CLIENT ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT
For Tax Preparation Services
Dear Taxpayer,
Thank you for choosing TGJ Tax Services to assist with preparing your income tax returns. To ensure a clear understanding of our professional relationship and services, please carefully review the terms outlined below.
This Client Engagement Agreement is entered into as of the date signed below by and between TGJ Tax Services (“Service Provider”) and the undersigned individual or business entity (“Client”). This Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions under which TGJ Tax Services will provide tax preparation services.
Scope of Services
We will prepare your income tax returns based exclusively on the information you provide. Upon completion, your original tax documents will be returned to you. While we may retain scanned copies of your records for our files, it is your responsibility to keep all relevant documentation that supports the income, deductions, and credits claimed on your tax returns. TGJ Tax Services will provide professional tax preparation services, including:
• Preparation and filing of Federal, State, and Local tax returns (1040 and applicable schedules).
• Review of Client-provided financial and tax-related information for accuracy and completeness.
• Year-round tax planning and advice upon request (separate fees may apply).
• IRS and state correspondence assistance related to returns prepared by TGJ Tax Services.
Additional services, such as amended returns, audits, or financial consulting, will require separate agreements and may incur additional fees. It is critical to retain these documents to validate the accuracy of your tax returns, particularly if they are selected for examination by taxing authorities. We recommend retaining all records and copies of your tax returns for at least five years after filing or the due date, whichever is later.
Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
• Provide all necessary documentation and information required for accurate tax preparation, including but not limited to W-2s, 1099s, receipts, prior-year returns, and other relevant forms.
• Ensure all information provided is accurate, complete, and submitted in a timely manner.
• Notify TGJ Tax Services of any changes in financial or tax-related circumstances that may affect the return.
• Understand and accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information submitted to TGJ Tax Services.
Failure to provide required documents or information may result in delays or additional charges.
Limitations of Services
Our work in preparing your income tax returns does not include:
• Detecting or addressing errors, irregularities, or illegal acts such as fraud.
• Audit or examination representation (unless separately agreed upon).
• Compliance services related to payroll taxes, sales taxes, excise taxes, property taxes, or licensing.
We will use our professional judgment to resolve any unclear tax laws or conflicting positions. When possible, we will adopt tax positions in your favor, provided they are reasonable and supportable. However, we cannot guarantee that these positions will not be challenged by taxing authorities or predict the outcome of such challenges.
Fee Structure and Payment Policy
Our fees are determined based on a “per form” basis, along with time spent by our staff and costs incurred during tax preparation.
- Service fees are based on the complexity of the tax return and will be communicated before services commence.
- Payment is due upon completion of the return and prior to e-filing.
- Bank product options, including refund transfers or advances (offered through partners like TPG and Refund Advantage), may incur additional fees, which will be disclosed in advance.
Payment Terms:
• Fees are due upon completion of your tax returns.
• Tax returns and related documents will not be released until payment is made in full.
• If legal action is required to collect unpaid fees, you may be held responsible for any legal costs incurred.
Estimates:
We strive to provide fee estimates before completing your returns. However, unforeseen circumstances may affect the final cost. If adjustments are required, we will inform you promptly.
If payment is not received as agreed, TGJ Tax Services reserves the right to withhold filing the return until the balance is paid in full.
Tax Return Completion and Filing
Once your returns are completed and fees are paid, we will provide you with:
• A copy of your tax returns.
• E-file signature authorizations (if applicable).
You are responsible for reviewing the completed returns for accuracy. If corrections are needed, notify us immediately, and we will make the necessary adjustments.
Important Notes:
• Taxing authorities require signed authorization before we can e-file your returns.
• For paper filings, we will provide you with signed copies to submit directly.
Termination and Additional Services
Should you terminate this engagement before we complete your tax returns, you may be invoiced for:
• Time incurred at our hourly rate.
• Out-of-pocket expenses.
Audit or examination representation is not included in our standard tax preparation fee and requires a separate agreement. If desired, you may opt into our Audit Maintenance Protection, which covers basic representation services in the event of an audit.
Confidentiality and Privacy
TGJ Tax Services is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all Client information.
• All data provided will be handled in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy laws.
• Information will only be disclosed with the Client’s written consent or as required by law.
Limitation of Liabiity
Your privacy is a top priority at TGJ Tax Services. We will safeguard your personal information and never sell or disclose it to third parties. While TGJ Tax Services will make every effort to provide accurate and compliant tax preparation services:
• The Client assumes full responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
• TGJ Tax Services is not liable for penalties, interest, or other damages resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely information submitted by the Client.
Refund Policy
Once tax preparation services are completed and the return is filed, all fees are non-refundable.
Termination of Agreement
Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time with written notice. If terminated, the Client is responsible for payment for all services rendered up to the termination date.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [Insert State], without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
Acknowledgement and Acceptance
By signing below, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement. The Client acknowledges that TGJ Tax Services relies on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided by the Client to prepare their tax return.
Client Name: ____________________________
Client Signature: ________________________
Date: _________________________________
TGJ Tax Services Representative Name: ____________________________
Signature: ____________________________
Date: _________________________________