Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 1, 2025

At Foothill Tax Services, your privacy and the security of your personal information are of utmost importance. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our services, our website, and the Foothill Tax Services mobile application for Android and iOS (the "App").

The Foothill Tax Services App is published on Google Play and the Apple App Store by developer Sandy Hartak on behalf of Foothill Tax Services, Rancho Cucamonga, California. On Google Play, the App's package name is com.sandyhartak.foothilltaxservices. In this policy, "we," "us," and "our" refer to Foothill Tax Services and Sandy Hartak as the App's developer.

1. About the App and Purpose of Data Collection

The App is provided exclusively to registered bookkeeping and tax clients of Foothill Tax Services. Registration is by invitation only: an account can only be created using a unique invitation code that we send directly to the client. The general public cannot sign up for the App.

The App allows clients to securely view their business financial data and documents in real time, without needing to store copies anywhere else. We collect personal information to provide professional bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services, manage client relationships, verify and authenticate users, and communicate important account-related information, including operational SMS messages you have requested.

2. Information We Collect

Information you or our firm provide:
• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Mailing address
• Account login credentials and invitation code
• Business financial records, bookkeeping data, tax documents, and other documents necessary to provide our services

Information collected automatically when you use the App:
• Device information, such as device model and operating system version
• IP address and login activity, such as the date and time of sign-in, used for security purposes
• One-time passcode (OTP) verification records
• Basic technical and diagnostic information that may be needed to keep the App working properly

We do not collect your precise location, contacts, photos, or browsing history, and we do not use advertising identifiers.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used strictly for:
• Account creation and account management
• Verifying your identity, including invitation code and OTP verification
• Secure login access and protecting accounts against unauthorized access or fraud
• Displaying your business data and documents to you within the App
• Providing requested bookkeeping, accounting, and tax services
• Communicating important updates related to your account
• Maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving the security and performance of the App

We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell your personal information.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for advertising or marketing purposes. We share information only in the following limited situations:

Service providers: We use trusted providers that help us operate our services, such as secure hosting and data storage, SMS and OTP delivery, and email delivery. These providers may process your information only on our behalf, only as needed to perform their services, and are required to keep it confidential and secure.

Tax and government authorities: When you engage us to prepare and file returns or other filings, we submit the required information to the IRS, state tax agencies, or other authorities on your behalf.

Legal requirements: When required by law, regulation, or court order, or to protect our legal rights.

Our website uses Google Analytics to understand website traffic. This applies to our website only.

5. SMS Communications

If you opt in to receive SMS messages, we use your phone number to send account notifications, one-time passcodes, appointment reminders, and service updates. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. SMS opt-in data and consent are not shared with any third parties. You can opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to any message. Message and data rates may apply.

6. Data Security

We use multiple layers of technical and organizational security measures to protect your information, including:
• Invitation-only registration, so only verified clients can create an account
• One-time passcode (OTP) verification
• Password protection on documents, in addition to the App's own security
• Encryption of all data transmitted between the App and our servers using secure HTTPS protocols
• Access controls that limit each client to viewing only their own business data

Because documents can be viewed directly within the App, you do not need to download or store copies on your device. While we work hard to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to provide our services, comply with legal and professional record-keeping obligations (including tax record retention requirements), resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.

8. Account Deletion and Data Removal

You may request deletion of your App account and associated personal data at any time by visiting:
https://foothilltax.com/legal/account-deletion.php
You may also email us at sandy@foothilltax.com. Verified requests will be processed within 3 business days. Some records may be retained where required by law or professional regulations, such as tax records we are required to keep.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services and the App are intended only for individuals 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that we have collected such information, we will delete it.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, including California, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, and to know how it is used and shared. To make a request, contact us using the information below. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be communicated through the App or by email.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us:
Foothill Tax Services
App developer: Sandy Hartak
Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA
Email: sandy@foothilltax.com
Phone: +1 (951) 545-4548