Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

To provide tax preparation, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and related professional services, we may collect the following information:

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Personal Information

• Name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Driver's license or other government-issued identification

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Tax and Financial Information

• Income and wage information
• Tax forms and supporting documents
• Prior-year tax returns
• Bank account information
• Investment and retirement account information
• Business financial records
• Payroll information

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Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Device information
• Website activity information
• Cookie and usage data

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How We Use Your Information

We use your information only as necessary to:

• Prepare and file tax returns
• Provide accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and consulting services
• Respond to inquiries and service requests
• Verify identities and prevent fraud
• Communicate regarding appointments, deadlines, and engagement matters
• Process payments
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Maintain business and tax records

We do not use taxpayer information for purposes prohibited by federal law.

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Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information

Federal law protects the confidentiality of your tax return information.

We do not disclose or use your tax return information except:

• To prepare, file, or process your tax return
• As required or expressly permitted by law
• With your written authorization

Unauthorized use or disclosure of tax return information is prohibited by Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 and related regulations.

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Protection of Social Security Numbers

We collect Social Security Numbers and taxpayer identification numbers only when necessary to provide tax preparation and related services. Access to this information is restricted to authorized personnel and trusted service providers who require the information to perform services on our behalf. We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect Social Security Numbers and other sensitive personal identifiers from unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, or loss.

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Information Sharing

We do not sell, rent, lease, trade, or otherwise disclose client information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Information may be shared only under the following circumstances:

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Government Agencies

We may provide information to:

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• State tax agencies
• Other governmental authorities as required by law

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Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party providers that assist us with:

• Tax preparation software
• Electronic filing services
• Secure document storage
• Payment processing
• Technology support services

These providers are required to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

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Legal Requirements

Information may be disclosed when required by:

• Court order
• Subpoena
• Government investigation
• Applicable law or regulation

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Written Information Security Program (WISP)

In accordance with IRS requirements and the Federal Trade Commission Safeguards Rule, Granite City Tax Services Inc. maintains a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).

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Our security program is designed to identify potential risks to taxpayer information and establish safeguards to protect client data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, or destruction.

 

Security measures may include:

• Password-protected systems
• Multi-factor authentication
• Secure file storage
• Access controls
• Employee training
• Ongoing security monitoring
• Secure disposal procedures
• Vendor oversight and risk management

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Data Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect client information.

While we strive to use commercially reasonable measures to protect information, no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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Data Breach Notification

If we become aware of a security incident involving personal information, we will investigate the matter promptly and take appropriate corrective action.

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Where required by applicable federal or Minnesota law, affected individuals will be notified without unreasonable delay after discovery of a qualifying security breach, subject to any delays permitted by law enforcement or necessary incident response activities.

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Electronic Communications

By providing your email address, you consent to receive communications electronically, including:

• Appointment confirmations
• Tax organizers
• Engagement letters
• Client questionnaires
• Invoices
• Tax return delivery notifications
• Service-related correspondence

Although we employ reasonable safeguards to protect electronic communications, email transmission cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Clients who prefer alternative delivery methods should contact our office.

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SMS/Text Messaging Privacy

Clients who voluntarily provide a mobile telephone number and opt in may receive text messages related to:

• Appointment reminders
• Tax return status updates
• Requests for documents or information
• Payment reminders
• Tax deadline notifications
• Other service-related communications

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SMS Consent Protection

Mobile phone numbers, opt-in information, and SMS consent data will not be sold, rented, shared, or disclosed to third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.  SMS consent is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes.  Information may only be shared with service providers necessary to deliver text messaging services.

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Opt-Out

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP.

You will receive a confirmation message, and no additional text messages will be sent unless you opt back in.

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Help

For assistance, reply HELP or contact us:

Phone: (320) 258-2937
Email: info@granitecitytax.com

Message and data rates may apply.

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Cookies and Website Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Improve website functionality
• Remember user preferences
• Analyze website traffic
• Improve user experience

 

You may adjust your browser settings to reject cookies; however, certain website functions may not operate properly.

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Records Retention

We retain client records and supporting documentation for the period required by applicable federal and state laws, professional standards, and business requirements.  When records are no longer required, they are securely destroyed using methods designed to prevent unauthorized access.

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Your Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may request:

• Access to your personal information
• Correction of inaccurate information
• Additional information regarding our use of your information
• Withdrawal of certain consents when permitted by law

Requests may be directed to the contact information below.

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Contact Information

Granite City Tax Services Inc.
110 2nd St S, Suite 200
Waite Park, MN 56387

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Phone: (320) 258-2937

Email: info@granitecitytax.com

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Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

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Federal Disclosure

Federal law prohibits tax return preparers from disclosing or using tax return information without taxpayer consent except as authorized by law. Granite City Tax Services Inc. is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity, and security of all taxpayer information entrusted to our firm.