Engagement Letter

General Engagement Letter for Individual Tax Return Preparation

Shanes Accounting Solutions appreciates the opportunity to prepare your individual income tax return for 2016 and your 2017 estimated taxes. This letter sets forth the services this firm provides as part of the tax preparation process, states potential conflicts of interest, and outlines your responsibilities as a client.

  • We will prepare your 2016 federal and state tax returns as well as your 2017 estimated taxes based on information you provide. Services for preparation of your return do not include auditing or verification of information provided by you.
  • This engagement does not include any audit or examination of your books or records. In the event your return is audited, you will be responsible for verifying the items reported.
  • The tax return preparation fee does not include bookkeeping.
  • Fees charged for tax return preparation do not include audit representation or preparing materials to respond to correspondence from taxing authorities. However, the firm is available to represent you and the fees for such services are at the firm’s standard rates and would be covered under a separate engagement letter.
  • Preparation fees do cover limited assistance and consultation during the year.
  • The engagement to prepare your 2016 tax returns terminates upon delivery of your completed returns and original documents to you. Please store your supporting documents and copies of your tax returns in a secure place for at least seven years.
  • You agree to provide us all income and deductible expense information. If you receive additional information after we begin working on your return, you will contact us immediately to ensure your completed tax returns contain all relevant information. If this firm has not received all of your tax return information by March 31, we may not be able to complete the return before the filing due date. If your returns are not filed by midnight of April 18, 2017, you may be subject to late filing and/or late payment penalties.
  • You affirm that all expenses or other deduction amounts are accurate and that you have all required supporting written records. In some cases, we will ask to review your documentation. This firm is not responsible for the disallowance of doubtful deductions or inadequately supported documentation, nor for resulting taxes, penalties and interest.
  • You must be able to provide written records of all items included on your return if audited by either the IRS or state tax authority. We can provide guidance concerning what evidence is acceptable.
  • You must review the return carefully before signing to make sure the information is correct.
  • Fees must be paid before your tax return is delivered to you or filed for you. If you terminate this engagement before completion, you agree to pay a fee for work completed. A retainer is required for preparation of late returns.

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and accept your obligations and responsibilities and that you understand our responsibilities in preparing your tax returns as explained above. For a joint return, both taxpayers must sign.

  • You should keep a copy of your tax return and any related tax documents. You may be assessed a fee if you request a copy in the future.

Taxpayer Name

Spouse

Date