Tax Year__________
Name _______________________________
Name ______________________________
Cyndie Barone, CFP ® & Associates, LLC
242 Lowell St., Ste. 1
Waltham, MA 02453
PH: 781.933.6452
FX: 866.431.9580
Engagement Letter for Preparation of Tax Returns 1
Thank you for selecting Cyndie Barone, CFP & Associates to assist with your tax preparation
and planning. This letter confirms the terms of our engagement and the nature and extent of
services we will provide.
We will prepare your federal and all state income tax returns using information you provide to
us. We may ask for clarification of some items, but we will not audit the data you submit.
However, there may be some items we will need to verify.
It is your responsibility to provide information required for preparation of complete and accurate
returns. You should keep all documents, canceled checks and other data that support your
reported income, deductions and information you have provided. You are responsible for the
returns. Review them carefully before you sign them. By signing, you acknowledge you have
reviewed the return and deem the information documented to be accurate.
At times we must use our judgment in resolving questions where the tax law is unclear, or
where there may be conflicts between the taxing authorities’ interpretations of the law. In order
to avoid penalties, we must believe there is at least a reasonable basis for the position. In this
case, the position must be disclosed on Form 8275 or 8275-R, which will be filed with the
return. If we do not believe there is reasonable basis for the position, it cannot be taken. In
order for us to make these determinations, we rely on the accuracy of the information you
provide. In the event we and/or you are assessed penalties due to our reliance on inaccurate,
incomplete, or misleading information you supply (with or without your knowledge or intent),
you will indemnify us, defend us and hold us harmless to all penalties. In signing you agree to
honor our decisions regarding the need to make protective disclosures in your returns.
Penalties of as much as $100,000 can be imposed on you for failing to disclose “reportable
transactions,” that is, any items or positions the IRS has identified as potentially abusive. We
will insist that all such transactions be properly disclosed. The law also imposes penalties when
taxpayers understate their tax liability. All tax returns are subject to examination by tax
authorities. Be aware if they disallow items due to suspicious deductions or inadequate
documentation, the resulting taxes, penalties and interest are your sole responsibility.
1
Please read this letter carefully before signing. In signing you agree to all matters stated herein and
acknowledge you have read and fully understand the contents.
V: FEB2015
Please note - WE CANNOT PREPARE TAX RETURNS without receiving a signed copy of these
forms; nor will we e-file or release returns without full payment for service, and signed and
dated federal +/or state e-file authorization forms (if applicable). The fee for preparing returns
does not include: responding to tax agency inquiries, additional copies, subsequent
consultations nor amendments caused by late, omitted or changed information. Information
received within 15 days prior to due date, may be subject to extension and will be subject to a
surcharge.
All invoices are due upon receipt. As permitted by state law, an interest charge may be added
to all accounts not paid within thirty (30) days. If we terminate services for nonpayment or for
reasons provided in this letter, our engagement is deemed complete even if we have not
completed your return. You agree to compensate us for time expended, and to reimburse us for
out-of-pocket costs. Complete or partial returns unpaid for will not be provided.
We may communicate via email unless you opt out in writing. Emails may be intercepted by
unintended parties. We cannot guarantee emails will be read only by the addressee, therefore,
we disclaim and waive liability and responsibility for unintentional disclosure of emails; further,
you agree we have no liability for loss or damages resulting from such.
Client Agrees To:
1. Certify you have documents supporting the information used to prepare returns
including but not limited to: charitable contributions, business use of auto and
unreimbursed business expenses. UNDOCUMENTED DEDUCTIONS CANNOT BE
TAKEN; TO DO SO IS A FEDERAL OFFENSE. You are responsible for keeping backup
documents on file for at least five years.
2. Notify preparer of any corrections and/or correspondence received from tax authorities
related to these returns.
3. Be responsible for any taxpayer penalties, additional taxes or interest assessed by the
tax authorities.
4. Pay all bank fees and $25.00 surcharge by money order, credit card or cash for checks
returned to us due to insufficient funds; pay $50 fee for appointments cancelled or
broken without 24-hour advance notice.
5. Information or changes you provide after your return has been completed, printed
and/or mailed to you will be subject to an additional fee both for the changes in
preparation and out-of-pocket expenses we incur.
Preparer Agrees To:
1. Prepare the return based on information and documentation you provide.
2. Inform you about information discovered that affect other tax years. However, the
preparer cannot be held responsible for identifying ALL items nor for returns we have
not prepared.
V: FEB2015
3. Prepare and provide a copy of the return along with your documentation.
4. Treat any information received as confidential and subject to disclosure only at your
written request or as compelled by law.
Please answer the following:
Did you receive unreported tips?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you receive alimony?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you sell stocks, bonds, or mutual funds?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you take a retirement distribution?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you receive unemployment compensation?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you receive lottery or gambling wins?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you make charitable contributions?
□ Yes
□ No
□ I have receipts
Did you use your car/truck for business purposes?
□ Yes
□ No
□ I have documentation
Do you have unreimbursed business expenses?
□ Yes
□ No
□ I have documentation.
Do you use your cell phone for business?
□ Yes
□ No
□ Employer has written cell phone policy.
Do you need to issue anyone a 1099-MISC?
