At Tax Masters ("we," "us," or "our"), protecting the information you share with us is fundamental to how we do business. Every return we file involves sensitive personal and financial information, and we take that responsibility seriously. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, who we share it with, and the choices you have.
By using our website, submitting a form, or working with Tax Masters as a client, Tax Partner, or student, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Give Us Directly
- Contact details — name, email, phone number, mailing address.
- Identification documents — Social Security Number, ITIN, driver's license, government-issued ID, dependent SSNs.
- Tax documents — W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, K-1s, prior-year returns, receipts, bank statements, business records.
- Filing details — filing status, dependents, income sources, deductions, credits, bank account and routing numbers for refund delivery or balance-due payment.
- Tax Partner / TMU enrollment data — PTIN, EFIN status, training certificates, professional credentials, payment information.
- Voluntary messages — anything you choose to send us via form, email, text, phone, or in-person consultation.
1.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Basic browser and device information (browser type, operating system, screen size, referring URL).
- Anonymized analytics about how visitors use the site (pages viewed, clicks, session duration).
- Standard cookies used to make the site function and to remember your preferences. You can disable cookies in your browser settings; some features may not work without them.
1.3 Information From Third Parties
- Tax software providers (for return preparation and e-file transmission).
- Payment processors (we never see or store your full card number).
- Calendar and scheduling platforms when you book a consultation.
- Form-hosting providers (such as Cognito Forms) when you submit an intake or registration.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information you provide for the following purposes only:
- To prepare, review, and electronically file your federal, state, and local tax returns.
- To verify your identity in accordance with IRS preparer due-diligence requirements.
- To communicate with you about your return, our services, appointment scheduling, deadlines, and policy changes.
- To process payments for our services.
- To respond to questions, inquiries, or support requests you send us.
- To send appointment reminders, document-request reminders, and seasonal updates if you have opted in to receive them.
- To improve our website, services, and client experience.
- To comply with federal and state tax law, recordkeeping requirements, IRS Circular 230, and any applicable subpoena or court order.
3. Who We Share Your Information With
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share it only when necessary to deliver our services or to comply with the law:
- Government agencies — the IRS, state revenue departments, and the Social Security Administration for the purpose of filing your return.
- Tax preparation software providers — under written agreement that they protect your data and use it only to facilitate our services.
- Payment processors — to process the fee you pay us.
- Authorized Tax Masters team members — only those who need access to do their job (preparation, review, support).
- Law enforcement or regulators — when legally required, such as in response to a valid subpoena, court order, or audit request.
- Successor entity — if Tax Masters is ever sold, merged, or reorganized, your information may transfer to the successor under the same privacy commitments.
We will never share your information with a third party for that party's own marketing without your written consent.
4. How We Protect Your Information
Tax Masters maintains a written Information Security Plan as required by the Federal Trade Commission Safeguards Rule and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Our safeguards include:
- Administrative controls — written policies, employee training, role-based access, written confidentiality agreements.
- Technical controls — encrypted file storage and transmission, multi-factor authentication on all professional software, strong password requirements, automatic logoff, current antivirus and firewall protection, encrypted email for any document containing personal data.
- Physical controls — locked storage for any paper documents, secure shredding of records that have passed their retention period.
- Vendor management — every third-party vendor with access to client data is contractually bound to protect it.
- Ongoing review — our security plan is reviewed annually and updated as threats and best practices evolve.
For full details, see our Security Policy / WISP.
5. How Long We Keep Your Information
We retain tax-related records for at least seven (7) years after the filing date, in accordance with IRS recordkeeping standards. Some records may be retained longer where required by state law or where the records relate to claims that remain legally open. After the retention period, paper records are securely shredded and digital records are securely deleted.
6. Your Rights and Choices
- Access — you may request a copy of the personal information we have on file for you.
- Correction — you may ask us to correct any inaccurate information.
- Marketing opt-out — you may unsubscribe from any marketing email at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link or replying STOP to a text message.
- Cookie controls — you can decline cookies through your browser, though some site features may not work.
To exercise any of these rights, email compliance@taxmastersatwork.com. We will respond within thirty (30) days. Note that certain information (such as records required by the IRS) must legally be retained even if you request deletion.
7. Children's Privacy
Our website and services are intended for individuals 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. If your tax return includes information about a dependent who is a minor, that information is collected from you (the taxpayer) for the purpose of preparing the return.
8. SMS and Phone Communications
If you provide a phone number through our website, intake form, or in person and opt in to receive text messages or phone calls from Tax Masters, you consent to be contacted by us at that number. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies based on your relationship with us. You can reply STOP at any time to opt out of further text messages, or call us to revoke phone consent. Consent is not a condition of purchasing our services.
9. Third-Party Websites
Our website may link to third-party sites (such as Calendly, Cognito Forms, or our enrollment provider). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. Please review their privacy policies before submitting information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy as our services or applicable law change. The current version will always be posted at this URL with the updated effective date at the top. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
11. Contact Us
Questions, requests, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information? Reach us at:
This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and is intended to describe Tax Masters' privacy practices. It does not constitute legal advice. Tax Masters reserves all rights.