Engagement Letter
Defines scope, fees, and responsibilities; should state the tax years covered, deliverables, and whether electronic signatures are accepted.
A consistent pack reduces missing information, accelerates preparer review, and documents consent for electronic signatures and e-filing.
The pack is used by tax preparers, accounting teams, payroll departments, and taxpayers to gather the details required for tax reporting and information returns.
Use the pack as a single source of truth: preparers verify fields and taxpayers provide signatures, identification, and supporting documents to complete the workflow.
Defines scope, fees, and responsibilities; should state the tax years covered, deliverables, and whether electronic signatures are accepted.
Structured questionnaire collecting personal data, filing status, income types, and deductible expenses to minimize back-and-forth with the preparer.
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number for vendors and contractors; used to collect TIN/SSN and certification to avoid backup withholding.
Summarizes payments to nonemployees and supports preparation of 1099‑NEC or 1099‑MISC information returns for recipients and the IRS.
Client consent to electronically file returns and to receive copies electronically; documents preparer authorization and signature method.
List of required attachments (W-2s, 1099s, receipts) and ID copies so the preparer can confirm documentation before filing.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Notification | Email reminders every 3 days until complete |
| Signature Order | Client signs after preparer review |
| Conditional Fields | Show 1099 worksheet only for contractors |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or ID verification |
Ensure your platform supports secure e-signatures, PDF/X‑F formats, and audit trails before sending the pack.
Provide upon request; no fixed IRS deadline
File recipient and IRS by Jan 31 (IRS deadline)
Recipient by Jan 31; paper to IRS by Feb 28; electronic by Mar 31
Individual return due Apr 15 (Oct 15 with extension)
FinCEN Form 114 due Apr 15 (auto-extension to Oct 15)
| 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 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |