Individual Income Tax Preparation Engagement Letter
This letter is to confirm and specify the terms of White’s Big Dog Tax Services’ engagement with you, the taxpayer, and to clarify the nature and extent of the services that White’s Big Dog Tax Services will provide. By signing this agreement, you acknowledge that White’s Big Dog Tax Services has been engaged to prepare your Individual or Business Income Tax Return.
The IRS imposes penalties on both taxpayers and tax return preparers for failure to observe due care in preparing income tax returns. To ensure mutual understanding of our responsibilities, please review and confirm the following terms:
Scope of Engagement
We will prepare your U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, including all necessary forms and schedules, based solely on the information you provide. It is your responsibility to provide complete and accurate information necessary for the preparation of your return.
The preparers at White’s Big Dog Tax Services will not create, alter, or fabricate any documentation to benefit you. You represent that all information you supply is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge, and that any expenses claimed (including meals, travel, gifts, memberships, charitable donations, or business use of vehicles) are properly supported by records as required by law.
You also confirm that all known income and tax liabilities have been disclosed.
Filing Process
IRS guidelines require that all income tax returns be electronically filed (e-filed). If you believe e-filing will cause undue hardship, a written explanation must be provided and approved. Otherwise, your return will be e-filed with the IRS.
Before you sign Form 8879, you will receive a complete copy of your return to review. White’s Big Dog Tax Servicesoperates as a paperless office—your tax documents will be sent electronically to the email address you provide.
Before signing your tax return, it is your responsibility to ask any questions regarding fees, amount due, or refund amounts.
Accuracy and Review
We will not audit or verify your data, although we may request clarification on certain items. You have the final responsibility for your tax return and should review it carefully before signing.
Our preparers will use professional judgment to address areas of tax law that are unclear or open to interpretation. Before any return is transmitted to the IRS, it is reviewed and approved by the owner of White’s Big Dog Tax Services. Only the owner is authorized to submit Individual or Business Income Tax Returns.
IRS Notices and Audits
If you receive correspondence from the IRS regarding a return we prepared, we will assist you in resolving the issue. Fees may apply for undisclosed or unreported tax liabilities.
If you are selected for an IRS audit, your initial consultation will be provided at no cost. However, any subsequent representation or support will be billed at our standard rate of $450 per hour. You may have appeal rights in the event of an IRS adjustment.
Refunds and Payment Obligations
If you do not receive a federal refund for any reason — including but not limited to refund freezes, audits, offsets for back taxes, or other federal obligations — you remain responsible for paying the full preparation fee within thirty (30) days of being notified that your refund will not be received.
Failure to make payment may result in civil and/or criminal collection actions by White’s Big Dog Tax Services.
If your refund has not been received within ninety (90) days of the filing date, we may take action to recover unpaid fees. You will then be required to pay any outstanding balance in full. Nonpayment may also result in civil and/or criminal proceedings.
Please note: Because clients are required to read all forms before signing, White’s Big Dog Tax Services will not refund or reimburse any portion of tax preparation fees under any circumstances.
Additional Acknowledgments
In accordance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you may be required to provide income information for all members of your household. We will not disclose any privileged or personal information without your written authorization, except as required by law.
By signing below, you affirm that:
All dependents listed on your return are your qualified child(ren) or qualifying relatives who lived with you in the United States during the filing year.
You have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this engagement.