Privacy Policy

Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But here's the thing: when you're trusting us with your financial info, you deserve to know exactly what we're doing with it.

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Introduction

At Cindervaltrex Accounting Solutions, we're not just another faceless corporation - we're your neighbors here in Vancouver, and we take your privacy seriously. This policy lays out how we collect, use, and protect your personal and financial information when you work with us.

We operate under Canada's Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which basically means we've got strict rules to follow - and honestly, we're glad they exist. Your financial data isn't something to mess around with.

By using our services or visiting our website, you're agreeing to the terms outlined here. If something doesn't sit right with you, give us a call and let's talk it through.

Information We Collect

Alright, let's break down what info we actually need from you and why we need it:

  • Your full name (pretty standard stuff)
  • Address - we need this for tax filings and official correspondence
  • Phone numbers and email addresses so we can actually reach you
  • Date of birth and Social Insurance Number (SIN) - yeah, it's sensitive, but CRA requires it
  • Business registration numbers if you're running a company
  • Government-issued ID copies for verification purposes

  • Bank account details for payroll processing and transactions
  • Income statements, T4s, and other tax documents
  • Business revenue and expense records
  • Investment portfolios and capital gains info
  • GST/HST numbers and sales tax documentation
  • Credit card statements when relevant to business expenses

We only collect what's necessary to do our job right - no more, no less.

  • IP addresses and browser types (helps us keep things secure)
  • Pages you visit on our site and how long you stick around
  • Device information and operating systems
  • Cookies and similar tracking tech (more on this below)
  • Login credentials for our client portal

How We Use Your Data

We're not in the business of hoarding data just for kicks. Everything we collect serves a specific purpose:

Service Delivery

Preparing your tax returns, managing bookkeeping, processing payroll - y'know, the stuff you hired us for.

CRA Compliance

Filing required documents with the Canada Revenue Agency and keeping you on the right side of tax law.

Communication

Sending you updates, reminders about deadlines, and answering your questions (we try to respond fast, promise).

Legal Obligations

Keeping records as required by Canadian law and professional accounting standards.

Security & Fraud Prevention

Protecting your accounts from unauthorized access and spotting anything fishy.

Service Improvement

Analyzing how we can serve you better and making our processes more efficient.

Information Sharing

Let's be crystal clear: we're not selling your data to anyone. Period. However, there are some situations where we need to share your info:

Government Agencies

We share your tax info with the CRA, provincial tax authorities, and other government bodies when required by law. That's literally part of our job.

Professional Service Providers

Sometimes we work with other professionals - lawyers, auditors, financial advisors - but only when it benefits your situation and with your consent.

Technology Partners

We use secure cloud storage and accounting software providers who've signed strict confidentiality agreements. They're only processing data on our behalf.

Legal Requirements

If we're served with a valid court order or subpoena, we'll comply with the law. We'll also notify you if legally permitted.

Data Security

This is where we really don't mess around. Your financial data is protected by multiple layers of security:

  • Encryption: All data transmission uses 256-bit SSL encryption - that's bank-level security.
  • Secure Storage: Physical documents are locked in fireproof cabinets. Digital files are stored on encrypted, Canadian-based servers.
  • Access Controls: Only authorized team members can access your info, and we track every access attempt.
  • Regular Audits: We conduct security assessments quarterly and update our systems regularly.
  • Employee Training: Our team goes through annual privacy and security training because human error is still the biggest risk.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Our client portal requires more than just a password to access.
  • Backup Systems: Your data is backed up daily to separate secure locations.

Heads up: While we take every precaution, no system is 100% hack-proof. If there's ever a breach affecting your data, we'll notify you immediately and work with you on next steps.

Data Retention

We can't just delete your records the moment we're done with them - Canadian law has something to say about that:

Document Type Retention Period Reason
Tax Returns & Supporting Docs 7 years CRA requirement
Corporate Records 6 years after dissolution Legal obligation
Payroll Records 6 years Employment standards
GST/HST Documentation 6 years Federal requirement
General Correspondence 3 years Professional standards

After these periods expire, we securely destroy physical documents (shredding) and permanently delete digital files. If you need us to keep something longer, just let us know.

Your Rights

Under PIPEDA, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal info. Here's what you can do:

Access Your Information

Request a copy of what we've got on file for you. We'll provide it within 30 days, usually much faster.

Correct Inaccuracies

Found something wrong? Let us know and we'll fix it ASAP. Accurate records are crucial for tax purposes anyway.

Withdraw Consent

You can withdraw consent for certain data uses, though we'll need to keep some stuff for legal reasons.

Data Portability

Moving to another accountant? We'll provide your records in a commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, shoot us an email at info@cindervaltrex.info or call (604) 789-3421. We'll verify your identity first (gotta make sure it's really you) and then get you what you need.

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Yeah, we use cookies - but not the chocolate chip kind (though we definitely have those in the office). Here's what's happening when you visit our site:

Essential Cookies

These keep the site working properly - login sessions, security features, that sort of thing. Can't really turn these off if you want to use our client portal.

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand which pages are useful and which ones nobody visits (so we can improve them). We use anonymized data only.

Preference Cookies

Remember your settings so you don't have to keep selecting them every visit. Purely for convenience.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though disabling them might make some features wonky. Most browsers accept cookies by default, so you'll need to manually adjust if that bothers you.

Third-Party Services

We work with some trusted partners to deliver our services effectively. All of them have their own privacy policies, and we've vetted them carefully:

  • Cloud Accounting Software: We use industry-standard platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero, both with Canadian data residency options.
  • Email Services: Secure email hosting with end-to-end encryption capabilities.
  • Document Management: Encrypted cloud storage for file sharing and document collaboration.
  • Payment Processors: PCI-compliant payment gateways for secure transactions.
  • Video Conferencing: For remote consultations - we use platforms with security features enabled.

We don't control these third parties, but we only work with ones that meet our privacy and security standards. Still, you should check out their privacy policies too if you're curious.

Changes to This Policy

Privacy laws evolve, technology changes, and our practices improve. When we update this policy, we'll:

Update the Date

The "Last Updated" stamp at the top will change

Notify You

Major changes get an email notification to all clients

Give You Time

30 days notice before significant changes take effect

We'll keep an archive of previous versions too, just for transparency. If you ever want to review what's changed, ask us.

Questions About Your Privacy?

Look, privacy policies are never fun to read, and if you made it this far, you deserve a medal. But seriously - if anything here doesn't make sense or you've got concerns about how we handle your data, don't hesitate to reach out.

Call Us

(604) 789-3421

Visit Our Office

1250 Homer Street, Suite 400
Vancouver, BC V6B 2Y5

Privacy Commissioner of Canada

If you're not satisfied with how we've addressed your privacy concerns, you can file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca

PIPEDA Compliance

Cindervaltrex Accounting Solutions is committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with PIPEDA and all applicable Canadian privacy legislation.