Dear Taxpayer,
Thank you for the opportunity to assist you with the preparation of your 2025 income tax returns. To ensure a clear understanding of our professional relationship, please review the following engagement terms carefully.
Scope of Services
The Refund Society will prepare your federal and applicable state income tax returns based solely on the information and documentation you provide to us. Upon completion, original documents will be returned to you. Our office may retain scanned or electronic copies of certain documents for recordkeeping purposes.
You are responsible for maintaining all records that support income, deductions, credits, elections, and disclosures reported on your tax returns. This includes, but is not limited to, documentation for meals, travel, entertainment, business expenses, gifts, charitable contributions, vehicle usage, bank statements, and credit card statements. These records are necessary should your returns be examined by any taxing authority. We recommend retaining all tax records and copies of filed returns for a minimum of five years after the filing date or due date, whichever is later.
Reliance on Client Information
Our services cannot be relied upon to detect errors, irregularities, or illegal acts, including fraud, that may exist within the information you provide. We will use professional judgment in resolving matters where tax law is unclear or subject to interpretation. Unless you instruct otherwise, we will take positions favorable to you when reasonable and supportable. However, we cannot guarantee that any tax position will not be challenged or that a particular outcome will result.
We are not responsible for consequences arising from incomplete, inaccurate, or omitted information not provided to us prior to filing.
Services Not Included
Unless specifically requested and agreed to in writing, our engagement does not include services related to payroll taxes, sales tax, excise tax, property taxes, business licensing or permitting, compliance with federal, state, or local business regulations, employment law, healthcare requirements, retirement plan compliance, or other non income tax matters.
Fees and Payment Terms
Fees are based on a per form structure and the time required by our professional staff, including applicable administrative and processing costs. Payment in full is due upon completion of your tax return. It is our policy not to release tax returns, schedules, reports, or related materials until payment has been received in full.
If collection action becomes necessary, you may be responsible for all costs incurred to collect outstanding balances, including legal fees. While we strive to provide fee estimates in advance, actual fees may vary depending on complexity. You will be notified if significant changes occur.
Review and Authorization
After your returns are completed and payment is received, you will be provided with copies of your tax returns, e file authorization forms, and any applicable payment vouchers. You are responsible for reviewing all documents carefully. If corrections are needed, notify us immediately.
Signed authorization is required before any return can be electronically filed. If electronic filing is unavailable, paper copies will be provided for your signature and mailing.
Termination of Engagement
By signing this engagement letter, you agree to compensate The Refund Society for services requested. If you terminate this engagement before completion, you agree to pay for all time spent, out of pocket expenses, and services already rendered, including consultations, advisory services, correspondence, or representation work.
Tax Authority Correspondence
Included in your tax preparation fee is up to 120 minutes per tax year of correspondence assistance related to returns prepared by our firm. This includes reviewing notices and advising you on next steps. Additional time beyond 120 minutes will be billed at $100 per hour, or any portion thereof.
A $50 handling fee applies to correspondence assistance unless the matter resulted from an error by our firm, in which case no charge will apply. Audit or examination representation is not included in tax preparation fees and requires a separate written agreement.
Privacy and Identity Protection
We take your privacy seriously and safeguard your personal information in accordance with applicable regulations. Your information will never be sold or disclosed outside the firm. Limited internal use may occur for non tax related communications such as newsletters or holiday greetings.
To help prevent identity theft and ensure accurate filings, we may request verification documents including government issued identification, Social Security cards, birth certificates, or immigration documents. These documents will be protected in accordance with our security policies.
Agreement
By signing below and providing your tax information, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the terms of this engagement letter.
We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you.
Warm Regards,
The Refund Society