PRIVACY

POLICY.

Your privacy and data security are our top priorities. This policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share your information.

INTRODUCTION.

At Fiscal Integrity Group ("FIG," "we," "us," or "our"), we understand that your financial information is highly sensitive and personal. As a professional accounting, tax, and financial services firm, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and data security.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal and financial information when you:

  • Visit our website (fiscalintegritygroup.com).

  • Use our services (bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, CFO advisory, etc.)

  • Communicate with us via phone, email, or our secure client portal.

  • Engage with us in any professional capacity.

By using our website or services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our website or services.

INFORMATION WE COLLECT.

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

  • Full name.

  • Business name and DBA (Doing Business As).

  • Mailing address.

  • Email address.

  • Phone number(s).

  • Fax number.

Identification Information:

  • Social Security Number (SSN).

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN).

  • Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).

  • Driver's license or state ID number.

  • Date of birth.

  • Passport information (for international clients).

Financial Information:

  • Bank account information.

  • Credit card information.

  • Investment account details.

  • Income information (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s).

  • Expense records and receipts.

  • Tax returns (current and prior years).

  • Financial statements (balance sheets, P&Ls).

  • Loan and debt information.

  • Property and asset ownership details.

  • Business revenue and expense data.

  • Payroll information.

Employment and Business Information:

  • Employer information.

  • Job title and role.

  • Business entity structure.

  • Business licenses and registrations.

  • Industry and sector information.

  • Employee information (for payroll services).

Family and Dependent Information:

  • Spouse and dependent information.

  • Beneficiary designations.

  • Estate planning details.

  • Family member employment in your business.

Professional Information:

  • Accountant/CPA information (if applicable).

  • Attorney information (if applicable).

  • Financial advisor information (if applicable).

  • Existing vendor and service provider relationships.

Information Collected Automatically.

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

Device and Browser Information:

  • IP address.

  • Browser type and version.

  • Operating system.

  • Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet).

  • Screen resolution.

  • Referring website.

Usage Information:

  • Pages visited.

  • Time spent on pages.

  • Links clicked.

  • Search terms used on our site.

  • Date and time of visit.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience. See our "Cookies" section below for details.

Information from Third Parties.

We may receive information about you from:

Financial Institutions:

  • Banks (via QuickBooks connections or direct feeds).

  • Credit card companies.

  • Payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).

  • Merchant services.

Government Agencies:

  • IRS transcripts and records.

  • State tax agency records.

  • Business registration records.

  • Court records (if relevant to tax or financial matters).

Professional Service Providers:

  • Your attorney (with your consent).

  • Your financial advisor (with your consent).

  • Your prior accountant or bookkeeper (with your consent).

  • Credit bureaus (for business loan applications).

Third-Party Software:

  • QuickBooks Online.

  • Payroll platforms.

  • Time tracking software.

  • CRM systems.

  • Document management systems.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION.

We use your information for the following purposes:

To Provide Our Services

  • Bookkeeping & Accounting: Record transactions, reconcile accounts, prepare financial statements.

  • Payroll Services: Process payroll, calculate taxes, file required forms, issue W-2s and 1099s.

  • Tax Preparation: Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns.

  • Tax Planning: Develop tax minimization strategies and provide ongoing tax advice.

  • CFO Services: Provide financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic advisory.

  • IRS Representation: Represent you in audits, negotiate settlements, and resolve tax issues.

  • Estate Planning: Analyze estate tax liability and develop wealth transfer strategies.

  • Business Consulting: Provide financial guidance and business advisory services.

To Communicate With You

  • Respond to your inquiries and requests.

  • Schedule appointments and meetings.

  • Send service updates and important notices.

  • Provide customer support.

  • Deliver financial reports and tax documents.

  • Send reminders about deadlines and required actions.

To Comply With Legal Obligations

  • File required tax forms with federal, state, and local agencies.

  • Respond to lawful requests from government agencies.

  • Comply with court orders and subpoenas.

  • Maintain records as required by law and professional standards.

  • Report suspicious activities as required by anti-money laundering laws.

