Client
Handbook
Everything you need to know about working with CA Dhiraj Ostwal & Co. — clear policies, simple processes, and no surprises.
How to Reach Us
§ ContactFor any query, document submission, or update, please use our official WhatsApp Group first — it is the fastest and most reliable way to reach our team. Direct contact details are listed below for reference and onboarding purposes.
Our Branches
§ LocationsWe operate from two branches in Pune, with regional presence across India and an international office in Australia to support clients wherever they are.
CA Dhiraj Ostwal
B-104, Indraraj Apartment, FC Road,
Near Hotel Sheetal Lane, Behind BP Pump,
Pune, Maharashtra – 411005
CA Dhiraj Ostwal
2nd Floor, Shree Krishna, 7, Shirole Lane,
Opposite Brew Culture, Near Anna Hotel,
Off Fergusson College Road, Shivajinagar,
Pune, Maharashtra – 411004
Connect with our nearest regional office for business inquiries, professional consultations, client support, and local assistance across our offices in India.
At a Glance — Key Policies
§ Quick Ref| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication | Official WhatsApp Group only — no personal calls or messages |
| Response Time | 48 working hours (Mon–Sat, 10 AM–6 PM) |
| Meetings & Calls | Pre-scheduled via WhatsApp Group only |
| Payment | 100% advance before work commences |
| Data Submission | Minimum 2 working days before the due date |
| OTP Sharing | Immediately via WhatsApp Group when requested |
| Filing Approval | We file ONLY after receiving your written confirmation |
| Notice Sharing | All notices to be shared within 24 hours of receipt |
| Express / Revision | Late or incorrect data submissions attract additional fees |
| Scope | Each engagement is for the specific matter agreed — notices are separate |
| Weekly Updates | A summary of work completed is shared in the WhatsApp group every week |
| AutoPay | Optional Auto Debit facility available for seamless, automated fee collection |
Key Highlights — Read This First
§ SummaryWe know reading a full handbook can feel like a lot, so here is a plain-language summary of the most important points. This two-minute read will save a great deal of confusion down the road.
- Talk to us only on the WhatsApp group — never on personal numbers.
- Our response time is 48 working hours; share data well in advance for faster service.
- Send documents at least 2 working days before the due date to avoid penalty risk.
- When we request an OTP, share it immediately — OTPs expire fast.
- We will not file anything without your explicit written approval. You are always in control.
- 100% advance payment is required before work commences.
- Share any government notice with us within 24 hours of receipt.
How We Work Together — Step by Step
§ ProcessEvery client engagement follows this simple flow. Understanding this process helps you know exactly what to expect — and what we need from you — at each stage.
- Step 4 (Review & Approve) is mandatory — we share a draft or confirmation message before filing.
- If we do not receive your approval within the agreed timeframe, we will pause and not proceed.
- This protects you from errors and ensures you are always aware of what is being filed.
Welcome & Purpose of This Handbook
§01Hello, and welcome aboard! We are genuinely delighted to have you as a client. Our goal is simple — to take the stress of compliance off your plate so you can focus on running and growing your business.
This handbook is our way of making the working relationship as smooth and transparent as possible. Every point here comes from real experience — things that, when clearly understood from the start, prevent most of the confusion and back-and-forth that can slow us down.
Onboarding — Getting Started
§02We provide an Engagement Letter to every client, clearly outlining the scope of services, terms, and mutual responsibilities before commencing the engagement. This discussion will be followed by an Engagement Letter or Service Agreement that outlines:
- The specific services included (e.g. monthly GST filing, annual ITR, TDS returns).
- The professional fees applicable for each service.
- The compliance periods and frequency of work.
- Any specific conditions or deliverables.
We strongly encourage you to raise any doubts or clarifications before signing the engagement letter. Once signed, it becomes the binding reference document for our entire engagement. Verbal conversations and assumptions made after this point should be confirmed in writing in the WhatsApp group.
