Privacy Policy for Backcountry Tax Services LLC, DBA Backcountry Tax & Bookkeeping

At Backcountry Tax & Bookkeeping, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal and financial information during our professional services, including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services. Our goal is to maintain transparency, trust, and compliance with relevant regulations, including IRS Circular 230, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and the Safeguards Rule.

1. Explicit Consent

By using our services, you consent to the collection and use of your personal and financial data as described in this Privacy Policy. The types of data we may collect include, but are not limited to, your name, address, Social Security number, income information, tax identification numbers, and other relevant financial details required for tax preparation, bookkeeping, or payroll services.

2. Data Collection

We collect data through secure and transparent methods to provide the best service possible. The data we gather is necessary to prepare accurate tax returns, maintain your financial records, or process payroll for your business. We may collect data through the following methods:

  • Direct communication: When you provide your information in-person, via email, or over the phone.
  • Third-party providers: When we obtain necessary information from third-party vendors involved in tax filing, bookkeeping, or payroll processing (e.g., financial institutions, payroll software).

We will never collect personal data via unsolicited methods (e.g., unsolicited phone calls or emails) or from unverified sources.

3. Data Usage and Retention

Your data will only be used for legitimate purposes related to the services we provide. This includes:

  • Preparing your tax returns in compliance with applicable tax laws.
  • Providing ongoing bookkeeping and payroll services.
  • Communicating with you regarding your financial matters.

We retain your personal and financial data only for as long as necessary to complete these services and comply with regulatory requirements. After the retention period has expired, we securely dispose of any data that is no longer required.

4. Third-Party Partners

In order to provide comprehensive tax, bookkeeping, and payroll services, we may collaborate with third-party service providers, including:

  • Tax preparation software providers
  • Bookkeeping service providers
  • Payroll service providers
  • Financial institutions

These third parties will only use your data to support the services provided to you and are bound by confidentiality agreements to safeguard your information. We ensure that all third-party partners comply with data protection laws and follow the same stringent security protocols we implement.

5. Data Security and Protection

We take several steps to protect your personal and financial information:

  • Encryption: Your data is encrypted during transmission and while stored on our servers to protect it from unauthorized access.
  • Access Controls: We restrict access to your personal information to authorized personnel only, utilizing multi-factor authentication and other security measures to protect sensitive data.
  • Training: Any person involved with your information undergoes regular training on data privacy and security protocols to ensure they handle your information appropriately.

6. Compliance with Privacy Regulations

As a tax professional, we comply with various laws and regulations regarding the privacy and security of client information, including:

  • Circular 230: We adhere to the IRS’s standards for maintaining confidentiality and privacy of client information related to tax preparation.
  • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): We follow regulations governing the protection of consumers’ financial information.
  • Safeguards Rule: We have implemented a comprehensive information security program to protect your personal data from unauthorized access or disclosure.
  • IRS Privacy Regulations: We comply with IRS privacy and security standards to safeguard your tax data.
  • Red Flags Rule: We monitor for signs of identity theft and take steps to prevent such occurrences when processing your data.

We also remain compliant with state-specific privacy regulations that may apply to your information.

7. Transparency and Client Communication

We are committed to transparency about how your data is handled. If there are any updates or changes to this Privacy Policy, we will notify you in a timely manner, ensuring you are informed of any changes that may affect your personal data.

You are encouraged to reach out to us with any questions or concerns about how we handle your information. We are happy to clarify any aspects of this Privacy Policy to ensure you feel confident and secure in using our services.

8. Client Rights and Opt-Out Options

You have the right to:

  • Request access to your personal information.
  • Request corrections or updates to your data.
  • Request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
  • Opt out of receiving marketing communications from us.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at 1291 Dairy Road, Weippe, ID 83553

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy as necessary to comply with changes in regulations, business practices, or technological advancements. Any updates will be posted on our website, and where appropriate, clients will be notified directly.

10. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or would like to discuss your personal information, please contact us at:

Backcountry Tax & Bookkeeping
1291 Dairy Road

Weippe, ID 83553
208-790-8099

[email protected]