1. Scope of Engagement
Platinum Tax Service (“we,” “our,” “the firm”) will prepare your federal and/or state income tax returns based solely on the information you provide. We do not verify the information you submit, although we may request clarification if it appears incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrect.

Upon completion of your return(s), we will return all original documents to you. We may retain scanned copies for up to three (3) years, but you must keep copies of all documents, receipts, and records supporting your tax return for at least five (5) years. These records may be requested by federal or state agencies should your return be selected for examination.

2. No Guarantee or Detection of Errors
Tax preparation does not include auditing or verification services. Our work cannot be relied upon to detect fraud, irregularities, or errors in the documents you provide.

We will use our professional judgment when tax law is unclear. When reasonable, we will adopt a position in your favor; however, we cannot guarantee that tax positions taken will not be examined or challenged by any taxing authority.

3. Services Not Included Unless Separately Contracted
Unless specifically stated in writing, this engagement does NOT include:

Payroll, sales, excise, or property tax filings
Business compliance services
Licensing or permitting
IRS/state audit or examination representation
Bookkeeping or accounting
Prior-year corrections unless requested
Amended returns unless requested
Audit or examination representation is a separate service with its own fee structure unless the client elects Audit Maintenance Protection ($49.99).

4. Fees, Billing, and Payment Terms
Fees are based on forms prepared, time required, and costs incurred. Payment is due in full when the return is completed.

Tax returns, documents, signature pages, or e-file submissions will NOT be released until all fees are paid.

If legal action or a collection service is required to recover unpaid fees, you agree to reimburse reasonable collection and legal costs.

4A. CLIENT NON-FILING FEE (ADDED PER REQUEST – IRS-COMPLIANT)
If Platinum Tax Service prepares your tax return and you choose not to file with us, or if you take the completed return elsewhere, you agree to pay a $100 Preparation-Only Fee.
This fee covers:

The time spent preparing the return
Professional labor
Administrative costs
Compliance responsibilities as a paid preparer under IRS Circular 230
This fee is in addition to any other preparation charges and is due immediately upon receipt of the prepared return.

5. Review of Completed Returns
We will provide your completed return(s) and any required signature authorizations once payment is received. You agree to review the return(s) carefully. If you identify an error or require changes, notify us immediately.

We cannot file your return(s) without signed authorization forms. If your return cannot be electronically filed, we will provide paper filing instructions.

6. Termination of Engagement
You may terminate this engagement at any time. If services have already been performed, the firm may invoice you for:

Time spent
Expenses incurred
Advisory services provided
Partial preparation or consulting work
By signing, you agree to pay for all services rendered, even if you discontinue the engagement before completion.

7. Tax Correspondence
If you receive correspondence related to a return we prepared, we will assist you. Your tax preparation fee includes up to 120 minutes of correspondence review and guidance each tax year.

Additional time is billed at $150 per hour.
A $50 administrative handling fee applies unless the issue was caused by our error.
If we determine the correspondence resulted from a firm error, you will not be charged.

8. Audit Representation
Audit/examination work is not included unless you opt in to Audit Maintenance Protection ($49.99) at the time of service.

9. Privacy & Confidentiality
We safeguard your personal information and do not sell or disclose it to third parties. Limited data may be used for internal contact (e.g., scheduling reminders, birthday greetings, newsletters).

10. Identity Verification
To protect you from fraud, we may require identity documentation such as:

Government-issued photo ID
Social Security card
Birth certificate
Immigration/visa documents (if applicable)
These will be handled in accordance with our security procedures.

11. Agreement & Consent
By signing this agreement (physically or electronically), you confirm that:

You understand and accept all terms of this engagement.
You agree to pay all applicable fees, including the $100 preparation-only fee if you choose not to file with Platinum Tax Service.
You have provided accurate and complete information to the best of your knowledge.
You authorize Platinum Tax Service to prepare your tax return(s).
We appreciate your trust in Platinum Tax Service and look forward to serving your tax preparation needs.

12. Additional Due Diligence Requirement
This initial intake form does not constitute the final taxpayer interview nor the complete due-diligence process required by the IRS. Platinum Tax Service may require a follow-up interview or request additional clarification, documentation, or proof before finalizing and submitting your tax return.

A required taxpayer interview may be conducted in person, by phone, or via virtual meeting (Zoom or similar platform) at the firm’s discretion.

You acknowledge and understand the following:

The IRS requires tax preparers to perform extensive due-diligence for certain credits, deductions, filing statuses, and reported income.
Additional questions may be required even if they appear repetitive or previously answered.

Failure to provide additional documents or participate in the follow-up interview may delay or prevent the filing of your tax return.
Platinum Tax Service will not file your return until all required due-diligence steps are completed and verified.