Once the work is completed, we will share all relevant documents and acknowledgements with you. It will be your responsibility to store and maintain these documents safely — if you request the same documents from our end again in the future, additional charges will be applicable.
To ensure smooth, focused, and confusion-free communication, each client must designate one Single Point of Contact (SPOC) from their side. This person will be responsible for:
- All communication with our team via the WhatsApp group.
- Collecting and sharing documents, data, and OTPs.
- Giving approvals before filings.
- Receiving acknowledgements and important updates.
On our side, we will also designate a primary team member responsible for your account. In case of leave or unavailability, a secondary team member will be briefed and ready to step in seamlessly — you will never be left without support.
| Field | To Be Filled By Client |
|---|---|
| Client SPOC Name | ______________________________ |
| Mobile Number | ______________________________ |
| Email ID | ______________________________ |
| Our Assigned Team Member | ______________________________ |
To reduce errors and speed up processing, we provide Standard Data Templates for key services (GST, TDS, Payroll, etc.). These templates are pre-formatted to sync directly with our systems, which significantly reduces manual work and helps us meet your deadlines efficiently.
- Templates will be shared with you on WhatsApp at the start of the engagement.
- Please use these templates every month — do not alter the column structure.
- Filled templates should be sent in the WhatsApp group, not via personal messages.
- If data is provided in any other format, additional processing time may be required.
Communication Policy
§03We know everyone is busy, and it can be tempting to drop a quick message on a personal number or call directly. However, all work-related communication must go through the designated WhatsApp group, without exception. Here is why this matters:
- Every message is time-stamped and traceable — no "I never said that" situations.
- The entire team stays informed, so nothing falls through the cracks.
- We can pick up where we left off even if one team member is away.
- 🔴 Do NOT send work-related messages to any team member's personal number.
- 🔴 Do NOT make unscheduled calls on personal mobiles for work queries.
- 🔴 Any work communicated outside the official WhatsApp group cannot be tracked or guaranteed.
- 🔴 Our firm is not liable for missed deadlines arising from such unofficial communications.
- 🔴 Please do not chat with us on personal numbers — all communication must happen only in the official WhatsApp group.
We respond to all WhatsApp group queries within 24 to 48 working hours.
- Working hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Sundays and public holidays are excluded.
- For time-sensitive matters, please flag clearly with "URGENT:" at the start of your message.
- Please avoid sending repeated follow-up messages within the same working day — it helps us stay focused and serve all clients equally well.
We believe in focused, productive conversations. To ensure our team is fully prepared and gives you undivided attention, all phone calls and office meetings must be pre-scheduled via the WhatsApp group.
- Request a call or meeting by posting in the group with your preferred date and time.
- Unscheduled calls may be declined or go unanswered — this is not rudeness, it is how we protect quality.
- After every call or in-person meeting, a brief written summary (decisions made, action items, deadlines) must be posted in the WhatsApp group by either party.
This is a small but impactful tip. We regularly share important updates, due date reminders, data requests, and OTP prompts in the group. Missing these can lead to delays and even penalties.
- Go to the WhatsApp group → tap the group name → select "Pin to top".
- This ensures our messages are always visible at the top of your chats.
- Encourage other members of your team in the group to do the same.
Our team shares a weekly update in the WhatsApp group, providing a summary of the work completed and key progress made during the week.
- This keeps you informed of where each of your filings and tasks stand, without needing to ask.
- Please review the weekly update and flag any discrepancy or missing item at the earliest.
Payment Policy
§04All professional fees must be paid in advance before work commences on any matter. We do not begin processing, filing, preparing, or advising until the applicable fee has been received in full.
- Invoices will be raised at the beginning of each engagement or billing period.
- Payment must be completed within 3 working days of the invoice date.
- Work commences only upon receipt of payment confirmation.
- Bank details and UPI ID are shared on every invoice — please use your firm name or PAN as the payment reference.
