Please Print the Following
Engagement Agreement
Case History Worksheet
Information Document Request
Information Worksheet
So, you're meeting with a potential client! What do you do? How much should you charge for your services?
I've been in business since 1994. I have followed the same procedures since then. Here are the steps I take:
Offer a Free 1/2 Hour Consultation
Knowledge is money and some individuals would consult with you so they can learn from your knowledge. I offer 1/2 hour consultation. This is more than sufficient time to understand any situation. During this time, I discover what the problem(s) is. I discuss the resolution with my client. I will also quote the fees associated with the resolution. If time is extended beyond the 1/2 hour session, I would want to assure myself that I am not just giving away free knowledge. Be careful! once we agree on the problem and the fees I will then prepare the "Information Worksheet" followed by the, "Engagement Agreement".
The information worksheet is simple to fill out. I usually fill this out myself since I can read my own handwriting.
What to Charge?
The engagement agreement I attached here is what I use and have been since 1994. It is very simple. You may use it, modify it, or do as you wish.
Please remove my name and use yours on all forms! 
The following is what I charge ( You may charge more or less it is up to you):
1. IRS Audit Representation: I charge a set fee of $200 per hour. I will normally assess the complications of the audit and determine the length of time it will take to prepare and represent. I try not to be greedy. If an audit is in my office, most of the time i do not charge for the time beyond the preparation time. The examiner is working on his/her own with questions asked here and there.
Note: if you need to prepare financial statements for an entire year or a fraction thereof, you'll need to charge for you normal compilation fees!
2. Preparation of Unfiled Returns or Retrieving Transcripts: If my client hasn't filed in several years, or I need to retrieve Transcripts on any given year, and I need to contact Practitioner Priority Service to retrieve information, I charge $350 plus the fees associated with the preparation of the unfiled tax returns.
3. Establish a Payment Plan: If I need to establish a payment plan with the IRS, I charge $350. If I need to do that for the IRS and the State I charge $500. Charge more or less it is up to you!
4. Offer in Compromise: I normally charge of fee between $750-1500 depending on the complexity of gathering the information needed. Some clients are slow in gathering their information to give to me in order to prepare the offer. Use your judgment.
5. Appeals Representation: If I represented the taxpayer, I will normally charge for my time to visit with the Appeal's Officer. After all, everything is ready. If someone else represented the client and I have to start from the beginning, I charge what I would normally charge for an audit.
When I engage a client, I ask for the fees up front!
Information Document Request
I use the "Information Document request" to request information from my client. I always keep a copy in my file for future reference.
Case History Worksheet
I maintain a "Case History Worksheet" in my client's file. I document everything I do. I use it in a future time to refer back to. It is very important, use it! We, as humans forget things quickly.
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