Parties
Identify the tax preparer (firm name, address, PTIN/EIN if applicable) and the LLC (legal name, state of formation, EIN).
A precise engagement letter allocates responsibilities, limits disputes, and supports compliance with tax authority requirements and professional standards.
Engagement letters are used by tax preparers, CPAs, enrolled agents, and LLC managers to document the tax services relationship.
Both parties should keep a signed copy; the preparer should retain the letter with the tax workpaper file.
The preparer signs to accept responsibilities for preparing specified returns and maintaining workpapers. The letter clarifies limitations of liability, access to client records, and the preparer’s right to rely on client-supplied data.
An authorized managing member signs for the LLC to confirm authority, supply EIN and entity details, and agree to fee terms, record retention, and cooperation obligations required for accurate tax preparation.
Identify the tax preparer (firm name, address, PTIN/EIN if applicable) and the LLC (legal name, state of formation, EIN).
List specific tax returns, advisory tasks, tax-year periods covered, any elections to be made, and services expressly excluded from the engagement.
Require the LLC to provide accurate books, signed authorizations, member information, and timely responses to document requests.
State billing method (hourly or flat), estimated fees, retainer requirements, and when invoices are due or subject to interest.
Specify deliverables (draft returns, final returns, supporting schedules), expected delivery dates, and filing deadlines the parties will target.
Include confidentiality, limitation of liability, governing law, dispute resolution, termination, and retention of files language.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Required; include date field adjacent to signature |
| Authentication | Email plus SMS code or ID verification for higher assurance |
| Conditional Fields | Use conditional fields for optional services or addenda |
| Audit Trail | Enable full audit trail (IP, timestamps, events) |
Choose eSignature settings that meet legal and client privacy needs, including audit trail retention and authentication.
| 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 | Yes, 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Provide upon request; no fixed IRS deadline
Recipient and IRS due Jan 31 each year
Regular due date April 15; Form 4868 extends filing to Oct 15
Paper to IRS by Feb 28; electronic by Mar 31
Due April 15 with automatic extension to Oct 15
A small investment LLC engaged a preparer for a single tax year filing and bookkeeping review
A real estate LLC used a multi-year engagement for recurring K-1 preparation
| Criteria | Engagement Letter | Power of Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | define services | authorize act |
| Signing Requirement | client signature required | client signature required |
| Notarization Typical | not typically required | sometimes required |
| Filed with State | no (except certain poas) |