7. Fees & payment terms

7.1 Basis of Fees

Our fees are calculated based on the time spent on your affairs by partners, staff, subcontractors, or consultants, as well as the levels of skill, responsibility, risk, and complexity involved. Disbursements (e.g. travel, accommodation, or third-party expenses) incurred in connection with your affairs will be added to our invoices separately.

7.2 Fee Estimates and Fixed Fees

Where we provide a fixed or indicative fee for a specific service, this will be clearly communicated via our engagement proposal. Unless otherwise stated, such quotes are not binding. Fixed fees are generally not agreed beyond a 12-month period due to the potential for changing circumstances. If the work required falls outside the agreed scope, we will notify you in advance and provide a revised quote or fee range.

7.3 Invoicing

Unless agreed otherwise in writing:

• All invoices are payable upon receipt.
• If applicable, we may request that you pay fees by monthly standing order or direct debit to spread the cost of annual engagements.
• We may bill in stages throughout the year or upon completion of work.
• Where work involves statutory filings (e.g. accounts or tax returns), invoices must be paid in full before signing, submission, or release of any final deliverables.

7.4 Late Payment

Where payment is not received within 30 days of the invoice date, we reserve the right to:

• Charge interest on the overdue amount in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, currently at 5% above the Bank of England base rate.
• Suspend or cease provision of services. This will only occur where it is fair and reasonable to do so, and we will provide written notice in such cases.

7.5 Responsibility for Fees

If the client is a company, trust, or other entity that is unable or unwilling to settle fees, we reserve the right to seek payment from the individual(s) or parent entity that instructed us. You agree that we may enforce any outstanding fees against the party that provided instructions.

If the company is unable to meet its liability as and when fees fall due, the company directors may be held personally, jointly, and severally liable for those unpaid fees and any reasonable recovery costs incurred.

7.6 Handover to New Advisers

If we are required to prepare a handover file for a new adviser, a fee will be charged in line with our standard rates, subject to a minimum of £250 + VAT. This fee must be settled in full before any transfer of information takes place.

Where we are legally obliged to respond to a successor firm, you agree to meet our reasonable costs in doing so.

7.7 Third-Party Fees and Experts

From time to time, we may need to instruct third parties on your behalf (e.g. solicitors, counsel, or valuation experts). We will discuss this with you before proceeding. You will be responsible for these costs and may be asked to place us in funds before we incur them.

7.8 Tax Investigation Fee Protection

If you are covered by a tax investigation insurance policy — whether arranged by us or independently — it is your responsibility to inform us. You will remain liable for our fees regardless of whether those fees are recoverable under such insurance.

7.9 Credit Cards and Lien

Where accepted, credit card payments may be subject to a processing charge. We reserve the right to exercise a lien over all documents, records, and funds in our possession relating to all engagements until outstanding fees and disbursements are settled in full, subject to applicable laws and professional guidance.

7.10 Fee Disputes

If you do not accept that an invoice is fair and reasonable, you must notify us in writing within 21 days of receipt. Failing this, the invoice will be deemed accepted and payment will be considered due in full.

7.11 Full-Year Service Charges and Pro-Rata Billing

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Clients joining partway through a financial year will be charged the full annual fee for services that cover an entire reporting period, including but not limited to:
  • Year-End Accounts Preparation
  • Confirmation Statement Filing
  • Self-Assessment Tax Return

This is because these services require a full-year view and reconciliation, regardless of when engagement begins.

• Services that are continuous or period-specific — such as Payroll, VAT Returns, Bookkeeping, or Management Reporting — will be charged on a pro-rata basis from the date of commencement.

We will communicate fee breakdowns transparently in your engagement proposal and will notify you of any revisions if your service requirements change materially.

Effective Date: 30 July 2025