Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Countryside Tax Service

 

1. Introduction

 
At Countryside Tax Service, we are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you engage our tax services, visit our website, or communicate with us, including via text messages. By using our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
 

2. Information We Collect

We collect certain personal information about you – but only when that information is provided by you or is obtained by us with your authorization. We use that information to prepare your personal income tax returns and may also provide various tax and financial planning services to you at your request.

Examples of sources from which we collect information include:

2.1 Personal Information

 
We may collect personal information that can identify you, such as:
 
•Contact Details: Name, address, email address, phone number.
•Identification Numbers: Social Security Number (SSN), Tax Identification Number (TIN).
•Financial Information: Income details, bank account numbers, investment information.
•Authentication Information: Usernames, passwords, and security questions for our client portal.
 

2.2 Non-Personal Information

 
We may collect non-personal information that does not identify you individually, such as:
 
•Browser and Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system.
•Usage Data: Pages visited, links clicked, time spent on our website.
 

3. How We Collect Information

 

3.1 Directly from You

 
•During Service Provision: When you provide documents and information for tax preparation.
•Account Creation: When you register on our client portal.
•Communication: When you contact us via phone, text, email, mail, or in person.
 

3.2 Automatically

 
•Cookies and Similar Technologies: To enhance your experience on our website.
•Log Files: To monitor site usage and performance.
 

3.3 From Third Parties

 
•Authorized Representatives: Information provided by your financial advisors or legal representatives.
•Public Records and Databases: For verification purposes.
 

4. Use of Your Information

We use your information to:
 
•Provide Services: Tax preparation, filing, and related services.
•Improve Customer Experience: Personalize and enhance our services.
•Communicate: Send updates, confirmations, and respond to inquiries.
•Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements.
•Security: Protect against fraud, and unauthorized transactions, and manage risk exposure.
 

5. Disclosure of Your Information

 
We may disclose your information:
 
•With Your Consent: To third parties you have authorized.
•Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist us in operating our business (e.g., IT services, payment processors) under confidentiality agreements.
•Legal Requirements: To comply with legal obligations, court orders, or in response to lawful requests by public authorities.
•Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property, and/or that of you or others.
 

6. Text Messaging (SMS) Policy

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

6.1 Consent to Receive Text Messages

 
By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from Countryside Tax Service related to your tax services, including reminders, confirmations, and important updates.
 

6.2 Opting In

 
•Initial Consent: You may opt-in by providing your mobile number during account creation or service engagement.
•Confirmation Message: We will send a confirmation text to verify your consent.
 

6.3 Opting Out

 
•Text “STOP”: You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any text message you receive from us.
•Processing Time: Please allow up to 24 hours to process your request.
•Alternative Communication: Opting out of text messages will not affect our ability to communicate with you via email or phone.
 

6.4 Message Frequency and Charges

 
•Frequency: Message frequency may vary based on your interactions and services used.
•Carrier Charges: Standard messaging and data rates may apply. Please consult your mobile carrier for details.
 

6.5 Security Measures

 
•Confidentiality: We will not send sensitive personal information (e.g., SSN, financial details) via text message.
•Data Protection: All text communications comply with our data security policies and applicable regulations.
 

6.6 Third-Party Service Providers

 
•VoIP Services: We use reputable VoIP service providers to send text messages.
•Data Handling: These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are required to implement appropriate security measures.
 

7. Data Security

 
We implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information:
 
•Encryption: Data transmitted online is encrypted using SSL technology.
•Access Controls: Personal information is accessible only by authorized personnel under strict confidentiality.
•Security Audits: Regular assessments are conducted to ensure data integrity and compliance with industry standards.
 

8. Data Retention

 
•Retention Period: We retain your personal information for at least seven years to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
•Deletion Requests: You may request deletion of your data where legally permissible by contacting us at (810) 631-4360.
 

9. Your Rights

 

9.1 Access and Correction

 
•Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
•Correction: If any information is incorrect or outdated, you have the right to request corrections.
 

9.2 Opt-Out Rights

 
•Marketing Communications: You can opt out of receiving marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions.
•Text Messages: Reply “STOP” to opt-out of text messaging services.
 

10. Children’s Privacy

 
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
 

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

 
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting the updated policy on our website. We encourage you to review this policy regularly.
 

12. Contact Us

 
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our practices, please contact us at:
 
•Phone: (810) 631-4360
•Mailing Address: Countryside Tax Service, 12298 N State Rd, Otisville, MI 48463.
 
Thank you for choosing Countryside Tax Service for your tax service needs. We are committed to protecting your personal information and providing transparent communication.