1. Scope of Engagement
We will prepare your federal and/or state income tax returns based solely on the information you provide. We do not audit or verify the information provided and rely on your representations that all information is accurate and complete.
Upon completion, original tax documents will be returned to you. We may retain scanned copies for up to three (3) years. You are responsible for maintaining all tax documents, receipts, and records used to prepare your return for at least five (5) years, as required by tax authorities.
2. Limitations of Services
Our services do not include detecting errors, fraud, or irregularities within the information you provide. We will apply professional judgment where tax law is unclear, taking reasonable positions in your favor unless otherwise instructed.
Unless agreed upon in writing, this engagement does not include:
Payroll tax filing
Sales tax or excise tax filing
Property tax matters
Business licensing or compliance
Bookkeeping or accounting
HR, retirement plan, or ACA compliance
IRS or state audit representation
Amended returns not caused by our error
We are not responsible for issues arising from information not provided prior to filing.
3. Fees, Billing & Payment
Fees are based on the forms required, time spent, research needed, and complexity of your return.
Payment is required before any tax returns, documents, or e-file submissions are released.
We do not file your return without:
Full payment
Signed e-file authorization forms (Form 8879 or state equivalent)
Refund transfers or refund advances may include third-party bank fees, which are not controlled by New Life Financial Resolutions.
If collection action is needed, you agree to reimburse legal or collection costs.
If you terminate services before completion, you agree to pay for time spent, consultations provided, and any partial work completed.
4. Refund Responsibility
New Life Financial Resolutions has no control over IRS or state processing times, refund release dates, holds, reviews, or audit selection.
We do not guarantee refund amounts or the timing of refund issuance.
5. Client Responsibilities
You agree to:
Provide accurate, truthful, and complete information
Disclose all income sources (including gig work, cash, crypto, settlements, and self-employment)
Provide supporting documentation for deductions and credits
Review your return before signing
Notify us immediately if IRS or state correspondence is received
Respond promptly to requests for information
You accept full responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided
6. Communications
You authorize New Life Financial Resolutions to communicate with you electronically via email, text message, or secure portals. Electronic communication may carry some risk of interception.
You agree to keep your contact information current.
7. Review & E-File Authorization
Once your return is complete and payment is made, we will provide:
A copy of your tax return
E-file signature authorization forms
Any payment vouchers or instructions
You must review your return carefully.
We cannot submit your return without your signed authorization forms.
If your return cannot be e-filed, we will provide paper copies for mailing.
8. IRS/State Notices & Correspondence
If you receive correspondence regarding a return we prepared:
Your tax preparation fee includes up to 120 minutes of correspondence review.
Additional time is billed at $150 per hour.
A $50 handling fee applies unless the issue was caused by our office.
You may discontinue correspondence assistance at any time by providing written notice.
9. Audit & Examination Representation (Updated Fee)
Audit or examination representation is not included in tax preparation fees.
Representation requires a separate engagement unless you elect Audit Maintenance Protection for $92.00 at the time of filing.
Audit Maintenance Protection ($92.00) Includes:
Representation for IRS or state audits related to the current tax year
Responses to tax notices for covered matters
Communication with tax authorities on your behalf
Audit Maintenance Protection Does NOT Cover:
Amended returns due to missing or incorrect information you did not disclose
Audits caused by fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate information
Identity theft issues
Prior-year audits
Business audits unless separately included
IRS or state penalties, interest, or fees
10. Privacy & Confidentiality
New Life Financial Resolutions will not sell or disclose your information except as required by law. We may use your contact information for client communications, reminders, or appreciation messages.
11. Identity Verification
To prevent identity theft and comply with IRS regulations, we may request:
Government-issued identification
Social Security cards
Birth certificates
Residency documents for dependents
Immigration or visa documents
We may decline services if identity cannot be verified.
12. Bank Products & Refund Advances
Refund advances or refund transfers are processed by third-party banks.
Approval is not guaranteed
Funding depends on bank processes and IRS acceptance
Bank and service bureau fees may apply
New Life Financial Resolutions does not guarantee approval or funding timelines.
13. Termination of Engagement
Either party may terminate the engagement at any time.
All fees for work performed prior to termination remain due.
14. Agreement
By signing below and providing your tax information, you acknowledge that you:
Understand and agree to all terms in this engagement letter
Accept your responsibilities as outlined
Authorize New Life Financial Resolutions to prepare your tax return(s)
Understand that no return is filed without full payment and signed authorization
Thank you for trusting New Life Financial Resolutions.
We look forward to serving you with professionalism, accuracy, and integrity.