LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT
We’re excited to work with you and help take the stress out of tax season. This letter is just to make sure we’re on the same page about what you can expect from us and what we’ll need from you to get your taxes done right.
By moving forward with our services, you're agreeing that [Your Business Name] (that’s us!) will prepare your federal and, if needed, state income tax return based on the info you provide. We’ll handle everything with care, accuracy, and in line with all the tax laws and rules that apply.
This agreement helps protect both of us, keeps things clear, and makes sure we’re working together smoothly. If you have any questions as you read through this—just ask!
When you're ready, signing this lets us know you’re giving us the green light to get started.
Let’s get it done!
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Here’s what we’ll be doing for you:We’ll prepare your current-year federal income tax return, and state tax return(s) if needed, based on the information you give us. If you need help with multiple states, business returns (like a Schedule C), or extra forms, we’ve got you—but there may be additional fees (we’ll always let you know upfront).
We don’t offer legal, financial, or investment advice, and we don’t represent you in audits or legal matters unless we’ve agreed to that separately in writing. If you ever need more in-depth services—like tax planning, bookkeeping, or audit support—just let us know! We offer those too, but they’ll be handled under a different agreement.
Bottom line: we’re here to handle your tax return preparation with care, accuracy, and the same hustle we’d want for ourselves.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
We can only work with what you give us—so here’s what we need from you to make this process smooth and stress-free:
- Be honest and accurate with the information you provide. We’re not here to judge—just to help. But if anything is missing or incorrect, it could delay your return or affect your refund.
- Send all necessary documents—like W-2s, 1099s, business income/expenses, and anything else we ask for—on time.
- Keep your records. Even though we’re doing the prep, you’re responsible for having proof to back up your income, expenses, and any credits or deductions you're claiming. The IRS may ask for it later.
- Respond quickly if we reach out with questions. Delays in communication can hold up your return and may impact how soon you get your refund.
- Review your return before it’s filed. We’ll always let you take a look before we hit submit.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
Working together means teamwork—you bring the receipts, and we’ll bring the results.
Here’s what you can count on from us:
- We’ll prepare your tax return accurately based on the documents and details you give us.
- We follow all IRS and state guidelines, and we meet all due diligence requirements to keep your return compliant and protected.
- We keep your personal info secure and confidential—always. Your trust means everything to us.
- We’ll communicate clearly and keep you in the loop throughout the process, especially if we need anything from you or if something looks off.
- If we spot any issues or feel like something might trigger an audit or hold-up, we’ll let you know and offer our professional advice on how to move forward.
We take your tax return seriously, and we’ve got your back every step of the way.
FILING AUTHORIZATION
Before we file anything, you’ll always have the final say.
We’ll send you a copy of your completed return to review and approve. Once you’ve given us the green light (either with a signature or written approval), we’ll go ahead and e-file your return with the IRS and/or your state(s).
By signing this engagement letter, you’re confirming that:
- You understand it’s your return and you’ve reviewed everything to the best of your ability.
- You give us permission to file your return electronically after your approval.
- If you're getting a refund, you’ve chosen how you want to receive it (direct deposit, refund advance, etc.).
Important Note About Non-Filing:
If you decide not to move forward with filing after we’ve completed the return, an abandonment fee of $150 will be due immediately. This fee will be automatically drafted (ACH) from the bank account listed on your intake form. By signing this engagement, you agree to this charge and authorize us to collect the fee if you abandon the filing.
We don’t file anything without your approval. Your return, your rules—but our time still matters.
FEES & PAYMENTS TERMS
We believe in being upfront—no surprises when it comes to your money. Here’s how our pricing works:
- Your tax prep fees covers your federal return and state(s) return and it is calculated based upon any forms, schedules, or other multi-state filings that you may have.
- Bank products, refund advances, and any third-party services may also have separate fees, which will be disclosed to you before you choose those options.
- If you decide to pay your prep fee out of your refund, additional fees for that convenience will apply.
Payment Options:
- You can pay upfront via card, Cash App, or other accepted methods, or
- Choose to have fees deducted from your refund (bank product clients only).
No Refunds:
Once services are completed, no refunds will be issued—even if you choose not to file or if your refund is smaller than expected. You're paying for our time, experience, and the work already performed. We reserve the right to withhold e-filing or release of any documents until your balance is paid in full.
