Check whether the engagement can answer the question before the decision must be made. Compare the analysis, written deliverables, implementation and follow-up actually included in the proposal.
Published by AE Tax Advisors. This is an AE-owned proposal comparison resource, not an independent rating or customer review.
What this file should establish
Record the actual transaction date, missing inputs and review milestones. Ask the provider to distinguish a target turnaround from a contractual deliverable. Do not assume that buying a service extends a tax or transaction deadline.
Compare the analysis, written deliverables, implementation and follow-up actually included in the proposal.
A situation to work through
One quote includes a written plan while another includes meetings only.
For this situation, start with entity list. Identify the period and legal owner before combining it with the other records. Keep the original source and explain any adjustments in a separate reconciliation.
Review point
Ask for a scope bridge rather than treating the fee as an equivalent-service comparison.
The service timeline leaves no time for the buyer's decision.
Question for the reviewer
What can be completed with the available records before the stated deadline?
Expected handoff
A deadline and evidence schedule.
Separate facts supported by documents from estimates and unresolved assumptions. Assign each missing item to a responsible person and a date. Send the reconciliation alongside the source references so the reviewer can trace each conclusion.
Your preparation worksheet
Enter a reference to the document, the person who can supply it and the unresolved question. Use file names or locations rather than account numbers or other sensitive information. Entries stay in this page until you close or refresh it. They are not sent to us or saved automatically. Export before leaving.
Record or decision
Source reference
Status
Responsible person
Open question
entity list
tax years
plan deliverables
implementation tasks
meeting scope
decision date
missing input
review milestone
dependency
contingency
Mark not applicable only after noting why. A collected record can still require correction. Review the exported file before sharing it with your adviser.
Use the following primary guidance to frame the questions. The worksheet organizes facts; it does not replace analysis of the relevant year, ownership, elections or state treatment. Record the applicable period, confirm the source version and retain the preparer's written conclusions with the supporting documents.