Effective Date: August 13, 2025

At StarBloom Consulting, we are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, StarBloomConsulting.com (the "Site"), or interact with our services, including consulting on native landscaping and wildlife habitats. By using the Site, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: This includes data you voluntarily provide, such as your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, or other contact details when you fill out forms (e.g., contact us, newsletter signup, or consultation requests).

• Usage Data: Automatically collected information about your interaction with the Site, including IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on pages, and referring/exit pages. We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies for this purpose.

• Payment Information: If you purchase services or products, we collect billing details (e.g., credit card information) through secure third-party processors. We do not store full payment details on our servers.

• Other Data: Any information you submit via emails, feedback forms, or uploaded content (e.g., photos of your landscaping projects).

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 years of age without parental consent, in compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• To provide and improve our services, such as responding to inquiries, scheduling consultations, or delivering educational content on native plants and wildlife habitats.

• To communicate with you, including sending newsletters, updates, or promotional materials (you can opt out at any time).

• To analyze Site usage and enhance user experience.

• To process transactions and fulfill orders.

• To comply with legal obligations, prevent fraud, or enforce our terms.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it in limited circumstances:

• With service providers (e.g., email marketing tools, hosting services, or payment processors) who assist us and are bound by confidentiality.

• With affiliates or partners for joint services (e.g., collaborating land trusts).

• If required by law, such as in response to subpoenas or government requests.

• In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where your information may be transferred.

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption and firewalls, to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and Update: You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us.

• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails via the link in our communications or by emailing us.

• Cookies: Most browsers allow you to control cookies; disabling them may limit Site functionality.

• Do Not Track: We do not currently respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals.

• California Residents: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have rights to know, delete, or opt out of the sale of your data (though we do not sell data). Contact us for requests.

• EU/UK Residents: If applicable under GDPR, you have rights to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. We process data based on consent or legitimate interests.

6. Third-Party Links

Our Site may contain links to external sites (e.g., IRS.gov or NWF.org). We are not responsible for their privacy practices; review their policies separately.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

8. Contact Us

For questions or requests regarding this policy, contact us at:

• Email: info@StarBloomConsulting.com

• Address: [Your Business Address, if applicable]

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the United States and the State of [Your State, e.g., Maryland].

Legal Disclaimers for Tax Incentives Information

The following disclaimers are designed to accompany any materials, PDFs, or website content related to tax incentives for native landscaping and wildlife habitats, such as the informational content you provided. These disclaimers emphasize that the information is for general educational purposes only and is not professional advice. I recommend placing them prominently at the beginning and end of your PDFs, as well as in footnotes where specific incentives are mentioned. Always consult a legal or tax professional to customize these for your specific jurisdiction and business.

General Disclaimer

The information provided in this document/PDF/website regarding tax incentives, rebates, credits, deductions, and other financial benefits for native landscaping, wildlife habitats, conservation easements, or related practices is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on publicly available sources as of August 2025 and is subject to change without notice. StarBloom Consulting is not a tax, legal, or financial advisory firm, and this content does not constitute tax, legal, financial, or professional advice. Eligibility, availability, and amounts of incentives vary by location, property type, individual circumstances, and program updates. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified tax professional, attorney, or relevant government agency (e.g., IRS, state Department of Natural Resources, or local county offices) to verify current details, assess your eligibility, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. StarBloom Consulting makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information for your specific situation. Reliance on this information is at your own risk, and we disclaim any liability for losses, damages, or consequences arising from its use.

Specific Disclaimers for Tax-Related Content

• Federal Incentives: References to federal income tax deductions, estate tax exclusions, or other IRS programs (e.g., conservation easements) are summaries of general guidelines. Actual benefits depend on your adjusted gross income (AGI), property appraisal, and compliance with IRS rules. See IRS Publication 526 or consult a tax advisor for personalized guidance. Small-scale residential projects may not qualify without meeting donation thresholds to qualified organizations.

• State-Specific Incentives:

  • Maryland (MD): Programs like RainScapes Rebates, state income tax credits, property tax credits, or tree rebates are administered by local counties (e.g., Montgomery County) and may have application deadlines, minimum sizes, or inspection requirements. Benefits are not guaranteed and could be affected by budget changes.

  • Virginia (VA): Land Preservation Tax Credits and property tax benefits require minimum acreage and approvals from the Virginia Department of Taxation. Residential applications may be limited; no statewide rebates for small gardens are assured.

  • West Virginia (WV): Property tax reductions and CSP cost-shares are tied to agricultural assessments or federal programs like EQIP. Residential incentives are minimal, and easement values vary by appraisal.

  • Pennsylvania (PA): REAP tax credits and grants are primarily for agricultural properties; backyard or residential applications may not qualify directly. Local variations apply.

• Quantifiable Benefits and Estimates: Any mentioned savings (e.g., 20-50% water reduction, 20-50+ bird species, 30-50% value reduction, or 80% stormwater fee reductions) are approximate, based on general studies (e.g., from Douglas Tallamy or NWF), and not guarantees. Actual results depend on site-specific factors like soil, climate, and maintenance.

• Program Evolution: Tax laws, rebates, and incentives can change due to legislative updates, funding availability, or policy shifts (e.g., via the Inflation Reduction Act). This information is current as of August 2025; always check official sources like state DNR websites, IRS.gov, or NWF.org for the latest updates.

• No Endorsement: Mentions of experts (e.g., Douglas Tallamy), organizations (e.g., NWF), or programs do not imply endorsement or affiliation unless explicitly stated. Quotes are used for illustrative purposes.

Liability Limitation

To the fullest extent permitted by law, StarBloom Consulting, its owners, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use or inability to use this information, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. This includes, but is not limited to, lost tax savings, denied applications, or penalties from incorrect filings.

By using this information, you agree to these disclaimers. For personalized advice tailored to your property in MD, VA, WV, PA, or beyond, contact a licensed professional or visit StarBloomConsulting.com for consulting services (which do not include tax advice).