Client Engagement Letter
Dear Client:
We are looking forward to working with you this year in preparing your taxes! To minimize the possibility of a misunderstanding between us, we are setting forth pertinent information about the services we will perform for you. Please note that we must receive a signed copy of this engagement letter before we are able to work on your tax return. Also attached are tax data forms that we have specially created to help you in organizing your tax information. Please return these along with any supporting documents in person, via email, or using our App. Keep a copy for your records. We will prepare your federal and state individual income tax returns for information you furnish to us. While we will not audit what you submit, we may verify your information and the data you submit and ask you to clarify some of the information.
If we have not received ALL your information by March 31st of the current filing year, we will be happy to file an extension for you. Filing an extension is a complimentary service and will only be provided upon request. If an extension is filed, we must receive ALL tax information by September 30th of the current filing year. While an extension provides additional time to file your return, it does NOT provide an extension of time to pay taxes that may be due on your tax return. Information received after March 31st of the current tax year will be subject to additional fees if the return is expected to be completed by the April 15th deadline.
It is your responsibility to maintain in your records the supporting documentation necessary to support your tax returns. If you have any questions as to the type of records required, please asks us for advice regarding that.
We are responsible for preparing only the returns referred to in this letter. Our fee does not include responding to inquiries from the IRS or state received after the return is filed, or examination by taxing authorities. However, we are available to represent you should such a need develop, and this would be covered under a separate engagement letter unless you opted into our Audit Protection Program. Should we encounter instances of unclear tax law, or of potential conflicts in the interpretation of the law, we will outline the reasonable courses of action and the risk and consequences of each. We will ultimately adopt, on your behalf, the alternative you select. If the IRS should contest the position taken, disallow doubtful deductions, or inadequately supported documentation, there may be an assessment of additional tax, plus interest and penalties or assessments. Federal law has extended the attorney-client privilege to some, but not all, communications between a client and the client's tax preparer. Communications solely concerning the preparation of a tax return will not be privileged.
To protect sensitive data, client copies of tax returns will be delivered in person or via email, which will allow you to download an electronic copy of your tax return and print an unlimited number of copies any time needed. A paper copy can be requested. We will not be held liable for any lost or stolen mail. You may also pick up a copy of your tax return from our office, which will require you to show a photo id. Please keep your paper copy in a secured location, as replacement paper copies are $25 per year requested.
We are dedicated and determined to get you all the deductions that you are entitled to. Since your return is unique to your circumstances, we cannot guarantee the outcome or whether you will view it as good or bad. This does not relieve you of the obligation to pay our fees. Payment for service is due when rendered, fees are not. If the above sets forth your understanding, please sign a copy of this letter and return it to us. We are pleased to have you as a client and look forward to a long, mutually satisfying professional relationship with you.
Sincerely,
TPDM Tax Services