If you need to issue a 1099-MISC, do you want us
to issue and file it for you?
□ Yes
□ No
□
□
□
Yes
No
They were issued.
Do you have a foreign bank or investment
account with more than a $10,000 balance?
□ Yes
□ Yes, more than $50,000.
□ No
Did you have health insurance the entire year?
□ Yes
□ No
□ Part year.
Is email communication acceptable?
□ Yes
□ No
Did you receive a subsidy or credit to help pay for
health insurance?
□ Yes
□ Amount received _______________.
□ No
Do you have employees, household employees
or any people who work for you?
□ Yes
□ No
V: FEB2015
Please provide bank information for direct deposit and your email address:
Routing: ____________________________
Account: ____________________________
Email Address: _______________________
Email Address: _______________________
Please sign and date at the bottom. Skip the chart if you do not make estimated
payments. If you make estimated payments, please complete the chart and then
sign and date below. Thank you.
Date
Federal
State (
)
State (
)
Previous Year
Carryover
Amount Paid
With Extension
1ST Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
Acceptance of Engagement Letter
I have read and hereby accept the forgoing terms and conditions of this agreement.
______________________________
Client Signature
__________
Date
______________________________
Client Signature
__________
Date
V: FEB2015
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I, _________________________ agree and acknowledge the following:
1. That Cyndie Barone, a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Securities
Corporation is also providing me with tax preparation services.
2. It is understood and agreed that Cyndie Barone, while providing me with the Services
will not be acting in any way as a registered representative or investment advisor of the
Broker Dealer. Cyndie Barone’s employment providing me with the Services will at all
times be in her personal capacity and is an outside business activity not within the scope
of her relationship with the Broker Dealer. No legal or tax advice is being provided to me
by the Broker Dealer or its affiliates.
3. It is understood and agreed that I will hold the Broker Dealer (including its successors,
affiliates, and their respective officers, agents and directors) harmless from any and all
losses, liabilities or other damages that may have occurred or which may occur in the
future related to Cyndie Barone’s employment providing me with the Services.
4. I hereby acknowledge and agree that at all times Cyndie Barone is not acting in a
fiduciary capacity while providing me with these or any services.
____________________
Signed Name
____________
Date
V: FEB2015
HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
I, _________________________ agree and acknowledge the following:
5. That Cyndie Barone, a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Securities
Corporation is also providing me with tax preparation services.
6. It is understood and agreed that Cyndie Barone while providing me with the Services will
not be acting in any way as a registered representative or investment advisor of the
Broker Dealer. Cyndie Barone’s employment providing me with the Services will at all
times be in her personal capacity and is an outside business activity not within the scope
of her relationship with the Broker Dealer. No legal or tax advice is being provided to me
by the Broker Dealer or its affiliates.
7. It is understood and agreed that I will hold the Broker Dealer (including its successors,
affiliates, and their respective officers, agents and directors) harmless from any and all
losses, liabilities or other damages that may have occurred or which may occur in the
future related to Cyndie Barone’s employment providing me with the Services.
8. I hereby acknowledge and agree that at all times Cyndie Barone is not acting in a
fiduciary capacity while providing me with these or any services.
____________________
Signed Name
____________
Date
V: FEB2015
DISCLOSURE
In signing this form, you certify the information provided to Cyndie Barone, CFP® & Associates,
LLC (herein called Service Company or we) is true and complete. Further, you hold the Service
Company harmless from any and all liability pertaining to your withholding, overlooking or
providing erroneous information regarding the preparation of your tax return, and/or estimated
tax payments (herein as et al) whether intentionally or unintentionally. You state you have in
your possession all statements, logs, contemporaneous records, receipts, reports, backup
materials, appointment calendars or letters supporting the information as stated on your tax
return, et al. This includes but is not limited to charitable donations, business miles, tips
received, independently generated income, assets and business travel.
We do not audit nor verify the information you provide. Accordingly, our engagement cannot be
relied upon to disclose errors, fraud or other illegal acts that may exist. However, it may be
necessary to ask for clarification of information you provide and we will inform you of any
material errors, fraud or illegal acts that come to our attention.
Should you be audited or questioned and are unable to produce the records as you state herein
you possess, you agree to pay any and all fines that may be imposed by the IRS, US Treasury,
State Department of Taxes or Revenue and/or other government or state agency, on the
Service Company or you personally, as related to any missing records.
Further, should your returns, et al, be selected for review by a taxing authority we are available
upon your request to assist in such matters; the extent of such services and fees for the
services will be determined at that time. However, if you are selected for review or if you
receive a notice requesting a response regarding a return, et al, we have prepared and such
request is not due to your erroneous, overlooked or withholding of information, whether
intentionally or unintentionally, we will respond at your request, to clarify, assist, support and
negotiate on your behalf in all such matters, the final outcome of which is determined by said
taxing authorities. Be aware it is your responsibility to notify us of such contact as the taxing
authorities do not always provide such information to the preparer.
Please be aware that our fees are not contingent on the results of service but rather on the
time spent, complexity of the return, and nature of your source documents.
Sign Here: _________________________
Date: _______________
Printed Name: ______________________
Sign Here: _________________________
Date: _______________
Printed Name: ______________________
V: FEB2015