Terms of Service

Terms of Service for Strategic Tax Accountants

Effective Date: 06/18/2018

Last Updated: 10/01/2026

Welcome to Strategic Tax Accountants. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of our website, online scheduling services, client portal access points, and other online features operated by Strategic Tax Accountants ("STA," "we," "us," or "our").

Please read these Terms carefully. By accessing or using our website, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please discontinue your use of the website.

These Terms apply to website visitors and users of STA's online services. Clients who retain STA for professional services may also be subject to a separate engagement letter or service agreement.

Nothing in these Terms limits any rights or protections that cannot legally be waived.

1. About Strategic Tax Accountants

Strategic Tax Accountants provides professional tax, accounting, and business advisory services to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Depending on the qualifications of the professionals assigned, the services offered, and applicable law, our services may include:

Individual and business tax preparation.
Tax planning and strategic tax advisory services.
IRS representation and tax resolution.
Bookkeeping and financial recordkeeping.
Payroll processing and payroll-related services.
QuickBooks setup, training, and consulting.
Business formation guidance and related administrative assistance.
Financial reporting and outsourced CFO advisory services.
Real estate investment tax planning and consulting.
Other accounting, tax, and business consulting services.

All services are subject to availability, professional qualifications, applicable laws, and the terms of the relevant client engagement.

Descriptions of services on our website do not constitute an offer or guarantee that any particular service will be available to every visitor.

STA does not provide legal services or legal representation through its general tax and accounting engagements. Business formation assistance does not constitute legal advice.

Unless expressly identified and agreed to in writing, our services do not include financial statement audits, reviews, attest services, investment management, or legal representation.

2. Website Information and Professional Advice

Information published on our website, including articles, educational materials, downloadable resources, tax updates, calculators, and other content, is provided for general informational and educational purposes.

Although STA makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate information, tax laws, regulations, administrative guidance, and financial requirements frequently change.

Website content may not reflect the most recent legal developments or your particular circumstances.

Accessing our website or reviewing its content does not establish a professional relationship between you and STA.

You should not rely exclusively on general website information when making significant tax, legal, investment, or financial decisions.

Professional advice tailored to your situation is provided only within the scope of an appropriate professional engagement.

3. Establishment of a Client Relationship

Scheduling a consultation, submitting an inquiry, making a payment, uploading documents, or communicating with STA does not, by itself, establish an ongoing professional engagement.

A professional engagement begins when STA and the client have mutually agreed to the services to be provided and satisfied any applicable onboarding and engagement requirements.

These requirements may include:

Completion and acceptance of an engagement letter or service agreement.
Verification of identity and authorization.
Completion of required client intake documentation.
Agreement on services, responsibilities, and applicable fees.
Completion of any necessary professional or legal compliance procedures.

STA reserves the right to decline a proposed engagement when permitted by applicable law and professional obligations.

STA's professional responsibilities are limited to the services and periods identified in the applicable engagement agreement, together with any obligations imposed by law.

Unless expressly included in a written engagement, STA is not responsible for automatically monitoring your future tax deadlines, financial transactions, regulatory changes, or business operations.

4. Client Responsibilities

Clients are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and timely information necessary for STA to perform the agreed-upon services.

You agree to:

Provide complete and accurate financial records, tax documents, and other requested information.
Disclose relevant income, expenses, assets, liabilities, business activities, and financial transactions.
Respond to reasonable requests for clarification and supporting documentation.
Review tax returns, financial statements, payroll reports, and other deliverables provided for your approval.
Promptly notify STA of material errors, omissions, changes, or discrepancies.
Obtain any necessary authorization before providing another person's confidential information.
Maintain your own copies of important financial documents and records.

You remain responsible for the accuracy and completeness of information supplied to STA.

STA may rely on client-provided information when reasonable and consistent with applicable professional standards. However, we may request additional documentation, perform appropriate inquiries, and decline to use information that appears inaccurate, incomplete, inconsistent, or otherwise unsuitable.

Clients remain responsible for their legal tax obligations, including applicable filing and payment deadlines.

STA is not responsible for delays attributable to missing, inaccurate, or untimely client information, except to the extent responsibility is imposed by applicable law or arises from STA's own conduct.

5. Tax Preparation and Filing

Tax preparation services are governed by the applicable engagement agreement and relevant federal and state tax laws.

Preparation of a tax return does not automatically include:

Filing returns for additional tax years.
Preparing returns for jurisdictions not included in the engagement.
Preparing amended tax returns.
Responding to tax notices.
IRS examination or audit representation.
Tax planning or consulting beyond the agreed scope.
Monitoring tax obligations after the engagement ends.

Additional services may require a separate agreement and additional fees.

Before a return is filed, clients are responsible for reviewing the completed return, providing accurate information, resolving outstanding questions, and completing required authorizations.

Electronic filing will occur only after all applicable requirements have been satisfied, including receipt of the necessary taxpayer signatures and filing authorizations.

Where required, these may include IRS Form 8879 or the applicable federal or state authorization.

Submission of a return does not guarantee acceptance by a taxing authority.

STA does not guarantee the amount or timing of a tax refund, a particular tax liability, or any specific treatment or outcome by the IRS or another taxing authority.

Clients remain responsible for paying taxes, interest, and penalties legally assessed against them, subject to any rights or remedies available under applicable law.

6. IRS Representation and Tax Resolution

IRS representation and tax resolution services are available only through appropriately authorized professionals and within the scope of a separate or specifically applicable engagement.

Representation may require additional documentation, including IRS Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative, when applicable.

Granting a power of attorney does not guarantee that an appeal, audit, payment arrangement, penalty abatement request, offer in compromise, or other tax resolution matter will have a particular outcome.

Taxing authorities retain the legal authority to determine eligibility, assess liabilities, accept or reject submissions, and enforce applicable laws.

All representation services remain subject to applicable federal law, professional standards, and the terms of the individual engagement.

7. Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Advisory Services

Clients receiving bookkeeping, payroll, or advisory services remain responsible for providing timely and accurate financial information.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, clients retain responsibility for:

Authorizing business transactions and payments.
Maintaining adequate internal controls.
Approving payroll amounts and employee information.
Verifying the accuracy of source documentation.
Maintaining custody and control of their business assets.
Reviewing reports and financial information provided by STA.
Making business and management decisions.

Where payroll tax filings, deposits, or other compliance activities are specifically assigned to STA, the respective responsibilities and deadlines will be documented in the engagement agreement.

The engagement agreement will also identify any applicable software services or third-party payroll providers.

STA's bookkeeping and advisory services do not constitute an independent audit or verification of all financial transactions unless expressly agreed upon and performed by appropriately licensed professionals.

Financial forecasts, budgets, strategic recommendations, and similar advisory deliverables are based on assumptions and information available at the time they are prepared.

Actual business results may differ materially from projections or estimates.

8. Appointments, Consultations, and Scheduling

STA may offer online scheduling for consultations, onboarding meetings, and other professional services.

By scheduling an appointment, you agree to provide accurate contact information and participate in the appointment at the agreed-upon time.

Applicable consultation fees, payment requirements, cancellation policies, rescheduling policies, and refund eligibility will be disclosed during booking or in the relevant service agreement.

Any fee or cancellation policy presented during booking forms part of the agreement for that appointment when properly disclosed and accepted.

STA may reschedule appointments when necessary and will make reasonable efforts to notify affected clients.

If an appointment must be canceled by STA, any applicable refund or rescheduling arrangement will be determined by the agreed booking terms and applicable law.

9. Professional Fees and Payments

Professional fees are determined by the specific services requested, the complexity of the engagement, and any applicable written fee agreement.

Fees may be charged on a fixed-fee, hourly, recurring, project-based, or other lawful basis disclosed to the client.

All professional fees and payment arrangements are subject to applicable legal and professional requirements.

Clients are responsible for reviewing and accepting the applicable fee arrangements before purchasing services or entering into an engagement.

Unless otherwise agreed, services outside the original scope of an engagement may require additional fees and written authorization.

Invoices and payment obligations will be governed by the relevant engagement agreement and applicable law.

STA may suspend or discontinue services for unpaid balances when permitted by applicable law, the engagement agreement, and professional obligations.

A payment dispute does not eliminate STA's legal or professional obligations regarding client confidentiality, the return of client records, or other duties that cannot lawfully be waived.

10. Refunds and Cancellations

Refund eligibility depends on the service purchased, work already performed, applicable booking terms, the relevant engagement agreement, and governing law.

Where applicable, clients should review the cancellation and refund terms disclosed before purchasing a service.

Requests for cancellations, refunds, or changes to an engagement should be submitted using STA's designated business contact information.

STA will evaluate requests in accordance with the accepted service terms, applicable law, and professional obligations.

Nothing in these Terms limits any refund, cancellation, or other consumer rights that cannot legally be waived.

No Refund Policy for Services Started or Performed

All fees paid to Strategic Tax Accountants for professional services are nonrefundable once work on the applicable service has commenced, except as otherwise required by applicable law or expressly provided in the client's written engagement agreement.

Work is considered to have commenced when STA begins providing the agreed-upon services, including, but not limited to, reviewing financial records or tax documents, conducting research, preparing tax returns, performing bookkeeping, developing tax strategies, or providing professional consultations.

If a client cancels an engagement after services have begun, STA will not issue a refund for work already performed. For services purchased in advance, any refund of the unused portion will be determined in accordance with the applicable engagement agreement and governing law.

Once services have been fully performed, payments for those services are final and nonrefundable, except where otherwise required by law.

Clients must submit cancellation or refund requests through STA's designated business contact information.

Exceptions and Legal Rights

This policy does not eliminate any applicable statutory cancellation or refund rights or limit remedies that cannot legally be waived. Any refund required by law, including one arising from STA's failure to fulfill its legal or contractual obligations, will be handled in accordance with those requirements.

11. Confidentiality and Protection of Client Information

Strategic Tax Accountants ("STA") recognizes the confidential and sensitive nature of the personal, financial, and tax information entrusted to our firm.

We are committed to protecting client information in accordance with applicable federal and state privacy, confidentiality, and information-security requirements, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the FTC Safeguards Rule, and Internal Revenue Code Section 7216.

Written Information Security Plan

STA is required to develop, implement, and maintain a Written Information Security Plan ("WISP") appropriate to the size and complexity of our business, the scope of our professional services, and the sensitivity of the client information we maintain.

Our information-security program is designed to:

Protect the confidentiality, security, and integrity of client information.

Identify and assess reasonably foreseeable internal and external security risks.

Establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.

Limit access to confidential information to authorized individuals with legitimate business responsibilities.

Establish security expectations for employees, contractors, and third-party service providers.

Support appropriate employee training, security monitoring, incident response, and risk management.

Periodically evaluate and update safeguards as required by applicable law.

Our information-security practices are maintained and reviewed internally. We do not publicly disclose confidential details about our security infrastructure, access credentials, or internal security procedures.

Protection and Transmission of Client Information

Clients should submit tax returns, financial statements, Social Security numbers, identification documents, and other sensitive information only through STA's designated secure communication and document-submission channels.

Although STA implements security measures appropriate to its legal obligations, no electronic transmission, website, or information-storage system can be guaranteed to be entirely free from security risks.

Security Incidents and Notifications

STA will investigate suspected information-security incidents and take appropriate steps to contain, evaluate, and respond to confirmed incidents.

When a security incident triggers applicable notification requirements, STA will provide the notices required by federal and state law.

Our information-security obligations extend to client information handled by authorized employees, remote personnel, contractors, and applicable third-party service providers.

Additional information about our collection, processing, retention, and disclosure of personal information is provided in our separate Privacy Policy and any applicable client privacy notices.

12. Use and Disclosure of Tax Return Information

STA's use and disclosure of tax return information are governed by applicable federal law, including Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 and related Treasury Regulations.

We will not use or disclose tax return information for unauthorized purposes.

When the law requires taxpayer consent, STA will obtain the required consent before the proposed use or disclosure.

Acceptance of these website Terms does not constitute consent under Section 7216.

Any required consent will be obtained separately and in the form required by applicable law.

Providing tax documents to STA does not automatically authorize us to disclose your tax return information to unaffiliated businesses, financial service providers, marketing partners, or other third parties for unrelated purposes.

Authorized disclosures may occur where permitted or required by law, including applicable exceptions for return preparation, electronic filing, and other legally authorized activities.

Disclosure of information to certain external service providers, including providers located outside the United States, may require additional legal safeguards or specific taxpayer consent.

STA will observe the applicable requirements before making such disclosures.

12A. Offshore Personnel and External Service Providers

Use of Remote Personnel and Third-Party Providers

To support the delivery of our professional and administrative services, STA may engage authorized employees, independent contractors, remote personnel, and third-party service providers located within or outside the United States.

Depending on their assigned responsibilities and legal authorization, these individuals or organizations may assist with administrative support, appointment scheduling, client communications, bookkeeping, document processing, tax preparation support, payroll administration, technology services, and other business operations.

STA remains responsible for complying with applicable confidentiality and information-security requirements when engaging these individuals or organizations.

