CPA Hire Agreement Template

A CPA hire agreement template is a crucial document for both CPAs and their clients. It outlines the terms and conditions of the professional relationship, ensuring clarity, transparency, and legal protection for all parties involved.

Key Elements of a CPA Hire Agreement Template

Client Information

This section should include the client’s full legal name, contact information (address, phone number, email), and business entity type (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.).

CPA Information

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Similarly, include the CPA’s full legal name, professional license number, contact information, and firm name (if applicable).

Scope of Services

This is arguably the most critical section of the agreement. Clearly define the services the CPA will provide. Be specific and avoid ambiguous language. Examples include:

Tax preparation and filing (federal, state, and local)

Tax planning and consulting

Financial statement preparation and review

Auditing services

Bookkeeping and accounting services

Payroll processing

Client Responsibilities

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Outline the client’s obligations under the agreement. These may include:

Providing all necessary documentation and information to the CPA in a timely manner.

Maintaining accurate and complete financial records.

Responding promptly to CPA inquiries and requests.

Paying fees and expenses as agreed.

Fees and Expenses

Clearly state the CPA’s fees for the services provided. This could be an hourly rate, a project-based fee, or a retainer fee.

Hourly Rate: Specify the hourly rate for the CPA’s services and any applicable travel or other expenses.

Project-Based Fee: Outline the total fee for the project, including any milestones or deliverables.

Retainer Fee: Describe the amount of the retainer fee, the duration of the retainer period, and how the retainer fee will be applied to services rendered.

Payment Terms

Specify the payment terms, including the due date for invoices and the accepted methods of payment (e.g., check, credit card, electronic transfer).

Confidentiality

Include a confidentiality clause that prohibits the CPA from disclosing any confidential client information to third parties without the client’s written consent.

Limitation of Liability

This clause limits the CPA’s liability for any damages that may arise from the engagement. It’s important to consult with an attorney to ensure the limitation of liability clause is enforceable and appropriate for the specific services being provided.

Termination

Outline the conditions under which either party may terminate the agreement. This may include:

Termination by either party with written notice.

Termination for cause (e.g., breach of contract, non-payment).

Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Specify the governing law of the agreement and the method for resolving any disputes that may arise.

Entire Agreement

State that the agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous communications or agreements.

Signatures

Include spaces for both the client and the CPA to sign and date the agreement.

Design Considerations for a Professional CPA Hire Agreement Template

Professional Formatting: Use a clean and professional font (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri).

Clear and Concise Language: Use plain and easy-to-understand language, avoiding legal jargon whenever possible.

Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

White Space: Use ample white space to improve readability and make the document visually appealing.

Professional Logo (Optional): If the CPA has a firm logo, include it at the top of the agreement.

WordPress Implementation

Create a Custom Page Template: Create a custom page template in WordPress specifically for the CPA hire agreement. This allows you to easily insert the agreement into a page on your website.

Use a Shortcode: Create a shortcode to easily insert the agreement into any page or post on your website.

Embed the Agreement as a PDF: Embed the agreement as a PDF document on a dedicated page.

By carefully crafting a comprehensive and professional CPA hire agreement template, you can establish a clear and mutually beneficial relationship with your clients while protecting yourself from potential legal issues.