These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of the Bernice Hassan & Associates, CPA website and any professional engagement you enter into with the firm. Please read them carefully.
1. Acceptance of terms
By using this website or engaging us for professional services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site or engage the firm.
2. Website use
The content on this site is provided for general information about tax resolution and CPA services. It is not a substitute for personalized professional advice tailored to your situation. You agree not to copy, reproduce, redistribute, scrape, or otherwise misuse the content of this site without our prior written permission.
3. No professional relationship by website use alone
Visiting this website, submitting a contact form, or having an initial conversation with us does not — by itself — create a CPA–client engagement. A formal professional engagement begins only after both parties sign a written engagement letter.
4. Scope of engagement
Each engagement is defined by a written engagement letter that specifies:
- The specific services we will perform
- The flat fee for those services
- Any exclusions, limitations, or services that are not covered
Any work outside the scope of the engagement letter requires a new written agreement or a written amendment signed by both parties.
5. Fees
We quote flat fees after reviewing the facts of your case during a free consultation. Fees are payable according to the schedule set out in your engagement letter. Our fees cover the professional work performed — they do not guarantee any particular outcome with the IRS or state tax authorities.
6. Client responsibilities
To allow us to serve you effectively, you agree to:
- Provide accurate, complete, and timely information
- Respond to our requests within the deadlines we communicate
- Not withhold material facts that could affect your case
- Maintain your own copy of records and documents you provide to us
7. No guarantee of specific results
IRS and state tax outcomes depend on the specific facts of your case, current IRS policy, and the individual examiner or officer assigned to your matter. Past results obtained for other clients do not predict or guarantee the outcome of any future case, including yours.
8. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the firm's total liability for any engagement is limited to the fees you paid for that engagement. We are not liable for consequential, indirect, special, incidental, or punitive damages of any kind, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
9. Not legal advice
We are Certified Public Accountants — not attorneys. Nothing on this website or in our correspondence constitutes legal advice. If your situation involves or may involve criminal tax exposure, complex litigation, bankruptcy, or other legal matters, we will refer you to qualified legal counsel.
10. Confidentiality
We treat all information you share with us as confidential. Please note, however, that the attorney-client privilege does not apply to CPAs. A limited federal tax-practitioner privilege under Internal Revenue Code §7525 applies in some civil federal tax matters, but it does not protect criminal tax matters or state tax matters. If you have concerns about privilege, please raise them with us before sharing sensitive information.
11. Termination
Either party may terminate an engagement by written notice. You remain responsible for fees for work performed up to the termination date, consistent with the engagement letter.
12. Governing law and venue
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, without regard to its conflict-of-laws principles. Any dispute arising from or relating to these Terms or an engagement with the firm will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Howard County, Maryland.
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
14. Changes
We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the site after updates are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. The "Last updated" date above will reflect the most recent revision.
15. Contact
Questions about these Terms? Email bernice@bernicehassancpa.com or call (443) 741-4188.
See also: Privacy Policy · Disclosures