This Terms of Service for Freelancers ("Freelancer TOS") governs your use of the TaskQuality platform as a freelancer. By registering, accessing, or providing services on TaskQuality, you agree to be bound by these terms in addition to our general Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

1. Overview

TaskQuality is a freelance marketplace that connects clients with independent professionals ("freelancers"). As a freelancer, you are an independent contractor, not an employee of TaskQuality. You are solely responsible for the quality, timeliness, and legality of your services.

2. Account Registration & Verification

2.1 Eligibility

To offer services on TaskQuality, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Provide accurate and complete profile information
• Verify your identity and payment details as required
• Maintain a valid and active account in good standing

2.2 Profile Accuracy

You agree to:

• Represent your skills, experience, and qualifications truthfully
• Upload authentic portfolio samples and credentials
• Update your availability and rates promptly

Misrepresentation may result in account suspension or termination.

3. Service Delivery Obligations

3.1 Project Acceptance

When you accept a project or milestone, you enter into a binding agreement with the client to:

• Deliver work according to the agreed scope, timeline, and quality standards
• Communicate proactively about progress, delays, or issues
• Submit deliverables through the TaskQuality platform

3.2 Communication Standards

You must:

• Respond to client messages within 24 hours during business days
• Provide regular status updates for projects longer than 3 days
• Notify clients immediately of any unforeseen delays

Failure to communicate for 7 consecutive days without notice may result in project cancellation and account penalties.

4. Payments & Fees

4.1 Earnings & Payouts

You will be paid:

• Upon client approval of milestones (milestone/fixed-price projects)
• Weekly for approved hours (hourly projects)
• After deduction of TaskQuality’s service fee (displayed at project acceptance)

4.2 Service Fees

TaskQuality charges a non-refundable service fee on all earnings. This fee is deducted before payout and is final once a milestone or hour is approved.

4.3 Payout Schedule

• Cleared funds are available for withdrawal after a 5-day security hold
• Payouts are processed within 2 business days of request
• You are responsible for any bank or payment processor fees

5. Refunds & Disputes

5.1 Refund Liability

If a refund is approved due to non-delivery, abandonment, or material breach by you, TaskQuality may:

• Deduct the refunded amount from your available balance
• Charge your linked payment method if balance is insufficient
• Suspend payouts until the matter is resolved

5.2 Dispute Participation

You must participate in good faith in any dispute or mediation process, providing:

• Communication logs
• Work-in-progress files
• Evidence of delivery attempts

Failure to respond within 3 business days may result in an automatic decision against you.

6. Intellectual Property & Ownership

6.1 Work Product

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Ownership of deliverables transfers to the client upon full payment
• You grant TaskQuality a perpetual license to display your work in portfolios (anonymized if requested)
• You warrant that all work is original or properly licensed

6.2 Prohibited Content

You may not deliver:

• Plagiarized, copyrighted, or AI-generated content without disclosure and client consent
• Illegal, harmful, or deceptive materials
• Work that violates third-party rights

7. Prohibited Conduct

Violations may result in immediate account termination and forfeiture of earnings.

8. Ratings, Reviews & Performance

8.1 Feedback System

Clients rate your performance upon project completion. Your public rating affects visibility and eligibility for projects.

8.2 Account Standing

TaskQuality may suspend or limit accounts with:

• Repeated late deliveries
• Low ratings (below 4.0/5.0 over 5+ projects)
• High dispute or refund rates
• Policy violations

9. Taxes & Compliance

You are solely responsible for:

• Reporting income and paying applicable taxes
• Obtaining necessary licenses or permits for your services
• Complying with local laws in your jurisdiction

TaskQuality may issue tax forms (e.g., 1099) where required by law.

10. Termination & Account Closure

10.1 By You

You may close your account at any time, provided:

• All active projects are completed or canceled
• No disputes or refunds are pending
• All earnings are withdrawn

10.2 By TaskQuality

We may terminate or suspend your account immediately for:

• Violation of this Freelancer TOS
• Fraud, misrepresentation, or illegal activity
• Abuse of the platform or other users
• Failure to maintain minimum performance standards

Upon termination, unpaid earnings may be forfeited if linked to policy violations.

11. Limitation of Liability

TaskQuality is not liable for:

• Loss of income due to project cancellation or disputes
• Client non-payment (except through escrow)
• Damages arising from your services or deliverables
• Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Our total liability shall not exceed the service fees earned by you in the 3 months prior to the claim.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold TaskQuality harmless from any claims, losses, or damages arising from:

• Your breach of this agreement
• Your services or deliverables
• Your violation of laws or third-party rights

13. Amendments

TaskQuality may update this Freelancer TOS at any time. Changes will be posted on the platform with the updated effective date. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance.

By offering services on TaskQuality, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Terms of Service for Freelancers.