Client Information Update 20/10/25
20th October 2025
As we move through the current financial year and towards the Christmas period, we would like to share some important updates and changes that will help us continue to support you efficiently and effectively.
Closure of Bright Office
Due to the evolving nature of how we connect with our clients, with many now preferring virtual appointments, email communication, and cloud-based document sharing, we will be closing our Bright office on Friday, 28th November 2025.
Please be assured that nothing will change in the way we service or support you. Our Myrtleford office remains open Monday - Friday, and we will continue to offer appointments via zoom, telephone, or in person as preferred. Our commitment to providing the same high level of service and accessibility remains unchanged.
Engagement Letters
In line with the new Tax Agent Services Act (TASA) requirements, all clients must sign an annual engagement letter prior to any work being commenced. The engagement letter will be sent to you digitally through our secure signing platform, Ignition, for your convenience.
If, during the year, you request any additional services that differ from the original engagement letter, we are required to provide an updated engagement letter to ensure the scope of work remains current and clearly defined.
ATO Client Notices
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) periodically updates the manner in which taxpayers receive correspondence and documentation. While our firm maintains robust procedures to ensure that all relevant documents are promptly forwarded to our clients, there may be instances where we are not notified of specific items.
We therefore strongly recommend that clients regularly access their myGov accounts and enable notifications, via email or text message, to ensure that no important correspondence is overlooked.
ATO Requirement – Signed Declarations ie. Income Tax Returns/Activity Statements prior to Lodgement
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requires all clients to provide a signed declaration confirming that they have reviewed and authorised their documentation prior to lodgement. This requirement is mandatory.
Authorisations are sent digitally with your Income Tax Returns or Activity Statements via our secure platform, FuseSign. We recommend that clients regularly check their junk or spam folders to ensure they do not miss any correspondence or signing requests.
ATO Late Lodgement Penalties
The ATO has adopted a stricter approach to compliance. Penalties for late lodgements are being applied more consistently, and leniency with remittance or penalty reduction requests has significantly reduced. Please ensure documents and information are provided to us promptly to avoid these penalties.
Audit Shield Insurance
For those who have not taken up the offer of Audit Insurance, a second reminder has been sent to ensure everyone is aware of this service. We would like to remind you that this is a service we are required to offer as advised by our governing bodies; however, participation is not compulsory. Please take the time to read the information provided, and if you have any questions or require clarification, feel free to contact our office. If you would prefer not to receive further emails about this offer, you can either select “Decline” or reply to this email requesting to be removed from the list.
Christmas Office Closure
As the festive season approaches, please note that our office will be closed from 1pm on Wednesday 17th December and will reopen on Monday 5th January.