The CA Thingy
Retainer Contracts for CA Firms: Templates, Clauses, and Tactics
June 3, 2025
Want predictable revenue? Retainers are the key. This guide covers what to include, how to price, and the small contract details that protect your time and cash flow.
1. Why Retainers Are Powerful
- They ensure steady, recurring revenue.
- They reduce uncertainty and make monthly planning easier.
- They filter out clients who aren't serious or consistent.
2. What to Include in Your Retainer Contract
- Scope of Work: Be crystal clear on what’s included and what’s extra.
- Deliverables + Timeline: Monthly reports, quarterly filings, etc.
- Pricing & Payment Terms: Fixed monthly fee, billing cycle, and late penalties.
- Termination Clause: Exit terms for both parties with notice period.
- Communication Policy: Define how clients can reach you—and how often.
3. Pricing Your Retainers
- Anchor the price to value delivered, not just hours spent.
- Use 2–3 tiered options based on complexity and frequency.
- Charge more for responsiveness and access—not just tasks.
4. Legal Clauses That Save You Later
- Payment Delay Penalty: Late payments = X% fee after 7 days.
- Scope Creep Clause: Work beyond scope is billed separately.
- Revision Limit: No more than 2 free revisions per deliverable.
5. How to Pitch a Retainer to Clients
- Position it as a growth support system, not a recurring cost.
- Share examples of how retained clients saw smoother compliance or better planning.
- Use outcome-driven language: “We’ll manage X so you can focus on Y.”
Final Thoughts
- Retainers aren’t just good for cash flow—they’re good for client results too.
- Standardize your contract, pricing, and onboarding for scale.
- And if you need help setting all this up—The CA Thingy can help.