Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Credence Taxfiling. These Terms and Conditions ("Terms," "Agreement") govern your use of our tax preparation services, website (credencetaxfiling.com), client portal, and any related services (collectively, the "Services") provided by Credence Taxfiling ("Company," "we," "us," or "our").

By accessing or using our Services, you ("Client," "you," or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms. This Agreement is effective as of the date you first access or use our Services.

1.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any service-specific agreements or engagement letters, constitute the entire agreement between you and Credence Taxfiling regarding your use of our Services.

1.2 Electronic Agreement

You consent to receive communications from us electronically. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

2. Description of Services

Credence Taxfiling provides professional tax preparation and related services, including but not limited to:

2.1 Individual Tax Services

• US Individual Income Tax Return preparation and filing (Form 1040)
• US Expat Tax Return services
• ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) application assistance
• Tax consultation and planning
• IRS audit representation and support
• FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report) and FATCA filing
• W-4 withholding optimization
• State tax return preparation

2.2 Business Tax Services

• Business incorporation (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, Partnership)
• Business tax planning and strategy
• Bookkeeping and accounting services
• Payroll tax services
• Sales tax registration and filing
• Business tax return preparation (Forms 1120, 1120-S, 1065)
• IRS audit representation for businesses

2.3 Service Limitations

Our Services are limited to tax preparation, planning, and related compliance services. We do not provide legal advice, investment advice, or representation in matters beyond tax-related IRS and state agency proceedings where we are authorized to represent clients.

3. Eligibility

To use our Services, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction
• Legal Capacity: You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• Authority: If representing a business, you must have the authority to bind that business to these Terms
• Accurate Information: You must provide accurate and complete information as required for our Services
• Lawful Purpose: You must use our Services only for lawful purposes and in compliance with applicable laws

We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

4. Account Registration

4.1 Account Creation

To access certain features of our Services, you may be required to create an account on our client portal. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach

4.2 Account Security

You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials. We recommend using strong, unique passwords and enabling any available two-factor authentication. We will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

5. Client Responsibilities

As a client of Credence Taxfiling, you have certain responsibilities that are essential to the successful delivery of our Services:

5.1 Information Accuracy

You are responsible for providing complete, accurate, and truthful information for the preparation of your tax returns. This includes:

• All income from all sources (wages, self-employment, investments, foreign income, etc.)
• All deductions and credits you wish to claim
• Personal information for you, your spouse, and dependents
• Prior year tax returns and relevant financial documents
• Any correspondence from the IRS or state tax agencies

5.2 Document Review

You agree to carefully review all tax returns and documents prepared by us before they are filed. Your approval to file constitutes your representation that the information contained therein is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge.

5.3 Timely Response

You agree to respond promptly to our requests for information or documentation. Delays in providing requested information may result in delays in filing your returns or missed deadlines, for which we cannot be held responsible.

5.4 Legal Compliance

You agree not to use our Services to evade taxes, commit fraud, or engage in any illegal activity. We reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return that we believe contains fraudulent or illegal information.

6. Fees and Payment Terms

6.1 Service Fees

Our fees for Services are quoted based on the complexity of your tax situation and the services requested. You will receive a fee quote before we begin work on your return. Fees may vary based on:

• Type and complexity of tax return(s)
• Number of schedules and forms required
• Number of state returns
• Additional services requested (ITIN, FBAR, audit support, etc.)
• Urgency of the request (rush fees may apply)

6.2 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit cards
• Bank transfer (ACH)
• Refund transfer (fees deducted from your tax refund, where available)

6.3 Payment Terms

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Payment is due in full before your tax return is filed
• For larger engagements, we may require a deposit before beginning work
• Late payments may be subject to interest charges of 1.5% per month
• We reserve the right to suspend Services for accounts with outstanding balances

6.4 Third-Party Fees

Our fees do not include any fees charged by third parties, such as government filing fees, IRS user fees for installment agreements, or bank fees for refund transfers. You are responsible for these additional costs.

7. Refund Policy

7.1 Service Refunds

Our refund policy is as follows:

• Before Filing: If you cancel services before we file your return, you may be entitled to a refund minus any work already completed
• After Filing: Once a tax return has been filed with the IRS or state agency, no refund of preparation fees will be issued
• Errors: If we make an error in preparing your return, we will correct it at no additional charge

7.2 Penalty and Interest Reimbursement

If you incur IRS or state penalties and interest due to an error made by Credence Taxfiling (not due to information you provided or failed to provide), we will reimburse you for those penalties and interest, subject to our Accuracy Guarantee terms outlined in Section 8.

7.3 Refund Requests

To request a refund, please contact us at wecare@credencetaxfiling.com within 30 days of the service date. Refund requests will be reviewed and processed within 14 business days.

8. Accuracy Guarantee

8.1 Our Commitment

We stand behind the accuracy of our work. Our Accuracy Guarantee includes:

• Maximum Refund Guarantee: We will identify all eligible deductions and credits to maximize your refund or minimize your tax liability
• Penalty Protection: If you are assessed penalties or interest due to a calculation error by Credence Taxfiling, we will reimburse you for those amounts
• Free Amendments: If we make an error requiring an amended return, we will prepare and file the amendment at no charge

8.2 Guarantee Limitations

Our Accuracy Guarantee does NOT cover penalties or interest resulting from:

• Inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent information provided by you
• Your failure to provide requested documentation
• Changes in tax law after your return was filed
• Positions you insisted we take against our advice
• Late filing due to your delay in providing information
• Underpayment of estimated taxes

8.3 Claim Process

To make a claim under our Accuracy Guarantee, you must notify us within 60 days of receiving the IRS or state notice, provide us with a copy of the notice, and allow us to review and respond to the notice on your behalf.

9. Confidentiality

9.1 Our Commitment to Confidentiality

We understand the sensitive nature of your financial and personal information. We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all client information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable laws, including:

• IRS regulations regarding tax return preparer confidentiality
• Federal and state privacy laws
• Industry standards for data protection

9.2 Use of Information

We will only use your information for the purposes of providing our Services, unless you provide explicit consent for other uses or disclosure is required by law.

9.3 Disclosure Requirements

We may be required to disclose your information:

• To the IRS, state tax agencies, or other government bodies as necessary to file your returns or respond to inquiries
• In response to a valid subpoena, court order, or other legal process
• To protect our rights, safety, or property, or that of our clients or others

10. Intellectual Property

10.1 Our Intellectual Property

All content on our website and in our materials, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, software, and the compilation thereof, is the property of Credence Taxfiling or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright laws.

10.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use our website and Services for your personal, non-commercial use. This license does not include:

• The right to resell or commercially use our Services or content
• The right to copy, duplicate, or download materials for commercial purposes
• The right to modify or create derivative works
• The right to use data mining, robots, or similar data gathering tools

10.3 Your Content

You retain ownership of all documents and information you provide to us. By submitting information through our Services, you grant us a limited license to use that information solely for the purpose of providing Services to you.

11. Disclaimers

11.1 Service Disclaimer

OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

11.2 Tax Advice Disclaimer

The information provided through our Services is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, tax laws are complex and subject to change. Our Services do not constitute legal advice, and we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney for legal matters.

11.3 Results Disclaimer

We cannot guarantee specific tax outcomes, refund amounts, or audit results. Tax results depend on many factors unique to your situation and are subject to review by the IRS and state tax agencies.

11.4 Third-Party Disclaimer

We are not responsible for the actions, content, information, or data of third parties, and you release us from any claims relating to such third parties.

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 General Limitation

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL CREDENCE TAXFILING, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR AFFILIATES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGES WERE FORESEEABLE OR WHETHER WE WERE ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

12.2 Maximum Liability

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FEES PAID BY YOU TO US DURING THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

12.3 Exceptions

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of certain damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Credence Taxfiling, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your use of our Services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Any inaccurate, incomplete, or fraudulent information you provide
• Your failure to comply with applicable tax laws

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your relationship with us at any time by providing written notice. Termination does not relieve you of the obligation to pay for Services already rendered.

14.2 Termination by Us

We may terminate or suspend your access to our Services at any time, with or without cause, including but not limited to:

• Violation of these Terms
• Failure to pay for Services
• Providing false or fraudulent information
• Conduct that we determine to be harmful to our business or other clients
• As required by law

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, your right to use our Services will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnification, and limitations of liability.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms and your use of our Services shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States and the State of California, without regard to conflict of law principles.

15.2 Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or our Services shall be resolved as follows:

1. Informal Resolution: We encourage you to contact us first to attempt to resolve any dispute informally
2. Mediation: If informal resolution fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing other remedies
3. Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association

15.3 Class Action Waiver

YOU AGREE THAT ANY DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEEDINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED ONLY ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AND NOT IN A CLASS, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE ACTION. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

16. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of these Terms
• For material changes, we will provide notice through our website or by email
• Your continued use of our Services after changes become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically. If you do not agree to any changes, you should stop using our Services.

17. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms or our Services, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible, typically within 2-3 business days.