How to onboard a new tax client: engagement letter, document collection, intake questionnaire, GLBA privacy notice, and compliance file setup.
Provide a written engagement letter that defines the scope of services, responsibilities, fees, and document retention policy. Have the client sign and return before work begins.
Provide a document checklist specific to the client's situation (W-2, 1099, K-1, prior-year return, etc.). Set a clear deadline for submission and confirm receipt of all items.
Use a standardized intake form to capture filing status, dependents, deductions, life changes, and prior-year carryovers. This becomes the basis for due-diligence documentation.
Provide the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act privacy notice at the start of the engagement. Document delivery and retain a copy in the client file.
Create the client file with all engagement documents, intake records, and a due-diligence checklist. Establish the workflow from intake through preparation, review, filing, and closeout.
STARTER includes the templates, checklists, logs, and SOPs to execute this workflow consistently across every engagement.