Let’s make sure it’s fair, fast, and worth every penny. We’ll always do our best to maximize your refund—or minimize what you owe—based on the info you give us. But let’s be real for a second:
- We can’t guarantee a specific refund amount, tax credit, or outcome.
- Your final refund or balance due depends on IRS and state calculations, and the details you provide.
- We’re not responsible for delays caused by the IRS, your bank, or third-party products (like refund advances or direct deposit timelines).
- Once we’ve prepared your return—even if you decide not to file—it’s considered a completed service. That means no refunds for prep fees, time spent, or add-on services.
We don’t promise magic—but we do promise to work hard, stay honest, and keep your best interest at the center of everything we do.
RECORD RETENTION POLICY
We keep copies of your tax return and related documents we prepare for our own records—but you should always keep your originals.
Here's what you need to know:
- We’ll retain a copy of your final return and any documents we’re required to keep for three (3) years.
- It’s your responsibility to keep your original documents (like W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements, and any proof of deductions or credits) in a safe place. The IRS may request them later.
- If you lose your return and need a copy after the season, we’ll gladly resend it—just submit a request, and we may charge a $25 document retrieval fee.
- We’ll handle the prep—but staying organized and audit-ready starts with you.
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
We hope we won’t need this section—but just in case, let’s talk about how either of us can part ways if needed.
You can choose to end this agreement at any time before your return is filed—just let us know in writing. If work has already started, fees for time spent and services completed will still be due.
We also reserve the right to end our working relationship if:
- You don’t respond or provide documents within a reasonable time
- You’re found to have submitted false or misleading information
- Communication becomes disrespectful or abusive
- We believe continuing the engagement could compromise our ethics or credentials
Defamation, Non-Disparagement & Online Conduct
Defamation and Non-Disparagement.
Client agrees that they shall not make, publish, post, transmit, or cause to be made any false, misleading, defamatory, or disparaging statements or representations regarding the Company, its owners, officers, employees, contractors, affiliates, or services, whether orally, in writing, or electronically. This includes, without limitation, statements made on social media platforms, review websites, forums, blogs, messaging applications, search engine reviews, or any other public or private digital or print medium.
Nothing in this provision shall prohibit the Client from providing truthful statements required by law or participating in lawful governmental or regulatory investigations.
Liquidated Damages.
Client acknowledges that a breach of this provision would cause substantial harm to the Company’s reputation, goodwill, and business operations, the amount of which would be impractical or extremely difficult to ascertain. Accordingly, Client agrees that liquidated damages in the amount of Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($2,500.00) per incident, per post or publication, constitutes a reasonable pre-estimate of damages and is not intended as a penalty.
Additional Remedies.
The Company reserves the right to seek injunctive relief, immediate removal of the offending content, actual damages to the extent permitted by law, court costs, and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Payment of liquidated damages shall not limit or waive the Company’s right to pursue any other legal or equitable remedies.
Clerical & Banking Information Errors
Accuracy of Banking Information.
Client is solely responsible for providing complete, accurate, and current banking information for any refund, payment, or disbursement, including but not limited to bank name, routing number, account number, and account type. The Company is entitled to rely fully on the information provided by the Client without independent verification.
Clerical or Banking Errors.
The Company shall not be liable for delays, rejections, misdirected funds, or failed deposits resulting from incorrect, incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate banking information supplied by the Client, or from clerical or processing errors by financial institutions, payment processors, or taxing authorities.
Refund Reissuance by Check.
In the event a direct deposit is rejected, returned, delayed, or otherwise unsuccessful due to incorrect banking information or clerical banking error, the refund or payment shall be reissued by paper check once funds are returned or confirmed by the issuing authority. Client acknowledges and agrees that reissuance by check may result in additional processing time beyond the Company’s control.
No Duplicate Payments.
Under no circumstances shall the Company be responsible for issuing duplicate payments or advances while funds are pending, under review, or unrecovered from a failed or incorrect deposit.
Administrative Fees.
The Company reserves the right to assess a reasonable administrative or reissuance fee where permitted by law for additional processing required due to incorrect banking information provided by the Client.
If this agreement is ended for any reason, you’ll still be responsible for any fees owed for completed work, and the abandonment fee may apply if the return was finished but not filed.
We’re here to help—not to chase people down or compromise our standards.