Client Engagement Letter

"Thank you for choosing Hometown Tax Service to assist you with your tax preparation needs.  This engagement letter outlines the terms, nature, and scope of the services we will provide and serve as confirmation of our mutual agreement." 

Services to be Provided:

"We will prepare your federal and state returns for the tax year 2025 based solely on the information you provide.  It is your responsibilty to ensure that the information is accurate, complete and submitted in a timely manner.  We will not independently verify or audit the data provided. Our services do not include legal or financial advice, and we are not responsible for detecting fraud or errors.  Additionally, we are not liable for any penalties or interest resulting from omissions, inaccuracies, or delays in information you provide."

Confidentiality:

"Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of any sensitive information exchanged during the course of the engagement, in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and IRS Circular 230.  We will not disclose any information without your written consent, except as required by law."

Identity Verification:

All clients are required to verify their identity prior to tax preparation. This may include government-issued photo identification, Social Security verification, and IRS-issued Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) when applicable.

Failure to provide required identity verification may result in delays or refusal of service.

Term of Agreement:

"This agreement shall remain in effect for the duration of the tax preparation engagement, beginning on January 2, 2025 and ending upon completion of the services. The engegment is considered completed once the tax returns are prepared, filed, and accepted by the IRS and applicable state agencies, or when the completed returns are delivered to the client if they choose to file themselves.  If an extention is requested, this agreement will cover the extention only; further services may be require a new agreement. Any amendments to this agreement must be in writing and agreed upon by both parties."

Termination:

"Either party may terminate this agreement with written notice to the other party. In the event of termination, the client agrees to pay for any services rendered up to the date of termination. This agreement may be terminated immediately if either party breaches its terms or if the client provides fraudulent or incomplete information.  Any fees paid prior to termination are non-refundable at the discretion of the preparer unless otherwise agreed in writing."

Governing Law:

"This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of this present county and state where the preparer's principle office is located.  Any disputes arising under this agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts within that jurisdiction."

Fees and Payment:

"Our fees for tax preparation services will be based on the complexity of your returns and payment is due upon completion of the services.  Additional charges may apply for consultations or ammendments and back taxes. Fees are non-refundable once services are completed.  If payment is not received upon completion, the preparer reserves the right to charge late fees or pursue collection.  Payment plans or upfront fees may be required for certain services and will be discussed in advance."

 

Client's Responsibilities

 You agree to:

"You agree to provide all necessary documents, such as W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and any other supporting materials required for the preparation of your tax return.  You must notify us promptly of any changes to your personal or finacial situation, including martial status, dependents, or additonal income.  It is your responsibility to ensure the information you provide is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.  Failure to provide neccessary information or meet deadlines may result in delays, additonal fees, or penalties imposed by the IRS or state agencies."

 

Tax Credits & Due Diligence

Certain tax credits, including but not limited to the Earned Income Credit (EIC), Child Tax Credit (CTC/ACTC), Additional Child Tax Credit, Head of Household filing status, and education credits, are subject to IRS due diligence requirements.

The client understands that eligibility for these credits is based solely on IRS rules and the information provided. Hometown Tax Service is required by law to ask specific questions and may request documentation to determine eligibility.

The client acknowledges that credits may be reduced, denied, delayed, or later examined by the IRS, and agrees to cooperate with any requests for information related to due diligence.

Our Responsibilities

We will:

"Prepare your tax returns based on the information you provide and  use our professional knowledge to apply current tax laws to minimize your tax liability within legal bounds.  We will return all orgininal documents to you after the completion of your return. We will keep copies of your tax records for our files as required by law.

While we strive for accuracy, our services do  not include an audit or verification of the information that you provided. Additionally, we are not responsible for errors or penalties arising from incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information supplied by you." 

Client records will be retained for a minimum of three (3) years or longer as required by IRS regulations.

The client understands that tax preparation services may be performed by a qualified preparer working under the supervision of Hometown Tax Service.

 Hometown Tax Service does not provide legal, financial planning, or investment advice. Clients are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals for such matters.

Refund Anticipation / Bank Products Clause:

“If you choose a refund transfer, refund advance, or other bank product, you understand these services are provided through our partner bank and may involve separate fees disclosed before filing.”

 

Dispute Resolution :

“Any disputes will first be subject to mediation before legal remedies are pursued.

 

Treasury Offset Program (TOP) Authorization
Treasury Offset Authorization

I authorize Hometown Tax Service and its authorized representatives to contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) on my behalf for the limited purpose of verifying whether my federal tax refund may be subject to offset for outstanding obligations, including but not limited to federal or state debts, child support, or other government liabilities.

I understand that this authorization permits inquiry only and does not authorize Hometown Tax Service to negotiate, resolve, or dispute any offset or debt on my behalf unless a separate written authorization is provided.

This authorization is valid for the current tax year and related refund processing.

 

Electronic Records & Signatures:

The client consents to the use of electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic delivery of documents, including engagement letters, authorizations, and tax forms, through secure platforms such as Jotform and TaxSlayer.

Electronic signatures shall have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures.

 

Acknowledgement and Agreement

 By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this agreement. You further acknowledge that you have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of this agreement before signing, and that you voluntarily consent to the terms as stated."