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Effective date: 10/20/2025
Firm: Meilinger CPA (“MCPA”) • 351 Prado Way, Greenville, SC 29607
Website: www.meilinger.us
These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all professional services MCPA provides, including tax, accounting, advisory, bookkeeping, and consulting. They are incorporated by reference into each Engagement Letter (together, the “Agreement”). If there is a conflict, the Engagement Letter governs the scope of work and fees; these Terms govern all other provisions.
MCPA performs services in accordance with applicable professional standards: AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS), Statements on Standards for Consulting Services (SSCS), and U.S. Treasury Circular 230. Unless expressly stated in your Engagement Letter, our services do not include an audit, review, compilation, or procedures to detect fraud or illegal acts.
Clients are expected to provide all requested documents and information necessary to complete their engagement in a timely manner. Meilinger Consulting will make reasonable requests for documentation and allow a reasonable amount of time for clients to respond. However, repeated delays, incomplete submissions, or excessive document requests beyond the normal scope of the engagement may result in additional administrative or processing fees. Timely cooperation is essential to ensure accurate and compliant deliverables.
We will perform only the services described in your Engagement Letter. These may include:
- Tax Preparation & Planning
- Accounting & Advisory
- Bookkeeping
- CFO/controller services
- Connected Accounts: Client agrees to provide and maintain access to QuickBooks Online, banking, credit card, and payroll feeds.
- Technology & Security: MCPA uses Practice Protect and other vetted platforms for
credential and data protection.
Out-of-scope services require a separate Engagement Letter or written change order.
Out-of-scope services require a written change order and a revised Engagement Letter. It is the clients' sole responsibility to review and confirm scope of work is inclusive of all work required to meet individual and corporate goals.
Client agrees to:
- Provide complete and accurate information and timely responses.
- Retain original records and supporting documentation.
- Segregate personal vs. business expenses.
- Maintain compliance with all laws and retain responsibility for management decisions.
- Disclose all foreign assets, virtual currency, and reportable transactions.
- Maintain connected account access for MCPA staff to perform services.
We maintain confidentiality as required by law and professional standards. You consent to our use of secure portals, Practice Protect, and vetted offshore personnel supervised by MCPA. Electronic communications have inherent risks; you accept those risks by authorizing digital transmission of data.
Original records are returned at engagement close; you remain the system of record. MCPA workpapers are our property, typically retained for seven (7) years before destruction. If MCPA must respond to subpoenas or regulatory inquiries where we are not a party, you agree to reimburse costs.
Fees reflect scope, complexity, staffing, and timing. Invoices are due upon receipt. Late balances may accrue finance charges up to the maximum allowed under South Carolina law. Out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursable. Services may be suspended for non-payment.
Auto-Renewal: Engagements automatically renew annually unless either party provides written termination notice at least 30 days before renewal. Escalation: Fees increase by 5% annually at renewal unless otherwise agreed.
Our liability is capped at fees paid for the services at issue. We are not liable for consequential, incidental, punitive, or speculative damages. You indemnify MCPA from claims or penalties arising from incomplete or inaccurate information you provide, except where caused by MCPA’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.
MCPA does not provide legal, insurance, or investment advice unless expressly engaged in writing. Advisory services are limited to business, accounting, and tax-related guidance.
Our deliverables are prepared solely for your use within the engagement scope. No third party may rely on them without our prior written consent.
MCPA is not responsible for delays or failures due to events beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, supply chain interruptions, or government shutdowns.
Either party may terminate with written notice. You agree to pay fees and expenses incurred through termination. If services are terminated, MCPA is not responsible for missed deadlines, penalties, or interest.
Disputes will first be addressed in good-faith discussions. If unresolved, disputes go to mediation in Greenville County, SC. Fee disputes and agreed matters go to binding arbitration under AAA rules in Greenville County, SC. Other disputes go to state or federal courts in Greenville County, SC. Both parties waive jury trial. Prevailing party may recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
Electronic signatures are valid and binding. Engagements may be executed in counterparts, together forming one agreement.
Notices must be in writing and delivered personally, by certified mail, or overnight courier to:
Meilinger CPA (MCPA), Attn: Managing Principal • 351 Prado Way, Greenville, SC 29607 and to Client at the address in the Engagement Letter (or updated in writing).
If any provision is invalid, the remainder remains effective. These Terms bind successors and assigns. Confidentiality, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive termination. This Agreement (Engagement Letter + Terms) is the entire agreement. Amendments must be in writing and signed. MCPA may update these Terms from time to time; the current version at www.meilinger.us/terms governs subsequent services.
If the engagement letter specifies meetings as part of the engagement, the assigned manager will be responsible for initiating contact and scheduling such meetings. Clients are expected to reasonably cooperate in scheduling and attending these meetings. If a client refuses to schedule, cancels, or otherwise declines to participate in a meeting, the meeting requirement shall be considered fulfilled, and no credit or refund will be provided for the missed meeting. This policy ensures that project timelines and deliverables remain on track regardless of client availability.
Meilinger Consulting utilizes secure electronic signature technology to expedite the processing of tax returns and related documents. Clients who choose not to use electronic signatures may either visit our office to sign documents in person or request that documents be mailed for manual signature. Please note that any delays in returning signed documents, particularly tax forms or filings with deadlines, may result in additional reprocessing or administrative fees. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that all signature requests are completed promptly to avoid filing delays or penalties.
Federal and State Power of Attorney Authorization
As part of our engagement, clients authorize Meilinger Consulting to obtain, review, and use federal and state tax transcripts, account records, and related data necessary to prepare accurate and complete tax returns and to address tax notices efficiently. To facilitate this process, clients are required to sign an IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) and, when applicable, state-specific Power of Attorney or Tax Information Authorization forms. These authorizations enable Meilinger Consulting to communicate directly with tax authorities, access official filing histories, and resolve compliance matters on the client’s behalf.
Refusal or delay in providing the required Power of Attorney forms may restrict our ability to confirm prior-year data, verify estimated payments, or respond to agency correspondence. Meilinger Consulting will not be responsible for delays, penalties, or inaccuracies that result from a client’s failure to provide timely authorization. Clients acknowledge that such authorizations are strictly limited to tax representation purposes and may be revoked at any time by written notice.