Terms of Service

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of services provided by Verdant Tax Advisors ("we," "our," or "us") and your access to our website. By engaging our services or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services or website.

2. About Verdant Tax Advisors

We provide professional tax advice, accounting services, and related consultancy to individuals and businesses throughout the United Kingdom.

3. Our Services

We offer a comprehensive range of tax and accounting services, including but not limited to:

3.1 Tax Services

• Self Assessment preparation and submission
• Corporation Tax advice and compliance
• VAT registration and returns
• Capital Gains Tax planning and advice
• Inheritance Tax planning
• Tax investigations and HMRC representation

3.2 Accounting Services

• Bookkeeping and accounts preparation
• Management accounts and reporting
• Payroll services
• Company formation and compliance

3.3 Advisory Services

• Business planning and strategy
• Financial forecasting
• Tax planning and optimization
• Regulatory compliance advice

4. Service Engagement and Scope

4.1 Engagement Letters

Each service engagement will be governed by a specific engagement letter that outlines:

• Scope of work to be performed
• Fees and payment terms
• Responsibilities of both parties
• Timescales and deadlines
• Specific terms relevant to the engagement

4.2 Service Standards

We will provide our services with reasonable care and skill in accordance with:

• Generally accepted professional standards
• Applicable laws and regulations
• Professional body requirements
• Industry best practices

4.3 Service Limitations

Unless specifically agreed otherwise, our services do not include:

• Legal advice (we recommend consulting solicitors for legal matters)
• Investment advice or portfolio management
• Audit or assurance services
• Ongoing monitoring unless specifically contracted

5. Client Responsibilities

5.1 Information Provision

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information
• Disclose all relevant facts and circumstances
• Provide requested documentation promptly
• Notify us of any changes that may affect our advice

5.2 Compliance Obligations

You remain responsible for:

• Meeting all statutory deadlines and obligations
• Reviewing and approving submissions before filing
• Maintaining adequate records and documentation
• Implementing our recommendations appropriately

5.3 Payment Obligations

You agree to:

• Pay fees in accordance with agreed terms
• Reimburse reasonable expenses incurred
• Pay within specified payment terms
• Notify us of any billing disputes promptly

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Fee Structure

Our fees may be charged on various bases:

• Fixed Fees: Agreed amount for specific services
• Time-Based Fees: Hourly or daily rates
• Value-Based Fees: Based on value delivered
• Retainer Fees: Regular monthly or annual fees

6.2 Payment Terms

• Payment terms are typically 30 days from invoice date
• We may require advance payments for certain services
• Interest may be charged on overdue amounts
• We reserve the right to suspend services for non-payment

6.3 Expenses

You will reimburse reasonable expenses including:

• Travel and accommodation costs
• Third-party professional fees
• Government filing fees
• Communication and document costs

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Confidentiality

We will maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• All client information and affairs
• Financial and business data
• Strategic plans and commercial information
• Personal and sensitive information

7.2 Data Protection

We process personal data in accordance with:

• UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018
• Our Privacy Policy
• Professional confidentiality requirements
• Industry security standards

7.3 Disclosure Exceptions

We may disclose information where:

• Required by law or regulation
• Ordered by a court or tribunal
• Necessary for regulatory compliance
• You have given explicit consent

8. Professional Standards and Regulation

8.1 Professional Bodies

Our services are provided in accordance with the standards of relevant professional bodies, including:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)
• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)

8.2 Regulatory Compliance

We comply with all applicable:

• Professional conduct standards
• Continuing professional development requirements
• Quality assurance procedures
• Regulatory reporting obligations

9. Limitation of Liability

9.1 Scope of Liability

Our liability to you is limited to losses directly caused by our negligent performance of agreed services.

9.2 Financial Limits

Our total liability shall not exceed:

• The amount of professional indemnity insurance coverage available
• Ten times the annual fee for the relevant service
• £1,000,000 per claim or series of related claims

9.3 Excluded Losses

We shall not be liable for:

• Indirect or consequential losses
• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Losses arising from your failure to follow our advice
• Losses due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control

9.4 Time Limits

Claims must be notified to us within six years of the date you became aware (or should reasonably have become aware) of the circumstances giving rise to the claim.

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Our Intellectual Property

We retain ownership of:

• Methodologies and working papers
• Templates and standardized documents
• Software and systems
• Trademarks and branding

10.2 Client Information

You retain ownership of your business information and data, while granting us necessary rights to provide our services.

10.3 Website Content

All website content, including text, graphics, and design elements, is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights.

11. Termination

11.1 Termination Rights

Either party may terminate an engagement:

• By giving reasonable written notice
• Immediately for material breach
• Immediately if the other party becomes insolvent

11.2 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Outstanding fees become immediately payable
• We will return client documents
• Confidentiality obligations continue
• We may retain copies for regulatory purposes

11.3 Handover Arrangements

We will cooperate in orderly handover to new advisers, subject to payment of outstanding fees and costs.

12. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Internal Complaints Process

If you have a complaint:

1. Contact us immediately to discuss the issue
2. We will investigate and respond within 10 working days
3. If unresolved, escalate to our senior management
4. We will provide a final response within 8 weeks

12.2 External Resolution

If you remain dissatisfied, you may:

• Refer the matter to the relevant professional body
• Seek mediation or alternative dispute resolution
• Pursue legal action in the courts

12.3 Governing Law

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

13. Website Terms

13.1 Acceptable Use

You may use our website for legitimate purposes only. Prohibited activities include:

• Attempting to gain unauthorized access
• Introducing viruses or malicious code
• Copying or reproducing content without permission
• Using automated systems to extract data

13.2 Website Availability

While we strive for continuous availability, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access to our website.

13.3 Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the content or availability of external sites.

14. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including:

• Natural disasters or extreme weather
• Government actions or changes in law
• Labor disputes or strikes
• Technology failures or cyber attacks
• Pandemic or public health emergencies

15. General Provisions

15.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any engagement letters and our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between us.

15.2 Amendments

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of updated Terms.

15.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent.

15.5 Notices

All notices must be in writing and delivered to the registered addresses or email addresses specified in our records.

16. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: