queries or concerns within a reasonable timeframe
- Pay our fees in accordance with the agreed terms
If you fail to provide necessary information, the Company is not responsible for incomplete or inaccurate advice, filings, or returns.
4. Fees and Payment Terms
Our fees will be confirmed in writing via an engagement letter or quote. Payment terms are as follows:
- Fees are payable as specified in the engagement letter (typically monthly, quarterly, or annually)
- Payment is due within 30 days of invoice (unless alternative terms are agreed)
- Overdue payments may incur interest charges at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate
- The Company reserves the right to suspend services if payment is not received within 60 days of invoice
- All fees are exclusive of VAT (where applicable)
- Additional charges may apply for work beyond the agreed scope of services
5. Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by law:
- The Company's total liability for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim
- We are not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of profits or business interruption
- We are not liable for losses arising from your failure to follow our advice, implement recommendations, or provide complete information
- We are not liable for errors or omissions by third parties, including HMRC decisions or changes in tax legislation
6. Professional Standards
We undertake to provide services in accordance with: the standards and practices of professional accountants and tax advisors; relevant UK tax legislation and regulations; HMRC rules and guidance; and professional codes of conduct and ethics. However, professional advice is based on information available at the time and subject to changes in law and circumstances.
7. Confidentiality
Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of information shared during the engagement. The Company will not disclose your information to third parties except: where required by law or professional obligation; to HMRC, Companies House, or other regulatory authorities; with your prior written consent; or to trusted third-party service providers bound by confidentiality agreements.
8. Termination of Services
Either party may terminate the engagement with written notice as follows:
- Notice period will be as specified in the engagement letter (typically 30 days)
- Upon termination, you remain responsible for payment of all fees due
- The Company will provide you with copies of your records upon request, subject to payment of any outstanding fees
- The Company may terminate services immediately if you fail to pay invoices within 60 days or breach these terms
9. Changes in Legislation and Advice
Tax law, accounting standards, and regulations are subject to change. The Company's advice is given based on current legislation at the time of advice. We are not obligated to: monitor changes in law after providing advice unless specifically requested; provide updates on legislative changes unless included in our engagement scope; or amend previous advice or filings due to subsequent changes in law. Please inform us if you wish to receive updates on relevant legislative changes.
10. Third-Party Reliance
Our work is prepared exclusively for you and your use. We do not accept responsibility to any third party who may rely on our reports, accounts, or advice without our prior written consent.
11. Record Retention
In accordance with HMRC requirements and professional standards: the Company retains client records for 6 years after the end of engagement; after 6 years, records are securely destroyed; and you are responsible for maintaining your own business records for 6 years.
12. Data Protection
Please refer to our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your personal and financial data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.
13. Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint about our services, please contact us in writing at team@htal.uk, providing details of your complaint and any relevant dates. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 working days and aim to resolve within 20 working days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the appropriate professional body.
14. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
15. Contact Information
Hampton Tax Accountants Limited
26 Harn Road, Peterborough, PE7 8GH, United Kingdom
Email: team@htal.uk
Phone: 07521 246273