Terms & Conditions
1. General
Our tax agent services are provided in accordance with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA), the Code of Professional Conduct, and all associated regulations. As registered tax practitioners, we are required to comply with ethical and professional standards, including the standards set by the Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and, where applicable, the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board (APESB).
2. Rights and Obligations
To assist your understanding of our responsibilities and your rights, we outline below key obligations:
• We must act lawfully, ethically, and in your best interests.
• You have the right to rely on safe harbour provisions under taxation law, provided you give us all relevant and complete information to support the preparation of accurate tax returns and statements.
The TPB maintains a public register for you to verify our registration status:
• Tax Agent Name: MEDIQ Accountants Pty Ltd ABN 62 148 838 877
• Registration number: 16256015
• TPB Register: www.tpb.gov.au/public-register
3. Client Responsibilities
You must provide complete, accurate, and timely information to assist in the performance of our services. Failure to do so may affect your access to safe harbour protections and our ability to meet compliance obligations and lodgement deadlines.
4. Group Engagement
Where our services are provided to more than one person or entity, each is jointly and severally liable for payment of our fees, regardless of which party the invoice is addressed to.
5. Accounting and Record Keeping
Clients must:
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records
• Complete bank, debtor, and creditor reconciliations monthly
• Perform stock takes where applicable
• Ensure that trial balances are accurate and current at the time information is submitted to us
For individual tax returns, all relevant documentation must be provided promptly to meet lodgement deadlines.
6. Taxation Services
You are responsible for:
• The completeness and accuracy of all information supplied
• Retaining documentation to support all disclosures
• Reviewing documents before signing or lodgement
We will not proceed with any taxation services if we believe the information provided is false, misleading, or incomplete.
7. Financial Statement Compilation
Where we compile financial statements:
• You are responsible for the reliability of the accounting records
• Our engagement does not constitute a statutory audit or assurance engagement
• We do not provide an auditor’s opinion
8. False or Misleading Statements
We are legally obligated not to prepare or lodge any document we know (or should know) to be false or misleading. If such a situation arises, we may require correction. Failure to act on our advice may result in disengagement and notification to relevant authorities.
9. Ownership of Documents
You own original documents and deliverables prepared under this engagement. We retain ownership of our working papers. Records relating to tax agent services will be kept for five years in accordance with TASA obligations. We may exercise a lien over documents in our possession until outstanding fees are paid.
10. Scope of Engagement and Additional Services
Our services are limited to the scope defined in your engagement letter. Additional services will be subject to a separate scope and fee agreement.
11. Fees and Charges
Our services are billed on a fee-for-service basis. Estimates are indicative only and subject to change if scope varies. Direct debit arrangements may apply per your Payment Authority.
12. GST
All fees quoted are inclusive of GST unless otherwise stated. Clients registered for GST may be eligible for input tax credits. Disbursements may also attract GST. Separate treatment will apply depending on whether we incur expenses as principal or agent.
13. Termination
This engagement may be terminated by either party with seven (7) business days’ written notice. Immediate termination may occur if a conflict of interest arises, there is non-cooperation, or we reasonably believe false information has been provided.
14. Confidentiality
We will take reasonable steps to ensure client confidentiality in line with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. You authorise us to disclose information where required to:
• Service providers, regulators, auditors, and insurers
• Comply with legal obligations or quality reviews
• Act in defence of legal proceedings or in the public interest
15. Outsourced and Cloud Services
We may use outsourced and cloud-based service providers, including overseas providers, to deliver certain services. We will take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate confidentiality safeguards are in place. Your acceptance of our engagement includes consent to such use.
16. Cloud Computing Disclosure
We currently use service providers including (but not limited to): Xero, Link Reporting, Class, MYOB, BGL, NowInfinity, Ignition, ATOmate, FYI Docs, Microsoft, and File Invite. This list may change over time. You authorise disclosure of information to such providers.
17. Non-Compliance with Laws and Regulations (NOCLAR)
If we detect or suspect conduct constituting NOCLAR, we may be required to report this to a regulator. We will follow a formal process, including notification to you. We reserve the right to seek reimbursement for reasonable legal costs incurred.
18. Cybersecurity and Liability
While we take reasonable steps to secure your data, we are not liable for losses arising from unauthorised cyber-activity beyond our control. You release us from any liability arising from such events.
19. Conflicts of Interest
We will notify you if we identify an unmanageable conflict of interest. Where necessary, we may be unable to continue acting for some or all parties in the engagement.
20. Complaints
If you have a complaint, please contact our office or our Complaints Manager at compliance@connectuswealth.com.au. If unresolved, you may escalate to the TPB via www.tpb.gov.au/complaints. Fee disputes are generally handled by Consumer Affairs or Fair Trading in your State.
21. Professional Indemnity Insurance
We maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance that meets TPB requirements.
22. Limitation of Liability
Our liability may be limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. We exclude liability for indirect, consequential losses and for circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
23. Identity Verification
You may be required to provide identification to satisfy our obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006. Failure to do so may limit the services we can offer and may result in termination.
24. Authorisation of ATO Communications
You authorise us to receive and manage ATO digital communications for:
• Income tax
• Superannuation
• Activity statements
• Debt
• Business obligations
• Study and training support loans
25. ATO and ASIC Agent Authority
You authorise us to act on your behalf with the ATO and ASIC in accordance with standard agent responsibilities.
26. Prescribed Disclosures
We confirm there are no prescribed events or conditions affecting our TPB registration. Should this change, we will notify you in accordance with the TPB’s guidelines.
