Can this agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted, provided the signature demonstrates intent, consent to conduct the transaction electronically, can be attributed to the signer, and the record is retained and reproducible.

Is notarization required for the agreement?

Generally, contracts do not require notarization unless a local taxing authority or filing procedure specifically asks for a notarized power of attorney or authorization. Check the notice and local rules before filing.

Who monitors appeal deadlines?

The agreement should assign calendar responsibility to one party. Many appeals are time-sensitive; failing to act within the notice window can forfeit appeal rights.

What if the taxpayer and representative disagree?

Include dispute-resolution clauses specifying mediation, arbitration, or court jurisdiction, and define who controls settlement authority to avoid post-resolution disputes.

Are remote notarizations accepted?

Remote online notarization (RON) acceptance varies by state. Where RON is permitted, include it in the agreement and retain required recordings and identity-proofing logs.

How long should I keep the agreement?

Retain the executed agreement for at least the active appeal period plus three years; retain tax and health-related records longer to meet IRS and HIPAA rules.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Tax
Tax Appeal Agreement

Tax Appeal Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Tax Appeal Agreement

This Tax Appeal Agreement (Agreement) is entered into on this date: Month DD YYYY .

Taxpayer Identification

Taxpayer Name: Business Name (if applicable): Entity Type (check one):

Individual/Sole Proprietor C Corp S Corp Partnership
Trust/Estate LLC Other

Taxpayer Identification Number

Social Security Number (SSN): OR Employer Identification Number (EIN):

Primary Address: Phone: Email:

Appeal Information

Taxing Authority: Tax Year(s) or Period(s) at Issue:

Date of Assessment/Notice: Month DD YYYY

Appeal Reference / Case Number (if any):

Representative / Authorized Agent

Representative Name: Representative Firm / Organization:

Representative is authorized to (check all that apply):
File and prosecute the appeal Obtain tax records and information Negotiate settlements and concessions
Attend hearings and conferences Execute limited documents necessary for appeal

Scope of Engagement

The Representative will perform services reasonably necessary to prosecute the appeal as requested by the Taxpayer, including review of records, preparation and filing of appeal documents, direct communications with the taxing authority, negotiation of settlements, and representation at administrative hearings as authorized above. The Representative will not, without additional written consent, enter into settlements that would materially alter Taxpayer's tax liability beyond the parameters set forth in this Agreement.

Detailed Scope / Special Instructions:

Fees, Costs, and Billing

Fee arrangement (select one):
Contingent fee of
Hourly rate
Flat fee of

Estimated Costs / Retainer (if any):

Records, Confidentiality and Authorization

The Taxpayer authorizes the Representative to obtain and review tax returns, account transcripts, audit workpapers, correspondence, and any other information reasonably related to the appeal. The Representative will maintain confidentiality of privileged communications to the extent recognized by law. The Taxpayer acknowledges that certain communications with the Representative may be disclosed to the taxing authority if required by law or as part of settlement negotiations.

Records and Documents Authorized (describe if limited):

Termination and Withdrawal

Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. Upon termination, the Taxpayer remains responsible for all fees and costs incurred prior to termination and for any post-termination tasks necessary to conclude the appeal unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Representative may withdraw if permitted by applicable rules of professional conduct and after reasonable notice to the Taxpayer.

Indemnification and Liability

The Taxpayer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Representative from liabilities, claims, costs, and expenses (including reasonable professional fees) arising from the Taxpayer's failure to provide truthful, complete, and timely information. The Representative's liability for professional services shall be limited to direct damages resulting from gross negligence or willful misconduct, except as prohibited by law.

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws applicable to the Taxpayer's principal address. Any dispute arising from this Agreement will be resolved by binding arbitration or as otherwise agreed in writing by the parties; however, the Representative may seek injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction where necessary to protect client confidences or to recover unpaid fees.

Certification and Perjury Statement

By signing below, the Taxpayer certifies and acknowledges the following under penalty of perjury:

The information provided in this Agreement is true, correct, and complete to the best of the Taxpayer's knowledge.
The Taxpayer authorizes the Representative to act on behalf of the Taxpayer in matters specifically set forth above, including access to tax records and communications with the taxing authority.
The Taxpayer understands the fee arrangement described herein and consents to the Representative's retention and any contingent, hourly, or flat fees as selected.
The Taxpayer agrees to cooperate with the Representative, timely provide requested documentation, and notify the Representative of any material developments affecting the appeal.
The Taxpayer acknowledges that willful false statements made herein may subject the Taxpayer to civil or criminal penalties under applicable law.

Additional Declarations (optional):

Taxpayer Name:

Signature:

Date:

What a Tax Appeal Agreement Is and When It Applies

A Tax Appeal Agreement is a written engagement that defines the relationship, scope, and responsibilities between a taxpayer and a representative or between parties contesting a tax assessment or valuation. Typical agreements grant authority to prepare and file an appeal, specify deadlines and deliverables, set fees or contingency arrangements, and record who may receive notices and access tax records. The document clarifies whether the representative will appear at hearings, negotiate with assessors, or pursue administrative remedies or litigation. Use clear effective dates and execution blocks so the agreement can be relied on by taxing authorities and courts.

Why a Written Tax Appeal Agreement Matters

A written Tax Appeal Agreement reduces dispute over authority, preserves deadlines, and sets transparent fee and document-retention rules that protect both the taxpayer and the representative. It supports enforceability of responsibilities and helps ensure filings meet procedural requirements.

Who Typically Uses a Tax Appeal Agreement

Common users include taxpayers contesting assessments, licensed tax representatives, and property owners engaging agents to challenge valuations.

Individual taxpayers hiring a licensed representative to file an administrative or judicial appeal of a tax assessment.
Commercial property owners engaging an appraiser or attorney to contest property tax valuation.
Accounting firms or tax attorneys retained to prepare petitions, attend hearings, and negotiate settlements.

Use the agreement whenever third-party representation, fee allocation, or formal authorization to file an appeal is needed.

Typical Signatories and Their Roles

Taxpayer

The taxpayer signs to authorize representation, confirm factual information and accept fee terms. The taxpayer remains responsible for timely responses, providing documents, and authorizing filings when required.

Authorized Representative

The representative (tax attorney, CPA, or agent) signs to accept engagement, state the scope of services, and confirm limits on authority such as settlement thresholds or litigation authority.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Agreement

A thorough Tax Appeal Agreement organizes authority, timing, fees, and proof obligations so both parties understand expectations and legal consequences.

Scope of Work

Describe precisely which notices, years, parcels, or tax types are covered, whether administrative appeals, valuation hearings, or Tax Court petitions are included.

Authority

Specify whether the representative may sign filings, accept or reject offers, access confidential tax records, or appear at hearings on the taxpayer's behalf.

Fees and Billing

State fixed fees, hourly rates, contingency splits, expense reimbursement, and billing cadence. Include how refunds or credits will be handled if appeal succeeds.

Deadlines

List critical appeal deadlines, required filings, and who is responsible for calendar control and service of documents to avoid forfeiture of rights.

Records and Retention

Address storage of originals, electronic copies, retention durations, and what happens to documents after resolution or termination.

Termination

Define termination events, notice requirements, outstanding obligations, and post-termination cooperation for ongoing appeals or refunds.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Tax Appeal Agreement

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, sign, and file the agreement so the appeal proceeds without procedural gaps.

01

Draft: Prepare scope, fees, and deadlines.
02

Review: Confirm facts and required exhibits.
03

Sign: Execute by all parties and date.
04

File: Provide copies to assessor or appeals board.

How to Configure an Online Tax Appeal Workflow

When using an eSignature platform, configure fields, authentication, routing, and storage to comply with legal and procedural rules.

Field	Configuration
eSignature Method	Choose click-to-sign or drawn signature depending on required evidentiary strength.
Signer Authentication	Select email verification, SMS code, or stronger ID-proofing if required by the jurisdiction.
Routing Order	Set signer sequence and notification rules to ensure timely execution.
Storage Location	Designate secure, access-controlled storage for final PDF and audit trail.

Where to Send and How Filing Typically Works

Understand the usual destinations for executed agreements and the filing step for the appeal submission.