Confidentiality and Restricted Access

STA requires personnel and service providers who handle confidential client information to comply with applicable confidentiality and security requirements.

Access to client information must be appropriately restricted based on assigned responsibilities and legitimate business needs.

STA will implement applicable contractual, administrative, and technical safeguards to address the risks associated with access to confidential client information.

Service providers may not use or disclose client information for unauthorized purposes.

Offshore Access and Taxpayer Consent

Certain services may involve personnel or third-party providers located outside the United States.

When applicable federal law requires taxpayer consent before tax return information may be accessed or disclosed outside the United States, STA will obtain the necessary consent before permitting that access or disclosure.

Any required consent will be requested separately and will identify the information, purpose, and recipient as required by applicable law.

Acceptance of these Terms of Service does not constitute consent to disclose tax return information under Internal Revenue Code Section 7216.

STA will not treat a client's submission of tax documents or acceptance of a general engagement agreement as authorization for an offshore disclosure when separate consent is legally required.

When offshore access involves Social Security numbers or other protected identifying information, STA will comply with applicable restrictions, masking requirements, and any additional safeguards required by federal law.

Client Information and Third-Party Services

STA may use external software platforms and service providers to support accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, document management, scheduling, payment processing, and client communications.

The information accessible to each provider will depend on the services performed and applicable legal restrictions.

STA will assess and oversee applicable service providers in accordance with its information-security obligations.

No provision in these Terms authorizes a use or disclosure of tax return information that is otherwise prohibited by law.

13. Client Portal and Electronic Communications

STA may make secure online platforms available for document submission, electronic signatures, client communication, invoicing, and other professional activities.

Clients who receive access credentials are responsible for protecting those credentials and promptly reporting suspected unauthorized access.

You agree not to share your access credentials with unauthorized individuals or attempt to access information belonging to other clients.

Where an electronic process is offered, STA will comply with applicable electronic signature, identity verification, and electronic records requirements.

Clients may receive administrative communications related to their appointments, engagements, invoices, document requests, or other services.

Where required by law, STA will obtain the appropriate consent before sending automated or marketing text messages, promotional emails, or other regulated marketing communications.

Consent to receive marketing communications is separate from consent to receive communications necessary for an existing professional engagement.

Any text-message opt-out instructions provided by STA or its messaging service should be followed to discontinue applicable messages.

Where legally required, clients will have the opportunity to consent to electronic records and communications or request an appropriate alternative.

13A. Mobile Information Privacy and SMS Consent

Protection of Mobile Information

Strategic Tax Accountants ("STA") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your mobile information.

Mobile information will not be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

All categories of information sharing described in these Terms of Service exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent. This information will not be shared with any third parties, except as necessary with service providers that facilitate our text messaging services and are contractually prohibited from using such information for their own marketing or promotional purposes, or as otherwise required by law.

SMS Communications and Consent

By voluntarily opting in to receive SMS communications from STA, you consent to receive text messages related to appointments, document requests, service updates, and other communications covered by your specific consent.

Message frequency may vary.
Message and data rates may apply.
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
Reply HELP for assistance, or contact STA directly using the contact information provided on our website.
Consent to receive marketing text messages, if offered, is not a condition of purchasing our services.

STA does not sell, rent, or share SMS opt-in information or consent with third parties or affiliates for their independent marketing or promotional purposes.

For additional information about how we collect, use, and protect personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

14. Third-Party Websites, Applications, and Service Providers

Our website may include links to third-party websites, scheduling platforms, payment processors, accounting applications, or other external services.

Use of a third-party platform may be subject to its own terms, privacy policies, and security practices.

STA is not responsible for third-party content or services outside our control, except to the extent responsibility arises under applicable law, our contractual obligations, or our own conduct.

Any disclosure of protected client information to third-party service providers remains subject to applicable privacy and confidentiality laws and STA's legal and professional obligations.

The inclusion of a third-party link does not necessarily imply endorsement of every product, statement, or service offered by that third party.

15. Acceptable Website Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes.

You must not:

Attempt to access restricted accounts, confidential client information, or protected website systems without authorization.
Introduce malicious software or attempt to compromise website security.
Use automated systems to disrupt the website or interfere with its normal operation.
Impersonate another person or provide deliberately misleading identifying information.
Reproduce or commercially exploit protected website content without authorization.
Use our website to engage in unlawful, fraudulent, or deceptive activities.

STA may restrict access to its website or online services in response to conduct that violates these Terms, provided that any restriction is consistent with applicable law and existing contractual or professional obligations.

16. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, the original content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, educational materials, downloadable resources, and other proprietary materials, belongs to STA or its respective licensors.

Website visitors receive a limited, nonexclusive, nontransferable right to access and use the content for lawful personal or internal business purposes.

No ownership rights are transferred through use of our website.

You may not reproduce, redistribute, sell, modify, or commercially exploit protected content without prior written permission unless otherwise permitted by applicable law.

17. Accuracy and Availability of the Website

STA makes reasonable efforts to maintain accurate, functional, and accessible website content.

However, website materials may contain outdated information, technical inaccuracies, or typographical errors.

We may update website content, modify online features, or temporarily suspend access for maintenance, security, or operational reasons.

STA does not guarantee uninterrupted website availability or that all website content will remain current at all times.

Professional services already covered by an accepted engagement agreement remain subject to that agreement and applicable law.

18. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the website and general informational materials are provided on an "as available" basis.

STA does not guarantee that the website will be continuously available, error-free, or free of all technical vulnerabilities.

General website information is not a substitute for personalized professional advice.

This disclaimer applies to general website access and informational content. It does not eliminate professional duties, applicable standards of care, express contractual obligations, or other responsibilities that cannot legally be excluded.

19. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, STA will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising solely from the use of or inability to access the general informational features of our website.

This limitation does not apply to professional services governed by a separate engagement agreement.

It also does not exclude or limit liability where doing so would violate applicable law, including liability for conduct or obligations that cannot lawfully be disclaimed.

Any limitation of liability applicable to professional services must be separately addressed in the relevant engagement agreement and remain consistent with applicable legal and professional requirements.

20. No Guarantee of Financial or Tax Outcomes

STA provides professional services based on applicable law, available information, reasonable professional judgment, and the terms of each engagement.

We do not guarantee:

Any specific tax refund or reduction in tax liability.
Acceptance of a particular tax position.
Approval of a tax settlement or payment arrangement.
Specific financial, investment, or business performance.
Particular savings resulting from tax strategies.
A particular result in an IRS audit, appeal, or other tax proceeding.

Illustrations, testimonials, examples, and hypothetical financial outcomes appearing on our website are not guarantees that other clients will experience similar results.

21. Client Records and Document Retention

STA maintains records in accordance with applicable legal requirements, professional obligations, and its established record-retention policies.

Clients remain responsible for maintaining their own copies of original records, filed returns, financial statements, and other important documents.

When a client requests the return of records, STA will comply with applicable laws and professional requirements, including IRS Circular 230 where applicable.

Outstanding fees will not be used as a basis for withholding client records in violation of applicable law or professional obligations.

Requests for documents may be subject to reasonable identity verification procedures to protect confidential information.

22. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms will be interpreted in accordance with applicable federal law and the state law properly governing the relevant dispute, without overriding mandatory consumer protection laws or professional obligations.

Disputes concerning professional services may be subject to additional provisions in a separately accepted engagement agreement, to the extent those provisions are lawful and enforceable.

Before initiating formal proceedings, visitors and clients are encouraged to contact STA to seek an appropriate resolution.

Nothing in these Terms prevents a client from exercising applicable legal rights, contacting a regulatory authority, filing a complaint with an appropriate professional oversight body, or pursuing other remedies provided by law.

23. Changes to These Terms

STA may update these Terms to reflect changes in applicable law, business operations, technology, or website functionality.

Updated Terms will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Material changes will be communicated or presented for renewed acceptance when legally required.

Changes will apply prospectively and will not automatically modify existing professional engagement agreements.

Your continued use of our website after updated Terms become effective constitutes acceptance to the extent permitted by applicable law.

24. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain effective to the extent permitted by law.

The affected provision will be limited or severed only to the extent necessary, consistent with applicable law.

25. Entire Website Agreement

These Terms, together with any applicable website notices and policies expressly incorporated into them, govern your general use of our website.

For clients receiving professional services, the relevant engagement letter or service agreement controls the professional engagement.

In the event of a conflict between these website Terms and an accepted engagement agreement concerning professional services, the engagement agreement controls, except where applicable law requires otherwise.

Nothing in these Terms modifies or replaces legally required taxpayer consent forms, electronic filing authorizations, privacy notices, or other regulatory documents.

26. Contact Information

If you have questions about this, please contact us:

Strategic Tax Accountants

Info@strategictaxaccountant.com

904-479-8838

Alternatively, use our website’s contact form.

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