Discussion:Client Engagement Letter
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Discussion Forum Index --> Business Growth Community --> Client Engagement Letter
| 2 November 2009 | |
| Previous to this year, I never bothered with an engagement letter except in cases of multiple years or extensive work/consultation. My 'hello letter' to prior clients summed up my services anyway.
In considering updating the verbiage in my new client engagement letter and privacy notice, I was considering the idea of having prior clients sign it and if they agree, have it apply to future years if (when!) they return. Therefore I would only hand it out to new clients to sign in the following years. Less paperwork. Any thoughts on this...good or bad idea? Related question: I print my 'Gramm-Leach-Bliley' privacy notice in each client copy (on the billing page, my favorite part), although most likely there is a requirement to provide it before the tax prep takes place. Would a single posting on the desk or wall suffice, rather than giving an duplicate piece of paper to each and every client? Thanks. | |
| 2 November 2009 | |
| [Post edited due to previous reply edited.]
My question was whether I needed to give engagement letter to prior clients each year, and another privacy notice before tax prep began. Thanks. It's all good. | |
| 2 November 2009 | |
| Taxaway, you can't take things said on the board personal. It's true you should hand them out each year to reinforce the agreement because peopel are looking for reasons to take you to court these days so just protect your self always. | |
| 2 November 2009 | |
| We do an engagement letter every year. Some of our existing clients questioned why do I have to sign these now when we didn't in the past & we blame our liability insurance company. I think it is especially helpful with new clients so everyone understands what you are doing & how you get paid.
I thought the privacy notice was not required in the past couple of years? | |
Dlwintermia (talk|edits) said: | 2 November 2009 |
| I think an introductory letter with all the disclaimers is very wise. I was, prior to becoming a tax preparer, in the securities business. One client almost destroyed my entire book of business and thus my income and reputation. I was later cleared entirely by NASD, but the incident still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Does anyone have a model letter they would be willing to share? | |
| 2 November 2009 | |
| I haven't looked in a while, but doesn't NAEA have suggested form engagement letters on their website? | |
