Policies & Client Expectations

These policies are practical and service-focused and are separate from our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

  • Services provided are limited to the tax preparation, tax planning, and related services agreed upon in advance.

    Any work outside the original scope must be discussed and approved before proceeding.

    • All fees are reviewed and agreed upon before work begins

    • Payment is required prior to filing any tax return

    • Pricing is based on complexity, time involved, and scope of work

    Payment plans may be available on a case-by-case basis and must be approved in advance. Approval of a payment plan does not delay filing deadlines or guarantee expedited service.

    Once work has begun, fees are non-refundable.

  • Turnaround time depends on the time of year, complexity of the return, and how quickly required information is provided.

    • Standard returns generally require 7–14 business days after all documents are received

    • More complex or business returns may require additional time

    Delays in providing documents or responding to questions may extend completion timelines.

  • To ensure accurate and timely service, clients are expected to:

    • Provide complete and accurate information

    • Submit requested documents promptly

    • Review completed work before filing approval

    Clear Path Financials relies on the information provided by the client and cannot be responsible for issues caused by missing or incorrect information.

    • Email and secure messaging are the primary forms of communication

    • Responses are typically provided within 1–2 business days

    • Phone calls are scheduled only when necessary and are not guaranteed for every engagement

    Unplanned or urgent requests may not always be accommodated.

  • Tax preparation and tax planning are distinct services.

    • Tax preparation focuses on accurate filing based on provided information

    • Tax planning focuses on proactive strategies for future tax efficiency

    Tax planning services must be booked separately and are not included with tax preparation unless stated otherwise.

  • Support for IRS or state notices is limited to returns prepared by Clear Path Financials unless otherwise agreed upon.

    Additional services may be required depending on the nature of the notice.

  • No tax return will be filed without:

    • Client review and approval

    • Required authorization forms

    • Full payment or an approved payment plan

  • Client information is handled with care and professionalism as part of standard service practices. Specific data-handling practices are outlined separately in the Privacy Policy.

  • Clear Path Financials reserves the right to pause or decline services if:

    • Required information is not provided

    • Requests fall outside ethical or professional standards

    • Communication becomes unproductive or inappropriate

  • Timely payment is required to maintain active services.

    If payment is not received within [XX] days of the agreed-upon due date, the outstanding balance may be referred to a third-party collections agency.

    Before any account is sent to collections:

    • Clients will receive three payment reminders

    • Reminders will be sent via email or the primary contact method on file

    • An opportunity to resolve the balance will be provided

    Once an account is sent to collections, Clear Path Financials may discontinue services, and additional fees or actions may be handled by the collections agency in accordance with their policies.

By engaging services with Clear Path Financials, clients acknowledge and agree to the expectations outlined on this page.

Clear expectations allow for better communication, accurate work, and a smoother tax experience for everyone involved.