COR TAX & BOOKKEEPING
2025 TAX PREPARATION SERVICES – TERMS & CONDITIONS
(Fine Print – Comprehensive Liability & Service Terms)
Effective Date: January 1, 2025
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern the tax preparation and related advisory services (“Services”) provided by COR Tax & Bookkeeping (“COR,” “we,” “our”) to the client (“Client,” “you”). By engaging COR for Services, you acknowledge and accept these Terms in full.
1. Scope of Services
1.1 COR will prepare federal, state, and/or local tax returns based solely on the information provided by the Client.
1.2 COR does not audit, review, or verify data; Services are dependent on the accuracy and completeness of information supplied by the Client.
1.3 Additional services—including bookkeeping, tax planning, research, IRS/state correspondence, amended returns, advisory, or audit support—are not included unless separately contracted.
1.4 COR will provide monthly retainer usage reports summarizing time spent and tasks performed.
2. Client Responsibilities
2.1 Client agrees to provide accurate, complete, and timely information necessary to prepare the tax return(s).
2.2 Client is solely responsible for the accuracy of all information submitted to COR.
2.3 Client agrees to promptly respond to requests for additional information or documentation.
2.4 Client is responsible for maintaining their own supporting documentation to substantiate income, deductions, credits, and all tax positions.
3. Filing Deadlines & Extensions
3.1 COR is not responsible for penalties, interest, or late filings when:
– Information is incomplete, inaccurate, or not provided in a timely manner,
– Client fails to approve an extension,
– Client delays review or signing of required forms.
3.2 Extensions require proactive approval and signature by the Client.
3.3 An extension is not an extension of time to pay taxes owed.
4. Limitation of Liability
4.1 COR’s liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific tax return preparation service at issue.
4.2 COR is not liable for:
– Penalties, interest, or tax liabilities resulting from Client-provided information,
– Omissions, nondisclosures, or errors in Client-provided documents,
– Tax law changes after filing,
– IRS or state adjustments resulting from unsupported tax positions,
– Indirect, consequential, special, or financial damages of any kind.
4.3 COR makes no guarantee regarding outcomes, refunds, tax savings, or audit results.
5. Accuracy, Review, & Authorization
5.1 Client must review all tax returns before filing.
5.2 Client’s signature on any e-file authorization indicates full approval of the tax return(s).
5.3 COR is not responsible for errors discovered after filing if the Client did not review the return.
6. Audit Support & Representation
6.1 Audit support is not included unless a separate agreement is executed.
6.2 COR does not represent Clients before the IRS or state agencies unless explicitly contracted to do so.
6.3 Responses to tax notices, audits, or inquiries are billable at COR’s standard hourly rates unless otherwise agreed in writing.
7. Fees, Retainer, & Hourly Billing
7.1 Tax preparation and related services are billed hourly under COR’s 2025 pricing structure.
7.2 A retainer is required before work begins.
7.3 Monthly statements will outline time used and any remaining balance.
7.4 Retainer funds are held for one (1) year from the date the associated tax return is filed. After one year, unused retainer funds are forfeited unless prohibited by law.
7.5 Additional work—including corrections due to incomplete or inaccurate information, IRS correspondence, amended returns, bookkeeping cleanup, or other out-of-scope tasks—will be billed separately.
7.6 Rates are subject to change with 30 days’ notice.
8. Confidentiality
8.1 COR maintains the confidentiality of Client information in accordance with federal and state laws and professional standards.
8.2 Confidential information may be disclosed only with Client consent or as required by law.
9. Electronic Communications & Technology
9.1 Client consents to electronic signatures, digital document exchange, and communication through secure platforms.
9.2 COR is not responsible for delays or issues caused by third-party software, portals, or electronic filing systems.
9.3 Client is responsible for maintaining secure access to their own financial accounts and digital records.
10. Record Retention
10.1 COR retains workpapers and supporting files for seven (7) years.
10.2 Client is responsible for maintaining copies of their own tax returns and original documents.
10.3 COR does not retain or store original documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, logs, etc.).
11. Termination of Services
11.1 Either party may terminate Services at any time with written notice.
11.2 All fees for work performed prior to termination are due and payable immediately.
11.3 COR may terminate Services for non-cooperation, lack of communication, ethical concerns, unpaid invoices, or failure to provide required information.
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas without regard to conflict-of-law rules.
13. Acceptance of Terms
Payment of retainer, submission of tax documents, or execution of an engagement letter constitutes acceptance of these Terms.