Privacy Policy & GLBA Notice

Introduction

GTQ Tax & Advisory ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal and financial information. This Privacy Policy serves as our mandatory disclosure under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your Non-Public Personal Information (NPI).

Information We Collect

We collect information necessary to prepare your tax returns and provide our professional services:

• Non-Public Personal Information (NPI): Name, address, Social Security number or ITIN, date of birth, filing status, and dependent information.
• Financial Records: Income documents (W-2, 1099 forms), expense records, investment and digital-asset statements, retirement account information, and bank account and routing numbers for refunds or payments.
• Business Data: Business income and expenses, depreciation schedules, and payroll records for self-employed clients.
• Contact & Communication: Email address, phone number, and secure portal message history.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Prepare and file your federal and state tax returns accurately.
• Provide tax planning and advisory services tailored to your needs.
• Communicate with you regarding your tax matters and filing status.
• Comply with IRS preparer requirements applicable to us and all federal e-file regulations.
• Maintain mandatory records as required by IRS Publication 1345.

We use your tax return information to prepare and file your return and to contact you about our tax services. We do not use or share it for any other purpose without your signed consent. We use and disclose your tax return information only as permitted by Internal Revenue Code §7216 and its regulations.

Data Security & WISP Compliance

In accordance with IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data), we maintain a comprehensive Written Information Security Plan (WISP). We implement rigorous technical and administrative safeguards:

• Secure Client Portal: All document exchanges occur via our encrypted portal. We do not accept sensitive data via standard email.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Required for all staff access to tax software and client records.
• Full-Disk Encryption: All devices used for tax preparation are secured with hardware-level encryption (BitLocker/FileVault).
• Access Control: NPI is limited strictly to authorized personnel directly involved in your tax preparation.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

We share your NPI only in the following circumstances:

• Tax Authorities: With the IRS and state tax agencies for the purpose of e-filing your returns.
• Banking Partners: only if you specifically request a Refund Advance or Bank Product, your information is shared with our authorized banking partners for loan approval.
• Service Providers: With IRS-compliant tax software providers, secure document management and portal providers, payment processors, and backup providers who work under confidentiality and only to deliver our services to you.
• Legal Requirements: When required by a subpoena, court order, or official government investigation.

Data Retention

We retain your tax records and supporting documents in accordance with IRS regulations and professional standards:

• Tax Returns & Supporting Documents: Generally 7 years from the filing date, to support you in an IRS or state inquiry and meet preparer record requirements (IRS rules require a minimum of 3 years). After the retention period ends, records are securely destroyed.
• Identity Documents: Identity verification images are removed once verification is complete, unless they are part of records we are required to keep.
• Contact Details: Kept only as long as we have a business or legal reason to keep them.

Website Analytics and Cookies

This website uses Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our pages; see our Cookie Policy for details and opt-out options. Analytics data is not collected on our secure intake or client portal pages, and we do not combine analytics data with your tax information. Client documents are exchanged only through our secure portal, never through this website's analytics or advertising tools.

Email and Text Messages

With your permission, we may send tax tips, reminders and appointment offers by email or text. You choose email, text, both or neither. Consent is not a condition of buying any service. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. To stop, reply STOP to a text or use the unsubscribe link in an email. We honor requests within 10 business days. We do not sell or share your contact information for others' marketing.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your filed tax information.
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information in our records.
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal and regulatory retention requirements).

Because we do not share your information for marketing purposes, an opt-out notice under GLBA is not required.

Changes to This Policy

We update this Privacy Policy annually or as required by IRS regulation. Your continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Our Privacy Team

IRS & Federal Guidance

For more information on taxpayer data protection, please refer to: