Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

By engaging Ares Accounting (16259561 Canada Inc.) for accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, forensic accounting, or advisory services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. Please read these terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not engage our services.

Services Provided

Ares Accounting provides the following professional services:

• Monthly bookkeeping and financial record maintenance
• Corporate and personal tax return preparation and filing
• GST/HST return preparation and filing
• Forensic accounting and internal investigations
• Strategic growth operations and business advisory
• Financial statement preparation and compilation
• Payroll processing and remittance (quoted separately)
• CFO and controller services (quoted separately)

Services are provided on a fee-for-service basis as outlined in engagement letters or service agreements.

Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and documentation
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information
• Review all work product and provide feedback within reasonable timeframes
• Maintain organized financial records and supporting documentation
• Inform us immediately of any changes to your financial situation or business operations
• Pay fees and invoices according to agreed-upon payment terms
• Comply with all applicable tax laws and regulations

Fees and Payment Terms

Our fees are based on the scope and complexity of services provided. Payment terms are outlined in engagement letters and typically include:

• Monthly Retainers: Due on the first business day of each month for ongoing bookkeeping services
• Project-Based Fees: 50% deposit required before work begins, balance due upon completion
• Hourly Rates: Billed monthly for catchup work, forensic investigations, and advisory services
• Late Payment: Invoices not paid within 30 days may incur a 2% monthly interest charge

We accept payment via e-transfer, cheque, or credit card. Rush services may incur additional fees as outlined in our pricing.

Scope of Services and Limitations

Our services are provided in accordance with professional accounting standards. However:

• We do not provide audit or assurance services
• We do not provide legal advice; clients should consult legal counsel for legal matters
• We do not provide investment advice or financial planning services
• We are not responsible for penalties or interest resulting from client-provided incorrect information or late submissions due to client delays
• Tax return preparation does not include representation in court proceedings or expert witness testimony

Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with professional standards and applicable privacy laws. We will not disclose your information to third parties without your consent, except as required by law or professional obligations. All employees and contractors are bound by confidentiality agreements.

Professional Standards

Our services are provided in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable professional standards. We adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain professional competence through continuing education and training.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Our liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not responsible for losses resulting from client-provided inaccurate information or failure to follow our recommendations
• Claims must be brought within one (1) year of the date services were provided

This limitation does not apply to liability arising from fraud, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

Termination of Services

Either party may terminate services with written notice:

• By Client: 30 days' written notice required for monthly retainer services; immediate termination available for project-based work (fees due for work completed)
• By Ares Accounting: We may terminate services immediately if payment is not received, if client provides false information, or if continuing the engagement would violate professional standards

Upon termination, all outstanding fees become immediately due, and we will provide copies of client records upon request.

Document Retention and Return

We retain client records for a minimum of seven (7) years in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements. Original client documents will be returned upon request. Working papers and internal files remain our property. After the retention period, documents will be securely destroyed.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these terms or our services will be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, disputes will be resolved through binding arbitration in British Columbia, Canada, in accordance with the laws of British Columbia and Canada.

Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the Province of British Columbia and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings must be brought in the courts of British Columbia.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms of Service at any time. Updated terms will be posted on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. Material changes will be communicated to active clients via email.

Severability

If any provision of these terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service or to discuss engagement terms, please contact us: