Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the TaxNAO platform operated by NAO Technologies Private Limited ("TaxNAO - a project of NAO Technologies", "we", "us", or "our").

By accessing or using TaxNAO, you agree to be bound by these Terms and all applicable laws of India. If you do not agree to these Terms, do not use our platform.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement.

2. Service Description

TaxNAO is an online platform that connects clients seeking tax and accounting services with ICAI-certified Chartered Accountants (CAs) across India.

We are a technology platform, NOT a CA firm or tax advisory service.

• We facilitate discovery and booking of CA services
• We provide tools for communication, scheduling, and document sharing
• We process payments between clients and CAs
• We do NOT provide tax advice, accounting services, or professional opinions

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Creation

To use TaxNAO, you must create an account by providing:

• Accurate and complete information
• Valid email address and phone number
• For CAs: ICAI Membership Number for verification

3.2 ICAI Verification (for Chartered Accountants)

Chartered Accountant accounts require verification of:

• Valid ICAI Membership Number
• Active membership status with ICAI
• Professional credentials and qualifications

Note: Verification confirms ICAI membership but does not constitute endorsement of professional competence.

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your password
• All activities that occur under your account
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access

4. Payment Terms

4.1 Payment Processing

All payments are processed securely through Razorpay, a PCI-DSS compliant payment gateway. We do not store your full credit card details.

4.2 Currency

All prices are displayed in Indian Rupees (₹).

4.3 GST

GST (18%) is applicable on all subscription fees as per Indian tax law. GST invoices are generated automatically and available in your account.

4.4 Payment Methods

We accept:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Debit cards
• Net Banking
• UPI
• Digital wallets (Paytm, PhonePe, Google Pay)

5. Subscription Plans & Fees

5.1 Subscription Plans (for Chartered Accountants)

5.2 Billing & Renewals

Subscriptions are billed monthly in advance. Auto-renewal occurs on the same date each month unless cancelled.

5.3 Refund Policy

Subscription fees are non-refundable. However, you may cancel your subscription at any time to prevent future charges. Service continues until the end of the paid billing period.

5.4 Service Fees (Client Payments to CAs)

When clients pay CAs for services through TaxNAO:

• Free Plan CAs: 15% platform fee deducted per booking
• Starter, Professional, Business Plan CAs: No platform fee
• Payments are processed within 3-5 business days
• TDS (if applicable) is the CA's responsibility

6. Professional Conduct

6.1 ICAI Code of Ethics

Chartered Accountants using TaxNAO must adhere to the ICAI Code of Ethics and all professional standards.

6.2 Prohibited Activities

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Providing false credentials or qualifications
• Fraudulent billing or overcharging
• Harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct
• Spam, solicitation, or unsolicited marketing
• Unlawful activities or services
• Circumventing the platform to avoid fees

6.3 Consequences of Violations

Violations may result in:

• Account suspension or termination
• Reporting to ICAI (for CAs)
• Legal action and liability for damages

7. Intellectual Property

All content on TaxNAO (logos, trademarks, text, graphics, software) is owned by NAO Technologies Private Limited or its licensors.

You may not:

• Copy, modify, or distribute our content without permission
• Use our trademarks or branding without authorization
• Reverse engineer or decompile our software

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you for any claims arising from these Terms or your use of TaxNAO is limited to the fees you paid us in the last 12 months, not to exceed ₹10,000.

8.2 Exclusion of Consequential Damages

We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages including:

• Lost profits or revenue
• Loss of data or business opportunities
• Professional malpractice by CAs
• Tax penalties or interest

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless TaxNAO from any claims, losses, damages, or expenses (including legal fees) arising from

• Your use of the platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any laws or regulations
• Professional services provided or received (CA-client relationship)

10. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

10.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India.

10.2 Jurisdiction

The courts of Delhi, Delhi have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

10.3 Arbitration

Before initiating legal proceedings, we agree to attempt resolution through arbitration in Mumbai, Maharashtra under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be notified via:

• Email to your registered email address
• Prominent notice on the TaxNAO platform

Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

Effective date of changes will be clearly stated.

12. Termination

12.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Cancelling your subscription
• Deleting your account through settings
• Contacting support

12.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account for:

• Violation of these Terms
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Professional misconduct (CAs)
• Non-payment of fees

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to TaxNAO will be discontinued
• Outstanding fees remain due
• Data retention follows our Privacy Policy

13. Contact Us

For Terms of Service Inquiries

NAO Technologies Private Limited
Block A, Connaught Place
Connaught Place
Delhi, Delhi 400051
India

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +91 11 1234 5678