Originally posted by kookachoo
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You'll see many of the big firms harp on about how they'll incorporate/register your company for VAT/PAYE etc for free. Anything that's done at the outset, when you're choosing who to go with. A shame they have a very different view on tasks at the end of a company's life when you're already tied.
Legally I'd anticipate the accountancy firm is doing nothing wrong. There are some tasks that aren't part of the agreed work for agreed monthly fee. So even if the extra work is trivial, I'm sure their terms will allow them to charge extra. Sadly it seems some firms now see this as a great opportunity to milk clients. As more demonstration of how unethical it is, some will waive this closing fee if you go with their preferred liquidator. Reason being their preferred liquidator will be giving them a hefty kick back from the liquidation fee (which will no doubt be higher than other firms offering similar liquidations, due at least in part to having to pay this big commission to the accountant).
The unfortunate reality is you're in a weak position. It's unlikely a new accountant would be keen to take you on just to do these final tasks given all the admin hassle/checks involved in client take on. You attempting to DIY them could be a false economy if you make a hash of it.
I'm nervous this could become a growing problem. It's basically an exit/leaving fee. Normally I'm not a fan of naming and shaming, but part of me wonders if it may be the only way this "problem" can be resolved over time. Ie on the basis potentially those looking for an accountant will read horror stories about how expensive it is to leave certain accountants, hence avoid signing up with them in the first place. Maybe that might lead the firms in question to decide it's a false economy to sting clients with extra fees this way.
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