These Standard Terms and Conditions of Engagement ("Terms") govern all professional services, corporate consultancy, statutory audit, taxation, and company secretarial mandates rendered by EPIC Public Accountants, Auditors & Chartered Secretaries ("EPIC", "we", "us", or "our") to commercial clients, directors, and entities ("the Client", "you").

1. Professional Status & Statutory Mandate

EPIC is a recognized professional practice operating in terms of the Public Accountants and Auditors Act [Chapter 27:12] and the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31] of Zimbabwe. All services are performed in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the statutory directives of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

2. Formation of Engagement Contract & Quotations

• Indicative Catalog Rates: Rates and pricing published in our service catalog or instant quotations are indicative baselines and do not constitute a legally binding tender until formally assessed by an authorized partner.
• Quotation Validity: Official issued quotations are valid for thirty (30) calendar days from the date of partner transmission unless otherwise stated in writing.
• Engagement Letter: A binding professional contract is only established upon (a) client formal acceptance of an issued quotation or signed Engagement Letter, and (b) payment of the agreed statutory disbursement and deposit fee.

3. Client Representations & Responsibilities

The client expressly warrants and agrees that:

• Accuracy of Records: All financial statements, accounting ledgers, invoices, payroll data, and statutory director disclosures supplied to EPIC are accurate, truthful, and complete.
• Statutory Responsibility: The directors and management of the client company remain statutorily responsible under the Companies and Other Business Entities Act [Chapter 24:31] and the Income Tax Act [Chapter 23:06] for the maintenance of adequate accounting records and the ultimate accuracy of tax and registry filings.
• Timely Provision of Information: The client will respond promptly to partner information requests. EPIC shall not be held liable for statutory late filing penalties or interest imposed by ZIMRA or the Companies Registry resulting from client delays in providing requested records or signatures.

4. Third-Party Governmental Registries & Regulatory Disclaimers

EPIC acts as an authorized professional representative before statutory registries, including ZIMRA, the Chief Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property, NSSA, PRAZ, and local government councils.

5. Fees, Invoicing & Disbursements

• Currencies & Taxes: Fees are quoted in United States Dollars (USD) and may be settled in USD or Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) at the prevailing interbank exchange rate as permitted by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Standard statutory VAT (15%) is applied where legally applicable.
• Government Disbursements: Statutory duties, stamp taxes, and official registry filing fees must be funded by the client prior to formal submission.
• Payment Terms: Invoices are payable within seven (7) business days of issuance. Overdue accounts may result in suspension of work and withholding of final deliverable reports in accordance with common law lien rights.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by the Consumer Protection Act [Chapter 14:14] of Zimbabwe:

• EPIC's total aggregate liability arising out of or in connection with any professional engagement, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), or statutory breach, shall be strictly limited to the total professional fees actually paid by the client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim.
• EPIC shall in no circumstances be liable for any indirect, consequential, punitive, special, or exemplary damages, or for loss of profits, business interruption, or reputational damage.

7. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Know-Your-Customer (KYC)

In compliance with the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act [Chapter 9:24], EPIC is required to verify the identity of company directors, beneficial owners, and authorized signatories. We reserve the immediate right to decline, pause, or terminate any engagement where the client fails to provide adequate KYC verification or where suspicious financial transactions are detected.

8. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms and all engagement contracts shall be governed by, interpreted, and construed in accordance with the Laws of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

Any dispute or controversy arising under an engagement shall first be submitted to mutual good-faith negotiation between the parties' managing representatives. If unresolved within twenty-one (21) calendar days, the dispute shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Act [Chapter 7:15] in Bulawayo or Harare, or submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of Zimbabwe.