Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Seattle CPA Firm LLC is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal and financial information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services. By using our website or services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information from and about users of our website and services:

Personal Information

• Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (when required for services)
• Date of birth and other identification information
• Employment and income information
• Bank account and financial institution details

Financial Information

• Tax returns and related tax documents
• Financial statements and accounting records
• Investment and asset information
• Business financial data
• Payroll information

Technical Information

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information through various methods:

• Directly from you when you provide it to us through forms, email, phone calls, or in-person meetings
• Through our website when you use our online services, contact forms, or document upload features
• Automatically through cookies and similar technologies when you navigate our website
• From third parties such as financial institutions, government agencies, or other service providers with your consent

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide accounting, tax preparation, and financial advisory services
• To prepare and file tax returns and related documents
• To communicate with you about our services and your account
• To respond to your inquiries and fulfill your requests
• To process payments and maintain billing records
• To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• To improve our website, services, and customer experience
• To detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
• To send you newsletters, updates, and marketing materials (with your consent)

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: When you authorize us to share information with specific third parties
• Service providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our business and serving you (e.g., cloud storage, payment processors)
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Professional advisors: With our attorneys, accountants, and other professional advisors when necessary
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Protection of rights: To protect our rights, property, safety, or that of our clients or others

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest using industry-standard protocols
• Secure socket layer (SSL) technology for our website
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Employee training on data security and confidentiality
• Secure physical storage for paper documents
• Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal and financial information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, comply with our legal obligations (including IRS and state requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Tax records and related documentation are typically retained for at least seven years in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

We use the following types of cookies:

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

9. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data portability: Request a copy of your information in a portable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe and as required by applicable law.

10. 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 promptly.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. California Privacy Rights

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

• Right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose
• Right to request deletion of your personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Professional Standards

As certified public accountants, we are bound by professional standards and ethical requirements regarding client confidentiality. We adhere to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct and applicable state regulations governing the practice of public accounting.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: