Please note the following is for your information and assistance only, as the Institute does not investigate matters relating to fees and / or fee disputes). 
 
Fees charged by our members are a commercial / legal arrangement between you and the member in the form of a contract and accordingly, are outside the Institute’s jurisdiction.  
 
Should you find yourself in a dispute regarding the fees charged, the following avenues may be a means of resolving the matter:

• Seek to resolve the matter directly with the member by addressing your complaint verbally and in writing to the member concerned, including if applicable, the managing partner/s of their firm;
• Refer the matter to the Consumer Agency / Fair Trading Department in your State or Territory who may have jurisdiction to arbitrate on commercial disputes; as follows:-
  • NSW 
    (Phone enquiries: 9641 6477 or 1300 135 399)
  • ACT 
    (Phone enquiries: 6207 0400)
  • VIC 
    (Phone enquiries: 1300 55 81 81 or 1800 136 034)
  • QLD 
    (Phone enquiries: 13 13 04)
  • WA 
    (Phone enquiries: 1300 30 40 54 or 9282 0777)
  • SA 
    (Phone enquiries: 8204 9777 or 131 882)
  • NT 
    (Phone enquiries: 8999 1999 or 1800 019 319)
  • TAS 
    (Phone enquiries: 1300 654 499)
• Resolve the matter through legal process by having the court adjudicate on the reasonableness or otherwise of the fees charged;
• Request assistance to an entity which specialises in the resolution of commercial disputes, including mediation.

• Under the Australian professional and regulatory framework any individual can provide accountancy services;
• There is no schedule of fees specifying what accountants can charge;
• The marketplace determines the rates and ensures that fees remain competitive;
• The fees charged by Institute members will vary based on numerous factors including the service being provided, the number of staff, the practices costs and overheads etc.;
• Whenever you use the services of a member, you should request a letter of engagement that clearly sets out the services to be provided and the basis on which fees will be charged;
• Institute members are required to provide itemised accounts containing sufficient detail regarding the services charged for. The member should also convey in advance the billing arrangements and subsequent changes to billing or fee structures that may become applicable to the client;
• It is your right to choose your accountant and to change to another practitioner if you are unhappy with the service or fees;
• If you do choose to change accountants, please note that Institute members may be entitled to retain your documents /books and records subject to a lien or until any outstanding fees have been settled. You can expect your documents will be released when the fee dispute has been resolved.
• For further information regarding liens, books, records and documentation, please see information under the section Complaints Relating to Ownership and Possession of Books and Records.
• Please also see further information under section Fees and Other Matters – FAQ's