Privacy Policy

At Paul Wills & Associates, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal and financial information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our accounting and tax services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide our professional accounting services effectively:

• Personal Information: Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, and social insurance number (SIN)
• Financial Information: Income details, investment information, bank account information, tax documents, and financial statements
• Business Information: Business registration documents, corporate records, payroll information, GST/HST details, and financial statements
• Communication Records: Emails, phone calls, meeting notes, and correspondence related to your accounting matters

2. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information through various channels:

• Directly from you when you engage our services
• Through our website contact forms and newsletter subscriptions
• During consultations and meetings
• From third-party sources with your authorization (e.g., CRA, financial institutions)
• From documents you provide for tax preparation and accounting purposes

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to provide professional accounting and tax services, including:

• Preparing and filing tax returns (personal and corporate)
• Bookkeeping and financial statement preparation
• Tax planning and financial advisory services
• Business valuation and consulting
• Communicating with you about your accounts and services
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Sending newsletters and updates (with your consent)

4. Confidentiality and Security

We take the protection of your information seriously:

• Professional Confidentiality: As Chartered Professional Accountants, we are bound by strict confidentiality obligations under professional standards and provincial laws
• Data Security: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction
• Secure Storage: Your documents and data are stored securely, whether in physical or digital format
• Employee Training: Our staff undergo regular training on privacy and data protection practices

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share information with third parties (e.g., banks, mortgage brokers)
• Tax Authorities: To the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other tax authorities for tax filing and compliance purposes
• Professional Advisors: With your lawyers, financial advisors, or other professionals involved in your financial matters
• Service Providers: With third-party service providers who assist us in delivering services (e.g., cloud accounting platforms) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights

6. Retention of Information

We retain your information in accordance with professional standards and legal requirements:

• Personal tax records are retained for a minimum of 7 years as required by CRA
• Corporate records are retained according to statutory requirements
• After the retention period, information is securely destroyed in accordance with professional standards

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA), you have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information we hold
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information (where legally permissible)
• File a complaint with us about our privacy practices
• Receive information about any breach of security involving your information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Cookies and Website Usage

Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website
• You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us: