CONSENT FOR PAYMENT & SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We’re excited to work with you and help take the stress out of tax season. This agreement outlines what you can expect from Top Tier Tax and what we need from you to provide accurate, compliant, and timely tax preparation services.
By moving forward, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below. This agreement protects both parties and ensures clarity throughout the tax preparation process.
Scope of Services
Top Tier Tax will prepare your current-year federal income tax return and any applicable state return(s) based solely on the information you provide.
Additional services—such as:
• Multiple state filings
• Schedule C (self-employed) returns
• Additional forms or schedules
• Prior-year returns
may result in additional fees, which will always be disclosed before work continues.
We do not provide legal, financial, or investment advice and do not represent clients in audits or legal matters unless agreed to separately in writing.
Client Responsibilities
To ensure accuracy and compliance, you agree to:
• Provide complete, truthful, and accurate information
• Submit all required documents (W-2s, 1099s, income, expenses, etc.) timely
• Maintain copies of all supporting records
• Respond promptly to requests for clarification
• Review your completed return carefully before filing
You understand that missing or inaccurate information may delay filing or impact your refund or balance due.
Our Responsibilities
Top Tier Tax agrees to:
• Prepare your return accurately based on the information provided
• Comply with all IRS and state due diligence requirements
• Safeguard your personal and financial information
• Communicate clearly and professionally throughout the process
• Notify you of any concerns that may affect filing, refunds, or compliance
Filing Authorization
You will always have final approval before filing.
Once you review and approve your completed return (electronically or in writing), you authorize Top Tier Tax to e-file your return with the IRS and/or applicable state agencies.
By signing, you confirm that:
• You reviewed your return to the best of your ability
• You authorize electronic filing after approval
• You selected your preferred refund method (if applicable)
Fees & Payment Terms
You acknowledge that you are purchasing professional tax preparation services, not a guaranteed refund.
Payment Options
Fees may be paid by:
• Cash
• Card / electronic payment
• Approved third-party bank products
• Deduction from your refund (if eligible)
Fees are based on forms, schedules, complexity, and services rendered.
Refund-Based Fees & Intercepts
If you choose to pay your fees from your refund and your refund is intercepted, delayed, or offset, YOU REMAIN RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TAX PREPARATION FEES.
Offsets may occur without notice for:
• Child support arrears
• Federal or state debts
• Unemployment overpayments
• Defaulted student loans
If payment is not received within 30 days, you authorize ACH processing or collections.
Service Completion, Convenience & Abandonment Fees
$100 Convenience & Professional Time Fee
If Top Tier Tax completes your tax return from start to finish and you choose not to file solely because you are dissatisfied with the refund amount, you agree to a $100 Convenience & Professional Time Fee.
This fee compensates for time, labor, and expertise already rendered and will be charged via the payment method on file.
$150 Abandonment Fee
If you decide not to proceed with filing after the return has been completed for any reason, a $150 abandonment fee is due immediately!!
By signing this agreement, you authorize Top Tier Tax to collect this fee via ACH from the bank account on file.
Your return, your decision — but our time and work remain billable.
No Refund Policy
Once tax preparation services are completed:
• No refunds will be issued
• Fees are earned based on work performed, not outcomes
• We may withhold e-filing or release of documents until payment is made in full
We do not guarantee refund amounts, credits, or outcomes. Final results depend on IRS/state rules and the information you provide.
ACH Authorization
You authorize Top Tier Tax to electronically debit your bank account for:
• Tax preparation fees
• Convenience fees
• Abandonment fees
• Any outstanding balances after 30 days
You may revoke this authorization in writing; revocation does not eliminate fees already incurred.
Record Retention
• We retain copies of prepared returns for 3 years
• You are responsible for keeping original documents
• Copy requests after filing may incur a $25 retrieval fee
Termination of Agreement
Either party may terminate this agreement before filing with written notice.
Top Tier Tax may terminate services if:
• Documents or communication are not provided timely
• False or misleading information is submitted
• Conduct becomes abusive or unethical
• Continuing the engagement compromises compliance
All completed work remains billable, and applicable fees will apply.
Final Acknowledgment
By signing below, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to all terms outlined in this Consent for Payment & Service Acknowledgment and Letter of Engagement - Top Tier Tax.