Tax Engine values the trust our clients place in us when providing sensitive personal and financial information for tax preparation and related services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information obtained through our tax preparation services, website, software, and communications. It also describes your rights and the legal protections that apply to your information.

Our privacy practices are designed to comply with applicable federal and state laws governing tax preparers and financial service providers, including the confidentiality requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 7216, safeguarding standards under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and applicable consumer privacy rights laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

To prepare and file tax returns and provide related services, we collect personal and financial information from you. This information may include identifying details such as your name, mailing address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, Social Security number, taxpayer identification number, and government-issued identification used for identity verification.

We also collect financial and tax-related information necessary to prepare tax filings. This may include wage and income statements, investment records, business income information, deduction and credit details, prior tax return information, and documentation required to substantiate tax positions. When necessary for payment processing or refund delivery, we may collect billing information or bank account details.

In addition, certain technical information may be collected automatically when you use our website or digital services. This information may include your IP address, device type, browser type, operating system, and general website usage information. Cookies and similar technologies may be used to maintain secure sessions, improve functionality, and analyze how visitors use our website.

How We Use Personal Information

The primary purpose for collecting personal and financial information is to provide tax preparation services. This includes preparing federal and state tax returns, submitting filings to tax authorities, maintaining records necessary to support tax filings, and communicating with you regarding your returns.

Information may also be used to provide customer support, verify identity, prevent fraud, process payments, maintain internal business records, and improve the functionality and security of our systems and services. In certain situations, we may use information to comply with legal obligations, respond to requests from government authorities, or enforce our contractual rights.

We do not use tax return information for purposes unrelated to tax preparation without obtaining consent when required by law.

Confidentiality of Tax Return Information

Federal law imposes strict limits on how tax preparers may use and disclose tax return information. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 7216, tax return information may not be disclosed or used for purposes other than preparing, assisting in preparing, or filing a tax return unless the taxpayer provides explicit consent or another legal exception applies.

Our company complies with these restrictions and maintains policies designed to protect the confidentiality of taxpayer information. Employees and contractors with access to tax return information are required to follow strict confidentiality obligations and are permitted to access such information only when necessary to perform authorized services.

How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent personal information or tax return information to third parties. Information may be shared only in limited circumstances necessary to provide services or comply with legal requirements.

For example, when we prepare and file tax returns on your behalf, the information contained in those returns is transmitted to appropriate tax authorities, including the Internal Revenue Service and applicable state tax agencies. We may also share information with trusted service providers that assist us in operating our business, such as secure data hosting providers, payment processors, identity verification providers, and software platforms used to prepare and transmit tax returns. These service providers are contractually obligated to safeguard confidential information and may use it only to perform services on our behalf.

We may also disclose information if required by law, court order, subpoena, or regulatory request, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our legal rights, prevent fraud, investigate security incidents, or ensure the safety of our clients or the public.

Data Security and Safeguards

Protecting the confidentiality and security of personal and financial information is a core responsibility of our business. We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These safeguards include encryption of sensitive data during transmission, secure storage systems, restricted access controls, monitoring systems, and employee training regarding privacy and information security.

Our information security program is designed to align with safeguarding requirements under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires financial institutions and tax preparers to implement measures that protect sensitive consumer information.

Although we take reasonable precautions to safeguard information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Data Retention

We retain personal and tax-related information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy and to comply with applicable legal, regulatory, and professional obligations. Because tax records may be needed for future filings, audits, or inquiries by tax authorities, certain records may be retained for several years after services are completed.

When information is no longer required for legal or operational purposes, we take reasonable steps to securely delete or anonymize it.

Cookies and Website Technologies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to support functionality, maintain secure user sessions, and analyze how visitors interact with the website. These technologies help us improve usability, security, and performance. Most web browsers allow users to control cookie preferences through browser settings, although disabling cookies may affect certain website features.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on the laws that apply in your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These rights may include the ability to request access to personal information we maintain about you, request correction of inaccurate information, or request deletion of certain data where permitted by law.

Residents of California may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to request information about categories of personal information collected and disclosed by a business, as well as the right to request deletion of certain personal data subject to legal exceptions.

Requests to exercise applicable privacy rights may be submitted using the contact information listed below.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for adults and individuals legally permitted to file tax returns. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without appropriate parental involvement.

Third-Party Services and Links

Our website or communications may contain links to third-party services or websites that are not controlled by our company. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those services, and we are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third parties.

Information Security Program (Written Information Security Plan)

Tax Engine maintains a comprehensive information security program designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive personal and financial information. This program includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards intended to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, alteration, or destruction of client data.

Our information security program is designed to align with the safeguarding requirements established under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Federal Trade Commission Safeguards Rule, which require financial institutions and tax preparers to implement a Written Information Security Plan (“WISP”). The WISP outlines policies and procedures that govern how sensitive information is protected within our organization.

As part of this program, we designate responsible personnel to oversee information security, conduct periodic risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities, and implement safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of our operations. These safeguards include secure storage of tax documents, encryption of sensitive information during transmission, access controls that limit information access to authorized personnel, and monitoring systems intended to detect unauthorized activity.

We also require employees and contractors who handle sensitive information to receive training regarding data protection and confidentiality obligations. Service providers that assist us in providing tax preparation services are required to maintain reasonable security measures and to protect client information in accordance with contractual confidentiality obligations.

Our security program is periodically reviewed and updated to address emerging risks, technological developments, and changes in regulatory requirements.

Taxpayer Consent for Disclosure or Use of Tax Return Information

Federal law places strict limits on how tax preparers may use and disclose tax return information. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 7216, a tax return preparer may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than preparing, assisting in preparing, or filing a tax return unless the taxpayer provides explicit consent or another legal exception applies.

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for us to share tax return information with third-party service providers that support the delivery of our services, such as software platforms used to prepare tax returns, electronic filing systems, secure document storage providers, or identity verification services. When such disclosures are required and not otherwise permitted by law, we will obtain the taxpayer’s written or electronic consent before sharing the information.

Any consent request will clearly describe the information to be disclosed, the purpose of the disclosure, and the party receiving the information. Taxpayers are not required to consent to such disclosures in order to obtain tax preparation services, and consent may be revoked where permitted by law.

We maintain procedures designed to ensure that all uses and disclosures of tax return information comply with applicable federal regulations and that any required taxpayer consent is obtained and documented appropriately.

Data Breach Notification and Incident Response

Tax Engine maintains procedures designed to detect, investigate, and respond to potential security incidents involving personal or financial information. Despite the safeguards we implement, no system can guarantee complete protection from unauthorized access or security breaches. For this reason, we maintain an incident response process intended to address potential data security events in a timely and responsible manner.

If we become aware of a security incident involving unauthorized access to personal information, we will promptly investigate the nature and scope of the incident. Our response procedures include assessing the information affected, identifying the cause of the incident, taking steps to contain and remediate the issue, and implementing corrective measures designed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Where required by applicable law, we will notify affected individuals and relevant regulatory authorities of a data breach involving personal information. Notifications will be provided in accordance with applicable federal and state laws, including breach notification laws that apply to residents of certain states such as California. Such notices may include information about the types of data involved, steps taken to address the incident, and recommended actions individuals may take to protect themselves.

Our incident response procedures are periodically reviewed and updated as part of our overall information security program, which is designed to comply with safeguarding requirements under laws such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Federal Trade Commission Safeguards Rule.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements, business practices, or technology. When changes are made, the updated version will be posted with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our services after the updated policy becomes effective indicates acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Tax Engine
support@taxengine.co
(408) 612-4487