Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Empire Tax Specialist (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, maintains, protects, and discloses information obtained through our website, online forms, tax preparation services, client portals, and other business communications.

By using our website or submitting information to our business, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

To provide professional tax preparation and related financial services, we may collect the following information:

Personal Identification Information

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Mailing address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Government-issued identification

Financial and Tax Information

• Employment and income information
• W-2, 1099, and other tax documents
• Banking and direct deposit information
• Business income and expense records
• Dependent and household information
• Prior-year tax returns
• Tax deductions, credits, and supporting documentation

Website and Communication Information

We may also collect information submitted through contact forms, appointment requests, client questionnaires, electronic communications, and website analytics.

Empire Tax Specialist collects and uses personal information for legitimate business purposes, including:

• Preparing, reviewing, and electronically filing tax returns
• Verifying client identities and preventing fraud
• Communicating regarding tax preparation services
• Processing authorized payments and tax-related transactions
• Maintaining accurate client records
• Responding to inquiries and providing customer support
• Complying with applicable federal and state laws
• Providing bookkeeping and other requested business services
• Sending service updates, appointment reminders, and authorized marketing communications

We do not sell clients’ personal tax information.

Empire Tax Specialist recognizes the confidential nature of taxpayer information. We comply with applicable taxpayer confidentiality requirements, including Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 and related regulations governing the use and disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers.

Tax return information is used and disclosed only as permitted by law or with appropriate taxpayer consent when required. We do not disclose taxpayer information to unauthorized third parties for advertising, marketing, or unrelated business purposes.

We may share information with authorized third parties when necessary to provide requested services or comply with legal requirements. These parties may include:

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Applicable state tax agencies
• Authorized tax preparation software providers
• Electronic filing and processing service providers
• Authorized banking and refund processing partners
• Secure document storage and technology providers
• Government authorities when disclosure is legally required

Information is shared only to the extent permitted by applicable law. Where required, we obtain separate taxpayer consent before using or disclosing tax return information.

Clients who elect to use authorized refund transfer or refund advance services may be required to provide additional information to participating financial institutions and processing providers. Such information is disclosed only as permitted by applicable law and with any required taxpayer authorizations or consents.

Third-party financial institutions may maintain their own privacy policies governing information they receive.

Empire Tax Specialist takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures designed to protect sensitive client information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Security practices may include:

• Password-protected business systems
• Secure tax preparation software
• Restricted access to client information
• Secure electronic document collection
• Identity verification procedures
• Appropriate electronic record storage
• Security awareness and confidentiality practices

Although we take precautions to safeguard information, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

We may communicate with clients through email, telephone, text messages, secure client portals, and other authorized communication channels. Communications may include appointment confirmations, document requests, tax return status updates, payment notifications, and service-related reminders.

Marketing text messages are sent only when appropriate consent has been obtained. Clients may opt out of promotional text messages by replying STOP or following the opt-out instructions provided.

We encourage clients to avoid sending Social Security numbers, banking information, or other sensitive tax documents through unsecured communication channels.

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand visitor activity, and enhance the user experience. Third-party website, scheduling, and marketing platforms may collect certain technical information according to their own privacy practices. Visitors may manage cookies through their browser settings.

Empire Tax Specialist retains client records and tax-related documentation for periods required by applicable laws, regulations, and legitimate business recordkeeping obligations. When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely dispose of or delete records in accordance with applicable requirements.

Depending on applicable law, clients may have rights concerning their personal information. You may contact Empire Tax Specialist to:

• Request corrections to inaccurate contact information
• Update your personal information
• Ask questions regarding how information is used
• Request information about applicable privacy rights
• Withdraw certain optional marketing permissions

Some information must be retained to satisfy legal, tax, regulatory, or recordkeeping obligations.

Our website and client communications may include links or integrations with third-party platforms, including tax software providers, scheduling services, payment processors, and secure client portals. Empire Tax Specialist is not responsible for the independent privacy practices of third-party websites or services. We encourage clients to review the privacy policies of those providers.

Our website and services are not directed toward children under the age of 13. Information concerning minor dependents may be collected from parents, guardians, or authorized taxpayers when necessary for lawful tax preparation purposes.

Empire Tax Specialist reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in business operations, technology, or applicable laws. Any updates will be posted with a revised effective date.

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information, please contact: