Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Waterside Tax Services (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal and financial information you share with us.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information obtained through our website and related services, including our secure client portal.

By using our website or services, you agree to the practices described below.

Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

A. Information You Provide Directly

When you contact us, schedule an appointment, submit a form, or engage our tax services, you may provide:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Business information (if applicable)
• Tax and financial information necessary to provide services

Sensitive tax documents are collected only through secure systems, not through general website forms.

B. Information Collected Through Our Client Portal (SmartVault)

We use SmartVault, a secure third-party client portal, to collect and store confidential tax documents and client communications.

When you use SmartVault, information may include:

• Uploaded tax forms and financial records
• Secure messages and shared files
• Account login information

SmartVault operates under its own privacy and security practices. We encourage you to review SmartVault’s privacy policy directly.

C. Automatically Collected Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type and device information
• Pages viewed and time spent on our site
• Referral sources

This data helps us improve site performance and user experience.

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide tax preparation and related professional services
• Communicate with you about your account, services, or appointments
• Deliver secure document access through SmartVault
• Process payments for services
• Improve our website and client experience
• Maintain compliance with legal, regulatory, and professional obligations
• Prevent fraud, unauthorized access, or misuse

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

Payments and Financial Transactions

We may offer online payment options through trusted third-party payment processors.

When you submit a payment:

• Payment details are processed securely by the third-party provider
• We do not store your full credit card or banking information on our servers

Payment processors are required to maintain appropriate safeguards and compliance standards.

How We Share Your Information

We only share personal information under limited circumstances, including:

A. Service Providers

We may share information with trusted vendors who support business operations, such as:

• SmartVault (secure document portal)
• Payment processors
• Scheduling or communication platforms

These providers are authorized to use your information only as needed to perform services for us and must protect it appropriately.

B. Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We may disclose information when required to comply with:

• Federal or state law
• IRS regulations
• Court orders or lawful requests

C. Business Transfers

If Waterside Tax Services is involved in a merger, acquisition, or business transition, client information may be transferred as part of that process.

Data Security

We take strong precautions to protect your information, including:

• Secure client portals for document exchange
• Encryption and access controls
• Limiting access to authorized personnel only
• Using reputable third-party systems designed for tax professionals

Despite these safeguards, no online system can be guaranteed completely secure. Clients should avoid sending sensitive tax information through unsecured email.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies or similar tools to:

• Understand traffic and usage trends
• Improve functionality and performance

You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not work properly.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

• Request access to personal data we hold
• Request correction or deletion (where legally permitted)
• Opt out of marketing communications

To make a request, contact us using the information below.

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted here with a revised effective date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle client information, please contact:

Waterside Tax Services
Email: info@watersidetaxprep.com
Phone: 941.477.3309
Address: 9040 Town Center Pkwy, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202