Terms of Service
Legal terms governing our notary services and website use
Effective date: March 21, 2026
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These Terms govern your use of estevanenotaryservices.com and your engagement of services from Estevane Notary Services LC ("we," "us," "our"). By using this site, booking services, or participating in any contest or promotion, you agree to these Terms.
Services Provided
In-Office Services
Available at our Weslaco, TX location. Appointments are required for all services.
Remote Online Notarization
Available where permitted by law. Requires appointment and technical compatibility.
Tax Preparation
Federal and state tax return preparation based on client-provided information.
Tax Preparation Services
Important terms specific to tax preparation
Service Scope
We provide federal and state tax preparation services based solely on information supplied by the client. We do not audit, verify, or independently validate client-provided information unless required by law.
Client Responsibility: Clients are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information provided for tax preparation.
No Guarantee of Tax Outcome
Tax outcomes are determined solely by taxing authorities based on applicable laws and regulations.
Client Responsibilities (Tax Preparation)
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Complete Documentation
Provide complete and accurate tax documents, including income, expenses, and prior-year information when applicable
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Thorough Review
Review the completed tax return before signing and authorizing filing
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Record Retention
Retain copies of tax documents and returns for at least 7 years
Electronic Filing Authorization
By signing IRS Form 8879 or any required authorization, the client authorizes electronic filing of the tax return.
Non-Refundable: Once a return is transmitted to the IRS or state authority, tax preparation fees are non-refundable.
Deadlines & Client Delays
Clients are responsible for timely submission of all required information.
We are not responsible for missed deadlines, penalties, or interest resulting from delayed or incomplete client submissions, including failure to meet the April 15 filing deadline.
No IRS Representation
We do not represent clients before the IRS or state taxing authorities unless a separate written agreement is executed.
Apostille Services
Terms specific to document authentication for international use
Service Description
Apostille services consist solely of coordinating the submission of eligible documents to the Texas Secretary of State for authentication of signatures and seals.
Important Limitations
- Apostilles do not verify, validate, or certify the contents of any document
- Each apostille is issued per document
- We do not guarantee acceptance by any foreign government, authority, or institution
Non-Refundable: Government fees and completed processing services are non-refundable once processing has begun.
Certified Document Requirement
Clients are responsible for providing original certified documents when required.
Unacceptable Documents
We cannot process apostilles for photocopies, scans, digital files, or uncertified documents
Geographic Limitations
Documents already outside the United States cannot be apostilled
International Use Disclaimer
Documents processed through our services may be used internationally, including in Mexico.
Additional Foreign Requirements
Foreign governments and receiving authorities may impose additional requirements such as:
No Guarantee: We do not determine foreign acceptance requirements and cannot guarantee acceptance outside the United States.
Translation Services (Apostille Related)
We do not translate or certify documents.
Third-Party Translations
If requested, translation services are provided by an independent third-party translator. Translation fees are passed through at cost.
Notarization of Translations
We may notarize the translator's Certificate of Accuracy, typically via Remote Online Notarization.
No Responsibility: We are not responsible for the accuracy, acceptance, or rejection of translations by any authority.
Non-Refundable Fees (Apostille)
Fees paid for apostille services are non-refundable under the following circumstances:
Fees are non-refundable regardless of acceptance by a receiving authority.
No Legal Advice
Important limitations of our services
We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice or select legal forms.
Our services are limited to verifying identity and witnessing signatures as permitted under Texas notary law.
Any information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only.
Identification & Signer Requirements
Valid ID Required
Each signer must present valid, government-issued photo identification.
Documents Unsigned
Documents must remain unsigned until instructed by the notary.
Communication
Signer must be able to communicate in English or provide a qualified interpreter.
Appointments, Cancellations & No-Shows
Scheduling
Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Arriving late may result in rescheduling.
Cancellations
Changes or cancellations require at least 24 hours' notice to avoid fees.
Missing an appointment without notice may result in a cancellation fee.
Fees & Payment
Standard Notarial Fees
Per traditional notarial act
Per RON session
All fees comply with Texas notary law
Tax Preparation Fees
Fee Structure
Tax preparation fees are based on return complexity and disclosed before filing
Non-Refundable
Fees are earned upon preparation and are non-refundable once the return is completed or filed
Amendments & Corrections
Amendments, corrections, or additional filings are billed separately
Additional Service Charges
All additional charges will be disclosed and agreed upon before service
Payment Terms
Payment Due at Service
Payment is due at the time of service unless other arrangements are made in advance.
All Sales Final
Once notarization is complete, all sales are final. No refunds for completed services.
Terms Acceptance by Payment
By paying an invoice or booking services, the client acknowledges and agrees to these Terms of Service.
Inactivity, Non-Payment & File Closure
A service request is considered active only when all required payments, confirmations, and documents have been received.
If a required payment (including, but not limited to, translation fees, processing fees, third-party costs, or shipping/postage) is not received, or if the client fails to communicate intent to proceed, the service cannot advance.
Inactivity or lack of communication for more than 7 business days may result in administrative closure of the file.
Once a file is closed due to inactivity or non-payment, prior work cannot be extended or resumed. Any continuation must be initiated as a new service under new terms and fees.
Any partial or full refund issued constitutes closure of the file, and no additional refunds will be provided for services not completed due to unmet client requirements.
Business Days Definition: "Business days" means Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays.
Right to Refuse or Terminate Service
We reserve the right to refuse, suspend, or terminate services at any time when requirements are not met, when there is non-payment or lack of communication, or when conduct prevents a professional working relationship.
In such cases, fees for completed services and any pass-through costs (including government fees, third-party fees, and shipping/postage) remain non-refundable once incurred or once processing has begun.
Remote Online Notarization (RON)
RON is performed using a secure third-party platform that manages identity verification, document handling, and audio/video recording.
Your Responsibilities
- Meet all technical and legal requirements
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Have compatible device and browser
Important Disclaimer
We are not responsible for internet failures, software malfunctions, or rejected recordings caused by factors beyond our control.
Client Responsibilities
Signer Preparation
Ensure all signers are present, prepared, and possess valid ID
Document Verification
Confirm receiving party accepts notarized documents in your chosen format
Punctuality
Arrive on time with all required paperwork and payment
Last updated: March 21, 2026