Tax Preparation Engagement Agreement – 2025 Tax Year
Thank you for choosing LSB Financial Group to prepare your federal and applicable state income tax returns. This Engagement Agreement outlines the terms, responsibilities, and conditions under which tax preparation services are provided.
Scope of Services
LSB Financial Group will prepare your requested federal and applicable state income tax returns based solely on information you provide. You are responsible for providing complete, accurate, and truthful information necessary for preparation of your tax return.
We may ask questions or request clarification; however, we do not audit, verify, or independently confirm the information submitted. Any bookkeeping or accounting services performed are limited to what is necessary to complete the tax return.
Client Responsibilities
You acknowledge that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge and that you are responsible for maintaining all supporting documentation. You understand that knowingly providing false or incomplete information may result in penalties, interest, audits, civil penalties, or criminal prosecution by taxing authorities.
You agree to release and hold harmless LSB Financial Group and its preparers from any liability resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading information provided by you.
No Audit or Assurance
This engagement does not include audit, review, or assurance services and should not be relied upon to detect errors, fraud, or illegal acts. If material errors or inconsistencies are discovered, we will inform you.
Fees & Payment Terms
Tax preparation fees are earned upon completion of services and are due regardless of refund status, refund timing, or method of refund delivery. Fees remain due even if you or your spouse owe federal or government debts, including but not limited to IRS balances, child support, or student loans.
If your return is completed and you decide not to file, a $75 non-filing fee will apply. IRS or state processing delays do not relieve responsibility for payment. Failure to pay may result in collection activity, including credit reporting.
Refund Issuance & Fee Responsibility
You understand that receipt of refund funds does not relieve your obligation to pay LSB Financial Group for services rendered. If a refund is issued and fees remain unpaid, LSB Financial Group retains the right to pursue collection of all unpaid balances.
Electronic Payment Authorization (ACH Authorization)
By signing this agreement, you authorize LSB Financial Group to electronically debit the bank account on file for any unpaid tax preparation fees, processing fees, non-filing fees, or other agreed charges related to this engagement.
You understand that payment is generally made after refund funds are received. You agree that any outstanding balance may be debited within forty-eight (48) to seventy-two (72) hours after refund funds are issued by the IRS or state taxing authority, or after the tax return is completed if no refund is issued.
This authorization remains in effect until all fees are paid in full. You agree to maintain sufficient funds in the account to avoid returned payment or insufficient funds fees.
Non-Payment & Legal Remedies
If fees remain unpaid, LSB Financial Group will issue a written demand for payment. If payment is not received within fourteen (14) calendar days of notice, LSB Financial Group may pursue all lawful remedies, including filing a claim in small claims or civil court, without further notice.
Venue & Collection Costs
Any legal action related to this engagement shall be filed in the county and state where LSB Financial Group is located. You agree to be responsible for court filing fees, service fees, and reasonable collection costs incurred to enforce this agreement.
IRS Processing & Delays (2025)
You understand that IRS or state refund delays, verification requests, audits, offsets, identity verification, or refund holds are outside the control of LSB Financial Group and do not affect your obligation to pay tax preparation fees.
Return Filing & Authorization
This engagement concludes upon delivery of the completed return (paper filing) or upon your authorization and submission of the return (e-filing). If you choose not to e-file through our office, you are solely responsible for filing the return.
By signing this agreement, you authorize LSB Financial Group to file your tax return and agree that your signature may be applied to Forms 1040, 8879, 7216, and all other applicable tax documents related to this engagement.
LSB Financial Group is not a lender and does not advance, control, or guarantee refund funds.
Records Retention
Original records will be returned upon completion. You are responsible for securely maintaining all tax records. LSB Financial Group will retain copies of tax returns and workpapers for three (3) years, after which they will be destroyed. Paper copies may be provided for an additional fee.
Communications Consent
You consent to receive communications from LSB Financial Group via email and text message regarding your tax return and future services.
Client Acknowledgment & Authorization
By signing below, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to the terms of this Engagement Agreement, authorize electronic payment as stated above, and authorize LSB Financial Group to prepare and file your tax return.