Client Service Agreement (CSA)
The CSA is the contract defining the PEO relationship: the responsibility split, the fees, the termination terms, and what happens to your benefits when you leave.
Everything material in a PEO proposal should be reflected in the CSA or incorporated documents. Review fee definitions, benefit-rate changes, termination notice and delivery, automatic renewal, data return, tax duties, insurance, indemnification, liability limits, and dispute terms.
Give special attention to renewal mechanics and exit treatment. The agreement should state when benefit renewals arrive, how much notice is guaranteed, whether a midyear exit is permitted, when payroll data must be released, and what continuation or conversion rights employees have.