In short, the following outlines our relationship, it says that you, the client, will provide Brass Taxes accurate information and that Brass Taxes will not disclose any of your information unless required by law. On with lawyer-y talk...

I have engaged Brass Taxes to prepare my Individual and/or Business Federal and state income tax returns and/or engaged Brass Taxes' consultation services. Regarding my tax return, I understand that it is my responsibility to provide you with all of the information required to complete my tax return. In that regard I state, to the best of my ability and knowledge, to have provided accurate and complete information.

1. I have provided true, correct, and complete information regarding my amounts and income as listed on the attached Forms W-2, 1099 and/or attached written summaries and have maintained written documentation supporting all amounts, including logbooks and receipts. I understand that it is my responsibility to provide all the information necessary to complete the returns. I will retain for four years all the documents, receipts, canceled checks, and other records required to substantiate the items of income and expense claimed on my return.

2. I understand that because taxing authorities may examine (audit) the returns, that documentation should be retained to support the information provided to you, especially business travel and entertainment deductions, business use percentage of autos and other business assets and barter activities, and that penalties may be imposed on returns that are late, underpaid, or incorrect. While we do our best to estimate any interest and penalties, it is common to receive a letter with a final assessment.

3. I understand that you will not audit or otherwise verify any information, that you may require clarification or additional information, that you are not responsible for disallowed deductions, or the inclusion of additional unreported income or any resulting taxes, penalties or interest.

4. I understand that included with my tax preparation is two hours of consultation regarding an audit that is a result of Brass Taxes’ error and that I will be charged an additional fee if you are asked to assist or represent me in a tax audit, examination, or inquiry. I understand that, in the event of preparer error, I am responsible for additional tax that may be due, and that the extent of Brass Taxes’ responsibility due to our error is up to the fee amount paid for our services.

5. I will contact you immediately if I discover additional information that will lead to a change in my return, and I understand that any additional work and communication necessary to make any changes will incur additional fees.

6. I will contact you immediately if I receive any letters from the IRS or state taxing authorities. 

7. I understand that your policy is to put all tax advice in writing, and that I will not rely upon any unwritten advice because it may be tentative, incomplete, or not fully reviewed.

8. I understand that your bill will be due and payable upon completion of these returns. I understand that your bill will be based upon a schedule of tax forms prepared.

9. I understand that you will not file any federal, state, or local tax extensions without my specific written request.

Privacy Policy

It is the policy of Brass Taxes to keep information that we collect confidential from all sources. We restrict access to all nonpublic personal information about you to members of our firm who need to know that information to provide services to you. Given our remote work status, your tax information may be transmitted globally. Only Brass Taxes approved employees and contractors will ever have access to sensitive data. We do collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:

• Information we receive from you on tax preparation organizers, worksheets, Federal and State tax reporting forms, and from other documents we use in tax preparation or other financial and related services.

• Information about your transactions with us, our affiliates, and others.

• Information we may receive from outside agencies such as banks and brokerage houses.

We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our clients or former clients, except as permitted, required, or approved by you in writing as listed below:

• Requirements to comply with federal, state or local law or licensing rules

• Requirements to disclose information in response to legal subpoenas.

• Items you permit or request us to disclose, as authorized by you in writing.

• Information that you authorize us to disclose by signing this engagement letter to electronically file your tax return.

If you have scheduled tax return services with us, this is the form you signed off on.