Scope
Define covered tax years, specific services (audit defense, offers-in-compromise, installment agreements), and any explicit exclusions to prevent scope creep and billing disputes.
A clear, written agreement sets expectations, limits liability, and documents authorization for representation with tax authorities. It protects both parties, reduces misunderstandings about fees and scope, and provides a record relied upon during audits or regulatory review.
Typical users include licensed tax professionals, law firms, and taxpayers engaged in dispute resolution or negotiated settlements with tax agencies.
The agreement clarifies responsibilities for notices, appeals, documentation delivery, and payment instructions, helping prevent downstream disputes and missed deadlines.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Authentication | Email link with optional SMS code or stronger MFA for identity proofing. |
| Required Attachments | Attach prior-year returns or ID scans using mandatory upload fields. |
| Signature Order | Specify signing order when multiple parties or representatives sign. |
| Audit Trail | Enable full timestamps, IP logging, and certificate of completion. |
Define covered tax years, specific services (audit defense, offers-in-compromise, installment agreements), and any explicit exclusions to prevent scope creep and billing disputes.
State whether the representative may contact the IRS or state agencies directly and reference Form 2848 or other required authorizations for third-party access.
Describe fixed fees, hourly rates, retainers, payment schedules, and refund or termination fee mechanics to minimize billing misunderstandings.
List documents the client must provide, deadlines, truthful disclosures, and cooperation requirements to support representation.
Address client data protection measures, HIPAA or other privacy needs where applicable, and limits on disclosure consistent with professional obligations.
Specify how either party may end the engagement, notice requirements, final billing, and records transfer procedures upon termination.
No fixed deadline; deliver to payer when requested to avoid backup withholding.
Recipient and IRS copies due January 31 each year.
Recipient due January 31; paper to IRS by Feb 28; electronic by Mar 31.
Form 1040 due April 15; extensions to Oct 15 with Form 4868.
FinCEN Form 114 due April 15 with automatic extension to Oct 15.
Optica adopted digital signing for client engagements to reduce turnaround.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, Optica Ventures LLC
The organization centralized signature collection for sensitive client forms and agreements.
John Butler, Founder, Fertility Centers of Illinois
| 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 | 30-day trial | 30-day trial | Free trial available | Free trial available |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes (BAA required) | Yes (BAA available) | Yes (BAA available) | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |