Dividing responsibility.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH EXPLICITLY
What they file What you file What they need from you, and when What they will remind you about What they will not
THE REMINDER QUESTION
Do not assume they will remind you of every deadline.
Ask which they monitor.
WHAT REMAINS YOURS REGARDLESS
The obligation.
An accountant failing to file does not remove your responsibility.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Records, promptly and organised.
WHAT TO ASK EACH YEAR
Whether anything changed Whether anything new applies Whether your set-aside is right Whether your records could be improved
WHAT TO CONFIRM
That each filing was actually made.
Ask for confirmation rather than assuming.
WHAT TO KEEP
Copies of everything filed on your behalf.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU CHANGE ACCOUNTANT
Obtain all records and filings from the previous one.
Before ending the relationship.
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether the arrangement still suits, annually.
