Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Chau Tran CPA's website. By accessing or using our website (www.chautrancpa.com) or services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

These Terms apply to all visitors, users, and clients who access or use our website and services.

2. Description of Services

Chau Tran CPA provides professional accounting and tax preparation services, including but not limited to:

• Individual and business tax return preparation
• Tax planning and consulting
• Accounting services
• Financial advisory services
• Online tax preparation through the DynaTax AI platform

Professional Services Only: All services are provided by Chau Tran, a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas (License #[LICENSE NUMBER]).

3. Website Use and Educational Tools

3.1 General Website Use

This website provides information about our services and includes educational tools. You may use this website for lawful purposes only. You agree not to:

• Use the website in any way that violates applicable laws or regulations
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems
• Interfere with or disrupt the website's operation
• Use automated systems to access the website without permission
• Misrepresent your identity or affiliation

3.2 Interactive Tools and Calculators

Important Disclaimer: Our website includes interactive tools such as tax scenario calculators and AI chat assistants. These tools are provided for educational and demonstration purposes ONLY.

These tools DO NOT:

• Provide professional tax advice or recommendations
• Create a CPA-client relationship
• Substitute for professional tax preparation services
• Guarantee any specific tax outcome or savings
• Consider your unique tax situation or circumstances

You acknowledge that:

• Results from interactive tools are based on hypothetical scenarios
• Actual tax situations require professional analysis
• You should not rely on these tools for tax decisions
• Professional consultation is required for specific tax advice

4. DynaTax AI Platform

4.1 Third-Party Platform

Critical Disclosure: Chau Tran CPA uses DynaTax AI, a third-party software platform, to deliver tax preparation services. You understand and agree that:

• DynaTax AI is an independent third-party service provider
• Chau Tran CPA is not affiliated with, owned by, or controlled by DynaTax AI
• Your professional relationship is with Chau Tran CPA, not DynaTax AI
• DynaTax AI provides the technology; Chau Tran CPA provides professional services
• DynaTax AI has separate Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

4.2 Geographic Restrictions

US-Only Access: The DynaTax AI platform is accessible only from within the United States. The platform uses geographic IP verification and blocks access from non-US locations.

You acknowledge that:

• If you travel outside the United States, you will NOT be able to access the platform
• This restriction is a security feature, not a limitation
• All data remains stored exclusively on US-based servers
• Platform access resumes upon return to US territory

4.3 Data Security

The DynaTax AI platform implements multiple security measures including:

• 256-bit encryption for data transmission
• Two-factor authentication
• SOC 2 Type II compliance
• Regular security audits
• Geographic access restrictions

No Guarantee: While we implement robust security measures, no system can guarantee 100% security against all threats. You acknowledge and accept this inherent risk when using online services.

5. Client Engagement

5.1 Engagement Process

Professional services begin only after:

• Completion of a consultation (free or paid)
• Execution of a written engagement letter
• Payment of required fees or deposits
• Completion of our client onboarding process

No Services Without Engagement: Simply using this website, contacting us, or using interactive tools does NOT create a CPA-client relationship or obligate us to provide services.

5.2 Client Responsibilities

If you engage our services, you agree to:

• Provide complete, accurate, and timely information
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information
• Review all work product before finalization
• Maintain your own records as required by law
• Pay fees according to the engagement letter
• Comply with applicable tax laws and regulations

5.3 Scope of Services

Our services are limited to those specifically outlined in the engagement letter. We are not responsible for:

• Services not included in the engagement letter
• Tax positions we advise against
• Accuracy of information you provide
• Changes in tax law after completion of services
• Penalties resulting from your decisions or actions

6. Fees and Payment

6.1 Fee Structure

Fees for professional services are established in the engagement letter and may be based on:

• Flat fees for specific services
• Hourly rates
• Complexity of work required
• Time required to complete services

6.2 Payment Terms

• Deposits may be required before work begins
• Payment is due upon completion unless otherwise agreed
• Late payments may incur interest charges
• We reserve the right to withhold work product until payment is received
• You are responsible for all collection costs if payment is not made

7. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Chau Tran CPA or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may not:

• Reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Copy or scrape website content systematically
• Reverse engineer any software or tools

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Website Use

AS-IS BASIS: This website and educational tools are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

We do not warrant that:

• The website will be uninterrupted or error-free
• Defects will be corrected
• The website is free from viruses or harmful components
• Information is complete, accurate, or current

8.2 Professional Services

For professional services provided under an engagement letter, our liability is limited as specified in that agreement. Generally:

• We are not liable for consequential, indirect, or punitive damages
• Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service
• We are not liable for tax positions you choose to take against our advice
• We are not insurers or guarantors of tax outcomes

8.3 Maximum Liability

In no event shall our total liability exceed the amount of fees paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Chau Tran CPA, its employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorney fees) arising from:

• Your use of this website
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your provision of false or misleading information
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your violation of any third-party rights

10. Confidentiality

As a CPA firm, we are bound by professional confidentiality obligations. Information you provide in the course of an engagement is confidential and will not be disclosed except:

• With your written consent
• As required by law or court order
• To regulatory authorities (IRS, state boards)
• In response to a valid subpoena
• To defend ourselves in legal proceedings

11. Termination

11.1 Website Access

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to this website at any time, without notice, for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Any reason we deem appropriate

11.2 Service Engagement

Either party may terminate a service engagement as specified in the engagement letter. Generally:

• You may terminate at any time with written notice
• You remain responsible for fees for work performed
• We may terminate if you fail to cooperate or pay fees
• We will return your original documents upon request

12. Dispute Resolution

12.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law provisions.

12.2 Arbitration

Any disputes arising from professional services (not website use) may be subject to arbitration as specified in the engagement letter.

12.3 Jurisdiction

For website-related disputes, you agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts located in Potter County, Texas.

13. Professional Standards

Chau Tran CPA is bound by:

• AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
• Texas State Board of Public Accountancy rules
• IRS Circular 230 requirements
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Applicable federal and state tax laws

14. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective when posted on this website with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and any executed engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between you and Chau Tran CPA regarding website use and services.

17. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms? Contact us:

Important Notice: These Terms of Service apply to website use only. Professional services are governed by a separate engagement letter that will be provided before services begin. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and receive a formal engagement agreement.