If you’re a solicitor in NSW, your trust account examination is not optional — and missing the deadline can create serious compliance risks.
The key deadline to remember: 31 May
- If your trust account is not examined and reported on time, it can lead to:
- Law Society compliance issues
- Follow-up investigations
- Disruption to your legal practice
Let’s break down everything you need to know
Key Takeaways
- Trust account examinations are mandatory for NSW law firms
- Examination year ends 31 March
- Report must be lodged by 31 May
- Must be completed by a registered External Examiner
- Proper record-keeping ensures a smooth process
What Is a Trust Account Examination?
A trust account examination is an independent review of how your law firm handles client money.
Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW), any solicitor holding trust funds must:
Have their trust account examined annually
- The purpose is simple:
- Ensure funds are handled correctly
- Confirm compliance with regulations
- Protect client money
Key Deadlines You Must Know
31 March End of trust account year
31 May Final deadline to lodge report
That gives you just 2 months
Important:
Examiners get booked early — delays can risk missing deadlines
What Does the Examiner Review?
Your External Examiner will review:
- Trust receipts & payments
- Client trust ledgers
- Monthly reconciliations
- Bank statements
- Client authorities & instructions
The goal is to ensure:
- Accuracy
- Compliance
- Proper documentation
What Happens If Issues Are Found?
If discrepancies are identified:
The examiner must report it to the Law Society
- This may lead to:
- Follow-up enquiries
- Additional compliance work
- Potential disciplinary review
Good news:
Most issues are avoidable with proper record-keeping
Common Problems Law Firms Face
- Missing or incomplete records
- Ledger mismatches
- Delayed reconciliations
- Lack of supporting documentation
These are the most common reasons for compliance issues
How to Prepare for Your Examination
Before your examiner starts, make sure:
- All reconciliations are completed
- Trust ledgers are accurate
- Bank balances match records
- Documentation is organised
- Any unusual transactions are explained
Preparation = faster, smoother examination
Missed the Deadline? What to Do
If you’ve already missed or are close to missing the deadline:
Act immediately
- Engage an External Examiner
- Get records organised quickly
- Lodge as soon as possible
Early action can reduce compliance risk
Why Professional Support Matters
Trust account examinations require:
- Technical expertise
- Regulatory knowledge
- Attention to detail
Working with experienced professionals ensures:
- Faster turnaround
- Reduced stress
- Full compliance
Quick Compliance Checklist
- Trust records updated
- Reconciliations complete
- Examiner engaged early
- Documentation ready
- Deadline tracked (31 May)
FAQs
Who needs a trust account examination?
Any NSW solicitor holding client trust funds
What is the deadline?
31 May each year
Who can conduct the examination?
A registered External Examiner only
What if I miss the deadline?
Contact an examiner immediately and act fast
How long does it take?
Depends on record quality and complexity
Final Takeaway
Trust account compliance is critical for law firms
- Stay organised
- Engage early
- Meet the 31 May deadline
Delay = unnecessary risk
How Supertax Can Help
At Supertax, we support professional firms with compliance and financial management:
- Record-keeping and reconciliation support
- Compliance preparation assistance
- Advisory for audit readiness
- Ongoing accounting and bookkeeping
So you stay compliant and focused on your practice
Contact Supertax
- Suite 1, 7 Bridge St, Werribee Victoria 3030, Australia
- (03) 7074 8818
- info@supertax.com.au
https://supertax.com.au/
This article contains general information only and does not take your personal circumstances into account. Tax and superannuation rules change, and some measures discussed may be subject to legislation. Speak with a registered tax agent before acting.
Need advice on your situation?
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered tax agent at Supertax.
