Last Updated: December 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Aqua Accounting. These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website and the professional accounting services we provide from our Newcastle upon Tyne office. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Company Name: Aqua Accounting
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Services: Professional accounting, bookkeeping, tax services, payroll, and business advisory

2. Definitions

“We,” “us,” “our”: Refers to Aqua Accounting
“You,” “your,” “client”: Refers to the person or business engaging our services
“Services”: Professional accounting and related services provided by Aqua Accounting
“Website”: aquaaccounting.com and all associated pages

3. Scope of Services

3.1 Professional Services

We provide comprehensive accounting services including:

• Annual accounts preparation and Companies House filing
• Tax return preparation and HMRC submission
• Self-assessment tax returns for individuals
• Bookkeeping and management accounts
• Payroll processing and RTI submissions
• VAT return preparation and filing
• Business advisory and consultancy
• Company formation and secretarial services
• CIS returns and construction industry scheme compliance
• Business tax planning and advisory
• Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance

3.2 Service Delivery

All services are provided in accordance with UK accounting standards, HMRC regulations, and professional guidelines. Specific service deliverables, timelines, and fees will be outlined in individual engagement letters issued to each client.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Information Provision

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information required for our services
• Respond promptly to our requests for documentation or clarification
• Maintain proper records as required by UK law and HMRC regulations
• Inform us immediately of any changes to your business or personal circumstances that may affect the services
• Ensure all information provided is truthful and not misleading

4.2 Deadlines

You must provide all necessary information within the timeframes we specify to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines. Late provision of information may result in penalties from HMRC or Companies House, for which we cannot be held responsible.

4.3 Record Keeping

Clients must maintain adequate business records in accordance with HMRC record-keeping requirements. For limited companies, records must be kept for at least 6 years from the end of the accounting period.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are based on the complexity and scope of work required. Fees will be clearly outlined in your engagement letter or quote. We may charge fees on:

• Fixed fee basis for specific services
• Hourly rate basis for advisory work
• Monthly retainer for ongoing services
• Project-based fees for one-off assignments

5.2 Payment Terms

• Payment terms are typically 14 days from the date of invoice unless otherwise agreed
• We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue accounts at 8% above the Bank of England base rate in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998
• We may suspend services if payment is not received within the agreed timeframe
• Additional fees may apply for urgent work or services outside normal business hours

5.3 Third-Party Costs

Any third-party costs (such as Companies House filing fees, HMRC penalties, or specialist consultant fees) will be charged in addition to our fees.

6. Professional Standards and Compliance

6.1 Professional Body

We operate in accordance with professional standards and ethical guidelines. Our work complies with:

• UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP)
• International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) where applicable
• HMRC tax regulations and guidelines
• Companies Act 2006 requirements
• Professional codes of conduct

6.2 Anti-Money Laundering

We comply with The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and are required to verify client identity and report suspicious activity. We may request identification documents and proof of address as part of our client onboarding process.

6.3 Professional Indemnity Insurance

We maintain professional indemnity insurance as required by professional standards and UK regulations to protect our clients’ interests.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

7.1 Your Information

We treat all client information with strict confidentiality. We will not disclose your information to third parties except:

• Where required by law or regulation
• To HMRC, Companies House, or other regulatory authorities as required
• With your explicit consent
• To our professional advisors under confidentiality obligations
• Where necessary to defend ourselves in legal proceedings

7.2 Data Protection

We process your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. For full details on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

7.3 HMRC Disclosure

Under UK tax law, we may be required to disclose certain information to HMRC as part of compliance with tax regulations and anti-avoidance measures.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Scope of Liability

While we exercise reasonable care and skill in providing our services, our liability is limited as follows:

• We are not liable for losses arising from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by you
• We are not liable for HMRC penalties resulting from late submission of information by you
• Our maximum liability for any claim is limited to the lesser of £1 million or ten times the annual fee paid by you for the specific service
• We are not liable for consequential losses, loss of profits, or indirect losses

8.2 Third-Party Advice

Where we recommend third-party services or products, we are not liable for the performance or advice provided by those third parties.

8.3 Tax Investigations

While we will support you during any HMRC enquiry or investigation, we are not liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalties assessed by HMRC. Additional fees will apply for investigation support services.

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Website Content

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is our property or used with permission and is protected by UK copyright law.

9.2 Client Documents

Documents and reports we prepare for you remain your property. However, our working papers and methodologies remain our intellectual property.

10. Termination

10.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate our services at any time by providing written notice. You remain liable for:

• All fees for work completed up to the termination date
• Any outstanding third-party costs
• Reasonable costs associated with transitioning your records to another accountant

10.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate our engagement with you if:

• You fail to pay fees within the agreed timeframe
• You provide false or misleading information
• We identify a conflict of interest
• You breach these terms and conditions
• We are required to do so by professional or regulatory obligations
• The professional relationship has broken down

10.3 Handover

Upon termination, we will provide your records and necessary information to facilitate a smooth transition, subject to settlement of all outstanding fees.

11. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

11.1 Complaints Procedure

If you are dissatisfied with our services, please contact us immediately. We have a formal complaints procedure and will investigate all concerns thoroughly. We aim to resolve complaints within 28 days.

11.2 Professional Body Complaints

If we cannot resolve your complaint internally, you may refer the matter to our professional body or use the Financial Ombudsman Service where applicable.

11.3 Governing Law

These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on our website with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

13. Use of Our Website

13.1 Acceptable Use

When using our website, you agree to:

• Use the website lawfully and respectfully
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Not transmit malicious code or viruses
• Not use the website for any illegal purposes

13.2 Website Availability

While we strive to ensure our website is available 24/7, we do not guarantee uninterrupted access. We may suspend access for maintenance or updates without notice.

13.3 External Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of external websites.

14. Electronic Communications

14.1 Email Security

While we take reasonable precautions, email is not a completely secure method of communication. By engaging our services, you accept the risks associated with electronic communication.

14.2 Document Delivery

We may deliver documents, returns, and reports electronically unless you specifically request paper copies. You are responsible for maintaining secure storage of electronic documents.

15. Professional Standards and Ethics

We adhere to professional ethical standards including:

• Independence and objectivity
• Professional competence and due care
• Confidentiality of client information
• Professional behavior and integrity
• Compliance with relevant laws and regulations

16. Tax Advice Disclaimer

16.1 General Advice

Tax advice provided is based on our understanding of current UK tax law and HMRC practice, which may change. While we take care to ensure accuracy, tax law is complex, and interpretation may vary.

16.2 Individual Circumstances

All tax advice is specific to your individual circumstances as presented to us. You must inform us of any changes that may affect the advice provided.

16.3 HMRC Interpretation

HMRC may interpret tax law differently from our advice. We are not liable for differences in interpretation, though we will support you in discussions with HMRC.

17. Contact Information

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

Aqua Accounting
Newcastle upon Tyne
United Kingdom

Email: info@aquaaccounting.com
Website: aquaaccounting.com

By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.