Fees once paid are non-refundable. Once work has commenced on an engagement, the fees for that engagement are considered earned. In the event of termination:
- Work completed up to the termination date will be billed at the applicable rate.
- Any balance above the work completed will be assessed and handled on a case-by-case basis.
- No refund will be issued for work already in progress or completed.
While our standard fee covers the agreed scope of services, the following situations will attract additional professional charges:
| Situation | When It Applies |
|---|---|
| Revision Due to Incorrect Data | If documents provided contain errors, omissions, or inconsistencies that require rework, revision charges will be levied. |
| Express / Urgent Service Fee | Requests submitted within 48 hours of the due date, or marked "urgent", attract an express service surcharge. |
| Notice / Appeal Response | Each notice or appeal is a separate assignment with separate fees. Prior fees do not cover future notices unless specifically agreed. |
| Advisory Services | Tax planning, legal opinions, or consultations beyond routine compliance are billed separately. |
| Out-of-Scope Work | Any service not listed in the engagement letter will be estimated and billed as a separate engagement. |
We are integrating an AutoPay (Auto Debit) system for our clients to enable seamless and automated payment collection.
- Once set up, recurring professional fees will be collected automatically as per the agreed billing cycle — no manual transfer needed each time.
- You will receive an invoice and a debit notification in the WhatsApp group before every AutoPay collection.
- AutoPay is optional; clients who prefer to continue with manual payment can do so as per the existing process.
- Setup details and mandate instructions will be shared separately once the facility is available for your account.
Our professional fees are for our services only. The following are NOT included in our professional fees and are payable by the client separately, on an actuals basis:
- Your tax payment (GST, income tax, TDS, advance tax, or any other statutory tax liability).
- Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) charges.
- DTTC charges.
- Courier charges.
- Stationery charges.
Document Submission Guidelines
§05The quality, accuracy, and timeliness of our work is directly linked to when and how you send us documents. We cannot file returns or prepare accounts from incomplete or absent data. Please submit all required documents at least 2 working days before the applicable statutory due date.
- 🔴 GST (GSTR-1 / 3B): send all sales and purchase data by the 5th of every month.
- 🔴 Accounting / Bookkeeping: submit bills, bank statements and vouchers by the 2nd of every month.
- 🔴 Income Tax (ITR): share Form 16, bank statements and investment proofs by 31st May at the latest.
- 🔴 TDS Returns: provide the salary register and deduction details by the 5th of the month after quarter end.
- 🔴 MINIMUM RULE: all data must reach us at least 2 working days before the due date — no exceptions.
To help us process your data quickly and accurately, please follow these formatting rules:
- Use our Standard Data Templates (shared at onboarding) for sales, purchase, and payroll data.
- Send documents as PDF, Excel (.xlsx), or images (JPG/PNG) — not as Word docs or screenshots of screenshots.
- Do not send password-protected PDFs; if a PDF must be password-protected, share the password in the same WhatsApp message.
- Ensure scanned documents are legible — blurry or incomplete scans will be returned.
- All documents must be sent in the WhatsApp group, not via personal messages or email unless specifically requested.
- Name your files clearly (e.g., "ABC_Traders_Sales_June2025.xlsx") so they are easy to identify and match to the right period.
| Service | Documents Required | Send By |
|---|---|---|
| GST Return (GSTR-1 / 3B) | Sales invoices, purchase invoices, e-way bills, credit/debit notes, bank statement | 5th of each month |
| Income Tax Return (ITR) | Form 16/16A, all bank statements, investment proofs, loan statements, previous ITR copy | By 31st May |
| TDS Return (24Q / 26Q) | Salary register, PAN of all deductees, challan payment details, deduction breakup | 5th after quarter end |
| Accounting / Bookkeeping | All purchase & sales bills, bank statements, cash vouchers, expense receipts, payroll data | 2nd of each month |
| GST Annual Return (GSTR-9) | GSTR-1 & 3B summaries for the year, reconciliation with books, ITC register | By 30th November |
| ROC / MCA Filing | Audited financials, board resolutions, director details, shareholding pattern | 60 days after AGM |
OTP (One-Time Password) Policy
§06Government portals — including the GST Portal, Income Tax e-Filing Portal, TRACES, MCA, EPFO, and ESIC — require an OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email for every login. This is a mandatory security measure; we cannot access your account without this OTP.
- When we post an OTP request in the WhatsApp group, please share it immediately — within 3 to 5 minutes.
- OTPs expire in 3–10 minutes depending on the portal; a missed OTP means the session fails.
- Always share the OTP in the WhatsApp group — never on personal messages.
- If you are travelling or unavailable during a filing period, please inform us in advance.
- Ensure your registered mobile number and email are always active.
- As a policy, we will request the OTP a maximum of 2 times per filing — please share it promptly on each request to avoid delays.
Filing Approval & Confirmation Policy
§07We believe your filings should never be a surprise. That is why we follow a simple but important rule: we will not file any return or submit any document on your behalf without first receiving your explicit written confirmation.
| What We Do | What We Need From You |
|---|---|
| Prepare the return or filing based on your data. | Review the draft/summary shared in the group. |
| Share a summary or draft in the WhatsApp group for your review. | Ask questions or raise corrections immediately. |
| Wait for your "Approved", "OK", or written confirmation. | Reply with written approval (e.g., "Approved — please proceed"). |
| File only after receiving confirmation. | Do this within the agreed timeline to avoid delays. |
| Share the acknowledgement receipt once filed. | If no response is received within 7 working days during an active compliance period, we reserve the right to pause the engagement. |
If you receive any notice, letter, demand, or communication from the Income Tax Department, GST Authorities, MCA, or any other government body, you must share it in the WhatsApp group within 24 hours of receipt. Delayed sharing directly impacts the quality and timeliness of our response, and may affect outcomes.
- Fees charged for a specific notice or appeal cover ONLY that particular matter.
- Any new or future notice, even from the same authority on a related matter, is a separate assignment with separate fees.
- This will always be clearly communicated before we begin work on any notice.
Tax Payment Procedure
§08Our professional fees cover the preparation and filing of your returns — they do NOT include the actual tax payable to the Government. All tax liabilities — GST output tax, advance tax, self-assessment tax, TDS deposits — must be paid directly by you.
Compliance & Return Filing Calendar
§09Plan ahead. Below are the key compliance due dates — mark these in your calendar and send us data well in advance.
| Return / Filing | Frequency | Due Date | Send Data By |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSTR-1 | Monthly / Qtrly | 11th / 13th of following month | 5th of month |
| GSTR-3B | Monthly / Qtrly | 20th / 22nd / 24th of following month | 5th of month |
| TDS Return (24Q / 26Q) | Quarterly | 31st of month after quarter end | 5th after quarter end |
| Advance Tax | Quarterly | 15th Jun / Sep / Dec / Mar | 7 days before date |
| ITR (Individual / Firm) | Annual | 31st Jul (Non-Audit) / 31st Oct (Audit) | By 31st May |
| GST Annual (GSTR-9) | Annual | 31st December | By 30th November |
| TDS Annual (Form 16) | Annual | 15th June | By 31st May |
| ROC / MCA Annual | Annual | Within 60 days of AGM | 30 days before AGM |
Monthly Compliance Checklist
§10Use this checklist every month to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Share the completed checklist in your WhatsApp group before the 2nd of each month so our team can track pending items and prioritise accordingly.
| Compliance Item | Send Data By |
|---|---|
| GSTR-1 / IFF | 5th of month |
| GSTR-3B | 18th of month |
| TDS Challan Payment | 7th of month |
| Purchase & Sales Bills | 2nd of month |
| Bank Statement | 3rd of month |
| Payroll / Salary Data | 2nd of month |
| Investment / Loan Proofs | As needed |
| Advance Tax Payment | Quarterly |
| GST Annual Return (GSTR-9) | Nov 30 |
| Professional Tax Payment | Monthly / As applicable |
| MSME / Udyam Return (Form MSME-1) | Half-yearly |
- This checklist should be reviewed at the start of every month by the client's SPOC.
- Tick off items as they are submitted and share an update in the WhatsApp group.
- Our team will also send a monthly reminder at the start of each month.
Scope of Work & Additional Services
§11Our services are strictly limited to the scope of work agreed upon in the Engagement Letter. We hold ourselves accountable to deliver every item in that scope to the highest standard.
- Response to government notices, demands, or scrutiny assessments.
- Income tax appeals, rectification applications, or revision petitions.
- Business advisory, valuation, or investment planning.
- Legal opinions or representation before authorities.
- Urgent filings outside the regular compliance calendar.
- Any service not explicitly stated in the Engagement Letter.
We rely entirely on the accuracy and completeness of the data and documents you provide. We do not independently audit, verify, or cross-check documents unless specifically engaged to do so. The responsibility for the correctness of input data lies with the client.
Missed Deadline FAQ
§12Despite best efforts, situations can arise where a deadline is missed. Here is straightforward guidance on the most common scenarios.
Client Responsibilities — Complete Summary
§13We are partners in your compliance journey, and like any partnership, it works best when both sides play their part. Here is everything we need from you to deliver the best service:
- Designate a SPOC and ensure they are always reachable during compliance periods.
- Submit all required documents at least 2 working days before the due date.
- Use the Standard Data Templates provided — not custom formats.
- Share OTPs immediately (within 3–5 minutes) in the WhatsApp group when requested.
- Review and approve the draft/summary before filing — respond within the agreed timeline.
- Pay all professional fees in advance and deposit tax by the deadlines we communicate.
- Share any government notice, demand, or communication within 24 hours of receipt.
- Keep your registered mobile number and email active at all times.
- Do not share password-protected PDFs without including the password in the same message.
- Route all work communication through the WhatsApp group — never personal messages.
- Inform us in advance of any periods of unavailability (travel, festivals, etc.).
- Immediately notify us of any changes — new bank accounts, address, directors, GST registrations.
- Retain copies of all filed returns, challans, and notices for your own records.
- Raise all scope-related queries before signing the engagement letter.
- Inform us promptly of any change in business structure (e.g., proprietorship to partnership or company).
- Maintain sufficient bank balance to make tax payments on or before the deadlines we communicate.
Our Commitments to You
§14This is not a one-sided relationship. Here is what you can count on from our team, every single day:
- Respond to all group queries within 48 working hours.
- Proactively remind you of upcoming due dates and required data well in advance.
- Provide a draft or summary for your review before filing any return.
- Share acknowledgements for every filed return promptly.
- Accurately calculate your tax liability and communicate it clearly before the payment deadline.
- Ensure your account always has a primary and backup team member who is fully briefed.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of all your financial data and business information.
- Keep digital records of all filings, challans, notices, and correspondence.
- Communicate honestly and promptly if any issue, error, or delay arises from our side.
- Treat you — always — with professionalism, respect, and genuine care.
Disclaimer & Limitation of Liability
§15Our firm provides professional services in good faith, based entirely on the information provided by the client. The following limitations of liability apply:
- We rely on the accuracy of client-provided data and do not independently audit documents unless separately engaged.
- Penalties, interest, or notices arising from incorrect, incomplete, or late data provided by the client are not our liability.
- Consequences of last-minute document or OTP submissions are the client's responsibility.
- Government portal downtime, technical failures, or policy changes beyond our control do not constitute negligence.
- If there is no client response for 7 consecutive working days during an active compliance period, we reserve the right to pause the engagement without financial liability.
