AI for Accountants: Engagement Letters That Protect Your Practice

By Jordan Taylor

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It's February 15th. Tax season is in full swing. A client calls: "I know we agreed on my 1040, but can you also handle my son's return? And I started a small LLC last year—can you do that too?" You say yes, because that's what you do. Two months later, when you send the bill for the additional work, they're surprised. "I thought it was all included."

This happens every tax season. And it's not just annoying—it's the number one source of fee disputes and malpractice claims in accounting. The fix isn't being more assertive about scope. The fix is having an engagement letter so clear that both parties know exactly what's included before work begins.