Best Accounting & Auditing Lawyers in Viby

About Accounting & Auditing Law in Viby, Denmark

Accounting and auditing in Viby follow Danish national law and professional standards as applied across Denmark. Businesses and organisations operating in Viby must comply with the Danish Bookkeeping Act and the Danish Annual Accounts Act, and when applicable the Auditors Act. The Danish Business Authority and the Danish Tax Agency enforce many of the reporting and filing obligations. Auditors and accountants in Viby also follow professional rules from the national auditors association and must comply with EU requirements where relevant. While local business support is available from Aarhus Kommune or local business centres, the legal framework is set at national and EU level.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Accounting and auditing issues can have serious legal, financial and reputational consequences. You may need a lawyer when:

- You face disputes with your auditor or accountant about the scope, quality or findings of an audit or bookkeeping services.

- Authorities open an investigation related to tax, VAT, bookkeeping irregularities or suspected accounting fraud.

- You are a company director or officer exposed to personal liability for late filings, incorrect accounts or misconduct.

- You need help interpreting complex rules that affect financial reporting, consolidation, or cross-border transactions.

- An insolvency, restructuring or creditor dispute arises and you need legal protection for the company or its management.

- You need to negotiate settlements, represent your interests before Erhvervsstyrelsen, Skattestyrelsen or the courts, or appeal administrative decisions.

Local Laws Overview

The main legal building blocks relevant to accounting and auditing in Viby are national laws and administrative rules. Key aspects to keep in mind include:

- Bookkeeping obligations - Businesses must keep accurate and orderly accounting records. The Bookkeeping Act sets rules on documentation, retention and the format of records. Retention periods apply for tax and legal review purposes.

- Annual accounts and reporting - The Annual Accounts Act sets rules for preparing company accounts, notes, management reports and filing with the Business Register. The scope of reporting depends on company form and size.

- Audit requirements - Whether a statutory audit is required depends on company type and size thresholds in the Annual Accounts Act and EU rules. Some small entities may be exempt, while larger or public-interest entities require statutory audit by an authorised auditor.

- Auditor duties and independence - Auditors must be authorised and must follow professional standards. They have duties of independence, professional scepticism and to report material misstatements or illegal acts identified in the audit.

- Director and officer liability - Company representatives can face civil or criminal liability for misreporting, negligence in accounting duties or failing to comply with filing obligations. Liability can include fines, damages and in severe cases criminal sanctions.

- Tax and VAT interaction - Accounting records are central to tax and VAT assessments. Mistakes in bookkeeping can trigger additional tax assessments, interest and penalties from the Tax Agency.

- Enforcement, sanctions and remedies - Erhvervsstyrelsen and Skattestyrelsen enforce compliance and may order corrections, fines or other sanctions. Affected parties can challenge administrative decisions in court.

- Data protection and confidentiality - Accounting records often contain personal data. GDPR obligations must be respected when storing and sharing accounting and payroll information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all companies in Viby need an audit?

Not all companies need a statutory audit. Whether an audit is required depends on the legal form of the company and size thresholds set in the Annual Accounts Act. Small and micro entities may be exempt. Because thresholds and rules can change, check current rules or ask a lawyer or authorised auditor to confirm your companys obligations.

How long must I keep accounting records?

Danish rules require businesses to keep accounting and bookkeeping documentation for a minimum retention period for tax and legal purposes. In practice you should expect to retain records for several years after the end of the financial year. Specific retention periods can vary by type of record and by tax rules, so verify the correct period for payroll, VAT and corporate tax documentation.

What happens if my accounts contain errors?

Minor errors can often be corrected by restating the accounts or issuing corrected filings. Significant errors may trigger administrative audits, additional tax assessments, penalties and in some cases liability for directors. Prompt disclosure and cooperation with authorities and your auditor often reduce risk of harsher sanctions.

Can an auditor be held liable for a bad audit?

Yes. Auditors can be held civilly liable for negligence or professional misconduct where they fail to meet applicable audit standards and that failure causes loss. Liability assessments consider the auditors independence, scope of work and whether they followed professional standards. Legal action against auditors can be complex and typically requires expert evidence.

What should I do if the Tax Agency opens an inspection?

Gather and preserve relevant accounting records immediately, stop any routine destruction of documents, and consider consulting a lawyer who specialises in tax and accounting law. A lawyer can help you respond to information requests, negotiate timing, and advise on privilege and disclosure issues where relevant.

Are company directors personally liable for accounting breaches?

Directors can face personal liability in situations of negligence, willful misconduct, or breaches of statutory duties, such as failing to keep proper accounts, failing to file annual reports, or participating in fraudulent conduct. Insurance and indemnities may provide protection, but they do not cover all forms of liability.

How do I choose an auditor or accountant in Viby?

Look for authorised auditors or registered accountants with relevant sector experience, clear engagement letters, transparent fees and professional indemnity insurance. Check professional affiliations and references, and ensure the auditor understands your companys size, structure and industry risks.

Can accounting disputes be solved without going to court?

Yes. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation or arbitration. For professional negligence claims you may also use industry complaint bodies or engage expert appraisal before initiating litigation. A lawyer can advise on the best dispute-resolution route and prepare settlement negotiations.

How does GDPR affect accounting and payroll records?

Accounting and payroll data often contain personal information. You must process such data lawfully, maintain appropriate security, limit access, and ensure retention policies comply with both data-protection rules and accounting retention requirements. A lawyer can help align your policies with both GDPR and bookkeeping obligations.

What should I include in an engagement letter with an auditor or accountant?

An engagement letter should set out the scope of work, responsibilities of the accountant and the client, fees and payment terms, timing and deliverables, confidentiality and data handling, limitation of liability and procedures for terminating the engagement. A clear engagement letter reduces misunderstandings and provides a basis for resolving disputes.

Additional Resources

- Erhvervsstyrelsen - The Danish Business Authority administers company registrations, filing obligations and guidance on the Annual Accounts Act.

- Skattestyrelsen - The Danish Tax Agency is responsible for taxation, VAT and tax audits and provides guidance and queries for businesses.

- FSR - danske revisorer or the equivalent national auditors association - Offers professional guidance and standards for auditors and accountants.

- Finanstilsynet - The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority oversees certain audited entities and financial-market related rules where applicable.

- Aarhus Kommune - Local business support services can assist companies in Viby with practical guidance, start-up support and local compliance matters.

- Danish Bar and Law Society - For finding lawyers with relevant specialisation in tax, commercial or accounting law.

- Local courts - In matters requiring litigation, district courts and courts of appeal handle commercial disputes and enforcement actions.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with accounting or auditing issues in Viby, consider these practical next steps:

- Gather documents - Collect relevant bookkeeping entries, annual reports, audit reports, engagement letters, correspondence with authorities and internal notes.

- Identify the issue - Clarify whether the matter is compliance, dispute, liability, tax assessment or internal control related. This helps match you with the right specialist.

- Seek specialised advice - Look for a lawyer or law firm with experience in accounting, auditing and tax disputes. If the issue concerns the quality of audit work, also consider consulting an independent authorised auditor for a technical opinion.

- Ask about fees and process - Request a clear engagement letter that explains costs, scope and timetable before you commit.

- Act promptly - Many legal and administrative processes have strict deadlines for responses, appeals and document retention. Early legal involvement improves options and outcomes.

- Consider alternative dispute resolution - Where appropriate, explore negotiation, mediation or industry complaint procedures as a quicker and less costly alternative to litigation.

Getting the right legal help early reduces risk and helps preserve your business value and reputation. If you are unsure where to start, contact a lawyer with experience in accounting and auditing matters to discuss your situation and possible next steps.