1. Introduction
SEFR Accounting ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services, in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation in Canada.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Contact information (name, email, phone number, business address)
- Financial information necessary to provide accounting services
- Tax documents and related financial records
- Business registration information
- Payment information for our services
- Communications between you and our firm
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and browser information
- Device information and operating system
- Pages viewed and time spent on pages
- Referring website and search terms
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation services
- Communicate with you about your account and our services
- Process payments and maintain financial records
- Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- File tax returns and documents with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
- Improve our services and customer experience
- Send important updates and service notifications
4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve your experience and analyze website usage. You have full control over cookie preferences through our cookie consent banner.
Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality and security
- Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics (only if you consent) to understand website usage and improve user experience
- Preference Cookies: Remember your cookie consent choice
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser's local storage and refreshing the page to see the consent banner again.
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
We may share your information with:
- Government Agencies: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other regulatory bodies as required by law
- Service Providers: Cloud accounting platforms, secure document portals, and payment processors
- Professional Advisors: Legal counsel or other professional advisors when necessary
- With Your Consent: Other parties when you've given explicit permission
We will never sell or rent your personal information to third parties.
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure cloud storage with bank-level security
- Secure document portals for file sharing
- Access controls and multi-factor authentication
- Regular security audits and updates
- Employee confidentiality agreements and privacy training
7. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations. In accordance with CRA requirements, we maintain financial records for a minimum of 7 years after the end of the tax year to which they relate.
8. Your Rights Under PIPEDA
Under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have the right to:
- Access your personal information we hold
- Request corrections to inaccurate information
- Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
- Request deletion of your information (subject to legal retention requirements)
- File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
To exercise these rights, please contact us at info@sefraccounting.ca.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation in Canada.