1. Engagement Scope & Acceptance
By engaging Bhavik Nathwani & Associates ("the Firm", "we", "us") for professional services—including Income Tax filing, GST registration & return submission, Statutory or Tax Audit, TDS processing, Company Incorporation, or Financial Advisory—you ("the Client") acknowledge and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Individual assignments may be accompanied by a specific Engagement Letter outlining tailored milestones.
2. Client Responsibilities & Truthful Disclosure
The accuracy, timeliness, and validity of our services depend fundamentally upon the information you furnish to us. You agree to:
- Provide true, accurate, complete, and un-tampered financial books, bank statements, invoices, and deduction receipts in a timely manner.
- Promptly authorize electronic verification codes (EVC, OTPs) or digital signature certificates (DSC) required for statutory portal authentication.
- Disclose all sources of income, foreign assets, and liabilities as mandated by the Income Tax Act and applicable Indian statutory laws.
- Notify us immediately of any communication or statutory notice received from the Income Tax Department, GSTN, or MCA.
3. Professional Fees & Payment Terms
Professional fees for services rendered are determined based on the complexity, volume of transactions, and time required for the assignment:
- Filing & Ad-Hoc Services: Fees for annual ITR filing, GST registration, or advisory consultations are payable upon completion of computation or prior to final portal submission.
- Retainer Agreements: Monthly or quarterly retainers for bookkeeping, GST monthly filing, and payroll are billed in advance on the 1st of each billing cycle.
- Taxes: All quoted professional fees are exclusive of applicable Goods & Services Tax (GST) unless explicitly stated otherwise.
- Government Fees: Statutory filing fees, ROC stamp duty, and challans payable to government portals are client disbursements and must be paid in advance.
4. Confidentiality & ICAI Code of Conduct
All client communications, records, balance sheets, and tax documents are treated with utmost confidentiality under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 and ICAI ethical standards. We shall not disclose any client records to third parties without prior written consent, except where required by law or judicial directive.
5. Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
While our team exercises due professional care, diligence, and expertise in line with ICAI standards:
- We rely on the veracity of the records, declarations, and vouchers provided by you. We are not liable for tax penalties, interest, or scrutiny assessments resulting from suppressed, delayed, or fraudulent information provided by the client.
- Our online calculators and blog articles are provided for educational and estimation purposes and do not substitute for personalized, signed Chartered Accountant certification.
- Our aggregate financial liability arising out of any professional assignment shall not exceed the total professional fees received by the Firm for that specific assignment.
6. Representation Before Tax Authorities
Representation before statutory authorities (such as Income Tax Appellate Tribunals, Assessment Officers, or GST Authorities) requires specific Power of Attorney / Letter of Authority and constitutes a distinct legal engagement with separate agreed professional fees.
7. Termination of Engagement
Either party may terminate a continuous retainer engagement by giving thirty (30) days written notice. Upon termination and settlement of outstanding dues, the Firm shall hand over all original documents and statutory credentials belonging to the client.
8. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These terms and all professional engagements entered into with Bhavik Nathwani & Associates shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising hereunder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Rajkot, Gujarat, India.