VAT Connect Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of terms

By accessing or using VAT Connect, you agree to these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

2. Service description (Marketplace-only)

VAT Connect provides an online marketplace that enables users to list, browse, and initiate transactions involving VAT-registered South African companies. VAT Connect provides platform features such as user accounts, identity checks for platform safety, messaging/workflow tools, and payment processing via third-party payment providers.

VAT Connect does not submit CIPC or SARS filings on behalf of users. Official filings are completed by buyers/sellers and/or professionals appointed by them.

VAT Connect does not provide legal, tax, accounting, or financial advice.

3. Third-party providers (e.g., SACORPREG.CO.ZA)

You may choose to appoint third-party professionals/providers to assist with filings, compliance, or transfer administration. Any such provider is a separate business with its own terms, fees, and legal obligations.

Where VAT Connect introduces or recommends a provider, this does not create a partnership, employment, or agency relationship between VAT Connect and that provider.

VAT Connect is not responsible for the provider's advice, filings, or service delivery. VAT Connect remains responsible for the VAT Connect platform service.

4. Eligibility

You must be legally able to contract, comply with South African law, and complete required KYC checks. We may suspend or refuse access for non-compliance or risk concerns.

5. Accounts & security

• You are responsible for your account access and keeping credentials secure.
• Google Sign-In is offered for authentication; we request only basic profile and email.
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized access or suspected compromise.

6. Buyer and seller responsibilities

• Sellers must provide accurate and lawful listings and disclose known issues.
• Buyers are responsible for independent due diligence (including legal/tax advice where appropriate) and for ensuring compliance after transfer.
• Any verification or screening shown on the platform is a point-in-time indicator and is not a guarantee of future status, outcomes, or processing times.

7. Payments

Payments are processed via third-party payment service providers. Where milestone-based releases are offered, these are workflow rules within the platform and/or the payment provider's mechanisms — they are not a regulated escrow or trust service unless expressly stated.

Platform fees (if any) and third-party fees are disclosed before you confirm payment.

8. Refunds and statutory cancellation rights

Refunds are handled according to the Refund Policy displayed at checkout and this Terms document.

Where statutory cancellation rights apply to electronic transactions, VAT Connect will process refunds as required by law.

If you have paid a third-party provider directly, refunds for that provider's work are governed by that provider's terms.

9. Compliance & KYC

You agree to provide accurate KYC information and cooperate with verification. We may suspend or terminate access where legal, regulatory, or risk requirements are not met.

10. Acceptable use

No misuse, fraud, abuse, security testing, scraping, or unlawful activity is permitted.

11. Disclaimers

The service is provided "as is" without warranties. We do not guarantee uninterrupted access, accuracy of listings, or fitness for a particular purpose.

12. Limitation of liability (to the extent permitted by law)

VAT Connect is not liable for losses arising from: (a) seller misstatements, (b) buyer due diligence failures, (c) changes in SARS/CIPC status after listing, (d) third-party provider actions, or (e) delays caused by external authorities or service providers.

VAT Connect's total liability for claims relating to the platform service is limited to the platform fees you paid to VAT Connect in the 3 months prior to the event giving rise to the claim.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability where it cannot be limited or excluded by law, including for fraud or gross negligence where applicable.

13. Important notice (CPA section 49)

14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate access for policy violations, non-payment, legal risk, or security concerns. You may stop using the service at any time. Certain obligations (fees owed, confidentiality, indemnities, limitations) survive termination.

15. AML / KYC statement

VAT Connect performs customer due diligence as part of our platform safety measures. We may decline or terminate suspicious transactions and report where required by law.

16. Disputes

If you have a dispute regarding a transaction or our services, please contact us at support@vatconnect.co.za. We will attempt to resolve disputes in good faith. If we cannot reach a resolution, disputes may be referred to mediation or the courts.

17. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of South Africa. Venue for disputes is Johannesburg.

18. Independent marketplace notice

19. Contact

Questions? Email support@vatconnect.co.za.