Has anybody actually abided by the terms of their engagement and actually NOT submitted the statutory accounts to Companies House & HMRC because the client hasn't paid? ... I ask because I have this dilemma . It clearly states in my engagement letter that I require payment beforehand ... I am already to go and just need to press the send button but the client is now aloof and not replying to my emails. What do I do?
I have had similar situations where clients get their accounts submitted then I have to wait forever for payment.
All new clients (and old ones who don't pay)now have to pay up front.
If it is in your T&C's then stick to your guns and withhold submission-you have chased him for it-he hasn't responded so you are quite within your rights
OK, I really need some help and advice with this. I think I have been duped. This guy is not answering my emails/phone calls. His accounts are due by the end of the month. I sent a draft copy of his accounts for his approval and I wonder if he can submit them himself now ?
Have heard from his previous accountant and he owes them lots of money as well. Before anyone shouts at me I did not ask for clearance from them because my client told me they had retired and shut up shop. I had no reason to doubt him as he had all the documents/tax comp/ B/S P/L in fact I was given everything.
have you checked online to see if he has submitted? (change the password if not )
I would send a letter threatening legal action if not paid by x date and then if still not paid consider doing a small claims
Looks like it's time to get serious. You have is address. Send him a reminder invoice/statement and a warning that if he doesn't pay by next week, you will start proceedings to recover the money. Also say you intend to charge interest on the debt @ 8 1/2% pa until paid, and that you will also charge him your recovery costs.
However, looks like he could be a serial defaulter, and even if you get as far as obtaining judgment you still might struggle to get paid. Hope not too much is involved.
Iain
Edit: Use recorded delivery for everything now
-- Edited by ilsm on Monday 16th of December 2013 12:16:22 PM
he can submit to Companies House himself- if you have the sign on details can you not check this? He would struggle with the Company tax return without the software to produce the IXBRL
Cant see Companies House doing anything about you not being paid to be honest-I would go down the debt recovery line rather than the police.
You could argue that it is fraud, if you can prove he has intentionally got you to produce the accounts without ever intending to pay you (as opposed to simply deciding to delay paying for as long as possible at the time he received your bill).
And anyway, the police would look at your arrangement and say it's a civil matter, use the civil courts.
Companies House can't refuse the accounts if they are properly filed by him and the fact he hasn't paid you isn't their business.
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