Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Uvision CPAs (“we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial legislation in British Columbia and Alberta.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard personal information in the course of providing accounting, tax, and advisory services.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect personal information necessary to provide our services, including:

• Identification information (name, address, phone number, email)
• Financial information (income, assets, liabilities, tax records)
• Business information (corporate records, financial statements)
• Government-issued identifiers (e.g., SIN, business numbers)
• Banking and payment details
• Employment and income information
• Any other information voluntarily provided by clients

We limit collection to what is reasonably necessary for the purposes identified.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information through:

• Direct client interactions (in person, phone, email)
• Online forms and website submissions
• Secure document portals and accounting software
• Third parties with consent (e.g., CRA, financial institutions)

4. Purpose of Collection

We collect and use personal information for the following purposes:

• Preparing tax returns and financial statements
• Providing accounting, bookkeeping, and advisory services
• Communicating with clients
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• Verifying identity and preventing fraud
• Improving our services and client experience

We will not use personal information for purposes beyond those identified without obtaining additional consent, unless required by law.

5. Consent

By engaging our services or providing personal information, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Clients may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. Withdrawal of consent may limit our ability to provide services.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information to:

• Government authorities (e.g., Canada Revenue Agency) as required
• Third-party service providers (e.g., cloud accounting platforms, secure document storage providers)
• Professional advisors (e.g., legal counsel)
• Regulatory bodies, where required

All third parties are required to maintain confidentiality and use information only for intended purposes.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

7. Data Storage and Security

We use industry-standard safeguards to protect personal information, including:

• Secure cloud-based systems
• Encryption and access controls
• Password-protected systems and multi-factor authentication
• Restricted access to authorized personnel only

While we take reasonable precautions, no system is completely secure. Clients are encouraged to use secure methods when transmitting sensitive information.

8. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, and to comply with legal, regulatory, and professional requirements.

When no longer required, information is securely destroyed or anonymized.

9. Access and Correction

Clients have the right to:

• Access their personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data

Requests can be made in writing and will be responded to within a reasonable timeframe, subject to legal limitations.

10. Website and Cookies

Our website may collect limited information through cookies and analytics tools, including:

• IP address
• Browser type
• Pages visited

This information is used to improve website functionality and user experience. It does not typically identify individuals.

Users may disable cookies through their browser settings.

11. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some service providers may store or process data outside of Canada. In such cases, information may be subject to foreign laws.

We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate protection of data regardless of location.

12. Safeguarding Client Confidentiality

As Chartered Professional Accountants, we are bound by strict professional confidentiality obligations. All client information is treated as confidential unless disclosure is authorized or required by law.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on our website with the revised effective date.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

15. Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may contact us directly. You also have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or applicable provincial authorities.