To Improve Our Services

  • Analyze website usage and user behavior.

  • Improve our website functionality and user experience.

  • Develop new services and features.

  • Conduct research and analytics.

  • Train our team members.

For Business Operations

  • Process payments and manage billing.

  • Maintain accurate financial and business records.

  • Manage vendor and service provider relationships.

  • Protect against fraud and unauthorized access.

  • Enforce our Terms of Service.

HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION.

We use your information for the following purposes:

To Provide Our Services

  • Bookkeeping & Accounting: Record transactions, reconcile accounts, prepare financial statements.

  • Payroll Services: Process payroll, calculate taxes, file required forms, issue W-2s and 1099s.

  • Tax Preparation: Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns.

  • Tax Planning: Develop tax minimization strategies and provide ongoing tax advice.

  • CFO Services: Provide financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and strategic advisory.

  • IRS Representation: Represent you in audits, negotiate settlements, and resolve tax issues.

  • Estate Planning: Analyze estate tax liability and develop wealth transfer strategies.

  • Business Consulting: Provide financial guidance and business advisory services.

To Communicate With You

  • Respond to your inquiries and requests.

  • Schedule appointments and meetings.

  • Send service updates and important notices.

  • Provide customer support.

  • Deliver financial reports and tax documents.

  • Send reminders about deadlines and required actions.

To Comply With Legal Obligations

  • File required tax forms with federal, state, and local agencies.

  • Respond to lawful requests from government agencies.

  • Comply with court orders and subpoenas.

  • Maintain records as required by law and professional standards.

  • Report suspicious activities as required by anti-money laundering laws.

To Improve Our Services

  • Analyze website usage and user behavior.

  • Improve our website functionality and user experience.

  • Develop new services and features.

  • Conduct research and analytics.

  • Train our team members.

For Business Operations

  • Process payments and manage billing.

  • Maintain accurate financial and business records.

  • Manage vendor and service provider relationships.

  • Protect against fraud and unauthorized access.

  • Enforce our Terms of Service.

HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION.

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

Technical Safeguards:

  • 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmission.

  • Encrypted data storage.

  • Secure, password-protected client portal.

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for portal access.

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.

  • Firewall protection.

  • Intrusion detection and prevention systems.

  • Regular software updates and security patches.

Physical Safeguards:

  • Secure office facilities with controlled access.

  • Locked file cabinets for physical documents.

  • Shredding of sensitive paper documents.

  • Secure disposal of electronic media.

Administrative Safeguards:

  • Background checks for all employees.

  • Confidentiality agreements with all staff and contractors.

  • Regular security training for team members.

  • Strict access controls (least privilege principle).

  • Incident response plan.

  • Business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Professional Standards: We adhere to professional standards including:

  • AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) guidelines.

  • IRS Circular 230 regulations.

  • State board of accountancy requirements.

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework,

  • IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data).

Our "No Email" Policy for Sensitive Information.

IMPORTANT SECURITY NOTICE:

We do NOT accept sensitive information via email due to inherent security risks. Email is not encrypted and can be intercepted.

You MUST NOT send the following via email:

  • Social Security Numbers

  • Bank account information

  • Credit card numbers

  • Tax returns or tax documents

  • Passwords or login credentials

  • Driver's licenses or IDs

  • Any other sensitive financial information

Instead, use our secure client portal to upload all sensitive documents and information. Your portal is encrypted, password-protected, and specifically designed for secure financial data transmission.

Email attachments sent to us will NOT be opened and will be deleted immediately for your security and ours.

HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

With Your Consent

We will share your information with third parties when you explicitly authorize us to do so, such as:

  • Sharing information with your attorney, financial advisor, or other professionals

  • Providing references or verifications you've requested

  • Coordinating with lenders or investors per your instructions

With Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business:

Technology Providers:

  • QuickBooks Online (Intuit).

  • Payroll processing platforms.

  • Secure client portal provider.

  • Cloud storage providers (encrypted).

  • CRM and practice management software.

  • Email service providers.

  • Website hosting providers.

Professional Service Providers:

  • Tax preparation software providers.

