Terms and Conditions

1. INTRODUCTION


These terms and conditions set out the general terms under which we undertake our business. The specific conditions relating to particular assignments will be covered in a separate letter/letters of engagement


2. RETENTION OF RECORDS


During the course of our work we will collect information from you and others acting on your behalf and will return any original documents to you following preparation of your return. You should retain them for a period of five years from the date of submission of your return. This period may be extended if SARS make any further enquiries into your tax return. Whilst certain documents may legally belong to you, we intend to destroy correspondence and other paperwork which has been stored for longer than 5 years, other than documents which we consider to be of continuing significance. We need to be advised of any particular retention of documents you may require.


3. CONFIDENTIALITY


As specified in these terms and conditions, we confirm that where you give us confidential information we shall at all times keep it confidential, except as required by law to make disclosures as provided for in regulatory, ethical or other professional pronouncements applicable to our engagement.


You agree that it will be sufficient compliance with our duty of confidence for us to take such steps as we in good faith think fit to preserve confidential information both during and after termination of our engagement.

4. REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS


As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a quality service, some of our files may be subject to an independent review. Our reviewers are highly experienced and professional people and, of course, are bound by the same requirements for confidentiality as our partners and staff. We also reserve the right to disclose our files to regulatory bodies in the exercise of their powers


5. QUALITY OF SERVICE


We aim to provide a high standard of service at all times. If you would like to discuss with us how our service could be improved or if you are dissatisfied with the service that you are receiving, please let us know. We undertake to look into any complaint carefully and promptly and to do all we can to explain the position to you.


6. FEES


Our invoices are payable within 15 days from date of receipt. We reserve the right to charge a late payment penalty at 8.5% per year in the case of overdue accounts. We may terminate our engagement and cease acting if payment of any fees billed are unduly delayed. However, it is not our intention to use these arrangements in a way which is unfair or unreasonable.


7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY


The advice which we give to you is for your sole use only and does not constitute advice to any third parties. 


This maximum liability shall be an aggregate liability for all claims from whatever source and howsoever arising. We will not be held liable to you or any cessionary or third party claiming through or on your behalf for any punitive damages whatsoever or for any consequential or other loss or damages beyond the maximum liability specified. We will provide the professional services outlined in this letter with reasonable care and skill. Our advice will be based on interpretation of the law and experience with SARS. Therefore, the conclusions reached and views expressed will often be matters of opinion rather than of certainty and we cannot warrant that SARS will necessarily reach the same conclusions. We will not be responsible for any losses, penalties, interest or additional tax liabilities arising from the supply by you or others of incorrect or incomplete information, or from the failure by you or others to supply any appropriate information or your failure to act on our advice or respond promptly to communications from us or SARS. Communication via email is admissible, however, as with other means of delivery this carries with it the risk of inadvertent misdirection or non-delivery. It is the responsibility of the recipient to carry out a check on any attachments received. No verbal instructions are acceptable.



8. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION


As internet communications are capable of data corruption we do not accept any responsibility for changes made to such communications after they have been sent. For this reason, it may be inappropriate to rely on advice contained in an e-mail without obtaining written confirmation thereof. All risks connected with sending commercially-sensitive information relating to your business are borne by you and is not our responsibility. If you do not accept this risk, you should notify us in writing that e-mail communication is unacceptable.



9. APPLICABLE LAW


This engagement letter is governed by South African law and any claims will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of South Africa. Any claims, howsoever arising, need to be commenced formally by service of a court summons or process initiating arbitration proceedings within two years after the claimant becomes aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of the facts which give rise to the claim and, in any event regardless of the knowledge of the claimant, by no later than three years after the date of any alleged breach giving rise to a cause of action. This expressly overrides any statutory provision which would otherwise apply.


10. AGREEMENT OF TERMS


This letter supersedes any previous engagement letter for the period covered. Once agreed, this letter will remain effective from the date of signature until it is replaced. You or ourselves may vary or terminate our authority to act on your behalf at any time without penalty. Notice of variation or termination need to be given in writing


11. INFORMATION SHARING


I consent to the SMTAX Group storing any information about me and sharing the information with any entity in the SMTAX Group. I also consent to the SMTAX Group using the stored information for research and product development purposes and to communicate essential information to me.