County Assessor: Deliver an executed agreement when local rules require representative authorization.
Local Appeals Board: Submit signed documentation if the board requires proof of representation at hearing.
State Tax Agency: File copies where state-level appeals or refund claims proceed.
Tax Court: Include authorization when litigation requires counsel authority to act.

Digital Signing and Technical Considerations

Use an eSignature platform that provides a tamper-evident audit trail, signer attribution, and secure storage for executed agreements.

Audit Trail: IP, timestamp, action log
Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA

Key Deadlines to Watch in a Tax Appeal

Timeliness is critical. Deadlines vary by notice type, jurisdiction, and appeal level — the agreement should identify who monitors and preserves each deadline.

Appeal Deadline in Notice:

Follow the date on the tax notice; many local assessor notices require action within 30–60 days.

Tax Court Petition Deadline:

A petition following a notice of deficiency is generally due within 90 days (26 U.S.C. §6213) unless stated otherwise.

Local Protest Filing:

County-level protests commonly require filing within a specified window noted on the assessment notice.

Refund Claim Period:

Refund claims are governed by IRS statute of limitations (IRC §6501(a)) and state refund rules; check applicable statute.

Extension Procedures:

Where permitted, document procedures to request or agree to extensions with the taxing authority.

Typical Processing Milestones for an Appeal

These milestones illustrate a common sequence from engagement through final resolution; adjust timing to local procedure.

01

Engagement Executed

Agreement signed and authority delegated to representative.

02

Evidence Compiled

Appraisals, financial records, and exhibits prepared for submission.

03

Appeal Filed

Representative files protest or petition with appropriate body.

04

Hearing or Settlement

Administrative hearing or negotiated settlement concludes the matter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

Failing to specify exact tax years or parcel identifiers, which can limit the scope of an appeal and lead to rejection by the assessor.
Using vague fee language or omitting expense reimbursement terms, resulting in later disputes over retained amounts or contingency splits.
Not including an execution date or relying on post-dated signatures, which can create uncertainty about when authority began.
Overlooking signature authority for entities (e.g., corporate officer, authorized member), causing filings to be treated as unauthorized.

Penalties and Practical Risks of an Incorrect Agreement

Late Filing: Loss of appeal rights

Invalid Authorization: Representative barred from acting

Fee Dispute: Potential litigation or arbitration

Evidence Gaps: Weaker position at hearing

Confidentiality Lapse: Unintended disclosure risk

Regulatory Penalties: Monetary fines or sanctions

Real-World Examples of Agreement Use

Representative examples illustrate how organizations use written agreements to streamline appeals and preserve compliance.

Martin Properties — Residential Appeals

A local property manager engaged an online process to contest valuations quickly.

Representative handled filings and hearings.
Tim Martin reported full online execution with compliance and security while enabling remote signing and efficient collection of appraisal evidence for local hearings.

Fertility Centers of Illinois — Healthcare Provider

A healthcare provider retained counsel to contest a tax assessment affecting multiple clinics.

Counsel negotiated settlements administratively.
John Butler noted the API integration and response support allowed centralized document control, secure signature collection, and consistent audit records across locations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Appeal Agreements

Answers to common questions about authorization, electronic signing, notarization, and timelines for Tax Appeal Agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted, provided the signature demonstrates intent, consent to conduct the transaction electronically, can be attributed to the signer, and the record is retained and reproducible.
Is notarization required for the agreement?
Generally, contracts do not require notarization unless a local taxing authority or filing procedure specifically asks for a notarized power of attorney or authorization. Check the notice and local rules before filing.
Who monitors appeal deadlines?
The agreement should assign calendar responsibility to one party. Many appeals are time-sensitive; failing to act within the notice window can forfeit appeal rights.
What if the taxpayer and representative disagree?
Include dispute-resolution clauses specifying mediation, arbitration, or court jurisdiction, and define who controls settlement authority to avoid post-resolution disputes.
Are remote notarizations accepted?
Remote online notarization (RON) acceptance varies by state. Where RON is permitted, include it in the agreement and retain required recordings and identity-proofing logs.
How long should I keep the agreement?
Retain the executed agreement for at least the active appeal period plus three years; retain tax and health-related records longer to meet IRS and HIPAA rules.

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