Quickbooks Billing Dispute Resolution

Summary

If there was no clear written agreement regarding the QuickBooks subscription transfer, it may be challenging to assign responsibility for the billing issue. You followed the instructions given by your old accountant, which could support your case. Keep email records as evidence of your attempts to comply. If taken to small claims court, you have a reasonable argument. Counterclaims for undue stress under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 are possible but challenging. Consider mediation as a less formal way to resolve the dispute.

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I switched accountants in March *, with my old account I used Quickbooks for accounting. It was not my own subscription, it was theirs which they gave me user access to for a fee of £* per quarter. When I switched we needed to hand over the quickbooks access to my new accountant and he would take over the billing. I don't think I should have been involved in this process but my old accountant gave the admin access over to me, and advised me to then add my new accountant and transfer the admin and billing over to him which I did. However something didn't work properly and it wasn't billing my new accountant, it continued to bill my old accountant for 4 months.
Hi ****! It sounds like a tricky situation. Here are some points to consider:
- Contractual Obligations: If there was a written agreement regarding the transfer process, check if it details who is responsible for billing issues.
- Reasonable Actions: You followed the advice of your old accountant, which may support your case.
- Proof of Attempted Handover: Keep evidence of your attempts to transfer the admin and billing.
Do you have a written agreement or any email exchanges that clarify the process and responsibilities?
None of us knew this, but when I found out I flagged it to my old accountant and they are now trying to invoice me to reimburse their costs of around £* for those 4 months. Given that I don't think I should have been involved, I did what I was advised to do anyway, and they didn't properly handover the accounts to my new accountant as they should, I don't think I should have to pay. However they have said they will take it to small claims court, do they have a case?
Hi ****!
The old accountant may have a valid claim if they can prove you were responsible for the subscription transfer. However, as they advised you and didn't handle the handover properly, you have grounds to argue against the claim.
Do you have any written communication outlining their instructions?
There was no written agreement over the transfer process, I didn't understand what was happening and what I was doing, nor were the details explained to me surrounding billing. I have some email communication but it's very basic steps which I followed as best I could
Hi ****! If you followed the instructions given by your old accountant and there was no clear written agreement detailing your responsibilities, this could work in your favor. Here are some points to consider:
- Lack of Clarity: Without a clear written agreement, assigning responsibility can be challenging.
- Reasonable Effort: You attempted to follow the process as instructed.
Do you have records of the emails that show you followed the steps advised by the old accountant?
I can't prove that I followed the steps exactly but I do have record of what they asked me to do, and me confirming I did that
Hi ****! Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Lack of Written Agreement: Without a concrete agreement, it’s harder to assign responsibility.
- Reasonable Effort: You followed the instructions you were given.
- Email Records: Keep those as they show you tried to comply.
If your old accountant takes this to small claims court, you have a reasonable argument. Would you like more detailed information on the small claims court process?
Would I be able to counter claim for undue stress and upset caused by this? being given bad advice from my old accountant. What are the chances I could settle for just the quarterly fee I used to pay them for quickbooks access?
You might be able to counterclaim for undue stress and upset under the Consumer Protection Act * if you can prove negligence or misrepresentation. However, emotional distress claims are generally difficult to quantify and succeed. Settling for the quarterly fee might be a reasonable compromise.
Would you like more information on how to proceed with a counterclaim?
yes please
To counterclaim for undue stress and upset, consider the following steps:
- Document Everything: Gather all email communications and any other records related to the issue.
- Consumer Protection Act *: Review this act to understand the requirements for proving negligence or misrepresentation.
- Seek Mediation: Before going to court, consider mediation to reach a compromise.
Would you like detailed guidance on how to initiate the counterclaim process?
what is mediation
Mediation is a process where an impartial third party (mediator) helps disputing parties reach a mutually acceptable solution. It's less formal and quicker than going to court. Here’s how it works:
- Both parties present their side.
- The mediator facilitates discussion and negotiation.
- The goal is to find a compromise.
Would you like guidance on how to initiate mediation?