Privacy Policy

Basso CPAs, PLLC ("Basso CPAs," "we," "us," or "our") provides tax, accounting, bookkeeping, advisory, and related professional services to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other clients. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information when you visit our website, communicate with us, use our client portal or other technology platforms, engage us for professional services, or otherwise interact with our firm.

This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website, online forms, email communications, client onboarding processes, client portals, payment platforms, scheduling tools, and professional services. It does not replace the terms of any engagement letter, consent form, tax disclosure authorization, or other agreement between you and Basso CPAs.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated and Effective Date" above.

1. Personal Information We Collect

The personal information we collect depends on your relationship with us and the services you request. We may collect the following categories of information:

Contact and Identification Information

This may include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, business name, job title, taxpayer identification number, Social Security number, employer identification number, driver's license information, date of birth, and other identifiers.

Financial and Tax Information

This may include income information, deductions, credits, bank account information, investment information, payroll information, charitable contribution records, accounting records, business financial statements, tax forms, prior-year tax returns, IRS or state tax notices, and other information needed to provide tax, accounting, bookkeeping, advisory, or compliance services.

Business and Professional Information

This may include ownership information, entity structure, accounting records, payroll details, employee or contractor information, nonprofit governance information, grant records, board information, compensation data, and other information related to your business or organization.

Portal, Website, and Technology Information

When you use our website, portal, or online tools, we may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, access dates and times, pages viewed, form submissions, login activity, and other usage information.

Communications

We may collect information you provide when you email us, call us, complete a website form, schedule a meeting, subscribe to updates, upload documents, or otherwise communicate with us.

Payment Information

If you pay invoices electronically, payment information may be processed by third-party payment processors. We generally do not store full credit card or bank account details unless necessary for authorized recurring payments or other approved purposes.

2. How We Collect Personal Information

We may collect personal information from:

• You directly, when you provide documents, complete forms, send emails, upload files, sign engagement letters, or communicate with us.
• Your authorized representatives, such as attorneys, bookkeepers, payroll providers, financial advisors, business partners, employees, family members, or other parties you authorize.
• Governmental agencies, tax authorities, public records, and regulatory bodies.
• Third-party service providers, including tax software providers, accounting platforms, payroll platforms, document management providers, e-signature providers, client portals, payment processors, and secure communication tools.
• Our website and technology systems, including through cookies, analytics tools, logs, and similar technologies.

3. How We Use Personal Information

We may use personal information to:

• Provide tax preparation, tax planning, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll-related, advisory, nonprofit compliance, and other professional services.
• Prepare, review, file, or assist with federal, state, local, or other tax returns and information filings.
• Communicate with you about your account, services, deadlines, documents, invoices, tax notices, planning opportunities, or administrative matters.
• Verify your identity and protect against unauthorized access, fraud, identity theft, or misuse of our systems.
• Maintain client files, engagement records, billing records, and compliance documentation.
• Provide access to client portals, document exchange platforms, e-signature tools, scheduling tools, and payment systems.
• Improve our website, services, systems, workflows, and client experience.
• Send newsletters, firm updates, tax alerts, or other communications, where permitted by law.
• Comply with legal, regulatory, ethical, professional, court, or governmental requirements.
• Protect our rights, our clients, our firm, our systems, and the confidentiality of client information.

4. Tax Return Information and CPA Confidentiality

Because Basso CPAs provides tax and accounting services, some information we receive may constitute tax return information, confidential client information, or sensitive financial information.

We use and disclose tax return information only as permitted by applicable law, professional standards, engagement agreements, client instructions, or written consent where required. We do not disclose tax return information to third parties for unrelated marketing purposes.

In some cases, we may need to disclose information to tax software providers, e-file providers, client portal providers, subcontractors, cloud hosting providers, secure document storage providers, or other vendors who assist us in providing services. We seek to use service providers that maintain appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

5. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website may use cookies, web beacons, analytics tools, log files, or similar technologies to help the site function, improve user experience, analyze website traffic, remember preferences, and understand how visitors interact with our website.

You may be able to adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies. However, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

We do not intend for cookies or tracking technologies to collect sensitive tax return information from you. You should not submit confidential tax documents through ordinary website forms unless the form is specifically designed and secured for that purpose.

6. Artificial Intelligence and Automated Tools

We may use technology tools, automation, or AI-assisted systems to support administrative functions, research, workflow management, document organization, communication drafting, or service quality. We do not knowingly use client tax return information to train public AI models.

When using technology tools, we aim to protect client confidentiality and comply with applicable professional, legal, and ethical obligations. Where separate client consent is required for a particular use or disclosure of tax return information, we will seek that consent.

7. When We Disclose Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to the following categories of recipients:

• Tax authorities, including the IRS and state or local taxing agencies, as needed to provide services or comply with filing obligations.
• Service providers and vendors who help us operate our business, including tax software, accounting software, payroll systems, client portals, cloud storage, IT support, cybersecurity providers, e-signature tools, billing systems, payment processors, and document management platforms.
• Professional advisors, such as attorneys, insurance providers, consultants, or other advisors assisting our firm.
• Authorized third parties, such as your attorney, financial advisor, banker, payroll provider, bookkeeper, family member, business partner, or other party you direct us to communicate with.
• Government agencies, courts, regulators, or law enforcement when required by law, subpoena, court order, professional obligation, or other legal process.
• Successor entities or parties involved in a potential business transaction, such as a merger, sale, acquisition, restructuring, or transfer of firm assets, subject to appropriate confidentiality safeguards.

We do not sell personal information in the ordinary sense of exchanging it for money. We also do not sell tax return information.

8. Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

These safeguards may include secure client portals, access controls, password protections, multi-factor authentication, encryption where appropriate, secure file transfer practices, restricted access to client files, vendor due diligence, employee or contractor confidentiality obligations, system monitoring, backups, and incident response procedures.

No system is perfectly secure. Email, websites, and online systems involve risk. You should avoid sending Social Security numbers, tax documents, banking details, or other sensitive information through unsecured email or ordinary website forms.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, comply with legal and professional obligations, resolve disputes, maintain business records, enforce agreements, and satisfy tax, accounting, regulatory, or ethical requirements.

Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information, the nature of the engagement, applicable law, professional standards, and our document retention policies.

10. Email and Marketing Communications

We may send administrative emails related to your services, deadlines, invoices, document requests, engagement status, or tax matters. These communications are not promotional and are generally necessary to provide services.

We may also send newsletters, tax alerts, firm updates, or educational information. You may opt out of promotional communications by using the unsubscribe option, if available, or by contacting us directly.

11. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website or communications may include links to third-party websites, platforms, or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security, content, or policies of third-party websites or services.

Examples may include payment processors, client portals, scheduling tools, tax software platforms, government websites, or professional resource sites. You should review the privacy policies of those third parties before providing information to them.

12. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 through our website.

We may receive information about dependents or minors when necessary to provide tax, accounting, payroll, or advisory services to a client.

13. Your Privacy Choices and Rights

Depending on your state of residence and applicable law, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These rights may include the right to request access to personal information, correction of inaccurate information, deletion of certain information, restriction of certain processing, portability of certain information, or information about how your personal information has been disclosed.

These rights are subject to legal, professional, contractual, tax, and recordkeeping exceptions. For example, we may be required or permitted to retain certain information to comply with tax laws, professional standards, regulatory obligations, engagement documentation requirements, or legal defense needs.

To submit a privacy request, contact us using the information below. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

14. California and Other State Privacy Notices

Some state privacy laws provide residents with additional rights regarding personal information. To the extent such laws apply to Basso CPAs, we will honor applicable rights and obligations.

We do not sell personal information for monetary consideration. If our website uses analytics, advertising, or similar technologies that may be considered "sharing" or "targeted advertising" under certain state privacy laws, we will provide legally required choices where applicable.

15. Data Breach and Incident Response

If we become aware of unauthorized access to personal information, we will evaluate the incident and take steps we determine appropriate under the circumstances. These steps may include investigation, containment, remediation, notification to affected individuals, notification to regulators or agencies, and coordination with cybersecurity, legal, insurance, or other professionals, as required or appropriate.

16. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted on our website with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our website or services after an update means you acknowledge the updated Privacy Policy.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your personal information is handled, you may contact us at:

Basso CPAs, PLLC
Attn: Privacy Inquiries
Email: [email protected]