This Service Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Hourly, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“Company”), and Customer’s Company (“Customer”).
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Customer the Services outlined (“Services”) in the corresponding Pricing Plan (“Plan”), Platinum or Gold, chosen by Customer. Further, Company will provide Customer with reasonable technical support services (“Technical Support”).
Hourly may incorporate Services that are provided by another party, including, but not limited to, its regulated banking providers, (the “Processing Bank)”), which transfers funds through the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) to the Payee (e.g., Employee or Tax Agency) pursuant to an Authorization Agreement between Hourly and the Processing Bank. Customer expressly authorizes Processing Bank to debit Customer’s account for the above stated purpose.
Hourly uses industry best practices to secure data that is submitted by Customer to Hourly. Upon notice from the Customer/Employer, Hourly will send instructions to the Processor Account to distribute wages and/or payments to the appropriate Employees and/or government agencies. Hourly communicates a debit or credit ACH transfer instruction to the Processing Bank, and Processing Bank performs the transaction directly to the affiliated Employee bank account. Customer expressly authorizes Hourly to provide the aforementioned instructions to the Processing Bank. In the event that a Customer/Employer wishes to pay the Employee with a live paper check, the amount of the check will be excluded from the transaction, and a check drawn upon the Customer/Employer’s Processor Account will be issued to the Employee.
A third-party service provider will calculate the Customer/Employer’s tax liability owed to federal and state tax authorities in the manner identified by the relevant tax authority and the Employer. Upon submission of the payroll run by the Employer, a third-party service provider will send disbursement instructions to the Processor Account outlining the tax payments to be debited from the Employer’s Processor Account. Of particular relevance, Hourly will never hold Employers’ payroll funds, those funds are held and distributed from the Processor Account.
The current third-party Processing Banks are: :
Hourly reserves the right to change the Processing Bank from time to time subject to customary regulatory compliance.
The Customer is in a contractual relationship with Hourly, and not with any third-party service providers. In the case of any dispute, the Customer should contact Hourly, and has no recourse against the Processor Bank.
Customer shall not, (directly or indirectly: reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code, object code, or underlying structure, ideas, know-how, or algorithms relevant to the Services or any software, documentation or data related to the Services (“Software”); modify, translate, or create derivative works based on the Services or any Software (except to the extent expressly permitted by Company in writing); use the Services or any Software for timesharing or service bureau purposes or otherwise for the benefit of a third; or remove any proprietary notices or labels.
Customer represents, covenants, and warrants that Customer shall use the Services only in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Further, Customer shall not remove or export from the United States, or allow the export or reexport of, the Services, Software or anything related to the Services or Software, or any direct product thereof in violation of any restrictions, laws or regulations of the United States Department of Commerce, the United States Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control, or any other United States or foreign agency or authority. As defined in FAR section 2.101, the Software and documentation are “commercial items” and according to DFAR section 252.2277014 (a) (1) and (5) are deemed to be “commercial computer software” and “commercial computer software documentation.” Consistent with DFAR section 227.7202 and FAR section 12.212, any use, modification, reproduction, release, performance, display, or disclosure of such commercial software or commercial software documentation by the U.S. Government will be governed solely by the terms of this Agreement and will be prohibited except to the extent expressly permitted by the terms of this Agreement.
Customer understands that Customer is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all information necessary for Company to provide the Services. Further, Customer shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining any equipment and ancillary services needed to connect to, access, or otherwise use the Services, including but not limited to, modems, hardware, servers, software, operating systems, networking, web servers, and the like (“Equipment”). Customer shall also be responsible for maintaining the security of the Equipment, Customer account, and files, and for all uses of Customer account or the Equipment, with or without Customer’s knowledge or consent.
