Finca Tax Advisory (“Finca,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to safeguarding the personal and financial information entrusted to us by our clients. This Client Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you engage our tax advisory and preparation services.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information necessary to deliver accurate and compliant tax and advisory services, including:
Category | Examples |
Personal Identifiers | Name, Social Security number, Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), date of birth, driver’s license, or other government-issued ID. |
Contact Details | Mailing address, email address, telephone number. |
Financial Information | Income statements (W2, 1099), bank or brokerage records, investment statements, mortgage interest statements, charitable contribution receipts, and other documents required to prepare your tax returns. |
Employment & Business Data | Employer details, business entity records, accounting ledgers, payroll information. |
Sensitive Categories | Health-related expense documentation, dependent information, or other data required for specific tax credits or deductions. |
We collect this information directly from you or with your written authorization from third parties (e.g., your employer, financial institutions, previous tax preparers). In accordance with federal and state laws—and as part of our commitment to safeguarding your information—Finca Tax Advisory has implemented a comprehensive Written Information Security Plan (WISP), which outlines our data protection policies and procedures. The WISP is provided to each client upon engagement and is available upon request at any time.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information strictly for legitimate business purposes, including to:
- Prepare and file federal, state, and local tax returns and forms.
- Provide tax planning, advisory, and related services you request.
- Verify your identity and protect against fraud.
- Communicate with you about your engagement, deadlines, and regulatory changes.
- Maintain accurate internal records and comply with legal, regulatory, or professional obligations.
- Improve our services, systems, and security (in aggregate or de-identified form only).
We do not sell or rent your personal information.
3. How We Share Information
We may share your information only:
With Tax Authorities – such as the IRS or California Franchise Tax Board, when filing returns or responding to lawful requests.
With Authorized Service Providers – third-party vendors assist us in operating our practice (e.g., secure tax software, cloud storage, e-signature platforms). These providers are contractually obligated to safeguard your data and use it solely to provide services to Finca.
With Your Explicit Consent – e.g., sharing a completed return with your mortgage lender at your request.
For Legal Reasons – to comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
We limit disclosures to the minimum amount of information necessary to fulfill the stated purpose.
4. Data Security
We employ industry-standard administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including:
- Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest.
- Multi-factor authentication for system access.
- Regular software updates, firewall protection, and threat monitoring.
- Locked filing cabinets and restricted office access for paper records.
- Employee confidentiality agreements and periodic training on data protection.
Despite our efforts, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We therefore cannot guarantee absolute security, but we strive to protect your information using commercially reasonable measures.
5. Data Retention
We retain client records for a minimum of seven (7) years after the conclusion of the engagement or as otherwise required by law or by our professional standards. After the retention period, records are securely destroyed (shredded or permanently deleted). You may request early destruction of certain records where permissible by law; please contact us in writing to discuss.
6. Your Choices & Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights to:
Access – request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correct – request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
Delete – request deletion of certain information, subject to our legal recordkeeping obligations.
Limit Use – direct us not to disclose your information to specific third parties (e.g., marketing partners – note we do not engage in such disclosures).
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 10. We may need to verify your identity to process your request.
7. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such information, we will delete it promptly.
8. International Transfers
Finca Tax Advisory is based in the United States and processes data on servers located here. If you are accessing our services from outside the U.S., you understand that your information will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or our practices. We will post the revised version with a new “Effective Date” and, where required, obtain your consent for material changes.
10. SMS
No mobile opt-in or text message consent will be shared with third parties or affiliates.
If you consent to receive conversational and/or informational SMS from Finca Tax Advisory, you agree to receive conversational and/or informational SMS from us.
Reply STOP to opt-out; Reply HELP for support
Message & data rates may apply. Messaging frequency may vary.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
Finca Tax Advisory
Attn:
Rene Estrada – Privacy Officer
1129 State St. Ste 21
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: (805) 847-0576
Email:
[email protected]
