Terms of Service

1. Introduction

Welcome to Jala Accounting. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of our website and professional services. By accessing our website at jalaaccounting.com or engaging our professional services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our website or services.

2. Professional Services

2.1 Services Offered

Jala Accounting provides professional accounting, tax preparation, financial consulting, and related services to corporate and individual clients. All services are provided by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) licensed in Ontario, Canada.

2.2 Engagement Terms

Specific terms of engagement for professional services will be outlined in a separate engagement letter or contract. These Terms of Service supplement, but do not replace, any engagement letter you sign with us.

2.3 Professional Standards

All services are performed in accordance with:

• CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct
• Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Canadian Auditing Standards (CAS) where applicable
• Applicable federal and provincial regulations
• Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements

3. Website Use

3.1 Acceptable Use

You agree to use our website only for lawful purposes. You agree not to:

• Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• Transmit any harmful, threatening, abusive, or offensive content
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the website
• Use automated systems to access the website without permission
• Impersonate any person or entity

3.2 Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of Jala Accounting or its licensors and is protected by Canadian and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works without our express written permission.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Information Accuracy

Clients are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and timely information necessary for us to perform our services. We rely on the information you provide and are not responsible for errors resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information.

4.2 Document Retention

Clients are responsible for retaining all original documents and supporting records as required by law. We retain copies of working papers and documents in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.

4.3 Timely Communication

Clients must respond promptly to our requests for information and approvals to ensure timely completion of services and compliance with applicable deadlines.

5. Fees and Payment

5.1 Fee Structure

Our fees are based on the nature and complexity of services provided, time required, and expertise involved. Specific fee arrangements will be outlined in your engagement letter.

5.2 Payment Terms

Payment is due as specified in your engagement letter, typically within 30 days of invoice date. Late payments may be subject to interest charges at a rate of 1.5% per month (18% annually) or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower.

5.3 Disputes

If you dispute any charges, you must notify us in writing within 15 days of receiving the invoice. Undisputed amounts remain due and payable.

6. Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of all client information as required by the CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct and applicable privacy laws. We will not disclose your information to third parties except:

• With your express consent
• As required by law or court order
• To regulatory authorities as required by professional standards
• To third-party service providers under confidentiality agreements
• To other professionals working on your behalf with your consent

7. Limitation of Liability

7.1 Professional Services

Our liability for professional services is limited to the fees paid for the specific service that gave rise to the claim, unless otherwise specified in your engagement letter or required by law.

7.2 Website Use

This website is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee that the website will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free of viruses or other harmful components.

7.3 Third-Party Services

We are not liable for any acts or omissions of third-party service providers, government agencies, or other parties beyond our control.

7.4 Indirect Damages

In no event shall we be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including lost profits, even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Jala Accounting, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of our website or services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Inaccurate or incomplete information you provide

9. Termination

9.1 By Client

You may terminate our services at any time with written notice. You will be responsible for payment of fees for services rendered up to the termination date.

9.2 By Us

We reserve the right to terminate our services if:

• You fail to pay fees when due
• You fail to provide necessary information or cooperation
• A conflict of interest arises
• Continuation would violate professional standards or laws
• You breach these Terms or your engagement letter

9.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination, we will return your original documents and may retain copies as required by professional standards. Outstanding fees remain due and payable.

10. Dispute Resolution

10.1 Good Faith Negotiation

In the event of any dispute, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through good faith negotiation.

10.2 Mediation

If negotiation fails, the parties agree to attempt mediation before pursuing litigation.

10.3 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Any legal proceedings shall be brought in the courts of Ontario.

11. General Provisions

11.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement between you and Jala Accounting regarding the subject matter herein.

11.2 Amendments

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website or services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

11.3 Severability

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

11.4 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

11.5 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer these Terms without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

12. Contact Us

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

13. Acknowledgment

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.