These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the UMEUS Tax Help & Education Center website (umeusnation.org), our intake forms, our text messaging program, and any related services (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing our website, submitting an intake form, or opting in to receive text messages from UMEUS, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.
2. About UMEUS
UMEUS is a nonprofit organization operating as an IRS Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC), providing free tax education, taxpayer rights education, and financial literacy resources to individuals and communities, including English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking communities. UMEUS also refers individuals to free third-party resources, including VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), LITC partner clinics, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS).
3. Eligibility
Our Services are generally intended for individuals age 18 and older. However, UMEUS's youth financial literacy programs are designed for minor participants under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian. If a minor participates in any UMEUS program, a parent or legal guardian must consent on their behalf and supervise their participation, and agrees to be bound by these Terms. By registering or submitting information on behalf of a minor, you represent that you are that minor's parent or legal guardian and have authority to provide such consent. See Section 12 (Children's Privacy) for more information.
4. No Client Relationship
The educational content, workshops, and general guidance provided through our website, workshops, and communications are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Nothing on this website or in our communications creates an attorney-client, CPA-client, or other professional representation relationship between you and UMEUS.
UMEUS does not provide legal, tax, or financial representation. Where individuals are referred to third-party organizations such as VITA sites, LITC clinics, or the Taxpayer Advocate Service, that referral does not create a representation relationship with UMEUS. Any representation provided by a referred organization is solely between that organization and the individual
5. Use of the Website and Services
- You agree to provide accurate, current, and complete information when submitting our intake form or any other form on our website.
- You agree not to use our Services for any unlawful purpose or in any way that could damage, disable, or impair our website or systems.
- You agree not to attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our systems, accounts, or data not intended for you.
UMEUS reserves the right to refuse service, remove content, or restrict access to any individual who violates these Terms.
6. Text and Email Communications
This section governs your consent to receive text messages and emails from UMEUS and is incorporated into, and should be read together with, our Privacy Policy.
Opt-In Methods
- You may opt in to receive communications from UMEUS by texting the keyword BESTIE to 1-888-412-2378, or by submitting your information through the intake form on our website - - (umeusnation.org). Either method enrolls you to receive both text messages and emails from UMEUS related to:
- Intake form links and confirmation of receipt
- Your personalized treatment plan and related next-step resources (VITA / LITC / TAS)
- Appointment and workshop confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups
- Educational resource and workshop invitations
- Program-related follow-up and check-in messages
Text Message Consent, Frequency, and Cost
- Consent to receive text messages is not a condition of receiving free tax help or education services from UMEUS.
- Message frequency varies based on your interactions with UMEUS and may include multiple messages per month.
- Message and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless carrier for details regarding your plan.
- Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
- Supported carriers include, but are not limited to, AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and other major U.S. carriers. UMEUS is not responsible for delays or failures in message delivery caused by your carrier.
Text Message Opt-Out and Help
- To stop receiving text messages at any time, text STOP to the number from which you received messages. You will receive one final confirmation message, after which no further messages will be sent unless you opt in again.
- For help, text HELP to the same number, or contact us directly at [email protected] or 1-888-412-2378.
- If you opt out and later want to receive messages again, you may re-opt in the same way you originally signed up.
Email Communications
Every email you receive from UMEUS includes an unsubscribe link. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking that link, or by contacting us at [email protected]. Opting out of email communications does not automatically opt you out of text messages, and opting out of text messages does not automatically opt you out of email. Each channel is managed separately.
No Sharing of Opt-In Data
Mobile opt-in information and consent are never shared with any third party for marketing or promotional purposes, as further described in our Privacy Policy.
7. Third-Party Links, Tools, and Referrals
Our website and communications may direct you to third-party tools (such as scheduling platforms) or third-party organizations (such as VITA sites, LITC clinics, or the Taxpayer Advocate Service). UMEUS does not control and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, availability, or privacy practices of these third parties. Your use of any third-party tool or service is governed by that third party's own terms.
8. Educational Content and Resources
Bottom Line Bestie is UMEUS's educational content channel, providing tax and financial education content in video and other formats. Content available through Bottom Line Bestie and any linked platforms (including YouTube) is provided by or on behalf of UMEUS as an extension of our educational mission and is subject to these Terms.
9. Intellectual Property
All content on our website and in our communications — including text, graphics, logos, course materials, and educational resources — is the property of UMEUS or its licensors and is protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without our prior written permission, except as necessary for your personal, non-commercial use of the resources we provide.
10. Disclaimer of Warranties
Our Services are provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied. UMEUS does not guarantee that our website or messaging services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure, and does not guarantee any specific outcome from use of our educational resources or referrals to third-party programs.
11. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, UMEUS and its officers, staff, and volunteers shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or related to your use of our Services, including but not limited to reliance on educational content, referrals to third-party resources, or delayed or failed message delivery.
12. Children's Privacy
Our general services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent, consistent with COPPA and our Privacy Policy. UMEUS's youth financial literacy programs serve minor participants (ages 13–17) under parental or guardian supervision. For these programs, we collect only the information necessary to provide educational services and require a parent or legal guardian to register and supervise participation. Parents may request access to, correction of, or deletion of their child's information by contacting us at [email protected]. We do not use youth participant information for marketing or share it with third parties for commercial purposes.
13. Privacy
Our collection, use, and protection of your information is governed by our Privacy Policy, available at umeusnation.org/privacypolicy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.
14. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless UMEUS, its officers, staff, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from your violation of these Terms or misuse of our Services.
15. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of law principles.
16. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or applicable law. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will reflect any revisions. Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.
17. Contact Us
If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