Office of Foreign Assets Control – Sanctions List Search: Company conducts queries on all Customers via the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. This list is provided by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and may be accessed at https://sanctionssearch.ofac.treas.gov/. A match on the list is grounds for Company to decline to open an account for Customer on Company’s Platform or to terminate Customer’s account on Company’s Platform. Customer understands, agrees, and acknowledges that Customer is responsible for verifying Customer’s Employees are not listed on the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. Customer further understands, agrees, and acknowledges that Customer shall perform this verification both a) before employee onboarding and b) on an annual basis.
Although Company has no obligation to monitor Customer’s use of the Services, Company may do so and may prohibit any use of the Services Company believes may be, or alleged to be, in violation of the terms of this Agreement or any applicable laws or regulations.
Each party (“Receiving Party”) understands that the other party (“Disclosing Party”) has disclosed or may disclose business, technical, or financial information relating to the Disclosing Party’s business (“Proprietary Information” of the Disclosing Party). Proprietary Information of Company includes non-public information regarding features, functionality, and performance of the Services. Proprietary Information of Customer includes nonpublic data provided by Customer to Company to enable the Services (“Customer Data”). The Receiving Party agrees: (i) to take reasonable precautions to protect such Proprietary Information, and (ii) not to use (except in performance of the Services or as otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement) or divulge to any third person any such Proprietary Information. The Disclosing Party agrees that the foregoing shall not apply with respect to any information after five (5) years following the disclosure or any information that the Receiving Party can document (a) is or becomes generally available to the public, (b) was in its possession or known by it prior to receipt from the Disclosing Party, (c) was rightfully disclosed to it without restriction by a third party, (d) was independently developed without use of any Proprietary Information of the Disclosing Party or (e) is required to be disclosed by law.
Company shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in and to (a) the Services and Software, including all improvements, enhancements, or modifications, (b) any software, applications, inventions, or other technology developed in connection with the Services or support, and (c) all intellectual property rights related to any of the foregoing. No rights or licenses are granted except as expressly set forth in the terms of this Agreement.
Under no circumstances shall Company sell Customer Data. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, Company shall have the right to collect and analyze data and other information relating to the provision, use, and performance of various aspects of the Services and related systems and technologies (including, without limitation, information concerning Customer Data and data derived from Customer Data), and Company will be free to (i) use such information and data to improve and enhance the Services and for other development, diagnostic and corrective purposes in connection with the Services and other Company offerings, and (ii) disclose such data solely in aggregate or other de-identified form in connection with its business. Further, Company may share Customer Data with affiliates and third-party partners as necessary to perform the Services.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, Company shall provide Services to Customer with the purpose of: (a) calculating payroll and its associated liabilities, (b) processing payroll and making related payroll payments, and (c) making certain payroll tax payments and payroll tax filings. Company’s third-party provider will be responsible for certain activities relating to the Services, including (1) withholding, filing, and remitting payroll tax payments and filings and (2) remitting certain wage garnishments on behalf of Customer to local, state, or federal agencies.
Prior to Customer’s first payroll processing date, Customer must submit the completed and executed documents Company requires to provide the Services, including Customer’s payroll and
bank account information, any required powers of attorney, and any additional information as requested by Company. Customer shall review all related information (“Payroll Information”) for completeness and accuracy prior to each payroll. Customer must immediately correct or provide any missing Payroll Information upon Customer realizing the mistake. Further, Customer is fully responsible for the accuracy of all information Customer provides, submits, or approves, and Customer is solely responsible for any Claims, including but not limited to, IRS penalties or interest, and other penalties or interest, arising from the failure to timely provide and maintain accurate and complete Payroll Information at all times.
In performing the Services, Customer acknowledges that (a) Company is not acting in a fiduciary capacity for Customer, (b) using the Services does not relieve Customer of Customer’s obligations under local, state, or federal laws or regulations to retain records relating to Customer’s data, and (c) any information that Company provides in connection with the Services is for informational purposes only and shall not be construed as legal, tax, or accounting advice.
In order to use the Services, Customer must submit accurate wage and Payroll Information to Company during and after Onboarding. Company will not be liable for any penalty, interest, or other Claim that results from inaccurate or incomplete information that Customer supplies. Customer shall timely and accurately update all wage and Payroll Information as necessary to reflect changes and respond with additional information, as may be requested from time to time by Company.
