Privacy Policy & Terms

Information We Collect

Personal Information

To prepare your tax returns accurately and in compliance with IRS requirements, we collect the following information:

• Full name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (SSN)
• Contact information (address, phone number, email)
• Employment and income information (W-2s, 1099s, etc.)
• Dependent and family information
• Banking information for direct deposit of refunds
• Business financial records (for business tax preparation)

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• IRS and state tax authorities (to verify filings and process returns)
• Financial institutions (for advance loan processing)
• Employers and payroll services (with your authorization)

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information exclusively for the following purposes:

• Preparing and filing your federal, state, and local tax returns
• Processing advance tax loan applications
• Providing tax planning and consultation services
• Communicating with you regarding your tax matters
• Responding to IRS or state tax authority inquiries
• Providing audit protection and support services
• Improving our services and customer experience

How We Protect Your Information

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your sensitive information:

• Encryption: All data transmitted to and from our website uses SSL/TLS encryption
• Secure Storage: Physical and electronic records are stored in secure, access-controlled environments
• Limited Access: Only authorized personnel with legitimate need can access your information
• Employee Training: All staff undergo regular security and privacy training
• Compliance: We comply with IRS Security Summit requirements and data protection regulations

Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information
• Tax Authorities: With the IRS and state/local tax agencies as required by law
• Financial Institutions: For processing advance tax loans and refund deposits
• E-filing Services: With authorized IRS e-file providers to transmit your returns
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation

Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data and tax records
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a commonly used format

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at privacy@creoletax.com or call us at (555) 123-4567.

Data Retention

We retain your tax records and personal information in accordance with IRS requirements:

• Tax returns and supporting documents: Minimum 7 years
• Business records: As required by applicable tax law
• Communication records: 3 years minimum

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Improve website performance and user experience
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18. While we may collect information about dependents as part of tax preparation, we do not knowingly collect personal information from children for any other purpose.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or via email. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised.