1. Payment Structure and Fees

1.1 Platform Fee Structure

Client fees: NeironHub does not charge Clients any platform fees, subscription fees, or transaction fees. Clients pay only the agreed Project price to the AI Expert.

AI Expert fees: NeironHub charges AI Experts a 20% platform commission on the total Project value (excluding applicable taxes). This commission includes:

• Secure escrow services and payment processing
• Platform infrastructure and technical support
• Dispute resolution services
• Profile visibility in the verified AI Expert network
• Client matching and Project discovery tools
• Payment protection and fraud prevention

Platform fees are non-refundable once earned, except as specifically provided in Section 5 (Refunds and Cancellations).

1.2 Payment Methods

Accepted payment methods for Clients:

• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
• Debit cards
• ACH bank transfers (U.S. accounts)
• Wire transfers for Enterprise Clients (minimum $25,000)
• Net 30 terms for qualified Commercial Users and Enterprise Clients (subject to credit approval)

All payments are processed in U.S. Dollars (USD). Currency conversion fees may apply for international transactions and are the responsibility of the payer.

1.3 Payment Processor

NeironHub uses Stripe Connect as our primary payment processor. By using the Platform, you agree to be bound by Stripe's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Payment card information is transmitted directly to Stripe and is not stored on NeironHub servers.

Payment processing fees: Standard Stripe processing fees (typically 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction) are included in the 20% platform commission paid by AI Experts. Clients are not charged additional payment processing fees.

Required for payouts: All AI Experts must create and connect a Stripe Connect account to receive payouts. This is a one-time setup process required before accepting any Projects or receiving any payments.

1.4 Stripe Connect Account Setup for AI Experts

Setup process:

• Navigate to Account Settings → Payment Settings → Connect Stripe Account
• Click "Connect with Stripe" to initiate the Stripe Connect onboarding flow
• Provide required information: Business/individual details, tax ID (SSN/EIN for U.S., equivalent for international), bank account information, identity verification documents
• Complete Stripe's identity verification (government-issued ID, proof of address)
• Accept Stripe Connect Terms of Service
• Verify bank account (micro-deposit verification or instant verification)

Verification timeline: Stripe Connect account verification typically takes 1-3 business days. During this time, AI Experts can browse Projects and submit proposals but cannot receive payouts until verification is complete.

Updating payout information: AI Experts can update their bank account, change payout methods, or modify tax information through Account Settings → Payment Settings → Manage Stripe Account. Changes may require re-verification and typically take 1-2 business days to process.

Account issues: If your Stripe Connect account is restricted, suspended, or closed by Stripe for Terms violations, fraudulent activity, or compliance issues, you will be unable to receive payouts. NeironHub cannot override Stripe's account decisions. AI Experts must resolve any Stripe account issues directly with Stripe support.

Supported countries: Stripe Connect is available in 45+ countries. AI Experts must be located in a Stripe-supported country to receive payouts. A complete list of supported countries is available at: https://stripe.com/global

IMPORTANT: NeironHub does not store banking information or payment credentials. All sensitive financial information is securely transmitted to and stored by Stripe in compliance with PCI DSS Level 1 certification and banking regulations. NeironHub cannot access AI Expert bank account numbers or financial credentials.

2. Escrow Services and Payment Security

2.1 How Escrow Works

NeironHub provides secure escrow services to protect both Clients and AI Experts. When a Client accepts an AI Expert's proposal and initiates a Project:

1. Payment authorization: The Client authorizes payment for the full Project value (or first milestone if milestone-based).
2. Escrow hold: Funds are immediately transferred to a secure Stripe escrow account held in USD, separate from NeironHub's operating accounts.
3. Work commencement: The AI Expert is notified that funds are secured and begins work on the agreed Deliverables.
4. Milestone delivery: The AI Expert uploads Deliverables to the NeironLab workspace and marks the milestone as "Delivered."
5. Client review: The Client has seven (7) calendar days to review, accept, or request changes.
6. Fund release: Upon Client acceptance (or auto-acceptance), NeironHub releases funds from escrow to the AI Expert within two (2) business days, less the 20% platform commission.

