Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Identity Information: Name, date of birth, Social Security Number, driver's license number
• Contact Information: Email address, phone number, mailing address
• Financial Information: Income, expenses, bank account information, investment accounts, tax documents
• Employment Information: Employer name, occupation, W-2 forms
• Family Information: Spouse and dependent information for tax purposes
• Account Credentials: Username, password, and security questions

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
• Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address
• Cookies and Tracking: Information collected through cookies and similar technologies

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: To prepare tax returns, perform bookkeeping, and deliver other professional services
• Account Management: To create and manage your client account and portal access
• Communication: To send appointment reminders, service updates, and respond to inquiries
• Legal Compliance: To comply with tax laws, IRS regulations, and other legal obligations
• Business Operations: To improve our services, analyze usage patterns, and enhance user experience
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats
• Marketing: With your consent, to send promotional materials about our services

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you authorize us to share information with third parties
• Service Providers: With vendors who assist us in providing services (e.g., secure document storage, payment processing)
• Tax Authorities: When filing tax returns or responding to IRS or state tax agency inquiries on your behalf
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Professional Advisors: With attorneys, accountants, or auditors as necessary
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality and security
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit your ability to use some features of our website.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure, password-protected client portal access
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Physical security measures for paper documents
• Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements (tax records are typically retained for 7 years)
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records as required by professional standards

When your information is no longer needed, we will securely destroy or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

All Clients

• Access copies of your tax returns and financial documents
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Request information about how your data is used

California Residents (CCPA Rights)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of personal information collected about you
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information, but you may opt-out of data sharing for targeted advertising
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, such as the IRS, state tax agencies, or financial institutions. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activity tracked. Our website currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals, but we do not engage in cross-site tracking.

11. International Data Transfers

Our services are based in the United States. If you access our services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification for significant changes (if we have your email address)

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your information, please contact us:

For California privacy requests, please include "California Privacy Request" in the subject line of your communication and provide sufficient information for us to verify your identity.

14. IRS Disclosure Requirements

As a tax return preparer, we are required to inform you of the following regarding the use of your tax return information:

• We will not disclose your tax return information to any third party without your written consent, except as required by law
• We will not use your tax return information for any purpose other than preparing your tax return without your consent
• We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your tax return information

This disclosure is made in accordance with IRS regulations and professional ethical standards.