March 20, 2026

Risk Management Bulletin 2026: 2



2026 Base Fee and Maximum Fee for

Accountant Engagement Contracts



Attention Managing Agents and Owners:



Compilation Engagement Letter for CPAs FYE: December 31, 2026:

Please submit a contract with original signatures six (6) months prior to the end of the development’s fiscal year.


The “base fee” has been increased to $5,315 and the “maximum fee” adjustment has been calculated at approximately 120% thereof to $6,380. Fees for accountants that did not prepare the report in the previous year cannot exceed the lessor of (1) the prior year’s fee plus 10% or (2) the “maximum fee.”


Engagement Letters Under a 2 Year Contract:

If you have completed a two (2) year contract last year; the second year of those contracts, which is the audit prepared for the period (year) ending between 09/30/2026 – 06/30/2027, the fee cannot exceed the lessor of (1) the prior year’s fee plus 10% or (2) the “maximum fee” of $19,600. Six months prior to the end of the development’s fiscal year end, please submit to RiskMgmt@njhmfa.gov the fee agreed upon with your CPAs for the period (year) ending between 09/30/2026 – 06/30/2027.


Please note that you will be required to complete new contracts next year for the period (year) ending between 09/3/2027 – 09/30/2028. We will do our mailing for this in March 2027.


Engagement Letter for Independent Accountants FYE December 31, 2026:

Please be reminded that the engagement contract for the Independent Certified Public Accountant is available on our website. We no longer mail blank audit contracts. Please download the contracts from the Agency’s website. Should you have any difficulties downloading the contracts, please email RiskMgmt@njhmfa.gov for assistance.


Please submit a contract with original signatures six (6) months prior to the end of the development’s fiscal year.


The “base fee” has been increased to $16,330 and the “maximum fee” has been recalculated to $19,600. Fees for auditors that did not perform the audit in the previous year cannot exceed the “base fee.” Fees for “repeat” auditors cannot exceed the lessor of (1) the prior year’s fee plus 10% or (2) the “maximum fee.” 


Please be reminded that Accountant Engagement Contracts may be completed for a maximum of two (2) years.


Questions?

Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any inquiries regarding this announcement. Please email Susan Gola at SGola@njhmfa.gov for further assistance.



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New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency | 609-278-7400 | NJHousing.gov