Client Rights and Obligations

For information about your rights and obligations under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 and the Code of Professional Conduct, please refer to our TPB factsheets:
👉 https://beyondtaxes.com.au/clients-rights 

Purpose and Scope of Engagement

We will act in your best interests at all times and provide the highest level of professional service. This engagement covers general accounting, taxation, and advisory services. Specific services will be confirmed in writing and may include:

• Preparation and lodgment of tax returns and BAS
• Annual financial statements
• ASIC compliance
• Fringe benefits and payroll tax
• Business advisory

Any service not explicitly listed will require a separate agreement.

Engagement Period

This engagement remains ongoing until replaced or terminated in writing by either party.

Accounting & Record Keeping

Clients are responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records and internal controls. We recommend:

• Weekly bookkeeping
• Monthly bank and debtor/creditor reconciliations
• Annual stocktakes for trading entities

No Statutory Audits

We are not engaged to perform statutory financial audits and will not express an auditor’s opinion.

Documentation and Lodgement

We will provide documents to you for approval prior to lodgement. We will endeavour to lodge documentation with the relevant authorities by the statutory due dates, provided that all required information is received promptly after the financial year-end or other statutory date.

If information is provided late, we will make best efforts to meet deadlines, but no responsibility will be accepted for any penalties or interest incurred due to late lodgement.

Ownership and Retention of Documents

• Final reports and original client documents remain your property.
• Working papers and internal records remain our property.
• Documents are retained for 5 years (1 year on-site, 4 years archived), then securely destroyed unless requested otherwise.

Additional Services

Only the agreed scope of work is included in your engagement. Additional services (e.g., correspondence with ATO or banks, rectifications due to missing info) are billable based on time and skill required.

Business Activity Statements (BAS)

We prepare and lodge quarterly BAS based on data provided. We do not audit or review source documents. Clients are responsible for ensuring:

• Information is accurate
• GST is reported correctly
• Valid tax invoices and documentation are retained

Financial Accounts

We prepare:

• Profit and loss statements
• Balance sheets
• Notes to the accounts

Telephone support is provided for general ledger questions.

Income Tax Returns

We have been engaged to prepare and lodge income tax returns for you, your family members, and/or business entities under your control.

In addition to the basic financial information required to complete these tax returns, you are required to substantiate all claims made. You must retain and provide appropriate source documentation for any income, deductions, or offsets declared, and ensure that all information disclosed is complete and accurate.

Our engagement does not extend to inquiries, audits, or investigations initiated by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Any assistance in responding to such matters will be considered an additional service and charged based on the time and expertise required.

Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT)

FBT returns require original source documentation. We provide guidance on:

• Substantiation requirements
• Calculations of reportable fringe benefits
• FBT minimisation strategies

Single Touch Payroll (STP) Reports

If instructed by you, we may assist in the preparation and lodgment of Single Touch Payroll (STP) reports with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for your business or group entities. These lodgments will be based solely on the information provided by you, your staff, or any authorised third party. We will not review or verify payroll calculations, wage rates, entitlements, or source documentation used to generate pay events.

Our role is limited to providing a lodgment service only. We make no representation or warranty regarding:

• The accuracy of the submitted data
• Timeliness of lodgment
• ATO acceptance or response

You and your team remain fully responsible for:

• Correct payroll calculations
• PAYG Withholding
• Superannuation Guarantee payments
• Compliance with Fair Work and other relevant payroll legislation
• Retaining all necessary supporting documentation

By engaging us for STP lodgment, you acknowledge and accept these limitations.

ASIC Registered Office

We offer registered office services for companies, including ASIC correspondence and corporate register maintenance, for an annual fee of $110 + GST. Fees are billed annually and are non-refundable unless otherwise agreed in writing.

This includes handling ASIC annual review documents and keeping your company’s corporate register up to date.

Substantiation Requirements

You must retain receipts, logbooks, and travel records to support your tax claims. We will advise on what’s required under law.

Safe Harbour Provisions

You may be protected from ATO administrative penalties if:

• You provide all relevant information in a timely manner
• We are engaged as your registered tax agent

Professional Fees and Payment Terms

Standard Hourly Rates (GST exclusive):

• Director/Partner: $280 – $380/hr
• Senior Accountant: $250 – $300/hr
• Accountant: $180 – $250/hr
• Administration: $100/hr

Minimum billing: 6-minute increments. Fixed fees may apply for tax returns, ASIC lodgements, etc.

Payment Terms:

A detailed account of professional fees, costs, and disbursements will be issued. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due strictly within 7 days from the date of invoice.

If payment is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to refer the debt to a collection agency or take legal action to recover outstanding amounts. Any fees or charges imposed by a debt collection agency will be added to the amount payable by you.

If you decide to cease engaging our services and appoint another accountant, we will calculate and invoice for all work-in-progress (WIP) up to the date of your formal notification or receipt of an ethical clearance request from your new accountant. This may include minor or ancillary tasks not previously itemised but performed in the normal course of managing your tax and compliance obligations (e.g., liaising with the ATO, preparing for finance applications, bank requests, etc.).

