Scope
Precise list of tasks and explicit exclusions so both parties understand responsibilities.
A concise Tax Planning Engagement Letter defines scope, limits liability, sets fees, and records client consent to procedures. It creates clear expectations that reduce disputes and supports professional and regulatory compliance.
Use the engagement letter whenever services extend beyond ad hoc advice or involve fees, deliverables, or third-party interactions.
Precise list of tasks and explicit exclusions so both parties understand responsibilities.
Clear billing rates, retainer, invoice schedule, and consequences for late payment.
Documentation, delivery dates, and representations the client must provide to support advice.
Limits on disclosure, any permitted third-party sharing, and data-protection measures.
Reasonable caps or disclaimers consistent with professional standards and applicable law.
How either party may end or change the engagement and associated notice requirements.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | Electronic signature with audit trail; PKI optional for higher assurance |
| Authentication | Email link or SMS OTP for signer verification |
| Reminders | Automated reminder schedule for unsigned documents |
| Storage | Encrypted archive with exportable PDF and completion certificate |
Verify the vendor meets compliance needs (ESIGN/UETA, HIPAA if applicable) and provides an exportable audit trail for recordkeeping.
Provide upon payer request; no IRS filing deadline.
Recipient and IRS deadline: January 31.
April 15; extension to Oct 15 with Form 4868.
Paper filing to IRS typically by February 28.
April 15 with automatic extension to October 15.
Agreement executed and effective; starts service clock.
Client provides tax data, ledgers, and prior returns.
Advisor produces preliminary options and impact estimates.
Advisor delivers written plan and implementation steps.
| Document Type | Engagement Letter | Engagement Letter Addendum |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | define service terms | modify or extend scope |
| Signature Required | ||
| Typical Use | initial engagement | mid‑engagement changes |
| Notarization | rarely required | rarely required |
| 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 | Varies |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Brian Fitzgibbons saw improved client clarity with a standardized engagement letter and templates that captured scope and fees.
Tim Martin used online execution to sign engagement letters while managing multiple property transactions remotely.
A Tax Manager at a corporation signs on behalf of the company with delegated authority. The narrative in the letter should require printed name, title, and corporate resolution reference where necessary to verify signing authority.
An individual taxpayer signs for personal tax-planning services. The letter should request the full legal name, SSN or TIN for identification, and a declaration that provided information is accurate to the taxpayer's knowledge.