2.2 Escrow Account Security

Client funds held in escrow are:

• Segregated from NeironHub operating funds in dedicated Stripe escrow accounts
• Held in FDIC-insured financial institutions (up to applicable insurance limits)
• Subject to Stripe's bank-level security controls and PCI DSS compliance
• Protected by multi-signature authorization requirements for fund releases
• Monitored for suspicious activity and fraud prevention
• Never commingled with other Users' funds or NeironHub revenues

IMPORTANT: Escrowed funds are not investments and do not earn interest. NeironHub does not invest, lend, or otherwise use escrowed funds for any purpose other than facilitating the underlying Project transaction.

2.3 Milestone-Based Payments

Projects may be structured with multiple milestones to enable phased delivery and payment. Each milestone operates independently with its own escrow cycle:

• Initial payment: Client funds the first milestone upon Project acceptance.
• Subsequent milestones: Each milestone is funded before the AI Expert begins work on that phase.
• Independent review: Each milestone has its own 7-day review period and approval process.
• Partial releases: Funds are released milestone-by-milestone as Deliverables are accepted.
• Project continuity: If a milestone is disputed, subsequent milestones may proceed or be paused based on the dispute resolution outcome.

Best practice: NeironHub recommends structuring Projects with 3-5 milestones for Projects over $10,000 to balance cash flow management with payment security.

3. Milestone Review, Approval, and Auto-Acceptance

3.1 Delivery and Review Process

When an AI Expert completes a milestone:

1. The AI Expert uploads all agreed Deliverables to the NeironLab secure workspace.
2. The AI Expert marks the milestone as "Delivered" in the Platform.
3. The Client receives an immediate email notification with a direct link to review the Deliverables.
4. The Client has seven (7) calendar days from the delivery timestamp to review the Deliverables.
5. The Client must either: (a) Accept the milestone; (b) Request specific changes with detailed feedback; or (c) Initiate a dispute through the resolution center.

3.2 Auto-Acceptance Rules

Seven-day review window: If the Client takes no action within seven (7) calendar days after delivery, the milestone will automatically be marked as "Accepted" and escrowed funds will be released to the AI Expert.

Email notifications: NeironHub will send the Client:

• Immediate notification at the time of Deliverable upload
• Reminder notification 48 hours before the auto-acceptance deadline
• Final notification 24 hours before the auto-acceptance deadline (for Projects over $5,000)
• Confirmation notification when auto-acceptance occurs

Email delivery: Notifications are sent to the email address associated with the Client's Account. It is the Client's responsibility to maintain accurate contact information and monitor email communications. Failure to receive notifications due to spam filters, incorrect email addresses, or other technical issues does not extend the review period.

Consumer protection: Auto-acceptance provisions are subject to applicable consumer protection laws. In jurisdictions where auto-acceptance is prohibited or restricted for Consumer transactions, manual acceptance is required.

3.3 Acceptance Criteria and Quality Standards

All Projects must include clearly documented acceptance criteria for each milestone. Acceptance criteria should specify:

• Specific Deliverables to be provided (code, models, documentation, reports, etc.)
• Technical specifications and performance requirements
• Format and delivery method (e.g., GitHub repository, NeironLab upload, documentation)
• Testing requirements or validation procedures
• Quality standards and success metrics

Reasonable acceptance: Clients must review Deliverables in good faith and accept milestones that substantially meet the documented acceptance criteria. Acceptance may not be unreasonably withheld for minor defects that do not materially affect functionality or performance.

4. Payouts to AI Experts

4.1 Payout Timing and Process

Standard payout timeline: After a Client accepts a milestone (or auto-acceptance occurs), NeironHub will instruct Stripe to disburse the AI Expert's earnings within two (2) business days, excluding U.S. federal holidays.

Payout amount calculation:

• Gross Project value: Total milestone amount paid by Client
• Less platform commission: 20% of gross Project value
• Less payment processing fees: Included in platform commission
• Equals net payout: Amount disbursed to AI Expert

Example: If a Client pays $10,000 for a milestone, the AI Expert receives $8,000 ($10,000 - 20% = $8,000). The $2,000 platform commission includes Stripe's payment processing fees.

4.2 Payout Methods

Payout method configuration: All payout methods are configured and managed through your Stripe Connect account (see Section 1.4). Available payout options depend on your country and the information provided during Stripe Connect setup.

Available payout methods for AI Experts:

• Direct bank transfer (ACH): U.S. bank accounts (1-2 business days, no fee)
• Wire transfer: International bank accounts (2-5 business days, fees may apply)
• Stripe-supported payment methods: As enabled by Stripe Connect in your jurisdiction
• Debit card (Instant Payout): Available for U.S.-based AI Experts (instant transfer, 1.5% fee paid by AI Expert)

Minimum payout threshold: $10.00. Earnings below this threshold will accumulate until the minimum is reached. Accumulated earnings are visible in your NeironHub Account dashboard and your Stripe Connect dashboard.

4.3 Payout Holds and Verification

Payouts may be temporarily held or delayed for the following reasons:

• Stripe Connect account setup incomplete: AI Experts must complete Stripe Connect account setup (see Section 1.4) before receiving any payouts. First payout requires completion of KYC (Know Your Customer) verification including government-issued ID, proof of address, and tax information.
• Fraud screening: Suspicious activity, high-risk transaction patterns, or fraud alerts may trigger additional security reviews (typically resolved within 3-5 business days).
• Compliance checks: Anti-money laundering (AML) and sanctions screening as required by law.
• Tax documentation incomplete: U.S.-based AI Experts must provide a completed Form W-9 with valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). International AI Experts must provide W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E as applicable. Tax forms are submitted directly to Stripe during the Connect account setup process.
• Payment disputes: If a Client initiates a dispute, the disputed amount is frozen until resolution (see Section 6).
• Chargebacks: If a Client disputes a credit card charge with their bank, the AI Expert's payout may be reversed pending chargeback resolution.
• Account suspension: If an AI Expert Account is suspended for Terms violations, payouts are held pending investigation.

IMPORTANT: NeironHub and Stripe are required by law to verify the identity of all AI Experts receiving payments and to report earnings to tax authorities. Failure to provide required verification or tax documentation will prevent payouts.

4.4 Payout Failures and Corrections

If a payout fails due to incorrect bank information, closed accounts, or other technical issues:

1. NeironHub will notify the AI Expert via email within 24 hours.
2. The AI Expert must update payout information in Account settings.
3. NeironHub will retry the payout within 2 business days after corrected information is received.
4. If payout information is not corrected within 30 days, the funds will be held in the AI Expert's Platform balance until resolved.
5. Funds in Platform balance can be withdrawn at any time once valid payout information is provided.

5. Refunds and Cancellations

5.1 Refund Eligibility and Conditions

Clients may request a refund through the Platform's resolution center for the following reasons:

A. Non-Delivery

The AI Expert fails to upload Deliverables or AI Outputs by the milestone deadline AND does not cure the non-delivery within five (5) business days after receiving written notice from the Client.

Requirements for non-delivery refund:

• The milestone deadline has passed without any Deliverable upload.
• The Client has sent written notice to the AI Expert via the Platform messaging system specifying the non-delivery.
• Five (5) business days have elapsed since the notice without the AI Expert uploading Deliverables or providing a reasonable explanation for the delay.
• The Client submits a refund request through the resolution center within seven (7) calendar days of the failed cure period.

B. Material Non-Conformity

The delivered AI Outputs or Deliverables materially fail to meet the documented acceptance criteria AND the AI Expert does not rectify the issues within the agreed correction window (or 10 business days if no window was specified).

Requirements for non-conformity refund:

• The Deliverables fail to substantially meet the documented acceptance criteria agreed upon at Project initiation.
• The non-conformity is material, not merely cosmetic or preference-based.
• The Client has provided specific, detailed feedback describing the deficiencies.
• The AI Expert has been given reasonable opportunity to correct the issues (10 business days minimum).
• The Client submits a refund request within seven (7) calendar days of the failed correction period.
• The Client provides evidence demonstrating the material non-conformity (screenshots, test results, documentation comparisons).

