Tax preparer contrac template

This a tax preparer contrac template sample that you can use free of charge. You can copy and paste it into Microsoft Word or Google Docs and edit as you like.

Tax Preparer Contract

This Tax Preparer Contract (the "Contract") is entered into on _________________________ [Date] by and between:

Tax preparation service provider: _________________________ [Tax Preparer or Company Name] located at _________________________ [Provider Address] (the "Provider").
Client: _________________________ [Client Name] located at _________________________ [Client Address] (the "Client").

1. Scope of Services

The Provider agrees to provide tax preparation services to the Client as outlined below:

1. Service Description

The Provider shall perform tax preparation and related services for the Client for the tax year(s) _________________________ [Tax Year(s)]. Services may be performed remotely or at _________________________ [Service Address or Remote] during normal business hours.

2. Services Included

The tax preparation services shall include but are not limited to:

_________________________ [Preparation and filing of individual or business tax returns]
_________________________ [Review of financial documents and tax records]
_________________________ [Tax deductions and credit analysis]
_________________________ [Electronic filing of tax returns]
_________________________ [Responding to basic tax authority inquiries related to prepared returns]
_________________________ [Tax planning or advisory services, if applicable]
_________________________ [Other tax-related services as agreed upon by both parties]

3. Frequency

The services shall be performed _________________________ [One-time / Annually / Ongoing] per _________________________ [Tax Year / Month / Quarter].

2. Terms of Contract

This Contract shall commence on _________________________ [Start Date] and shall continue for an initial term of _________________________ [Number] months/years, unless terminated earlier as provided herein.
After the initial term, this Contract shall automatically renew for successive periods of _________________________ [Number] months/years, unless either party provides written notice of termination at least _________________________ [Number] days prior to the expiration of the then-current term.

3. Payment Terms

The Client agrees to pay the Provider a total sum of $_________________________ [Amount] per _________________________ [Return / Hour / Period] for the tax preparation services rendered.
Payment shall be made _________________________ [Payment Method] within _________________________ [Number] days of receipt of invoice.
Late payments shall incur a late fee of _________________________ [Late Fee Amount] for each week the payment is overdue.

4. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to provide complete, accurate, and timely information required for tax preparation.
The Client acknowledges that the Provider relies on the information supplied and is not responsible for errors resulting from inaccurate or incomplete data.
Final responsibility for the accuracy of filed tax returns rests with the Client.

5. Termination

Either party may terminate this Contract by providing written notice to the other party _________________________ [Number] days prior to the intended termination date.
In the event of termination, the Client shall pay for all services rendered up to the termination date.

6. Limitation of Liability

The Provider shall not be held liable for penalties, interest, or damages resulting from inaccurate information provided by the Client or from changes in tax laws after services are rendered.

7. Confidentiality

Both parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all financial, personal, and proprietary information disclosed during the course of this Contract, except as required by law.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of _________________________ [Your State or Country]. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Contract shall be resolved exclusively by the courts of _________________________ [Your State or County].

9. Entire Agreement

This Contract constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and negotiations, whether written or oral.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Contract as of the date first above written.

Provider
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name and Title]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

Client
Signature: _________________________ [Signature]
Name and title: _________________________ [Name]
Date: _________________________ [Date]

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What's a Tax Preparer Contract?

A tax preparer contract is a legal agreement between a client and a tax preparation professional or firm that defines the terms under which tax-related services are provided. Its purpose is to set clear expectations, allocate responsibilities, and reduce legal and financial risk for both parties. In this article, we’ll break down the core elements of a tax preparer contract, why it matters, and what to pay attention to before signing or drafting one.

1. Definition and Scope

A tax preparer contract defines the scope of tax services to be performed. This typically includes the type of tax returns covered (individual, business, corporate), the tax years involved, and whether services include preparation only or also filing, advisory, or representation. Clearly defining scope prevents assumptions and scope creep.

2. Parties Involved

The contract identifies the two parties involved: the client and the tax preparer (individual accountant, CPA, or tax preparation firm). It includes legal names, addresses, and contact information, ensuring there is no ambiguity about who is responsible for providing and receiving the services.

3. Terms and Conditions

Tax preparer contracts outline key terms such as fees, billing structure (flat fee, per return, or hourly), payment deadlines, and late payment penalties. They also often include limitation of liability clauses, disclaimers regarding reliance on client-provided information, and procedures for resolving disputes.

4. Duration and Renewal

The contract specifies whether the engagement is one-time (for a single tax year) or ongoing. It may include renewal terms for annual services, as well as termination clauses explaining how either party can end the agreement and under what conditions.

5. Client Responsibilities

A critical section of any tax preparer contract outlines the client’s obligations. This usually includes providing accurate, complete, and timely financial information and documentation. The contract typically makes it clear that the final responsibility for the accuracy of the tax return rests with the client, not the preparer.

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Tax preparer contracts should comply with applicable tax laws, professional standards, and regulatory requirements. This may include compliance with IRS regulations, data protection laws, and professional codes of conduct. The contract may also clarify whether the preparer will represent the client in case of audits or inquiries, and under what conditions.

7. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Because tax preparers handle sensitive financial and personal information, confidentiality is a core element of the contract. Clauses usually require the preparer to protect client data and limit disclosure except where legally required, helping build trust and ensure compliance with privacy laws.

Conclusion

A tax preparer contract is essential for establishing a clear, professional, and legally sound relationship between clients and tax professionals. By defining the scope of services, responsibilities, payment terms, and legal protections, it minimizes misunderstandings and protects both sides from unnecessary risk. Whether you’re hiring a tax preparer or offering tax services, a well-structured contract is not optional—it’s foundational.