Kellett Accounting Solutions Limited
Tax specialists for network marketing and home based business professionals
Hi! I’m Deborah Kellett, Chartered Accountant and CEO of Kellett Accounting Solutions Limited. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about me and the services I provide.
How long have you been an accountant?I’ve been working as an accountant since 1993 in a variety of roles. I’ve worked in large and small accounting firms, doing tax work and auditing, and have also worked in corporate firms as an internal auditor and a company accountant, in addition to the expected time temping in London. All these roles gave me great experience and helped me identify what I really wanted to do, which was to run my own chartered accountancy firm, which I’ve been doing since 2003.
What kind of people do you work with?I specialise in accounting for small business owners, network marketers and owners of rental properties. I work exclusively with New Zealand taxes, although I do have a number of clients who are living overseas and required to file non-resident tax returns in New Zealand.
What are your qualifications?I’m a Chartered Accountant with a Certificate of Public Practice from the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. This means that I’ve met their (pretty stringent) entry requirements to become an accountant, I complete a certain amount of ongoing professional training per year to ensure that my knowledge stays up to date, and the NZICA has given me approval to operate my own accountancy firm, which they review every 3 – 5 years to ensure I’m doing exactly what I should.
In addition to my commerce degree (majoring in accountancy), I have a law degree, which absolutely does not mean that I can practice law, but does mean that I can read and understand legal documents and identify issues where legal advice might be required.
I have owned my own accounting business for more than 10 years and have been involved in network marketing and direct sales industry for almost as long. What this means is that I have a great understanding of how small businesses and network marketers operate and the issues and challenges facing their owners.
What makes you different from other accountants?So many things!
· Fixed maximum fees per annum. The fee quoted to you before I start your work is the most you will pay; however if your work takes less time to process than expected, you will be charged for the hours worked instead of the quoted fee.
· No charge for phone calls and correspondence throughout the year. Ongoing customer service is built into the annual charge, so you can pick up the phone without worrying how much it will increase your bill.
· Guaranteed 6-week turnaround. If your completed financial statements and tax returns aren’t on their way to you within 6 weeks of the receipt of the information, your accounting fee will be reduced by $50 a week for every week that they are late.
· Every client gets my personal attention; no passing your work off to a different junior each year who has no idea about your business.
· You send in your work in whatever format works for you; I understand that many of my clients have no knowledge of (or interest in!) taxes, and so I try to make things as simple and understandable as possible.
· Accounting fees are billed once the IRD has assessed your return, so that you have certainty over your tax position (and if applicable, can use part of your tax refund to pay your fees).
· No client is too small. It can be a challenge, particularly for network marketers, to get accountants to take them and their business seriously.
What is expected of me in a working relationship with you?You’ll send your information to me for processing. I provide guidance on what to send in, and we’ll agree in advance on the format of the information you send in.
You will answer any questions I might have (within 7 days to qualify for the 6-week turnaround guarantee).
You’ll review, approve and return the resulting financial statements and tax returns for filing with the IRD.
You will pay your taxes direct to the IRD (I’ll provide reminders and instructions on how to pay) or enjoy your refund.
You pay your accountancy fees in agreement with my standard payment terms or contact me to discuss an instalment arrangement.
If you make any changes to your business or have any questions about the tax implications of something, you contact me to discuss it, ideally before the decision or action is taken, so that I can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.
What is included in your service packages?All my service packages include the processing of income tax returns, advising of tax payments as they fall due, and phone and email support throughout the year as required. Most also include the preparation of annual financial statements. Some include the review or preparation of GST (goods and services tax) on a 2- or 6-monthly basis.
You pick the service package that best suits your tax situation, your ability (or willingness) to collate the information and your budget.
What results can I expect?You can expect to be able to relax about your taxes, knowing that they’re under control.
Your tax returns and financial statements will prepared quickly and accurately. I’ll make sure you claim everything you can and nothing that you shouldn’t. If you have tax to pay, you’ll be notified of the amount(s) due and payment date(s) before the returns are filed, once the IRD has processed the return, with three reminders: a month, a week and the day before the payment is due. (If you can’t pay by the due date, I’ll help you set up an arrangement with the IRD to minimise late payment penalties and interest).