Customer understands and acknowledges that once Payroll is submitted by Customer, payments are timely made by a third-party service provider to the corresponding Tax Agencies. Neither the Company, nor the third-party service provider is obligated to correct any mistakes related to the transaction. In the case of a mistake in payment due to information provided by Customer, the Tax Agency(ies) will not return payment(s) to Customer. The only method of correction is a filed return, which will typically result in a tax refund. Once a corrected tax return has been filed, it is solely Customer’s responsibility to claim the actual refund from the Agency(ies). Please note, if Customer owes other monies to government agencies, refunds may be forfeited by other government agencies.
Prior to Quarter End: To remove any doubt – Company has no obligation to correct any mistake with the Tax Agency(ies) as a result of incorrect or incomplete information submitted by Customer. Company may, in its sole and absolute discretion, assist Customer in correcting a mistake as long as Customer has communicated the mistake to Company prior to the end of the Quarter in which the mistake occurred and, in any event, no later than the 5th of the month immediately following the end of the Quarter.
After Quarter End: If the mistake occurred in a Quarter that has ended, and the additional grace period has likewise ended, Company may still, in its sole and absolute discretion, choose to assist Customer with this process. The assistance from Company will incur an extra minimum fee of $250 for each corrected federal tax return and $350 for each corrected state tax return that requires refiling. The applicable fee will be added to Customer’s regular monthly billing.
Customer acknowledges that Customer has had an opportunity to review, and agrees to comply with, and be bound by, the NACHA Rules. Customer acknowledges that Customer is the Originator (as defined in the NACHA Rules) of each Entry and assumes the responsibilities of an Originator under the NACHA Rules. Customer explicitly acknowledges that all ACH Entries originated by Customer comply with U.S. Laws. Customer understands and acknowledges that Customer may only originate CCD and PPD Entries. Employees of Customer (“Employee(s)”) have the option to enter their Direct Deposit information directly into Company’s Platform. Customer understands that it is Customer’s responsibility to retain records of all Direct Deposit Authorization Forms signed by Employees.
Customer provides authorization for payroll fees to be debited from Customer’s account. Further, Customer hereby authorizes Company to initiate debit entries to its bank account and, if necessary, initiate adjustments for any transactions credited or debited in error. This authority will remain in effect until the Customer provides written notice to Company cancelling authority, affording the Company and the financial institution a reasonable opportunity to act upon the notice.
Customer further acknowledges that under the NACHA Rules, Company, as a Third-Party Sender (as defined in the NACHA Rules), is required to make certain warranties on behalf of the Originator with respect to each Entry. Customer agrees to indemnify Company for any Claim which results, directly or indirectly, from a breach of such a warranty made by Company on behalf of Customer, unless such breach results solely from Company’s own gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Customer acknowledges that Company, as the Third-Party Sender, has the right to terminate or suspend this Agreement, within 10 banking days, for Customer’s breach of the NACHA Rules. Customer acknowledges that Company and Originating Depository Financial Institution (“ODFI”) have the right to audit Customer’s, as the Originator’s, compliance with this Agreement and the NACHA Rules.
Notice to Originator for Non-Consumer Credit Entries – a) The Entry may be transmitted through the ACH; b) the rights and obligations of the Originator concerning the Entry are governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California; c) credit given by the Receiving Depository Financial Institution (“RDFI”) to the Receiver for the Entry is provisional until the RDFI has received final settlement through a Federal Reserve Bank or otherwise has received payment as provided for in Section 4A-403(a) of Article 4A; and d) if the RDFI does not receive such payment for the Entry, the RDFI is entitled to a refund from the Receiver in the amount of the credit to the Receiver’s account, and the Originator will not be considered to have paid the amount of the credit Entry to the Receiver.
Customer is primarily responsible for ensuring that any ACH debit transactions initiated by Hourly are authorized and accurate. In the event of an erroneous payment, the Customer is responsible for initiating an ACH debit return to rectify the error. Regarding ACH credit transactions, should the Customer provide incorrect account information resulting in a payment being sent to the wrong account, Hourly will not be held liable for the lost funds. It is imperative that Customer verifies all account information and transaction details before authorizing any ACH transactions.
Customer agrees to make payment to the Originating Depository Financial Institution for any Credit Entries originated, and for any Debit Entries returned by a Receiving Depository Financial Institution, if the Originating Depository Financial Institution does not receive payment from Company. Essentially, if any problems arise with a transaction, it will be the Customer’s responsibility, and not Hourly’s or the bank’s.
FBO payments are made on behalf of the customer to a third-party recipient, with the understanding that the funds belong to the customer and not the recipient. The customer is responsible for providing accurate and complete instructions for FBO payments, including the recipient's name and account information. Hourly is not responsible for any errors resulting from incorrect or incomplete information provided by the customer.
FHF payments are made on behalf of the customer and held by Hourly until certain conditions are met, such as the completion of a project or the delivery of goods or services. The customer acknowledges that FHF payments may be subject to hold periods and agrees to comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the holding of such funds. Hourly will not be responsible for any losses or damages resulting from the holding of FHF payments in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
By using FBO and FHF payment services provided by Hourly, the customer agrees to abide by all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).
When Customer pays an Employee by paper check, the check may be printed against and drawn from Company’s pre-funded Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Funds Held For Account (referenced in Section 2, Third-Party Service Providers). Company replenishes the previously described account from Company’s SouthState Bank, N.A. or Heritage Bank of KY For Benefit Of Accounts (referenced in Section 2, Third-Party Service Providers) after a check clears. Customer understands and acknowledges that checks drawn from Company’s Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. account are valid for thirty (30) calendar days after the date of issuance, unless particualr state or federal law requires checks to be valid for a longer period of time.
If a check does not clear within the maximum amount of time permitted by law, or within thirty (30) calendar days: The company will refund the Customer the full amount of the check. The customer shall then be solely responsible for distributing the funds to the applicable Employee directly. The Company reserves the right to put a stop payment on any check at any time and either refund the amount to the Customer or remit the amount of the uncashed checks to the State Unclaimed Property Division.
Customer understands and acknowledges that in choosing to pay an Employee by paper check, Customer unequivocally agrees to and accepts the terms above.
Customer must choose a Plan, either Platinum or Gold, prior to starting payroll with Company. Customer shall pay Company the applicable payroll fees due to Company (“Fees”) for the Services in accordance with the chosen Plan. Customer expressly authorizes Company to debit Customer’s account for the Fees. Company reserves the right to change the Fees in Company’s sole discretion. In the event of a change in Fees, notice will be provided to Customer. If Customer is not agreeable to the change in Fees, written notice must immediately be provided to Company. Continued use of the Services by Customer implies acceptance of the change in Fees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Customer’s Plan has an approved discount (“Discount”), the Discount will remain in full force and effect. If Customer believes that Company has billed Customer incorrectly, to receive an adjustment or credit: Customer must contact Company no later than sixty (60) days after the closing date on the first billing statement in which the error or problem appeared.
Unpaid amounts are subject to a finance charge of 1.5% per month on any outstanding balance, or the maximum permitted by law, whichever is lower, plus all expenses of collection and may result in immediate termination of the Services. Further, if the Fees are returned and remain unpaid, the Services may be suspended or placed on hold, at Company’s sole discretion.
Company may provide Customer access to Human Resource Templates (HR Templates) on Company’s platform. The HR Templates are for Customer to use, at Customer’s own discretion. The provision of the HR Templates is not intended to, nor does it, constitute legal or tax advice and Customer is encouraged to have the HR Templates reviewed by legal counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and that the HR Templates are appropriate for Customer’s particular situation. Customer acknowledges the HR Templates are provided on an as-is basis.
Handbook: The HR Template “Handbook” is for Customers with under 50 employees only, and is solely for use by Customer with its employees. Customer is not permitted to sell or use the Handbook, or any of the HR Templates, for any other purpose.
Paid Sick Time Policy: For State of California Customers, the Paid Sick Time Policy included in the Handbook details the minimum state requirement. Customer understands and acknowledges that different jurisdictions and counties may have different requirements, and that Customer is solely responsible for ensuring Customer’s policy and practices comply with the local requirements applicable to Customer.
Company offers a GPS Tracking feature for the legitimate business purposes of Customer. By using the GPS Tracking feature, Customer accepts and acknowledges that data collected through the GPS Tracking feature shall be used solely for legitimate business purposes and shall not be used for personal or non-business-related activities. Customer further acknowledges that Customer has safeguards to protect the privacy and security of GPS tracking data, ensuring that it is only accessible to authorized personnel.
Customer understands that Employees must authorize the tracking of their location and that the GPS Tracking feature only tracks locations while Employees are on the clock. Customer accepts and acknowledges that Customer is solely responsible for obtaining written consent from the applicable Employees and acknowledges that Customer has received written consent from the applicable Employees prior to the use of the GPS Tracking feature. Consent from Employees shall be voluntary and revocable at any time.
Company may modify the terms of the Agreement at any time, in Company’s sole discretion. If Company does so, Company will notify Customer either by posting the modified Agreement on the Company’s Website or through other communications. If Customer continues to use the Services after Company has notified Customer of the modifications, Customer is indicating to Company that Customer agrees to be bound by the terms of the modified Agreement. If Customer does not agree to be bound by the terms of the modified Agreement, Customer shall notify Company in writing immediately and shall not continue to use the Services. Because the Services are evolving over time, Company may change or discontinue all or any part of the Services at any time, at Company’s sole discretion.
The Agreement between Company and Customer begins on the date the Agreement is signed ("Effective Date") and will continue for a period of three (3) years ("Initial Term"). Customer may cancel services provided by Company at any time during the Initial Term, subject to the terms of this Agreement. Customer agrees to provide written notice to Company thirty (30) days before the intended cancellation date. At the conclusion of the Initial Term, the Agreement will automatically renew for consecutive one (1) year terms. Customer may cancel services provided by Company at any time during the consecutive one (1) year terms, subject to the terms of this Agreement.
Either party may terminate the Agreement at any time upon providing thirty (30) days notice in writing to the other party. Company shall have the right to terminate the Agreement immediately in the event that: (i) Company has any reason to suspect or believe that Customer may be in violation of this Agreement; (ii) Company determines that Customer’s actions are likely to cause legal liability for or material negative impact to Company; (iii) Company believes that Customer has misrepresented any data or information or that Customer has engaged in fraudulent or deceptive practices or illegal activities; (iv) Company has determined that Customer is behind in payment of fees for the Services and Customer has not cured such non-payment within five (5) days of Company providing Customer with notice of the non-payment; or (v) Customer files a petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or a similar state or federal law, or a petition under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or a similar state or federal law is filed against Customer. Upon termination of the Agreement, Customer shall pay in full for the Services up to and including the last day on which the Services are provided.
All sections of this Agreement which by their nature should survive termination of the Agreement shall survive termination, including but not limited to, rights to payment, confidentiality obligations, warranty disclaimers, and limitations of liability.
Company shall use reasonable efforts consistent with prevailing industry standards to maintain the Services in a manner which minimizes errors in the Services and shall perform the Services in a professional and workmanlike manner. Company makes no representations or warranties about the availability of the Services. From time to time, scheduled system maintenance or emergency maintenance may occur, and during such maintenance periods, the Services may be inaccessible and unavailable, with or without notice to Customer. Company will use reasonable efforts to provide advance notice in writing of any scheduled service disruption. Company does not make any warranty as to the results that may be obtained from use of the Services. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION, THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND COMPANY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, except for bodily injury of a person, Company and its officers, affiliates, representatives, contractors, and employees shall not be responsible or liable with respect to any subject matter of this Agreement under any contract, negligence, strict liability, or other theory: (a) for error or interruption of use, loss or inaccuracy or corruption of data, cost of procurement of substitute goods, services or technology, or loss of business; (b) for any indirect, exemplary, incidental, special, or consequential damages; (c) for any matter beyond Company’s reasonable control; or (d) for any amounts that, together with amounts associated with all other claims, exceed the Fees paid by Customer to Company for the Services under this Agreement in the three (3) months prior to the act that gave rise to the liability, in each case, whether or not Company has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Customer shall indemnify and hold harmless Company and its officers, directors, employees, and agents (“Indemnified Parties”), from and against any claims, disputes, demands, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, judgements, penalties, fines, and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable legal and accounting fees) (collectively, the “Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with (i) Customer’s access to or use of the Services; (ii) Customer content; (iii) Customer’s violation or alleged violation of this Agreement; (iv) Customer’s violation or alleged violation of any third party right, including without limitation any right of privacy or publicity, or any right provided by any labor or employment law, rule or regulation, or any intellectual property right; (v) Customer’s violation or alleged violation of any applicable law, rule, or regulation, including but not limited to wage and hour laws; (vi) Customer’s violation of the NACHA Rules; (vii) Customer’s gross negligence, fraudulent activity, or willful misconduct; (viii) Company’s or any other Indemnified Party’s use of or reliance on information or data furnished by Customer in (vii) Customer’s gross negligence, fraudulent activity, or willful misconduct; (viii) Company’s or any other Indemnified Party’s use of or reliance on information or data furnished by Customer in providing the Services, or otherwise in connection with this Agreement; (ix) actions or activities that Company or any other Indemnified Party undertakes in connection with the Services or this Agreement at the direct request or instruction of anyone that Company or any other Indemnified Party reasonably believes to be Customer (“Requested Action”); (x) Company’s or any other Indemnified Party’s use of or reliance on information or data resulting from such Requested Actions; or (xi) Customer’s failure to properly follow Company’s instructions with respect to the Services.
Company is not responsible or liable for any delays or failures in performance from any cause beyond Company’s control, including but not limited to: acts of God, changes to laws or regulations, embargoes, wars, terrorist acts, acts or omissions of third-party technology providers, riots, fires, earthquakes, floods, power outages, strikes, weather conditions, acts of hackers, acts of internet service providers, acts of any other third party, or acts or omissions of Customer.
If any provision of the Agreement is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the Agreement will otherwise remain in full force and effect and enforceable. This Agreement is not assignable, transferable, or sub- licensable by Customer, except with Company’s prior written consent. Company may transfer and assign any of its rights and obligations under the Agreement without Customer’s consent. The Agreement is the complete and exclusive statement of the mutual understanding of the parties and supersedes and cancels all previous written and oral agreements, communications, and other understandings relating to the subject matter of the Agreement. Further, no agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment is created by the terms of the Agreement and Customer does not have authority of any kind to bind Company in any respect.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws provisions. In any action or proceeding to enforce rights under this Agreement, the prevailing party will be entitled to recover costs and attorneys’ fees. Customer waives the right to enforce rights under this Agreement in the form of a class action and shall solely pursue any action in an individual capacity. Further, both parties hereby and unequivocally waive the right to a jury trial.
Company will provide Technical Support to Customer via telephone and electronic mail on weekdays during the hours of 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM Pacific Time, with the exclusion of Federal Holidays (“Support Hours”). Customer may initiate a helpdesk ticket during Support Hours by calling (844) 800-2211 or any time by emailing support@hourly.io. Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to respond to all Helpdesk tickets within one (1) business day.
Our pledge is simple: if our platform doesn’t meet your needs, we will refund 100% of your subscription cost for the first 90 days of service.
