Engagement Terms

• By engaging Tax Cottage, authority is granted to access accounting records and systems. All necessary information and documentation, including electronic or hard copies of receipts, bank statements, and other relevant records, must be provided to enable company setup, fulfilment of financial obligations, and the preparation and lodgement of documents with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
• This engagement commences upon signing the job agreement and continues until terminated in writing by either party.
• The scope of work includes bookkeeping, and the compilation, preparation, and lodgement of activity statements and tax returns based on information provided, in accordance with the Income Tax Assessment Acts 1936 and 1997. Responsibility remains with the client for the accuracy, completeness, and retention of all supporting documentation relating to any claims made.
• No liability is accepted for delays in processing or refunds, including delays caused by incomplete or inaccurate information, failure to sign required documents on time, outstanding liabilities with the ATO, or any other circumstances beyond reasonable control.
• Compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 is maintained, and reasonable steps are taken to safeguard personal information and ensure confidentiality in accordance with that Act.
• Services may be outsourced in whole or in part to third-party providers, including for bookkeeping, IT support, advisory, or administrative functions. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure such providers comply with confidentiality and privacy obligations.
• A minimum hourly consultation fee applies to all consultations, whether conducted in person, by phone, or electronically. Where the engagement proceeds, this consultation fee will be credited toward the total professional fees for the services provided.
• Fees are generally non-refundable. A refund may be considered where the engagement is cancelled before services commence and the information provided has not yet been reviewed.
• Professional fees do not include ASIC fees or any other third-party government or regulatory charges.
• All professional service fees are payable in full upon signing the job agreement, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Proof of payment must be provided by emailing info@taxcottage.com.au with the relevant invoice reference.
• All company directors are required to obtain a Director Identification Number (Director ID) in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001.
• Proof of identity may be required before services commence or instructions are acted upon, and failure to provide sufficient identification may result in delays or refusal to act, with all information handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

Substantiation Declaration

• I declare that the information and documents provided are true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge.
• I have disclosed all the income I have earned from all sources in and out of Australia and declared it in the tax return and activity statements.
• All the claims for deductions that have been included in the tax return and activity statements are based on my specific instructions.
• I have all substantiation documents necessary to support disclosed income and all claims for deductions made in my income tax return and activity statements.
• When I do not have the receipts to substantiate the claims to deliver them to Tax Cottage, I will make them available if required by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) to verify any income or expense item noted in my return in the event of an ATO review or audit.
• It has been made clear to me what type of written documentation will be needed as well as the potential penalties for making incorrect claims.
• I have been informed of the need to obtain original receipts carrying details of the supplier's name and ABN, type of goods purchased, day expense incurred, amount expressed in the currency it was incurred, GST amount, and the day it was made out.
• I acknowledge the requirement to retain written evidence for a minimum of five years from the date of lodgement of my tax return and activity statements, and I understand the consequences of non-compliance with substantiation requirements. Where applicable, I acknowledge that certain records may need to be retained for seven years and provided to the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission upon request.
• I keep appropriate apportionment documents to verify my work or business usage claim when items are used for private and work or business purposes (e.g. car, mobile, computer, etc.).
• I have read and understood the tax return and activity statements prepared for me.