How quickly can I expect results?You will have your tax returns for signing within 6 weeks of sending your information in, guaranteed.
Unfortunately, I have no control over how long it takes the IRD to process your tax return. Filing the returns electronically (which I do for all returns) and providing your bank account details for online refunds does often assist the process, with some clients receiving tax refunds into their bank account within 2 days of returning their signed returns. However, the IRD’s “processing standards” can be up to 12 weeks to process a tax return so some clients, especially ones with large refunds or family assistance calculations, may have a longer wait for their accounts to be finalised.
What’s the cost involved with this service?Your cost depends on the level of service you require. Annual financial statements preparation starts from $345 (including GST) and preparation of GST returns starts from $57.50 (including GST). See our Services Page to select the package that suits your needs and budget.
Our standard payment terms are payment in full 10 days from the date of the invoice. However, I will agree to payment plans on a by-case basis.
Do you offer any discounts?There are two ways you can reduce your fees.
Prompt Payment Discount: I offer a 5% discount of your fees if you pay within 2 working days of the invoice date. (Where possible, invoices are emailed as well as posted to facilitate this).
Referral Bonus: If you refer someone to me and they contact me to inquire about becoming a client, you receive a $50 referral bonus (regardless of their decision). This can take the form of a credit against your accounting fees or a gift voucher of your choice.
I’m behind on my taxes. Can you help?Absolutely! I’ll contact the IRD on your behalf if required, and together we’ll get your returns up to date. While it’s not ideal (as you will have been charged late filing penalties and possibly interest), processing several years information at once can result in more efficient processing and fewer questions, which may result in slightly lower fees. If you’re in this situation, I would suggest you contact me as soon as possible.
If I know this is right for me, how can I get started?Click here! Relax About Tax: the 5 simple steps to stress-free taxes. The steps are:
1. Request your free, no obligation 15 minute phone call, providing your contact details and asking any questions you may have.
2. During the call we will discuss your situation, answer your questions, and discuss the service package (if any) that best suits your needs and budget.
3. Compile your information using our easy to follow online forms.
4. Send your information to me for processing.
5. Relax and wait for your financial statements and tax return to come back to you within 6 weeks… guaranteed.
I think this is right for me, but I have a few more questions. Can I contact you with them?
Absolutely! The first two steps (see above) of Relax About Tax: the 5 simple steps to get your taxes under control are free: there’s no obligation, no risk and no cost! We talk for 15 minutes, answer your questions, and if you have all the answers you want, or decide that I’m not the accountant for you, that’s entirely your decision.
What are your qualifications?I’m a Chartered Accountant with a Certificate of Public Practice from the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. This means that I’ve met their (pretty stringent) entry requirements to become an accountant, I complete a certain amount of ongoing professional training per year to ensure that my knowledge stays up to date, and the NZICA has given me approval to operate my own accountancy firm, which they review every 3 – 5 years to ensure I’m doing exactly what I should.
In addition to my commerce degree (majoring in accountancy), I have a law degree, which absolutely does not mean that I can practice law, but does mean that I can read and understand legal documents and identify issues where legal advice might be required.
I have owned my own accounting business for more than 10 years and have been involved in network marketing and direct sales industry for almost as long. What this means is that I have a great understanding of how small businesses and network marketers operate and the issues and challenges facing their owners.
What makes you different from other accountants?So many things!
· Fixed maximum fees per annum. The fee quoted to you before I start your work is the most you will pay; however if your work takes less time to process than expected, you will be charged for the hours worked instead of the quoted fee.
· No charge for phone calls and correspondence throughout the year. Ongoing customer service is built into the annual charge, so you can pick up the phone without worrying how much it will increase your bill.
· Guaranteed 6-week turnaround. If your completed financial statements and tax returns aren’t on their way to you within 6 weeks of the receipt of the information, your accounting fee will be reduced by $50 a week for every week that they are late.
· Every client gets my personal attention; no passing your work off to a different junior each year who has no idea about your business.
· You send in your work in whatever format works for you; I understand that many of my clients have no knowledge of (or interest in!) taxes, and so I try to make things as simple and understandable as possible.
· Accounting fees are billed once the IRD has assessed your return, so that you have certainty over your tax position (and if applicable, can use part of your tax refund to pay your fees).
· No client is too small. It can be a challenge, particularly for network marketers, to get accountants to take them and their business seriously.
What is expected of me in a working relationship with you?You’ll send your information to me for processing. I provide guidance on what to send in, and we’ll agree in advance on the format of the information you send in.
You will answer any questions I might have (within 7 days to qualify for the 6-week turnaround guarantee).
You’ll review, approve and return the resulting financial statements and tax returns for filing with the IRD.
You will pay your taxes direct to the IRD (I’ll provide reminders and instructions on how to pay) or enjoy your refund.
You pay your accountancy fees in agreement with my standard payment terms or contact me to discuss an instalment arrangement.
If you make any changes to your business or have any questions about the tax implications of something, you contact me to discuss it, ideally before the decision or action is taken, so that I can help you make the best decision for your circumstances.
What is included in your service packages?All my service packages include the processing of income tax returns, advising of tax payments as they fall due, and phone and email support throughout the year as required. Most also include the preparation of annual financial statements. Some include the review or preparation of GST (goods and services tax) on a 2- or 6-monthly basis.
You pick the service package that best suits your tax situation, your ability (or willingness) to collate the information and your budget.
What results can I expect?You can expect to be able to relax about your taxes, knowing that they’re under control.
Your tax returns and financial statements will prepared quickly and accurately. I’ll make sure you claim everything you can and nothing that you shouldn’t. If you have tax to pay, you’ll be notified of the amount(s) due and payment date(s) before the returns are filed, once the IRD has processed the return, with three reminders: a month, a week and the day before the payment is due. (If you can’t pay by the due date, I’ll help you set up an arrangement with the IRD to minimise late payment penalties and interest).
How quickly can I expect results?You will have your tax returns for signing within 6 weeks of sending your information in, guaranteed.
Unfortunately, I have no control over how long it takes the IRD to process your tax return. Filing the returns electronically (which I do for all returns) and providing your bank account details for online refunds does often assist the process, with some clients receiving tax refunds into their bank account within 2 days of returning their signed returns. However, the IRD’s “processing standards” can be up to 12 weeks to process a tax return so some clients, especially ones with large refunds or family assistance calculations, may have a longer wait for their accounts to be finalised.
What’s the cost involved with this service?Your cost depends on the level of service you require. Annual financial statements preparation starts from $345 (including GST) and preparation of GST returns starts from $57.50 (including GST). See our Services Page to select the package that suits your needs and budget.
Our standard payment terms are payment in full 10 days from the date of the invoice. However, I will agree to payment plans on a by-case basis.
Do you offer any discounts?There are two ways you can reduce your fees.
Prompt Payment Discount: I offer a 5% discount of your fees if you pay within 2 working days of the invoice date. (Where possible, invoices are emailed as well as posted to facilitate this).
Referral Bonus: If you refer someone to me and they contact me to inquire about becoming a client, you receive a $50 referral bonus (regardless of their decision). This can take the form of a credit against your accounting fees or a gift voucher of your choice.
I’m behind on my taxes. Can you help?Absolutely! I’ll contact the IRD on your behalf if required, and together we’ll get your returns up to date. While it’s not ideal (as you will have been charged late filing penalties and possibly interest), processing several years information at once can result in more efficient processing and fewer questions, which may result in slightly lower fees. If you’re in this situation, I would suggest you contact me as soon as possible.
If I know this is right for me, how can I get started?Click here! Relax About Tax: the 5 simple steps to stress-free taxes. The steps are:
1. Request your free, no obligation 15 minute phone call, providing your contact details and asking any questions you may have.
2. During the call we will discuss your situation, answer your questions, and discuss the service package (if any) that best suits your needs and budget.
3. Compile your information using our easy to follow online forms.
4. Send your information to me for processing.
5. Relax and wait for your financial statements and tax return to come back to you within 6 weeks… guaranteed.
I think this is right for me, but I have a few more questions. Can I contact you with them?
Absolutely! The first two steps (see above) of Relax About Tax: the 5 simple steps to get your taxes under control are free: there’s no obligation, no risk and no cost! We talk for 15 minutes, answer your questions, and if you have all the answers you want, or decide that I’m not the accountant for you, that’s entirely your decision.