These WIP charges must be settled in full before we release your records to the incoming accountant.

Disclosure of Commissions

We will disclose any commissions or third-party payments received as part of our services or referrals. We fully comply with all transparency and conflict-of-interest obligations.

Use and Reliance of Reports

Reports are prepared for your internal use only and should not be shared or relied upon by third parties without our written approval.

Privacy and Cloud-Based Platforms

We use platforms such as LodgeIt, Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, Google Workspace, and Office 365. These may store data on overseas servers (e.g., Singapore, USA). By using our services, you consent to this use.

👉 View our full privacy policy

Confidentiality and Quality Reviews

Your information is confidential and handled according to law. Our firm is subject to quality reviews by the Institute of Public Accountants. If you wish to opt out of such reviews, please notify us in writing.

As a member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), our firm is subject to periodic Public Practice Quality Assurance (PPQA) reviews. Unless otherwise advised, you consent to your files being part of such a review. Please note this process assesses our compliance with professional standards — it is not an audit or review of you as a client.

Complete confidentiality is maintained throughout the review, in accordance with the IPA’s professional obligations.

NOCLAR Obligations

Under APES 110, we must report any non-compliance with laws or regulations (NOCLAR) to authorities if material. You release us from any liability resulting from such required disclosures.

Third-Party and Offshore Services

At times, we may outsource part of our work, which involves entering into agreements with third-party providers to deliver specific processes, functions, or services on our behalf. These services may include:

• Accounting file preparation and data entry
• Bookkeeping and administrative support
• SMSF audit processing (if applicable)
• General back-office support and workflow automation

We utilise the following outsourcing provider to assist with the preparation of accounting files and other administrative tasks:

AARK Accounting & Corporate Services, with teams located in New South Wales, Victoria, India, the Philippines, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Your acceptance of our services in conjunction with this engagement letter indicates your consent to the use of such outsourced services. Where personal information may be disclosed to overseas recipients, we will take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988.

Limitation of Liability

We will perform services with due care and skill. Our liability is limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.

More info: https://www.psc.gov.au

Communication and Lodgement

You authorise us to:

• Communicate via email
• Lodge tax returns, BAS, and ASIC forms electronically

You may revoke consent in writing at any time.

Disengagement Clause

We reserve the right to disengage if:

• Fees remain unpaid after due date,
• Client fails to respond to repeated requests for information, or
• There is a breach of the terms of engagement.

In such cases, a disengagement notice will be issued in writing and a final invoice may be issued for services rendered to date.

We may conduct credit checks on clients and directors for the purpose of assessing payment risk.

Professional Standards and Complaints

We are committed to providing the highest standard of professional service. If for any reason you feel that the service provided does not meet your expectations, please contact us in the first instance to discuss your concerns.

As a member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), we are subject to its ethical and professional requirements, including the Code of Ethics, adherence to Accounting Standards, ongoing professional education obligations, and requirements related to the handling of client monies.

If a matter cannot be resolved directly with us, it may be referred to the IPA’s Investigations and Disciplinary Committee. For more information, please visit: 👉 https://www.publicaccountants.org.au

We also confirm that our firm holds current Professional Indemnity Insurance in accordance with the IPA’s requirements.

Engagement Termination

If either party terminates this engagement:

• We will cease all work immediately
• A final invoice will be issued
• Client-owned documents will be returned upon request, subject to outstanding fees

Amendments to Terms

We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions. Material changes will be communicated to you, and continued use of our services following notice of changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

Governing Law

These engagement terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.

Third-Party Liability Disclaimer

This engagement is solely between you and MaxBizz Pty Ltd T/As Beyond Taxes. You agree not to bring any claims against third-party service providers engaged by us unless such claims are required by law.

Privacy and Confidentiality Statement

We are bound by the Privacy Act 1988 and are committed to maintaining your records securely and handling your personal information in accordance with the provisions of that Act. If a privacy breach occurs, you have the right to report the matter to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

As noted under “Quality Review”, your file may be subject to periodic reviews by the Institute of Public Accountants unless you specifically request exclusion in writing.

Additionally, as a registered tax agent, we are bound by the Code of Professional Conduct under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA). This means we cannot disclose your information to any third party without your consent, unless we are legally required to do so.

Ownership and Retention of Documents

The final documents prepared under this engagement, along with any original documents you have provided, will remain your property. All other documents, including working papers, journals, general ledgers, and draft financial statements, remain the property of the firm. We will provide copies of any such documents upon request. We retain records for one year on-site and archive them for a further four years. They will be destroyed after five years unless otherwise requested. If services are terminated, we reserve the right to withhold documents until all outstanding fees are paid. Statutory documents such as tax returns and ASIC forms cannot be withheld.

Final reports and original client documents remain your property. Working papers and internal records remain our property. Documents are retained for 5 years (1 year on-site, 4 years archived), then securely destroyed unless requested otherwise.

Lien Over Documents

In the event of the termination of our services, you are advised that a lien may be invoked over certain documents held until outstanding fees have been paid or other satisfactory arrangements made. A lien is a right to hold certain documents or property until the debt incurred in respect of that property/document has been satisfied. The lien however may not be held over property that belongs to another, including if held jointly, and does not cover statutory documents (e.g. a Tax Return, BAS or refund cheque). Should a lien be invoked, you will be provided with a copy of all documents subject to a claim of lien.

Client Disclosure and Record Keeping Obligations

As a client, you are legally required to maintain full and accurate records relating to your tax and financial affairs. It is your obligation to provide us with all information that may reasonably be expected to be necessary for the completion of work under this engagement, and to do so in a timely manner.

You are also required to provide accurate and complete responses to any questions we ask in the course of our engagement. We are not obligated to verify the underlying accuracy or completeness of information provided by you if it appears reasonable. However, if we identify that the information is incomplete, incorrect, inconsistent, or potentially misleading, we reserve the right to seek further clarification or supporting evidence from you.

Under the Taxation Administration Act 1953, you may be entitled to protection from administrative penalties for late or incorrect lodgements (commonly referred to as “safe harbour” provisions). To be eligible, you must provide all relevant taxation information to us in a timely and complete manner. Failure to do so may affect your eligibility for safe harbour protection and may be taken into account when assessing whether we, as your registered tax agent, have met our professional obligations.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that all relevant matters are brought to our attention. Delays, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information you provide may compromise our ability to act in your best interests and may lead to adverse outcomes with the Australian Taxation Office or other regulators.

Client’s Rights and Obligations under Taxation Laws

Under Australian taxation laws, you have specific rights and obligations. These include, but are not limited to:

• The right to request a private ruling from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO);
• The right to object to or appeal against decisions made by the Commissioner of Taxation;
• The obligation to maintain accurate and complete records;
• The obligation to lodge income tax returns and other documents by their due dates.

As your registered tax agent, we are committed to informing you of any specific rights or obligations that may apply to your circumstances and to assisting you in understanding and fulfilling them.

Tax Practitioner’s Obligation to Comply with the Law

While we have a professional obligation to act in your best interests, this duty is subject to our overriding legal obligation to comply with the law. This means we may be required to act in a manner that is contrary to your instructions if those instructions would result in a breach of the law.

For example, we cannot lodge an income tax return or any document that we believe to be false or misleading in a material respect. Our obligation to the law takes precedence over client preference in such circumstances.

Tax Practitioner Information – Your Rights and Obligations

In accordance with Section 45 of the Tax Practitioner Board (TPB) Determination, we are required to provide you with the following important information as our client:
• TPB Public Register Access
You can verify that Tax Store Australia Pty Ltd is a registered tax practitioner with a Registered Agent Number 26099309 by searching the official TPB Register of Tax Agent. This register is publicly accessible at the TPB’s website: www.tpb.gov.au/public-register
• Making a Complaint
If you are dissatisfied with the service provided by us, you have the right to lodge a complaint. Complaints can be submitted to the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) directly via their website. The TPB outlines its complaint handling process here: www.tpb.gov.au/complaints
• Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Tax Store Australia Pty Ltd operate under strict professional and ethical standards governed by the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) and the Code of Professional Conduct.
This means:
– We have obligations to act lawfully, competently, and in your best interest when providing services.
– You, as our client, are responsible for providing accurate, timely and complete information to help us meet your taxation and compliance obligations.

Superannuation

We may have also been engaged to attend to the income tax compliance work for your self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF). This engagement includes:

• Preparation of the SMSF’s accounts for the purposes of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SIS Act).
• Preparation and lodgement of the SMSF Annual Return.

Please note that an independent annual audit of the fund is required before the SMSF Annual Return can be lodged. Accordingly, you must ensure that fund records are provided to us in a timely manner. We will arrange for an external SMSF auditor, and you will be invoiced directly for any associated audit fees.

If the fund has both pension and accumulation accounts and maintains unsegregated assets, an actuarial certificate may be required. We will facilitate the actuarial engagement, and you will be responsible for the costs involved.

It is your responsibility to provide adequate supporting documentation to allow us to assess the implications of any superannuation-related transaction.

We also recommend that the SMSF deed be reviewed annually by a qualified superannuation legal specialist to ensure compliance with evolving legislation. Our firm does not provide legal services and this is excluded from our engagement and fees. Referrals to specialists can be arranged upon request.

Our engagement does not include financial planning advice or investment management services for the SMSF. Furthermore, it does not extend to handling ATO inquiries or investigations.

Previous Returns

We are not engaged to review the accuracy or completeness of any prior-year returns lodged by your organisation, including those of the Principals, Partners, Trustees, Directors, Shareholders, or Beneficiaries. You warrant that we may rely on the balance sheet(s), financial records, and other information previously presented to us for the purposes of preparing current and future year returns and reports.

Commonwealth and State Taxes and Duties

Any Commonwealth and/or State taxes and duties, including the Goods and Services Tax (GST), imposed by legislation will be due and payable together with any fees for our services.

Client Feedback

If at any time you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, we encourage you to contact one of our Directors for a confidential discussion. We are committed to resolving issues promptly and professionally.