Parties
Full legal names for each party, business entity types, and contact information for the preparer and client, ensuring contractual clarity and correct tax entity identification.
A clear engagement letter reduces risk by defining services, deliverables, fees, and timelines, and provides evidence of client consent and scope acceptance under professional standards.
Tax preparers, CPA firms, enrolled agents, and bookkeeping providers complete engagement letters to document work scope and client authorizations.
The letter serves both as an operational checklist and as a client-facing record supporting compliance and fee collection.
Full legal names for each party, business entity types, and contact information for the preparer and client, ensuring contractual clarity and correct tax entity identification.
Specific tax forms and services (for example, Form 1040, 1120, 1099-NEC preparation, state franchise or sales tax assistance) and any excluded services such as audits or representation.
Dates and formats for draft and final returns, electronic filing versus paper filing, and provision of source documents or client worksheets.
Fee structure (flat, hourly, or percentage), billing intervals, retainers, and consequences for late payment or additional work outside the agreed scope.
Client responsibilities for providing accurate records, timely signatures, taxpayer identification numbers, and certification of information used to prepare returns.
Designated signer(s) with titles, signature lines, dates, and a statement confirming consent to electronic signature if the document will be signed digitally.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential or parallel routing |
| Authentication | Email token or SMS code |
| Signature Type | Electronic signature (click or drawn) |
| Storage | Secure PDF with audit trail |
Confirm platform capabilities and legal compliance before e-signing an engagement letter.
Use a platform that supports ESIGN/UETA compliance, optional HIPAA BAA if handling protected health information, and secure long-term storage.
No fixed deadline; provide upon payer request.
To recipient and IRS by January 31 each year.
Recipient by January 31; IRS paper Feb 28, electronic Mar 31.
Individual returns due April 15 (Oct 15 extension available).
Due April 15 with automatic extension to Oct 15.
Client and preparer sign; scope becomes binding.
Client supplies records and tax identifiers.
Preparers send draft for client approval.
Final return is filed and executed copies stored.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |