We are pleased to have the opportunity to assist you with your tax preparation needs. This letter outlines the services we will provide, your responsibilities as the taxpayer, and our policies for the 2025 tax filing season. Please review this letter carefully, sign where indicated, and return it to our office.
1. Tax Preparation Services
We will prepare your 2025 Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and any applicable state tax return(s), based solely on information you provide. Our services do not include auditing, verification, or independent validation of your information.
Important Notes:
- We do not perform audits or examinations of your books, records, or supporting documentation. You are responsible for verifying all items reported.
- Assistance with compliance under the Corporate Transparency Act, including beneficial ownership reporting, is not included in this engagement.
- Fees for tax return preparation do not include bookkeeping, audit representation, or responding to correspondence from taxing authorities. Additional services are available for an additional fee.
- Limited consultation during the year is included in your preparation fee.
Engagement Termination:
This engagement terminates upon delivery of your completed returns and original documents. Please store your tax returns and supporting documents securely for at least seven years. Duplicate copies may be provided for a fee.
2. Taxpayer Responsibilities
To ensure accurate and timely preparation of your tax returns, you agree to:
1. Provide complete and accurate income, deduction, and other tax-related information. Notify us immediately if additional information becomes available.
2. Maintain and provide written records for all items claimed on your returns. We may request documentation for review.
3. Retain supporting documentation in the event of an audit by the IRS or state tax authority. We can advise on what evidence is acceptable.
4. Carefully review your completed returns before signing to confirm the accuracy of all information.
5. Pay all fees prior to delivery or filing of your returns. If you terminate this engagement before completion, you agree to pay for work performed. A retainer may be required.
3. Santa Barbara Tax Group Auto Collect Program
I acknowledge and agree that if I elect to have my preparation fees collected from my tax refund and my refund is delayed, reduced, or not funded, the fees will be automatically collected directly from my designated account in accordance with the Santa Barbara Tax Group Auto Collect
4. Privacy Policy
Our work requires collection of certain nonpublic personal information from you, including but not limited to: applications, worksheets, reporting statements, interviews, and conversations. We may also review banking or credit card information related to payment.
We are committed to protecting your confidential information:
- Access is restricted to staff who require the information to perform services.
- Your personal information will not be disclosed to any third party without your express written consent, except as required by law.
- We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards in compliance with federal regulations to protect your information.