Legal
Privacy Policy & GLBA Privacy Notice
This page explains how Equity CPA collects, uses, shares, and protects personal and financial information for website visitors, prospects, and clients.
1. Introduction
EquityCPA ("EquityCPA," "Equity CPA," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal and financial information you share with us.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website, schedule an appointment, contact us or submit forms, or engage us for tax, accounting, advisory, or related professional services.
If you become a client, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) Privacy Notice in Section 12 also applies.
2. Information We Collect
A. Information You Provide Directly
- - Name, email address, phone number, business/entity name
- - Information submitted through contact forms or emails
- - Appointment details submitted via Calendly
- - Client service information if you engage us, including tax documents, financial records, ownership/entity details, real estate transaction data, payroll data, and other information necessary to provide professional services
B. Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- - IP address
- - Browser type and device information
- - Pages visited, session duration, referring URLs
- - Approximate geographic location (city/region)
This information is used for site functionality, security, analytics, and performance optimization.
C. Information from Business Platforms
If you are a client or prospect, information may also be processed through our systems and platforms, including:
- - UltraTax (tax preparation and compliance)
- - Financial Cents (practice and workflow management)
- - Xero (accounting and bookkeeping, if connected)
- - Microsoft 365 (Outlook email, OneDrive document storage, Excel/Word files)
- - Gusto (payroll services, if/when enrolled)
- - Anchor (podcast hosting and analytics; not used for storing client tax data)
3. How We Use Information
- - Provide tax, accounting, advisory, and related professional services
- - Communicate with you and respond to inquiries
- - Schedule and manage appointments
- - Operate and manage internal workflows and documentation
- - Maintain legal, regulatory, and professional records
- - Improve our website, services, and user experience
- - Ensure security, fraud prevention, and system integrity
4. Cookies, Analytics, and Advertising
A. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, security, and analytics. You may control cookies through your browser settings.
B. Google Analytics
We use Google Analytics (GA4) to understand how visitors interact with our website. Google Analytics may collect information such as pages visited, time spent on pages, and device/browser data. This information is aggregated and used to improve site performance and content.
C. Meta (Facebook) Pixel
We use the Meta Pixel to measure the effectiveness of advertising and understand visitor interactions with our website. This may allow us to display relevant ads to users on Meta platforms.
You can manage ad preferences through your Google and Meta account settings or opt out of certain tracking via industry opt-out tools.
5. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share information only as necessary:
A. Service Providers
With trusted service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:
- - Calendly
- - UltraTax
- - Financial Cents
- - Microsoft 365 (Outlook, OneDrive, Office)
- - Xero
- - Gusto (if applicable)
- - Website hosting, IT, and security providers
These providers are authorized to use information only to perform services for us and are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security.
B. With Your Authorization
We may share information with your other advisors (e.g., attorneys, financial advisors, lenders) if you request or authorize us to do so.
C. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or to comply with professional obligations.
D. Business Transfers
If EquityCPA undergoes a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to reasonable safeguards.
6. Email and Communications
Service-related communications (appointments, document requests, deadlines) are necessary to provide services.
Marketing communications are optional and include an unsubscribe option. You may opt out at any time.
7. Data Security
We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information, including controlled access, secure storage, and operational security practices appropriate for handling sensitive financial and tax data.
While no system is 100% secure, we take reasonable steps to reduce risk and protect your information.
8. Data Retention
We retain information as long as necessary to provide services, meet legal, regulatory, and professional obligations, and resolve disputes and enforce agreements.
When information is no longer required, we securely delete or de-identify it where feasible.
9. Your Rights (U.S.)
Depending on your state of residence, you may have rights to:
- - Request access to certain personal information
- - Request correction of inaccurate information
- - Request deletion (subject to legal and professional retention requirements)
- - Opt out of certain targeted advertising
Requests may be submitted to [email protected]. Identity verification may be required.
10. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
11. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party services (e.g., Calendly, podcast platforms). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties.
12. GLBA Privacy Notice (Clients)
This section applies to Nonpublic Personal Information (NPI) collected in connection with providing financial services such as tax preparation and advisory services.
A. Information We Collect
- - Information you provide (tax returns, documents, emails, uploads)
- - Information about transactions and services you receive from us
- - Information from third parties you authorize (e.g., Xero, payroll platforms)
B. Information We Share
We do not disclose NPI to non-affiliated third parties except as permitted by law, including:
- - To service providers performing services on our behalf under confidentiality obligations
- - To comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- - To process transactions you request
- - With your consent or at your direction
C. Safeguards
We maintain safeguards designed to protect NPI, consistent with expectations under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and applicable FTC Safeguards Rule requirements.
D. Former Clients
We treat former client information with the same level of confidentiality as current client information.
13. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:
Email: [email protected]
Business Name: EquityCPA
14. Policy Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.