Why underwriters look closely at document preparation
Confusion with government services
Sites that look official and charge for forms the government provides free draw complaints and enforcement. The FTC’s impersonation rule targets them.
Consumer complaints
Customers who later learn they could have filed themselves ask for refunds and dispute charges.
Sensitive categories
Student loan, immigration and tax document services get the closest review.
A payment setup that fits
How we usually set up document preparation services. Your consultant tailors it to how you actually sell.
- 1
Clear disclosures
A prominent statement that you aren’t a government agency, and where the free official option is.
- 2
Fees shown before checkout
Your service fee shown separately from any government fee, before payment.
- 3
A refund policy that matches the work
Refunds for work not yet started, stated plainly.
What you’ll need to apply
Have these ready and your application moves faster. Your consultant confirms the exact list for the processor you’re matched with.
- Government ID for every owner with 25% or more
- Voided business check or bank letter
- Recent business bank statements
- Recent processing statements, if you have taken cards before
- Articles of incorporation and EIN letter
- A website with clear pricing, refund, cancellation and contact details
- Website screenshots showing your non-government disclaimer
- Fee schedule, separated from government fees
- A description of what your service adds over the free option
Why applications get declined, and how to avoid it
- Sites designed to look like a government agency
- Fees hidden until after details are entered
- Student loan relief with upfront fees
We review your website, policies and statements against these before anything is submitted.
Keeping the account healthy after approval
Getting approved is half the job. These habits keep your account in good standing, and our platform tracks the numbers behind them for you.
- Put the disclaimer at the top of the page, not in the footer
- Email a receipt describing the service purchased
- Refund quickly when a customer feels misled
Document preparation: common questions
Do we need a “not affiliated with the government” statement?
Yes. Acquirers expect it clearly displayed, and it protects you from impersonation complaints.
Which document services are hardest to place?
Student loan, immigration and tax-related services. Passport, visa and business filing services are more widely accepted.
Can we charge for filing on someone’s behalf?
Yes, as long as the customer knows what they’re paying for and that a free option exists where it does.
What happens after I’m approved?
We keep working with you. Our platform gives you one view of every account, and we review your chargebacks, approval rate, fraud tools and fees with you so the account stays healthy and gets cheaper over time.