I am having a disagreement with an accountancy firm - as my Ltd has been hit with the ?00 late submission charge. I have documentation where the accountancy firm confirm that my accounts had been completed, and would be submitted by hand that day (two days before deadline).

I want them to deduct the fee from their invoice, but they want me to pay their invoice in full - and also be liable for the charge...

Any guidance or advice greatly appreciated!

With thanks,

Sigi
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If they have given you confirmation that they would submit the accounts by hand then they, in theory, should take the blame.

I would put your disagreement in writing along with a copy of the letter they sent.
Most accountants will have a complaints process.

Also, one for the future - if you go with an accountant that submits online they can provide you with a copy of the confirmation reciept which will aviod such disputes.
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If the accounts were signed and ready to go two days before the deadline and the accountants failed to get them in on time then I think they should pay the penalty.

I had a client four years ago where we had a client's accounts done and signed with just a few days to the deadline. The accounts were on my desk and I accidently put a pile of papers on top of them ...... you've guessed it ..... found the accounts about a week after the deadline and the client got a ?00 fine. It was clearly my fault so I had no hesitation in paying the ?00 for the client. The client understood what had happened and thanked me for settling the penalty. Four years later he is still a client of mine and I've made far more than ?00 from his patronage over the intervening period. The moral of the story? If you make a mistake put you hand up, sort it out and move on. Clients will respect you for it. We are all human, even us accountants!

Sigi, if I were you I'd send them a cheque to cover their fees less ?00 and move your business to another firm.

Regards.

David.
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Also, one for the future - if you go with an accountant that submits online they can provide you with a copy of the confirmation reciept which will aviod such disputes.

Aaron is absolutely right. Why do accountants still file returns and accounts on paper? :|
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I have to say that it sounds like a Companies House penalty, in which case, delivery by hand is rarely an option dependent upon your location.

As has been said, we now file all accounts online which means the problem doesn't arise
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I would also pay the charge directly to companies house and deduct it from the total invoice, pay the invoice minus the ?00 along with a letter stating why and move accountants. If you have the confirmation in writing you would have a good case in court if they took it that far which is highly unlikely for ?00. They are in the wrong here as you have paid them in an official capacity to do this. They didn't do their job, they should pay.

Something similar happened with my accountant but we were both crap as I forgot to remind him and he forgot to do it. We split the charge. Your accountant is your best asset in your business, mine has been wonderful for the last 8 years and I wouldn't be without him. We have a lovely relationship and get together to discuss business over a curry!! Maybe you should go for an individual rather than a large firm. It has certainly worked for me and he knows I will keep him in is old age ;)
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