- Filings based on client-approved data that later prove inaccurate will be treated as scope for a separate corrective engagement.
Confidentiality & Data Security
§16Your financial and business data is handled with strict confidentiality. We follow sound data-security practices to protect the information you share with us, and we expect the same care from your side when handling anything we share back.
- Access to your records is limited to the team members assigned to your account.
- Login credentials, OTPs, and passwords shared with us are used only for the specific filing they relate to.
- We do not share your data with any third party without your written consent, except where required by law.
- Physical and digital records are stored securely and backed up regularly.
- Do not share your GST, Income Tax, or MCA portal passwords with anyone outside our authorised team.
- Change your portal passwords periodically and inform us if you suspect any unauthorised access.
- Keep your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) token physically secure and never share its PIN over WhatsApp or call.
Digital Signature (DSC) & E-Filing Credentials
§17Several filings — ROC/MCA forms, tax audit reports, and select GST/TDS returns — require a valid Class 3 Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Please keep the following in mind so that DSC-dependent filings are never delayed.
- Please inform us at least 15 days before your DSC's expiry so a renewal can be planned in advance.
- DSC renewal is a separate cost, payable to the issuing certifying authority, and is not included in our professional fees.
- Keep your DSC token connected and accessible on filing day when a DSC-based submission is scheduled.
- If the authorised signatory changes (e.g., new director, new partner), inform us immediately — a fresh DSC and portal mapping will be required.
- We recommend maintaining one backup authorised signatory with a valid DSC to avoid single-point delays.
Fee Revision & Annual Review
§18Professional fees are reviewed periodically to reflect changes in scope, transaction volume, statutory complexity, and inflation. We aim to keep this transparent and predictable.
- Fee revisions, if any, are communicated at least 7 days in advance via the WhatsApp group, along with the reason for the change.
- A material increase in transaction volume, number of branches/GSTINs, or employee headcount may require a scope and fee revision mid-year.
- Existing engagement fees remain valid for the period stated in the Engagement Letter unless a revision is separately communicated.
- Clients are welcome to discuss fee structure or request a revised quote at any time by raising it in the WhatsApp group.
Escalation Matrix
§19We want every concern to be resolved quickly. If a query is not addressed within our stated response time, please use the escalation path below rather than switching to personal calls or messages.
| Level | When to Use | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 — Team Member | Routine queries, first point of contact | Assigned team member in WhatsApp group |
| Level 2 — Office Desk | No response after 48 working hours | Office: +91 75889 30370 |
| Level 3 — Dhiraj Ostwal | Unresolved after Level 1 & 2, or urgent matters | Mobile: +91 70200 45454 |
- Please attempt Level 1 and Level 2 before reaching out at Level 3, except in genuinely urgent situations.
- Escalations are best raised in writing (WhatsApp) so the issue is recorded and can be tracked to resolution.
Holidays & Firm Closure
§20Our office observes standard public holidays and a few festival breaks each year. Statutory due dates do not shift for our holidays, so please plan document submission accordingly.
- A holiday calendar will be shared in the WhatsApp group at the start of each year and before major festivals (Diwali, Gudi Padwa, etc.).
- During firm closures, response times may extend beyond the standard 24–48 working hours — we will notify you in advance.
- For statutory due dates falling during a closure period, please submit your data earlier than the usual 2-working-day minimum.
- In case of a genuine emergency during a closure, please mark your message 'URGENT' — a team member will respond as soon as possible.
📜 Acknowledgement & Acceptance
By signing below, you confirm that you have read and understood all sections of this handbook, you agree to the communication, payment, document, and approval policies outlined herein, and you accept the scope limitations and liability disclaimers stated above. If you have any questions before signing, please raise them in your WhatsApp group — we are happy to clarify anything.
💛 A Note From Our Team
Everything we do — every policy, every deadline, every process in this handbook — comes from wanting the best for you and your business. Kindly read and consider this handbook in that positive spirit.