Terms & Conditions

1. Scope of These Terms

These Terms & Conditions (the “Terms”) apply to your use of:

• Our websites, online forms, and client portals;
• Tax preparation, tax planning, and tax filing services;
• Bookkeeping and related financial services; and
• Any other services or resources we make available, whether delivered in person or online (collectively, the “Services”).

These Terms are in addition to any written engagement letter, consent form, or other agreement you sign with us. If there is a conflict, the specific engagement letter or signed agreement will usually control for that engagement.

2. Eligibility and Client Responsibilities

You represent that you are at least 18 years old and have the legal authority to enter into these Terms, and that you will only use our Services for lawful purposes.

You agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information and documentation needed for us to perform the Services;
• Promptly review any drafts, returns, or reports we share with you and notify us of any errors or omissions;
• Respond to our questions and requests within reasonable time frames, especially near tax filing deadlines; and
• Maintain appropriate records for your own tax and financial purposes, consistent with applicable law.

You are ultimately responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided to us and for the final tax returns filed with the IRS or state authorities.

3. Description of Services

Pearson Financial Services provides professional tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, and related financial services. The specific scope of work for each engagement (for example, which tax years and which entities are covered) will usually be described in an engagement letter, proposal, or written communication we provide to you.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, our Services do not include:

• Legal representation in audits, appeals, or litigation;
• Investment advisory or securities brokerage services; or
• Estate planning, legal drafting, or other services that must be provided by a licensed attorney or financial advisor.

4. No Legal, Investment, or Insurance Advice

We are not a law firm, investment advisory firm, or insurance agency. Our Services are intended to provide tax and bookkeeping support and general financial information only. Nothing we provide should be construed as:

• Legal advice or legal opinion;
• Investment, securities, or wealth management advice; or
• Insurance, risk management, or actuarial advice.

You should consult with an attorney, investment advisor, or insurance professional regarding legal, investment, or insurance questions.

5. Fees, Billing, and Payment

Our fees for Services will be communicated to you in a proposal, engagement letter, quote, or other written communication. Fees may be based on a flat fee, hourly rates, complexity, or a combination of these factors.

• Payment terms (for example, due on receipt, retainers, or staged payments) will be specified in our engagement documentation.
• We may require payment of all or part of the fee before beginning work or before releasing completed returns or reports.
• Late or non-payment may result in suspension or termination of Services and may delay filing of your tax returns.

Unless prohibited by law or a written agreement, fees paid are generally non-refundable once work has commenced, even if you decide not to file or proceed with the Services.

6. Appointments, Cancellations, and Remote Services

Many of our Services can be delivered remotely via phone, video call, or secure client portal. You agree to attend scheduled appointments on time and to provide any pre-appointment information requested.

• Please notify us as early as possible if you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment.
• We reserve the right to apply a cancellation or rescheduling fee if appointments are missed or cancelled without adequate notice, where permitted by law and disclosed in advance.

7. Electronic Communications and Signatures

You consent to our use of electronic communications (including email, secure portals, and electronic signature platforms) to deliver documents, share information, and obtain signatures and authorizations.

• You are responsible for maintaining a current email address and monitoring it for communications from us.
• You agree that electronic signatures and acknowledgments have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

8. Tax Filing Authorization and Deadlines

We will not file any tax return on your behalf without your review and authorization. You are responsible for:

• Reviewing each tax return before it is filed;
• Confirming that all information is complete and correct;
• Providing your explicit consent (including signing any required authorization forms) before we electronically file (e-file) or mail any return.

We will make reasonable efforts to meet tax filing deadlines if we receive complete and accurate information from you in a timely manner. However, we cannot guarantee that any particular deadline will be met, especially if information is received late or is incomplete.

9. Confidentiality and Privacy

We respect the confidentiality of client information and will handle your data in accordance with applicable U.S. financial privacy laws and IRS guidance for tax professionals.

Our use and protection of personal information is described in more detail in our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

10. Use of Third-Party Tools and Service Providers

To deliver our Services, we may use secure third-party platforms and service providers (for example, client portals, electronic signature tools, payment processors, and document storage providers). By using our Services, you consent to our use of such providers.

While we select providers we believe to be reputable, we are not responsible for the independent privacy practices or security measures of third parties, and you should review their privacy policies and terms where appropriate.

11. No Guarantees of Outcomes

Tax results and financial outcomes depend on many factors, including your individual circumstances, changes in law, and decisions made by the IRS or state tax authorities. We cannot and do not guarantee:

• That any particular refund amount, tax liability, or financial result will be achieved;
• That a return will not be selected for review or audit; or
• Any specific outcome with respect to penalties, interest, or tax authority decisions.

12. Intellectual Property

Our website content, branding, text, graphics, logos, and custom templates are owned by Pearson Financial Services or used with permission. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our materials without our prior written consent, except as necessary to use the Services for your own tax and financial needs.

13. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Pearson Financial Services and its owners, employees, and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising out of or relating to the Services or your use of our website or portals, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

To the extent we are found liable in connection with any claim, our total aggregate liability will not exceed the amount of fees you paid to us for the specific Services giving rise to the claim, unless a different limit is required by law.

14. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Pearson Financial Services and its owners, employees, and agents from and against any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your breach of these Terms or any applicable law; or
• Your failure to provide complete and accurate information necessary for us to perform the Services.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and any disputes arising out of or relating to the Services or your use of our website will be governed by the laws of the State of [State of primary office], without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

Any dispute that cannot be resolved informally will be submitted to the state or federal courts located in [County, State], and you agree to the personal jurisdiction of those courts, unless applicable law requires a different forum.

16. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms & Conditions from time to time to reflect changes in our Services, technology, or applicable law. When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page and may provide additional notice where appropriate.

Your continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.

17. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions or our Services, you may contact us at:

Pearson Financial Services
Email: [email protected]