Can A Bookeeper Withhold My Books For An Unpaid Bill

2010-12-30

In a bankruptcy scenario, the bookkeeper will have to turn over the source documents to the Trustee (IE: ledgers, bank statements that you gave them). They will also have to turn over any work that you had done (IE: any prep work you did yourself). As well as any work that they prepared and have been paid for. The bookkeeper will not have to turn over any work that they did, but have not been paid for. In a non-bankruptcy scenario, you would have to check with the institute that your bookkeeper works for (IE: CA, CMA, CGA). If this bookkeeper is not a professional accountant, you may have to check with a lawyer about getting them back. I appreciate your dilemma in that your corporate taxes are due, but also appreciate the bookkeeper's position in having unpaid work. I would recommend that you sit down with the bookkeeper and try to work out some arrangements. Donna Carson, CGA, CIRP, Trustee [email protected] 1.877.500.0792

Latest Blog Posts

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Nova Scotians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Tina Powell

MNP Consumer Debt Index

Atlantic Canadians (68%) are more likely than those in other provinces to say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Canadians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Grant Bazian

MNP Consumer Debt Index

According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, three in five Canadians (61%) say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: British Columbians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Linda Paul

MNP Consumer Debt Index

According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, nearly three in five British Columbians (58%) say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

Consultation icon