C. Duplicate or Erroneous Charges

The Client was charged in error, charged multiple times for the same transaction, or charged an incorrect amount due to Platform error or payment processor malfunction.

Requirements: The Client must report the duplicate or erroneous charge within seven (7) calendar days of discovering the charge and provide payment receipts or bank statements as evidence.

5.2 Refund Request Timeline

Standard timeline: Refund requests must be filed within seven (7) calendar days of the triggering event:

• Non-delivery: Within 7 days of the failed 5-day cure period
• Material non-conformity: Within 7 days of the failed correction period
• Duplicate/erroneous charge: Within 7 days of discovering the charge

Extended timeline for Consumers: In jurisdictions with mandatory longer refund periods for Consumer transactions, the longer statutory period applies. For example:

• EU Consumer Rights Directive: 14 days for distance contracts (where applicable)
• UK Consumer Rights Act: 30 days for digital content (where applicable)

5.3 Refund Processing and Timing

Review process: When a Client submits a refund request:

1. The refund request is submitted through the Platform resolution center with supporting documentation.
2. NeironHub support team reviews the request and supporting evidence within two (2) business days.
3. Both parties (Client and AI Expert) are notified and given the opportunity to provide additional information or evidence.
4. NeironHub may request clarifications, additional documentation, or schedule a mediation call.
5. A determination is made within ten (10) business days of receiving complete documentation from both parties.
6. If approved, the refund is processed to the Client's original payment method within five (5) business days.

Refund amounts:

• Full refund: Entire milestone amount returned to Client, no platform fee retained by NeironHub, no payment to AI Expert.
• Partial refund: Proportional refund based on the percentage of work completed or conforming Deliverables provided. The AI Expert receives payment for completed portions, less the 20% platform commission.
• No refund: If the AI Expert has substantially met acceptance criteria or the Client's refund request does not meet the eligibility requirements.

Platform fee treatment: In cases of full refund due to AI Expert non-delivery or material non-conformity, NeironHub waives the platform commission and does not retain any fees. In cases of partial refund, NeironHub retains the platform commission only on the portion of work accepted or paid to the AI Expert.

5.4 Project Cancellations

Cancellation before work begins:

• If a Client cancels a Project before the AI Expert has begun work (defined as before the AI Expert has uploaded any preliminary work, commits, or deliverables), a full refund is provided.
• Platform fees are waived for pre-work cancellations.
• Cancellation must occur within 24 hours of Project funding for zero-fee cancellation.

Cancellation after work begins:

• If a Client cancels a Project after work has commenced, the AI Expert is entitled to payment for work completed up to the cancellation date.
• The parties should attempt to agree on a fair compensation amount based on time invested and partial Deliverables.
• If the parties cannot agree, NeironHub will make a binding determination based on evidence of work completed, time logs, commit history, and partial Deliverables.
• Platform fees apply to any payment released to the AI Expert.

Cancellation by AI Expert:

• If an AI Expert cancels a Project after accepting it, a full refund is provided to the Client.
• The AI Expert may be subject to Account suspension or removal from the Platform for repeated cancellations or unprofessional conduct.
• Emergency cancellations (illness, force majeure) will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

5.5 Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

Credit card chargebacks: If a Client disputes a charge directly with their credit card issuer (a "chargeback"):

1. NeironHub is notified by Stripe of the chargeback dispute.
2. Any payouts to the AI Expert for the disputed amount are immediately frozen or reversed.
3. NeironHub will request evidence from the AI Expert (Deliverables, communications, acceptance confirmations) to contest the chargeback.
4. NeironHub will submit the evidence to the credit card network on behalf of the AI Expert.
5. The credit card issuer makes the final determination (typically 60-90 days).
6. If the chargeback is upheld, the Client receives the refund and the AI Expert does not receive payment.
7. If the chargeback is reversed, the funds are released to the AI Expert.
8. Chargeback fees ($15-25) assessed by the card network may be passed through to the AI Expert if the chargeback is upheld.

IMPORTANT: Clients should use NeironHub's resolution center for disputes rather than initiating chargebacks. Chargebacks filed without first attempting to resolve the issue through the Platform may result in Account suspension, as chargebacks are costly to process and harm AI Experts who have delivered work in good faith.

6. Dispute Resolution for Payment Issues

6.1 Payment Dispute Process

Payment disputes are handled according to the Project-Level Dispute Resolution process outlined in Section 19 of the ToS. The general workflow is:

• Direct negotiation: The parties attempt to resolve the dispute through good-faith negotiation via the Platform messaging system (7 days).
• Escalation to NeironHub: If direct negotiation fails, either party may escalate the dispute to NeironHub support by submitting a detailed dispute report through the resolution center.
• Evidence submission: Both parties submit evidence including: (a) Project agreement and acceptance criteria; (b) All communications; (c) Deliverables and work product; (d) Timeline and milestone tracking; (e) Any other relevant documentation.
• NeironHub review: NeironHub support reviews all evidence and may request additional information, clarifications, or schedule a mediation call with both parties.
• Binding determination: NeironHub issues a binding determination within ten (10) business days of receiving complete documentation, specifying: (a) Refund amount (if any); (b) Payment to AI Expert (if any); (c) Platform fee treatment; (d) Reasoning for the determination.

6.2 Freeze Shield - Escrow Protection During Disputes

Automatic fund freeze: When a payment dispute is formally escalated to NeironHub, the disputed funds are automatically frozen in escrow and cannot be released until the dispute is resolved. This "Freeze Shield" protection ensures:

• Funds remain secure and available for resolution
• Neither party can unilaterally withdraw disputed amounts
• The AI Expert cannot circumvent the dispute by marking milestones as complete
• The Client cannot withdraw funds while the AI Expert's work is under review

Partial freezes: If only a portion of a milestone is disputed, only the disputed amount is frozen. Undisputed portions may be released to the AI Expert during the dispute resolution process.

6.3 Limitations on NeironHub Determination Authority

NeironHub acts as a neutral facilitator in payment disputes and makes determinations based on the evidence provided. However:

• NeironHub determinations are binding for Platform transactions but do not constitute legal judgments.
• NeironHub is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or legal validity of evidence submitted by parties.
• NeironHub determinations are based on Platform records, user-submitted evidence, and reasonable commercial standards.
• NeironHub does not provide legal, technical, or professional advice.
• Users retain the right to pursue legal remedies through arbitration or court as specified in Sections 17 and 20 of the ToS.
• NeironHub may decline to make a determination in complex cases and refer parties to arbitration.

Consumer protection: Nothing in these Payment Terms limits any rights Consumers may have under applicable consumer protection laws. In cases where NeironHub's determination conflicts with statutory consumer rights, the more favorable consumer protection standard applies.

7. Taxes and Tax Reporting

7.1 Sales Tax on Platform Fees

NeironHub platform fees: NeironHub collects and remits applicable sales tax, GST, VAT, or other indirect taxes on the 20% platform commission charged to AI Experts where required by law.

Tax calculation: Sales taxes are calculated based on:

• The AI Expert's business location (nexus)
• The location where services are performed or delivered
• Applicable state, provincial, or national tax rates
• Current tax laws and regulations in effect at the time of the transaction

Tax documentation: NeironHub will provide tax invoices, receipts, or other documentation as required by applicable law. AI Experts can download tax documents from their Account dashboard.

7.2 Sales Tax on Client-AI Expert Transactions

AI Expert tax obligations: For transactions subject to state sales tax, use tax, GST, VAT, or other indirect taxes, NeironHub will:

• Calculate applicable sales tax based on Client location, AI Expert location, and nature of services
• Collect sales tax from Clients on behalf of AI Experts where NeironHub has tax collection obligations
• Remit collected taxes to the appropriate tax authorities
• Provide tax reporting to AI Experts showing collected and remitted taxes
• Issue appropriate tax forms (e.g., sales tax exemption certificates, GST/HST documentation)

IMPORTANT: AI Experts remain responsible for understanding their own tax obligations and for any taxes not collected by NeironHub. This includes:

• Determining whether services are subject to sales tax in the Client's jurisdiction
• Registering for sales tax permits in jurisdictions where required
• Collecting and remitting sales tax in jurisdictions where NeironHub does not have collection obligations
• Filing sales tax returns and maintaining appropriate tax records
• Consulting with tax professionals regarding specific tax obligations

