Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

• Information you provide directly. When you submit our contact form or otherwise reach out, we collect your first and last name, email address, phone number, the reason for contacting us, and any details you include in your message.
• Information you provide when engaging our services. To deliver bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and financial-planning services, we collect financial, tax, business, and personal records you share with us or authorize us to obtain.
• Information collected automatically. When you visit the Site, we and our analytics providers automatically collect technical and usage data such as IP address, browser type, device information, pages viewed, and referring URLs, using cookies and similar technologies (including Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager).
• Information from third parties. We may receive information from service providers and financial institutions as needed to provide the services you request.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your inquiries and schedule consultations;
• Provide, maintain, and improve our bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and financial-planning services;
• Operate, secure, analyze, and improve the Site;
• Communicate with you, including service-related or, with your consent, informational messages;
• Comply with our legal, tax, and regulatory obligations, including those of the IRS, state authorities, and obligations applicable through our relationship with LPL Financial; and
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, security issues, and misuse.

3. Cookies and Analytics

The Site uses cookies and similar technologies to operate and to understand how it is used. We use Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to measure traffic and improve performance.

You can set your browser to refuse some or all cookies or to alert you when cookies are sent; some parts of the Site may not function properly without them. You may opt out of Google Analytics by installing Google’s opt-out browser add-on.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as described below:

• Service providers. With vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting, payment processing (CPACharge), our secure client/tax portal provider, scheduling, and email — each permitted to use the information only to provide services to us.
• LPL Financial. In connection with securities-related and certain financial-planning services, information may be shared with LPL Financial and may also be governed by LPL Financial’s own privacy notice, provided separately.
• Legal and regulatory. When required by law, regulation, subpoena, or governmental or self-regulatory request (including FINRA), or to protect our rights, clients, or others.
• Business transfers. In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this Policy.

5. Financial Information and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act

As a financial-services firm, we handle nonpublic personal financial information in accordance with applicable law, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act where applicable. Information related to securities accounts and investment services provided through LPL Financial may be governed by LPL Financial’s privacy notice in addition to this Policy.

6. Data Security

We maintain reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please avoid sending sensitive information (such as Social Security numbers or account numbers) by unencrypted email; use our secure client portal instead.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal and financial information for as long as needed to provide services, maintain business records, and comply with our legal, tax, and regulatory obligations — which, for certain tax and financial records, may be several years or longer as required by law — after which we securely dispose of it.

8. Your California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CCPA/CPRA”), may give you the following rights, subject to certain exceptions:

• The right to know the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected;
• The right to request deletion of personal information we have collected;
• The right to request correction of inaccurate personal information;
• The right to opt out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information — note that we do not sell or share your personal information as those terms are defined; and
• The right not to receive discriminatory treatment for exercising these rights.

9. Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of the rights above, contact us using the details below. We will verify your request and respond as required by applicable law. You may use an authorized agent to submit a request on your behalf.

10. Children’s Privacy

The Site is intended for adults and is not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 where applicable). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

11. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to third-party websites and services (such as our client portal and payment processor). We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective date” above indicates when it was last revised. Material changes will be posted on this page, and your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance.

13. Contact Us

Willard Tax & Financial

4000 Barranca Parkway, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92604

Email: contactus@willardtax.com

Phone: (949) 686-1616