MACKISEN SERVICE POLICY
Introduction This Service Policy sets out the professional expectations, limitations, and obligations governing the services provided by Mackisen ("we," "our," or "the firm") and our clients ("you," "client"). It serves as a comprehensive, protective framework to ensure clarity, transparency, and mutual respect in the delivery of professional accounting, tax, and advisory services. This document is legally binding, and it outlines the foundational standards for all service engagements.
Mutual Respect and Communication Mackisen is committed to maintaining a professional relationship built on trust, communication, and mutual confidentiality. As a client, you agree to:
Treat Mackisen’s staff with professionalism and respect.
Avoid public criticism, defamatory remarks, or harmful online reviews.
Address any dissatisfaction directly and privately with Mackisen first.
Maintain confidentiality about Mackisen’s business practices, internal procedures, and pricing.
Professional Review and Approval by Client Before any tax return, report, or financial document is finalized or submitted to any government authority, it is the client's responsibility to carefully review the document in full. You must:
Notify us of any omissions, errors, or corrections before signing or authorizing submission.
Ask questions if any part of the document is unclear.
Confirm the completeness of the document, including income, expenses, tax slips, and schedules.
Failure to detect or report errors before signing constitutes full acceptance of the document. Once you approve or sign a document, you assume responsibility for its content.
Client Responsibility for Accuracy of Data The client is solely responsible for:
Disclosing all sources of income, including but not limited to:
T4 and T5 slips
Dividends and interest
Foreign income and offshore assets
RRSP withdrawals
Business or self-employment income
Gig economy or freelance earnings
Rental income or property sales
Cryptocurrency holdings or transactions
Capital gains from property or securities
Government benefits and grants
Royalties, inheritance, or trust income
Ensuring all documents are submitted to Mackisen before deadlines.
Reviewing checklists, email reminders, and engagement forms sent by Mackisen.
Mackisen cannot be held responsible for:
Income that was not disclosed
Tax slips or documents received late or after submission
Penalties, interest, or assessments resulting from client errors or omissions
Quality Assurance and Limitations While we employ multiple layers of review and quality assurance, Mackisen and its staff are human. Mistakes can occur due to fatigue, oversight, or the complex nature of tax filings. Clients are expected to assist in minimizing risks by conducting a thorough review of any draft or document.
You acknowledge that:
Mackisen’s role is to calculate and prepare based on the information you provide.
The final accuracy of filings is a shared responsibility, with final legal accountability lying with the signatory—the client.
Mistakes identified after submission due to undisclosed income are solely the client’s liability.
Rating and Public Feedback Policy You agree not to publicly rate or review Mackisen’s services below 4 stars (out of 5). Ratings under 4 stars or public complaints are considered breaches of our engagement. We consider a 4-star rating to reflect the minimum level of professional competence required in our field. A 3-star or lower review implies significant failure and reputational harm.
Instead, if you have a concern:
Contact your Mackisen advisor or manager directly.
Allow time to resolve any dispute before posting feedback.
Communicate respectfully and in good faith.
Dispute Resolution and Corrections If you believe a service error occurred:
Notify Mackisen immediately.
We will investigate and offer correction if the error is due to our firm.
No government correspondence, complaint, or legal action should be initiated before allowing Mackisen the opportunity to address the concern.
If a correction is warranted:
We will amend filings and submit corrections where permitted.
Additional fees may apply if the error stemmed from client omissions or delayed information.
If the error is ours, we will cover the cost of the correction but not penalties, interest, or legal costs.
Limitation of Liability Mackisen’s liability is limited to the lesser of:
The amount paid by the client for the specific service in question.
A refund of fees charged for the affected service only.
We are not liable for:
Penalties or interest imposed by CRA, Revenu Québec, or any other government authority
Missed deadlines due to incomplete information
Third-party losses, indirect damages, or legal disputes arising from the client's use of our deliverables
File Review Checklist Clients are encouraged to use the following checklist before signing any document:
All income sources accounted for (T4, T5, dividends, etc.)
All deductions claimed properly (RRSPs, tuition, child care, etc.)
Foreign income or property declared
Self-employment and business revenues entered
No missing slips or unreported transactions
Once this review is completed and the document is signed, you acknowledge full legal and financial responsibility.
Review Timing and Sign-Off Window Mackisen will give clients time to review their documents. You agree:
To allocate time prior to filing deadlines for this review.
To ask questions before authorizing any submission.
That once a return or report is signed, it is considered final.
Mutual Confidentiality Mackisen agrees to:
Keep your information confidential.
Not disclose your data unless required by law or your explicit consent.
You agree to:
Keep Mackisen’s business practices confidential.
Not publish, post, or distribute internal materials or strategies.
Respect the privacy of our personnel and other clients.
Final Acceptance By continuing to use Mackisen’s services, submitting data, signing documents, or making payments, you:
Confirm your understanding and agreement with this Service Policy.
Accept that these terms override informal discussions, texts, or verbal assumptions.
Agree not to hold Mackisen liable beyond the fees paid.
This Service Policy stands as Mackisen’s definitive engagement rulebook and is binding in all client matters. It is designed not only to protect the firm but also to encourage collaboration, professionalism, and clear communication that benefits all parties.
If you require clarification or wish to dispute any part of this policy, please contact your advisor in writing before proceeding with services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why must I review my documents before signing? Because once signed, you assume legal responsibility for the filing. This protects both you and Mackisen from misfilings due to missing or incorrect data.
What happens if I find a mistake after I’ve signed? Notify us immediately. We will do our best to correct it, but legal and financial responsibility lies with you. If the error is ours, we may amend it at our cost—but only for filing, not interest or penalties.
Can Mackisen file my taxes without my review? No. We will never submit any filing without your signed approval.
What if I forget to tell Mackisen about a source of income? It is your responsibility to disclose all sources of income. If something is omitted and causes a tax reassessment or penalty, you are fully responsible.
How long do I have to review my documents? We recommend reviewing your tax return within 5 days of receipt. This gives you ample time to detect any issues before filing.
What if I can’t understand the document? Ask us! We will take the time to walk you through the sections and explain every detail.
Can I dispute a bill if I didn’t ask for a time breakdown? No. Unless otherwise requested in advance, work is billed by standard hourly rates. You can request summaries at any time.
Why is a 4-star review considered a violation? In the professional field of accounting, anything under 4 stars suggests professional inadequacy. Negative reviews can damage reputation and are considered material breaches of this policy.
How can I avoid interest or penalties from the CRA or Revenu Québec? Ensure all your tax slips are submitted on time, and that you review all documents promptly. Contact us before the deadline with any concerns.
What happens if I ignore this Service Policy? By continuing to work with us, you are bound by this policy. Ignoring it does not waive its enforceability. You remain fully responsible for its terms.