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: [email protected]
Website: aquaaccounting.com
By engaging our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
