Terms of Service

Last updated: [EFFECTIVE DATE]. These terms are a draft pending legal review.

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of Taxcout, a tax-preparation service operated by BlackSolstice Technologies ("Taxcout," "we," "us"). By creating an account or using the service, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the service.

The service

Taxcout is self-preparation software that helps you prepare a U.S. federal Form 1040 and a California Form 540, shows how each line is computed, and lets you download and (once available) electronically file your return. You are the preparer of your own return.

Not tax, legal, or financial advice

Taxcout provides software and general information, not professional tax, legal, or financial advice. We do not review your return as a paid preparer would. You are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information you enter and for reviewing your return before you file it. While we work to compute your return correctly under current law, we do not guarantee any particular refund, tax result, or that a return will be accepted by a taxing authority.

Eligibility and your account

You must be at least 18 and able to form a binding contract. Keep your account credentials secure; you are responsible for activity under your account. Sign-in uses a one-time email link.

Payments and subscriptions

Preparing a return is free; payment is required to view your computed results and to download or file. We offer a one-time per-return fee and Plus (monthly) and Pro (annual) subscriptions, at the prices shown at checkout. Payments are processed by Stripe. Subscriptions renew automatically until canceled; you may cancel at any time and your plan remains active through the end of the current billing period. Except where required by law, fees are non-refundable. [CONFIRM REFUND POLICY.]

Acceptable use

Do not use the service to file a false or fraudulent return, to upload content you have no right to, to attempt to breach security or access another user's data, or in violation of any law. We may suspend accounts that do.

Your content

You retain ownership of the tax information and documents you provide. You grant us the limited right to process that information to provide the service (see our Privacy Policy). We handle your tax return information in accordance with applicable law, including Internal Revenue Code § 7216.

Intellectual property

The Taxcout software, content, and brand are owned by BlackSolstice Technologies and protected by law. Government tax forms are works of the U.S. and California governments.

Disclaimers and limitation of liability

The service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind to the fullest extent permitted by law. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Taxcout's total liability arising out of or relating to the service is limited to the amount you paid us in the twelve months before the claim. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including penalties or interest assessed by a taxing authority. [ATTORNEY TO CONFIRM SCOPE AND ANY ACCURACY GUARANTEE.]

Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. [ATTORNEY TO SPECIFY VENUE AND ANY ARBITRATION / CLASS-ACTION-WAIVER TERMS.]

Changes

We may update these Terms; we will post the new version with an updated date and, where appropriate, notify you. Continued use means you accept the changes.

Contact

Questions about these Terms: support@taxcout.com. BlackSolstice Technologies, 1545 N Texas St, Ste 201, Fairfield, CA 94533.