New Client File Review
Every engagement begins here. Before we begin working together, we review your existing bookkeeping, tax filings, corporate records, and government accounts to understand your current position, identify outstanding issues, and determine the scope of work required.
A complete picture of your current position
The review covers the documents and accounts that reflect the actual condition of your file: what has been filed, what is outstanding, and what will need to be addressed before ongoing work begins.
- Bookkeeping records
- Prior tax returns
- GST/HST and QST accounts (where applicable)
- Payroll accounts (where applicable)
- CRA and Revenu Québec correspondence
- Corporate records (if incorporated)
- Accounting software review
- Outstanding filing obligations
- Areas requiring attention before ongoing work begins
Every business has a different history
Prior tax returns may have errors. Government accounts may carry outstanding balances or unresolved correspondence. Bookkeeping may be incomplete or categorized incorrectly. Corporate records may not reflect the current ownership or officer structure. These are common situations, not exceptional ones.
Before accepting responsibility for an engagement, we review the existing file so we understand the current position, identify outstanding issues, and define the work required. The review allows us to define the appropriate scope of work and provide an accurate fixed-fee proposal.
It also protects you. Starting an engagement without a clear picture of the file means pricing based on assumptions. The review replaces assumptions with facts.
What to expect after you submit your documents
The review is completed after all requested documents have been received. If we are not the right fit, you still receive a written findings summary at the conclusion of the review.
Start with a 15-minute introduction
The New Client File Review begins after a 15-minute introduction. In that conversation, we discuss your business, your current accounting and tax situation, and whether we're the right fit to work together. If we decide to proceed, we send a document checklist and a short engagement agreement for the review.
Book a 15-minute introductionFrequently asked questions
Why is there a review before we begin?
Every business has a different history. Prior tax returns may have errors, government accounts may have outstanding balances, bookkeeping may be incomplete, or corporate records may not be current. Before accepting responsibility for an engagement, we review the existing file so we can define the appropriate scope of work and provide an accurate fixed-fee proposal. It also protects both parties from starting an engagement with hidden problems.
What documents are required for the review?
The review typically requires bookkeeping records, prior tax returns, CRA account access, government correspondence, and corporate records where applicable. After the 15-minute introduction, we send a specific document checklist based on your business structure and situation.
What happens after the review?
You receive a written findings summary covering compliance gaps, missing filings, PSB risk screening, and onboarding requirements. If we are a fit, we issue a fixed-fee proposal for ongoing services. If your needs are better served by a different practice, we will say so directly.