LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT
Thank you for choosing FinFile to handle your tax filing. This letter explains what we will do for you, what we need from you, and how we work together to keep your return accurate and compliant.
By moving forward, you agree that FinFile will prepare your federal and, if needed, state income tax return using the information you provide. We will prepare your return with care and accuracy in line with IRS and state rules.
This agreement protects both of us and keeps expectations clear. If anything in this letter does not make sense, please ask before you sign.
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Here is what FinFile will do for you:
- Prepare your selected year federal income tax return based on the information and documents you provide.
- Prepare your state tax return or returns if needed.
- Include any required schedules and forms related to income, credits, and deductions that you report to us.
If you need help with prior year returns, amended returns, multiple states, business returns, or other specialty work, we can assist you under a separate quote or agreement.
FinFile does not provide legal, investment, or financial planning advice as part of this tax preparation engagement, and we do not represent you in an audit unless we agree to that separately in writing.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
We can only work with what you give us. To keep this process smooth, you agree to:
- Provide complete and accurate information for your income, dependents, credits, and deductions.
- Upload or submit all required documents, such as W 2 forms, 1099 forms, identification, and any other items we request.
- Keep copies of your original records and documents for your own files.
- Respond promptly when we request clarification or additional information.
- Review your completed return before it is filed and let us know if something looks incorrect.
You are responsible for the information reported on your return. Our role is to prepare, explain, and guide based on the details you share.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Here is what you can expect from FinFile:
- We will prepare your return accurately based on the information and documents you provide.
- We will follow IRS and state guidelines and meet all required due diligence standards.
- We will keep your personal information secure and confidential, except where disclosure is required by law.
- We will communicate clearly and keep you updated on the status of your return and any additional needs.
- If we see issues that could delay your refund or raise questions with the IRS or your state, we will let you know and advise you on next steps.
We treat your return like it is our own, with professionalism and respect for your time, money, and privacy.
FILING AUTHORIZATION
Before anything is filed, you will always have the final say.
- You will receive a copy or summary of your completed return to review.
- We will only submit your return after you approve it.
- Your approval may be collected by signed forms, portal approval, or written confirmation through our system.
Once you approve your return, you authorize FinFile to transmit your federal and state income tax returns electronically to the IRS and any state tax agencies as needed.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT NON FILING
If we prepare your return and you choose not to file after work is completed, it is still considered a completed service. In that case, an abandonment fee of $150 is due.
By signing this agreement, you authorize FinFile to charge the payment method on file or to draft this fee from the bank account provided on your intake form if you abandon the filing after preparation is complete.
We will not submit any return without your approval, but our time and work still carry a cost even if you decide not to move forward.
FEES AND PAYMENT TERMS
We believe in clear and simple pricing.
- Your tax preparation fee covers your federal and applicable state returns and is based on the forms, schedules, and level of complexity in your file.
- Bank products, refund transfers, and refund advances may include separate fees that will be disclosed to you before you agree to them.
- If you choose to have your preparation fees taken out of your refund, additional charges from the bank product provider will apply.
No Refunds: Once your return has been prepared, reviewed, and delivered for your approval, all preparation fees are non refundable, even if you decide not to file or if your refund amount is less than expected.
We cannot guarantee any specific refund amount, tax credit, or outcome. All results depend on IRS and state laws and the information you provide.
RECORD RETENTION POLICY
FinFile will retain a copy of your final return and any documents we are required to keep for at least three years. You should always keep your own copies of W 2 forms, 1099 forms, receipts, and any proof of credits and deductions.
If you need copies of your documents after the season ends, you may request them from us. A reasonable document retrieval fee may apply.
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
Either you or FinFile may end this engagement at any time before your return is filed by notifying the other party in writing.
If the agreement is ended after work has started, you are responsible for payment of fees for work already completed. The abandonment fee described above may also apply if the return was finished but not filed.
FinFile also reserves the right to end this engagement if information is found to be false or misleading, if communication becomes disrespectful or unsafe, or if continuing the work would compromise our ethics or compliance obligations.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT
Please read and agree to the statements below before signing. These will appear as required checkboxes on this page.
- I confirm that the information I provided and the documents I submitted are true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge.
- I understand that I am responsible for the information reported on my tax return.
- I authorize FinFile to prepare my federal and state income tax return or returns using the information I have provided.
- I understand that my return will not be filed until I have reviewed and approved it.
- I understand that any bank products, refund transfers, or refund advances are offered through a third party bank product provider and may include additional fees.
- I understand that approval for a refund advance is not guaranteed and is subject to bank requirements.
- I understand that I am still responsible for all preparation fees even if my refund is reduced, delayed, offset, or denied.
- I consent to FinFile collecting and verifying my identity information and documents when required for tax preparation or bank product enrollment.