Privacy Policy

Introduction

Steele Martin Jones & Company, PLC ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us. Please read this policy carefully. By using our services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information

• Name, address, email address, and phone number
• Social Security Number and Tax Identification Numbers
• Date of birth and government-issued identification
• Financial information including income, assets, and liabilities
• Bank account and payment information
• Employment information
• Business financial records and documents

Automatically Collected Information

• IP address and browser type
• Device information and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our website
• Referring website addresses
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide accounting, tax preparation, and advisory services
• Prepare and file tax returns and other financial documents
• Communicate with you about your account and services
• Send appointment reminders and document requests
• Process payments and billing
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Improve our website and services
• Respond to your inquiries and requests
• Send service-related communications via email, phone, or text message

Data Protection & Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure client portals for document exchange
• Access controls limiting employee access to client information
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection and confidentiality
• Physical security measures at our office locations
• Compliance with IRS Publication 4557 security requirements

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With your consent: When you authorize us to share information with third parties
• Service providers: With trusted third parties who assist us in providing services (e.g., secure document storage, payment processors)
• Legal requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or government request
• Tax authorities: As necessary to file tax returns and respond to IRS or state tax agency inquiries on your behalf
• Professional obligations: As required by our professional licensing and ethical obligations

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Opt-out of text message communications by replying STOP
• Request a copy of your tax returns and supporting documents

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. Tax records and supporting documents are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years as required by IRS regulations and professional standards. After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and understand where our visitors come from. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some features of our website.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete that information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.