PRIVACY POLICY
Accountability
We are responsible for all personal information under our control. We have designated a Privacy Officer who is accountable for our compliance with this Policy and applicable privacy laws.
Purposes for Collection
We collect and process personal and financial information solely for the following professional purposes:
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Bookkeeping & Controller Services: To maintain accurate financial records and provide reliable management of your business accounts.
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Payroll Services: To process employee compensation, manage source deductions, and issue T4/T4A slips, which requires the collection of Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) and other sensitive employee data.
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Tax Compliance: To prepare and file corporate (T2) and personal (T1) tax returns, GST/HST filings, and WorkSafeBC reports, ensuring full compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial authorities.
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Client Identification: To meet legal and regulatory requirements regarding professional ethics and anti-money laundering standards.
Consent
Knowledge and consent are required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information. By engaging our services and providing your documentation, you grant implied consent for us to use that information for the purposes stated above. You may withdraw your consent at any time with written notice, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
Limited Collection and Retention
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Limiting Collection: We collect only the information that is necessary for the professional services identified.
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Retention: In accordance with the Income Tax Act, we retain financial records for six (6) years following the end of the taxation year. Once the retention period expires, all personal information is securely destroyed or deleted.
Use of Third-Party Service Providers
To ensure high levels of accuracy and data security, we utilize professional software solutions (such as QuickBooks Online/Desktop and specialized tax software). These service providers have their own stringent security protocols. Your information may be processed on servers located outside of Canada, where it may be subject to the laws of those jurisdictions.
Safeguards
We have implemented multi-layered security measures to protect your information:
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Technical Safeguards: Use of encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and secure communication channels for sensitive documents.
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Physical Safeguards: Restricted access to office premises and secure storage for physical files.
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Administrative Safeguards: Strict confidentiality obligations for any personnel or associates handling client data.
Accuracy and Access
We strive to ensure that your information is accurate and up-to-date. You have the right to:
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Review the personal information we hold about you.
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Request corrections to any inaccuracies or omissions.
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Inquire about how your information has been used and to whom it has been disclosed.
Contact Information
For questions regarding this policy, requests for access to information, or to file a concern, please contact our Privacy Officer:
Ellen Tax & Accounting Inc. Attn: Privacy Officer
Email: [Your Email Address]
Location: British Columbia, Canada