7.3 Income Tax and Form 1099 Reporting

U.S.-based AI Experts: NeironHub will issue Form 1099-K (or successor forms) to AI Experts who meet IRS reporting thresholds:

• Gross payments of $5,000 or more in a calendar year (subject to change based on IRS rules)
• Form 1099-K is issued by January 31 following the tax year
• AI Experts must provide a completed Form W-9 with valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Failure to provide W-9 may result in backup withholding (24% currently) as required by IRS regulations

International AI Experts: Non-U.S. AI Experts must provide appropriate tax documentation:

• Form W-8BEN: For individual non-U.S. contractors claiming treaty benefits
• Form W-8BEN-E: For non-U.S. business entities claiming treaty benefits
• Tax treaty benefits: May reduce or eliminate U.S. withholding tax on payments
• No Form W-8: 30% backup withholding may apply to payments to non-U.S. persons without proper documentation

AI Expert tax responsibilities: AI Experts are solely responsible for:

• Reporting all income earned through NeironHub on tax returns
• Paying all applicable income taxes, self-employment taxes, and estimated taxes
• Maintaining records of earnings, expenses, and deductible costs
• Consulting with tax professionals regarding tax obligations
• Filing tax returns in all jurisdictions where required

Tax advice disclaimer: NeironHub does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. AI Experts should consult qualified tax professionals regarding their specific tax obligations.

7.4 Tax Exemptions

Clients who are exempt from sales tax (e.g., qualified non-profit organizations, government entities, resellers) must provide valid tax exemption certificates:

• Upload exemption certificate through Account settings before Project initiation
• Exemption certificates must be valid for the jurisdiction where tax would otherwise apply
• NeironHub will verify exemption certificates with appropriate tax authorities
• Tax exemptions apply only to future transactions; past transactions cannot be retroactively exempted
• Clients are responsible for providing updated certificates when exemptions expire

8. NeironConsult Advisory Session Payments

8.1 NeironConsult Payment Structure

NeironConsult advisory sessions are billed at NeironHub's published hourly rates. Payment is collected at the time of booking. NeironConsult is a direct service provided by NeironHub, not a marketplace transaction between Clients and AI Experts.

8.2 Cancellation and No-Shows

Cancellations made more than twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled session receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours, or failure to attend, may result in forfeiture of 50% of the session fee. NeironConsult fees are non-refundable except in cases of technical failure on NeironHub's part.

9. Enterprise Client Payment Terms

9.1 Net Payment Terms

Net 30 payment terms: Qualified Enterprise Clients (as defined in the ToS) may apply for Net 30 payment terms, which allow:

• Payment due 30 calendar days after invoice date
• Project work to commence before payment is received
• Consolidated monthly invoicing for multiple Projects
• Purchase order (PO) matching and three-way invoice reconciliation
• Wire transfer payment options

Credit approval process: Net payment terms require:

• Completed Enterprise Client application and credit check
• Minimum annual revenue of $50M or company valuation of $100M+
• Established credit history and financial stability
• Approved credit limit (typically $50,000 - $500,000)
• Executed Enterprise Agreement with financial terms

Late payment terms: Invoices not paid within Net 30 terms are subject to:

• Late payment fees: 1.5% per month (18% APR) or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower
• Suspension of Net payment terms and reversion to prepayment for future Projects
• Account suspension for invoices overdue by more than 60 days
• Collection agency referral and legal action for invoices overdue by more than 90 days

9.2 Volume Discounts and Custom Pricing

Enterprise Clients may negotiate volume-based discounts, custom platform fee structures, or other financial arrangements through separate Enterprise Agreements. Custom pricing may include:

• Reduced platform commission rates (e.g., 15% instead of 20% for committed volume)
• Annual prepayment discounts (e.g., 10% discount for $500K+ annual commitment)
• Dedicated AI Expert teams with fixed monthly retainers
• Custom SLA terms with financial penalties for non-performance
• Preferred rates for NeironConsult advisory sessions