diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
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--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -2,6 +2,8 @@
 
 Do not invent architecture or add code before inspecting the current implementation. Less code is better: fewer moving parts means fewer bugs. If a requested change is ambiguous, inspect first and ask a concrete question before writing code.
 
+Before making any repository change, complete the lightweight task intake in `docs/task-intake.md` in the task or PR description. Use its acceptance criteria to confirm completion; mark an inapplicable section `N/A` with a reason.
+
 Before changing frontend parts, read `docs/frontend-parts.md` and follow it. For server-side data loading and baked state, read `docs/server-bakers.md`. For nginx/Node runtime behavior, read `docs/server-runtime.md`. For dependency decisions, read `docs/dependencies.md`. For deployment, read `docs/deploy.md`.
 
 Dependency policy:
diff --git a/docs/task-intake.md b/docs/task-intake.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d4f8a9d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/task-intake.md
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+# Task Intake
+
+Before making any repository change, copy this template into the task or PR description. Keep it short; use `N/A` with a reason when a section does not apply.
+
+```md
+## Scope
+
+## Non-goals
+
+## Touched surfaces
+
+## Acceptance criteria
+
+## Verification
+```
+
+Before closing the task, confirm that the acceptance criteria are met and record the verification performed.