Effective Date: 27 January 2025

At Persona Tax, we value your trust and confidence. Protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information is a fundamental part of our professional obligation as federally-licensed Enrolled Agents and bonded tax professionals registered in California. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your nonpublic personal information in accordance with IRS regulations, including requirements outlined in the IRS Publication 4557 and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Safeguards Rule.

1. Confidentiality Commitment
We do not disclose any nonpublic personal information about our clients or former clients to anyone, except as required or permitted by law or with your express written consent. This commitment to confidentiality applies regardless of whether you remain a current client or not.

2. Information Collection and Use
As a client, we collect nonpublic personal information about you from the following sources:

• Information we receive from you on tax preparation forms, organizers, or other documents;

• Information about your transactions with us or others;

• Information from third parties with your authorization (e.g., IRS transcripts, banks, or employers).

This information is used solely to provide tax preparation, planning, compliance, and representation services, and to meet our legal and regulatory obligations.

3. Limited Access to Your Information
Access to your information is restricted to personnel who need it to perform services related to your engagement. All employees and contractors are bound by confidentiality agreements and are trained on maintaining the privacy and security of your data.

4. Safeguarding Your Information
We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that meet or exceed industry standards and IRS requirements. These include:

• Secure file storage and client portals;

• Strong passwords and access controls;

• Encrypted email communications and backups;

• Antivirus and firewall protection on all systems;

• Routine updates and patches for all security software;

• Secure disposal of physical and electronic records.

These safeguards are designed to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

5. Email and Electronic Communication
We may correspond with you via email in response to your inquiries or to share documents. Please note that while we take precautions, email is not a guaranteed secure medium. Emails may be intercepted, misdirected, or read by unintended parties.

By communicating with us via email, you acknowledge and accept these risks. We disclaim any liability for loss or damage arising from the use of email transmissions, including any unauthorized access or disclosure of confidential or proprietary information.

6. Legal Disclosure
We may be required by law to disclose confidential information in response to a lawful request by the IRS, state agencies, courts, or other governmental authorities. In such cases, we will only disclose what is legally required and will take reasonable steps to inform you when permissible.

7. Data Retention
We retain records relating to the professional services we provide to better assist you with your professional needs and to comply with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations. All retained data remains protected under the terms of this policy.

8. Your Consent
By engaging Persona Tax, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or would like to revoke or modify consent, please contact us at ideas[at]personatax[dot]org.

9. Updates to This Policy
We reserve the right to modify this policy as needed to comply with applicable laws and best practices. Updates will be posted to our website and effective immediately upon posting.

Bitar Advisors
President: Samir Bitar, EA

Certified Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business