Best way to respond to a Letter of Clearance

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Hi All,

Please let me know what you would do with regards to this.

Client decided that he longer needed my services last January - no big deal; was rather a bit of relief, as I found him pretty high maintenance - sure you all know what I mean.

Unfortunately, he owes me for a fair bit of work - £300 for calculating, completing and submitting his SA100. Debt outstanding for about 150 days.

Also, his company (he's an owner/director) owes me £200. Debt outstanding for about 120 days

I have sent him a number of emails, and received little to no response. He has however, paid £100 'out-of-the-blue' in March (debt was £300).

He has now instructed a new accountant to work/act for him, and as such, I have now received a Letter of Clearance.

Of course, until he clears his outstanding fees, I am going to refuse to release any information. I have no primary documents to return.

My question (sorry to take so long) is:

How do I tell the accountant that I am unwilling to release this info until the ex-client's account is cleared?

Also, should these outstanding debts be specifically brought to the accountants attention?

Your ideas/comments will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Replies (6)

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By mrme89
23rd Apr 2018 09:55

There are two issues.

1) The letter of clearance, i.e. any professional reasons why they cannot act.

2) The request for information.

Whilst 2) is often put in the same letter as 1), they are two separate things.

If they are no professional reasons why they shouldn't act, I'd respond telling that. If they have also requested some information, I would tell them that you will endeavour to pass this on once the client has settled their account with you. You may wish to hint to them that this is a debt that has been owed for several months!

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Replying to mrme89:
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By andy.partridge
23rd Apr 2018 10:04

In the year that has elapsed the OP has probably soldiered on.

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Replying to andy.partridge:
By mrme89
23rd Apr 2018 10:09

Thanks for pointing that out.

However, this post appeared in 'latest' so I didn't think to look at when it was posted. One would assume that 'latest' would only be questions asked relatively recently.

Looks like there is a gremlin in the system!

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Replying to mrme89:
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By andy.partridge
23rd Apr 2018 10:26

I know. Not your fault. It just further emphasises how little human interaction there is these days from Sift. Algorithms, bots, automated processes, but no 'eyes'.

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By Chris Smail
23rd Apr 2018 14:08

When Sift delete spam the last responded date does not seem to reset.

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By CardiffAccountant
23rd Apr 2018 10:32

Hi All,

Thanks for your comments/advice.

Yes, I have soldiered on. The ex-client called to ask why I would not release the info, and I stated quite clearly that until his account had cleared, I would continue to withhold the info.

He eventually cleared the account/s and I released the info.

Crazy thing is - I still receive 'stuff' regarding him from Co's House and HMRC - told him he needs to sort it.

Never mind - not my problem now.

Thanks again to all who replied.

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