  • Document management systems.

  • Payment processors.

  • IT support and security firms.

  • Professional liability insurance carriers.

All service providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and use your information only for the purposes we specify.

With Government Agencies

We share information with government agencies as required by law:

  • IRS (federal tax returns and related information).

  • State tax agencies (state tax returns).

  • Social Security Administration (payroll reporting).

  • Department of Labor (payroll and employment reporting).

  • State business registration agencies.

  • Other regulatory agencies as required.

For Legal Compliance

We may disclose information when required by law:

  • In response to subpoenas, court orders, or legal process.

  • To comply with IRS summons or other tax agency requests.

  • To protect our rights, property, or safety.

  • To prevent fraud or illegal activity.

  • In connection with legal proceedings.

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, sale of assets, or business transition, your information may be transferred to the successor entity. We will notify you of any such change and your options.

YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES.

Access and Correction

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal information we maintain.

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information.

  • Request copies of documents we've prepared.

  • Review your account history and communications.

To exercise these rights, contact us via our email or through your secure client portal.

Marketing Communications

You may opt out of marketing communications:

  • Click "unsubscribe" in any marketing email

  • Contact us to remove you from marketing lists

  • Update preferences in your client portal

Note: You cannot opt out of service-related communications (e.g., appointment confirmations, document requests, deadline reminders, regulatory notices).

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to Know: Request disclosure of personal information we collect, use, and share

Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)

Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the "sale" of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)

Right to Non-Discrimination: You will not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise your CCPA rights, contact us at:

  • Email: [privacy email]

  • Phone: 951-888-3245

  • Mail: 11400 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90064

We will verify your identity before fulfilling requests and respond within 45 days.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

  • Right to access your personal data.

  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data.

  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten").

  • Right to restrict processing.

  • Right to data portability.

  • Right to object to processing.

  • Right to withdraw consent.

  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

Our legal basis for processing your information:

  • Contract performance: To provide services you've engaged us for.

  • Legal obligation: To comply with tax laws and regulations.

  • Legitimate interests: To improve our services and prevent fraud.

  • Consent: Where required by law.

DATA RETENTION.

How Long We Keep Your Information

We retain your information for different periods based on legal requirements and business needs:

Tax Records:

  • Federal tax returns: 7 years (IRS statute of limitations for audit).

  • State tax returns: Per state requirements (typically 3-7 years).

  • Payroll records: 7 years minimum.

  • Supporting tax documentation: 7 years.

Financial Records:

  • Bookkeeping records: 7 years.

  • Financial statements: 7 years.

  • Accounts payable/receivable: 7 years.

Client Files:

  • Engagement letters and contracts: 7 years after termination.

  • Correspondence: 7 years.

  • Work papers and analysis: 7 years.

Legal Hold: If information is subject to litigation, investigation, or audit, we retain it until the matter is resolved, regardless of standard retention periods.

Deletion: After retention periods expire, we securely delete or destroy information unless:

  • You request continued retention.

  • We have a legitimate business need to retain it.

  • Legal or regulatory requirements mandate longer retention.

COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit our website. They help us provide a better user experience.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required):

  • Enable core website functionality.

  • Remember your login state.

  • Maintain security.

  • Cannot be disabled.

Analytics Cookies (Optional):

  • Google Analytics: Track website usage and performance.

  • Help us understand visitor behavior.

  • Improve website content and navigation.

Functional Cookies (Optional):

  • Remember your preferences.

  • Personalize your experience.

  • Pre-fill forms with saved information.

Marketing Cookies (Optional):

  • Google Ads: Track ad campaign performance.

  • Facebook Pixel: Measure social media advertising effectiveness.

  • Retargeting cookies: Show relevant ads to past visitors.

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

  • Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies.

  • Opt-Out Tools: Use industry opt-out tools (e.g., NAI, DAA).

  • Do Not Track: Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser.

Note: Disabling essential cookies may impair website functionality.

Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand website usage. Google Analytics collects:

  • Pages visited

  • Time on site

  • Referral sources

  • Geographic location (city/state level)

  • Device and browser information

Google's use of this data is governed by the Google Privacy Policy.

Opt out of Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

THIRD-PARTY LINKS.

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including:

  • IRS.gov.

  • State tax agency websites.

  • QuickBooks Online.

  • Banking partners.

  • Professional associations.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

CHILDREN'S PRIVACY.

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we learn we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Note: We may collect information about your minor children for tax purposes (e.g., dependents) with your consent as their parent or legal guardian.

CALIFORNIA "SHINE THE LIGHT" LAW.

California Civil Code Section 1798.83 permits California residents to request information about our disclosure of personal information to third parties for direct marketing purposes.

We do not share personal information with third parties for their direct marketing purposes.

If you have questions, contact us at [email protected]

NEVADA PRIVACY RIGHTS.

Nevada residents may opt out of the sale of certain covered information.

We do not sell your personal information as defined by Nevada law.

If you are a Nevada resident and have questions, contact us at [email protected]

DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS.

Some browsers have "Do Not Track" (DNT) features. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals because there is no industry standard for how to respond.

We honor opt-out preferences through other mechanisms described in this policy.

CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Changes in our practices.

  • New legal or regulatory requirements.

  • Improvements to our services.

  • Technological advances.

Notice of Changes:

  • We will post the updated policy on our website.

  • The "Last Updated" date will be revised.

  • Material changes will be highlighted at the top of the policy.

  • For significant changes, we may notify you via email or portal notification.

Your Continued Use: By continuing to use our services after changes take effect, you accept the updated Privacy Policy.

GRAMM-LEACH-BLILEY ACT (GLBA) NOTICE.

As a financial services provider, we are required to provide this notice under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act:

Information We Collect: We collect nonpublic personal information about you from:

  • Information you provide on applications and forms.

  • Information about your transactions with us.

  • Information from third parties (e.g., credit bureaus, tax agencies).

Information We Disclose: We do not disclose nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties except:

  • As necessary to provide services you've requested.

  • As permitted or required by law.

  • To service providers under strict confidentiality agreements.

Our Security Practices: We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your nonpublic personal information in accordance with federal standards.

Confidentiality: Our employees and service providers have access to your information only on a need-to-know basis and are bound by confidentiality obligations.

PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIALITY.

As accounting and tax professionals, we are bound by professional codes of ethics and confidentiality requirements including:

AICPA Code of Professional Conduct: We maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with AICPA standards.

IRS Circular 230: We comply with IRS regulations governing practice before the IRS, including confidentiality requirements.

State Laws: We comply with state accountancy laws and regulations governing client confidentiality.

Attorney-Client Privilege: While we are not attorneys, we may assist with matters involving attorney-client privilege and will maintain appropriate confidentiality.

Tax Preparer Confidentiality: We do not disclose tax return information without your consent, except as required by law.

BREACH NOTIFICATION.

In the unlikely event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will:

1. Investigate: Immediately investigate the scope and impact.

2. Contain: Take steps to contain and remediate the breach.

3. Notify You: Notify affected individuals without unreasonable delay.

4. Report: Report to appropriate authorities as required by law.

5. Assist: Provide assistance and resources to affected individuals.

Notification Will Include:

  • Description of the breach.

  • Types of information involved.

  • Steps we've taken to address the breach.

  • Steps you can take to protect yourself.

  • Contact information for questions.

CONTACT INFORMATION.

Privacy Questions and Requests

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights:

Email: [email protected] Phone: 951-888-3245 Mail:
Privacy Officer
Fiscal Integrity Group
11400 West Olympic Blvd, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90064

Secure Client Portal: For existing clients, use your secure portal to submit privacy requests or concerns.

Response Time: We will respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days (45 days for CCPA requests).

CONSENT AND ACCEPTANCE.

By using our website or services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use our website or services.

For specific services, you may be required to sign additional consent forms or engagement letters that provide further detail about information collection and use for those services.

Secure Client Portal: For existing clients, use your secure portal to submit privacy requests or concerns.

© Copyright 2026 | Fiscal Integrity Group™ | All Rights Reserved.