IMP Engagement terms
These are the standard terms on which IMP Partners provides tax, accounting and business advisory services. They form part of every engagement. Your signed engagement letter sets out the services, fees and any terms specific to you, and it applies if there is any difference.
We prepare our engagements in line with APES 305 Terms of Engagement and the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (Cth), including the Code of Professional Conduct.
1. Communication and electronic records
We communicate by email, phone, video, WeChat and a secure client portal. Electronic communication carries some risk of interception or loss. Please do not send TFNs or identity documents by email or messaging apps; use the client portal. You agree to electronic signatures where the law allows.
2. Confidentiality and privacy
We keep your information confidential and handle personal information under the IMP Partners Privacy Policy (imppartners.com.au/privacy). We disclose information without your consent only where the law or our professional obligations require it, including to the ATO, the TPB or CPA Australia in a quality review.
3. Remote working
From time to time we work remotely, including from overseas. Your records stay in our secure cloud systems with multi-factor authentication, and we take the same care with your information wherever we work. Meetings during those periods are held online.
4. Identity and AML/CTF
We must verify the identity of each client and of the people who own or control client entities. Where we provide services regulated under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (Cth), such as setting up companies or trusts, we must also carry out customer due diligence, keep records and, in some circumstances, report to AUSTRAC. We may not be able to tell you about a report.
5. Related parties and conflicts of interest
Where we act for related people or entities, such as family members, a company and its shareholders, or a trust and its beneficiaries, their interests may sometimes differ (for example on distributions, loans between entities, or separation). We will tell you if this happens and may need to stop acting for one or more parties or suggest independent advice. Information relating to the engagement may be shared between related clients unless you tell us otherwise in writing.
6. Specialist panel and referrals
Where you need financial advice, SMSF administration or audit, lending, insurance, superannuation strategy, estate planning or legal services, we may refer you to licensed professionals from our specialist panel. You are free to choose any adviser. If we would receive any referral fee or commission, we will tell you the amount, or how it is worked out, before you proceed. We coordinate the tax side with your adviser, but we are not responsible for their advice.
7. Ownership of documents
Original records you give us remain yours and will be returned. Working papers we prepare belong to IMP Partners. If this engagement ends, we will provide information reasonably needed by your new adviser and will not withhold records in a way that stops you meeting your tax obligations.
8. Outsourcing and cover
We do not outsource your work to overseas service providers. If we ever use a contractor, we will tell you first. If the principal is unwell or unavailable, a registered practitioner we have arranged may assist with urgent matters under a written confidentiality agreement.
9. Fees, payment and refunds
Fees are as set out in your engagement letter. If an invoice is unpaid after 30 days, we may pause work after giving you notice.
10. Ending the engagement
Either of us may end this engagement by written notice. Fees for work done up to that date remain payable. We must end the engagement if continuing would breach the law or our professional obligations.
11. Complaints
If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please tell us first at hello@imppartners.com.au. We will acknowledge your complaint within 5 business days and aim to resolve it within 30 days. If you remain unsatisfied, you may contact CPA Australia (www.cpaaustralia.com.au) or the Tax Practitioners Board (www.tpb.gov.au/complaints).
12. Reliance and governing law
Our advice is for your use only and must not be given to or relied on by third parties without our written consent. Advice is based on the law and your information at the time it is given; we are not responsible for updating it for later changes unless engaged to do so. This engagement is governed by the laws of Queensland.