Terms of Engagement
These Terms govern professional services provided by Ishvaa Consultancy Services (“Ishvaa”), a proprietorship based in Bengaluru, to its clients. A separate Engagement Letter sets out the specific scope, deliverables, timelines and fees for each engagement. If the Engagement Letter and these Terms conflict, the Engagement Letter prevails.
1. Nature of our services
Ishvaa provides finance, accounting, compliance, payroll and advisory services. Ishvaa is not a firm of Chartered Accountants registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and does not perform statutory audit, tax audit or any attest or certification function reserved by law for Chartered Accountants or other regulated professionals. Where such work is needed, it is performed and signed by an independent Chartered Accountant appointed and paid directly by the client. Ishvaa prepares books, schedules and data for that professional and coordinates with them. Ishvaa does not give legal opinions or represent clients in litigation.
2. Client responsibilities
- Provide accurate, complete and timely information, documents and approvals.
- Tell us promptly about changes in business structure, ownership, registrations or regulatory status.
- Review and approve returns and other deliverables before the internal dates in your compliance calendar.
- Pay fees as agreed.
Our ability to file ahead of due dates depends on receiving what we need on time. We escalate missing items in writing; delays caused by late or incomplete client information are not a breach by Ishvaa. The client remains legally responsible for its own returns and filings.
3. Portal credentials and authorisations
Where you give us access to government portals or software, you authorise us to use it only for the agreed services. You may change passwords or revoke access at any time. We do not file any return without your approval of the final figures, unless agreed otherwise in writing.
4. Fees and payment
Fees are as stated in the Engagement Letter and are exclusive of applicable taxes. Government fees, penalties, stamp duty and fees of other professionals are billed at actuals. Invoices are payable within 7 days unless agreed otherwise. We may pause work on overdue accounts after giving written notice, and will tell you which deadlines may be affected. Retainer fees may be revised on 30 days’ written notice.
5. Confidentiality and data protection
We keep all client information confidential during and after the engagement, and disclose it only to perform the services, to the independent professionals you appoint, or as required by law. We process personal data in line with our Privacy Policy and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Where we process personal data of your employees, directors or customers on your instructions, you are the Data Fiduciary and responsible for having a lawful basis and giving them notice; we act as your Data Processor, use the data only for your engagement, protect it with reasonable safeguards, notify you of any personal data breach without delay, and return or erase it at the end of the engagement, subject to retention required by law.
6. Communication
We communicate by email, phone and WhatsApp. Instructions or approvals sent by you through these channels may be relied on. Please avoid sending sensitive documents on unsecured channels; we will share a secure upload link when needed.
7. Limitation of liability
Our total liability for any claim relating to an engagement is limited to the fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim in the 12 months before the claim. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, or for penalties, interest or assessments arising from inaccurate, incomplete or late information provided by the client, changes in law after advice is given, or decisions of authorities. Nothing in these Terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law.
8. Termination
Either party may end an engagement on 30 days’ written notice. Fees for work done up to termination are payable. We will hand over your records and give reasonable transition support so that your compliance obligations continue.
9. Force majeure
Neither party is liable for delay caused by events beyond reasonable control, including government portal outages, natural disasters or changes in law, provided the affected party informs the other promptly.
10. Governing law and disputes
These Terms are governed by the laws of India. The parties will first try to resolve any dispute through good-faith discussion. Courts in Bengaluru, Karnataka have exclusive jurisdiction.