Terms of Service

Welcome to Stratus Financial Ltd. ("Company," "we," "our," or "us"). These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website stratustaxes.com and our accounting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping services (collectively, the "Services"). By accessing our website or using our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Services Provided

Stratus Financial Ltd. provides the following professional services:

• Individual and business tax preparation and filing
• Quarterly estimated tax calculation and payment assistance
• Bookkeeping and financial record-keeping
• Tax planning and strategy consulting
• Business entity formation consulting (LLC, S-Corp elections)
• IRS and state tax authority representation (when applicable)

The specific scope of services will be outlined in a separate engagement letter or service agreement provided to each client.

2. Client Responsibilities

As a client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information necessary to perform our services
• Review all documents and tax returns before signing and filing
• Respond promptly to our requests for information or clarification
• Notify us of any changes to your financial situation that may affect our services
• Maintain copies of all documents provided to us
• Pay all fees in accordance with our fee schedule and payment terms

You are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information you provide. We rely on your representations to prepare your tax returns and provide our services.

3. Fees and Payment

Fee Structure: Our fees are based on the complexity of the work involved, time required, and the specific services requested. Fee quotes will be provided before work begins whenever possible.

Payment Terms: Payment is due upon completion of services unless otherwise agreed in writing. We accept payment via credit card, bank transfer, or check.

Late Payments: Accounts past due by 30 days may be subject to a late fee of 1.5% per month. We reserve the right to suspend services for accounts past due by 60 days or more.

Refunds: Due to the nature of professional services, refunds are generally not provided once work has been substantially completed. Disputes should be raised within 30 days of service delivery.

4. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information in accordance with professional standards and applicable law. Your personal and financial information will only be disclosed:

• To tax authorities as necessary to file your returns
• As required by law, court order, or legal process
• With your explicit written consent
• To our staff and contractors who need access to perform services

For more details, please review our Privacy Policy.

5. Limitations of Services

Please understand the following limitations:

• Not Legal Advice: We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. For legal matters, please consult a licensed attorney.
• Not Financial Planning: While we provide tax planning, we are not licensed financial advisors. Investment advice should be obtained from a qualified financial planner.
• Tax Law Changes: Tax laws change frequently. Our advice is based on current law at the time services are provided.
• No Guarantee of Results: We cannot guarantee specific tax savings, refund amounts, or outcomes with tax authorities.
• IRS Audits: While we prepare returns with care, we cannot guarantee that returns will not be audited. Audit representation is a separate service.

6. Electronic Communications

By using our Services, you consent to receive electronic communications from us, including:

• Emails regarding your account and services
• Electronic delivery of documents (via secure client portal)
• Newsletters and tax updates (you may opt out at any time)
• Appointment reminders and notifications

You agree that electronic signatures on engagement letters and authorizations are legally binding.

7. Document Retention

We retain copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for a minimum of seven (7) years as required by IRS regulations. After this period, documents may be securely destroyed. You are responsible for maintaining your own copies of all tax documents and returns.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on our website, including text, graphics, logos, and software, is the property of Stratus Financial Ltd. and is protected by copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or use our content without written permission.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties

OUR WEBSITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. We do not warrant that our website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the outcomes of tax filings, refund amounts, or tax authority decisions.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, STRATUS FINANCIAL LTD. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.

Our total liability for any claim arising from our services shall not exceed the fees paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.

This limitation does not apply to damages arising from our gross negligence or willful misconduct.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Stratus Financial Ltd., its officers, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses (including attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your breach of these Terms
• Your provision of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Your violation of any applicable laws
• Any third-party claims related to your use of our Services

12. Termination

Either party may terminate the service relationship at any time with written notice. Upon termination:

• You remain responsible for fees for services already rendered
• We will provide copies of your documents upon request (fees may apply)
• Confidentiality obligations continue after termination

We reserve the right to terminate services immediately if you provide false information, engage in illegal activity, or fail to pay for services.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from these Terms or our Services shall be resolved as follows:

• Informal Resolution: We encourage you to contact us first to resolve any concerns
• Mediation: If informal resolution fails, disputes may be submitted to mediation
• Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois
• Jurisdiction: Any legal proceedings shall be conducted in Cook County, Illinois

14. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

15. Severability

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

16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any engagement letters, constitute the entire agreement between you and Stratus Financial Ltd. regarding our Services.

17. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us:

Stratus Financial Ltd.
1764 W Wise Rd, #1049
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Email: info@stratusfinancialltd.com
Phone: (847) 450-7831