Privacy

Privacy Policy for Our Clients

Effective Date: 11/12/2024

Introduction

At AK Accounting Services, LLC we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal and financial information you entrust to us. This policy applies to all clients of our services. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

We adhere to all relevant privacy laws and regulations.

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

To provide personalized accounting and bookkeeping services, we may collect the following personal information:

  • Contact details: Name, address, phone number, and email address.
  • Identification information: Social Security Number, Tax Identification Number, or other government-issued IDs when required for compliance.

Financial Information

To ensure the accuracy of your financial records, we may collect:

  • Financial statements and reports
  • Bank account and transaction details
  • Income, expenses, and tax information
  • Payroll data for clients with employee processing needs

Other Relevant Information

We may also collect relevant business information, such as business name, address, type of business, and industry specifics.

Method of Collection

Information is collected directly from you through consultation sessions, forms, electronic communication, or authorized third parties involved in your financial affairs.

2. How We Use Your Information

Service Provision

Your information is primarily used to provide accurate and comprehensive accounting and bookkeeping services, including financial statement preparation, tax filing, and payroll processing.

Communication

We may use your contact details to communicate with you about updates, reminders, or relevant services.

Compliance and Legal Obligations

We use your information to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, such as tax filing with the WA Department of Revenue equivalent governing body or responding to governmental audits if applicable.

Improving Services

Aggregate and anonymized data may be used to improve our services. This data does not identify you individually.

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Third-Party Service Providers

To provide certain services, we may share information with trusted third-party providers, such as:

  • Accounting software providers (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero)
  • Tax preparation software
  • Payroll processing services

We require all third-party providers to maintain the confidentiality and security of your data and to use it solely for the intended purpose.

Legal Compliance

We may disclose information when required by law, court orders, or legal processes to fulfill a legal obligation or respond to lawful requests.

Business Transfers

In the event of a business transaction, such as a merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred to the successor entity. We will ensure the continued confidentiality and protection of your information.

4. Data Security

Protection Measures

We implement various safeguards to protect your data, including:

  • Encryption for sensitive data both in transit and at rest
  • Secure servers and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access
  • Restricted access to data to authorized personnel only
  • Employee training on confidentiality and data security protocols

Data Storage

Your data is securely stored on our on-premise secure server and in our electronic file server Go File Room managed by Thomson Reuters. Our storage providers comply with industry standards and data protection regulations.

Breach Procedures

In the unlikely event of a data breach, we have established protocols to promptly address and contain the breach. We will notify you and the appropriate authorities as required by law.

5. Data Retention

We retain client information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, including to comply with our legal obligations and accounting principles. Typically, financial and tax information may be retained for a period of [insert typical retention period, e.g., 7 years] to comply with IRS or other relevant regulations.

Once the retention period expires, or if the data is no longer required, we will securely dispose of your information.

6. Client Rights and Choices

Access to Information

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. Contact us using the information provided in the “Contact Information” section below.

Correction and Deletion

You may request corrections to inaccurate information or, where legally permitted, request the deletion of your information. Some data may be retained to comply with legal requirements.

Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent to our use of your information. However, please be aware that this may limit our ability to provide certain services.

7. Cookies and Online Tracking

Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and improve website security. Cookies are small files stored on your device that allow us to recognize repeat visitors and understand how users interact with our site. You may choose to disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect website functionality.

Third-Party Analytics

We may use third-party analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to gather website usage data. These services may collect information on your IP address, browser type, and website activity. You may opt out of such analytics tracking through tools provided by these third parties.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or industry standards. We will notify you of any significant changes by updating the policy on our website or contacting you directly. The effective date at the top of this document indicates when the policy was last revised.

9. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:

AK Accounting Services LLC
office@akaccounting.net
PO Box 277
527 2nd St
Woodland, WA 98674
(360) 225-4660

 

AK Accounting Services LLC is dedicated to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your information. We appreciate the trust you place in us and are committed to maintaining that trust.