R&A Tax and Business Services (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), including the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and the Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015.

We understand the sensitive nature of the information you provide, and this policy outlines how we collect, store, use, and disclose your personal information.

1. WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT
We collect information necessary to provide tax, accounting, and related services. This may include:
– Full name, date of birth, address, and contact details
– Tax File Number (TFN), ABN, and other government identifiers
– Financial and income details, including bank statements or payslips
– Superannuation, investment, and asset information
– Identification documents (e.g. driver’s licence or passport)
– Information related to your family or business structure where relevant

We only collect personal information directly from you or from someone authorised by you.

Where lawful and practical, you can transact with us anonymously or by using a pseudonym. However, in many cases, if you do not provide the information we request, we may be unable to deliver our services, communicate effectively with you, or meet our legal obligations as your tax agent.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use your information solely to provide the services you’ve engaged us for, including:
– Preparing and lodging tax returns and BASs
– Managing your dealings with the ATO and other government bodies
– Advising you on tax, accounting, or financial matters
– Answering your enquiries and communicating with you
– Meeting our obligations as a registered tax agent and ASIC agent

We may also use your contact details to send you reminders or important updates relevant to your affairs.

We will not sell your personal information to third parties or use it to enable others to market their products or services to you.

3. WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR INFORMATION
R&A Tax and Business Services is a small professional practice operated by qualified accountants. In the course of providing services, your personal information may be accessed by the principal accountant, another qualified accountant engaged within the practice, or administrative support staff engaged now or in the future. All personnel are bound by strict confidentiality obligations and professional standards.

We do not disclose your personal information to third parties unless:
– You authorise us to do so in writing
– Disclosure is required or permitted by law (e.g. to the ATO, ASIC, or other government agencies)
– It is necessary to engage with software or service providers you have approved (e.g. Xero, ASIC, superannuation funds)
– It forms part of a bid or sale process involving R&A Tax and Business Services or its assets, in which case your information may be disclosed to potential buyers under an undertaking of confidentiality

In accordance with the Privacy Act, we may also use or disclose your personal information if we reasonably believe that the use or disclosure:
– Is necessary to lessen or prevent a serious and imminent threat to an individual’s life, health, or safety, or a serious threat to public health or public safety
– Is necessary to investigate or address suspected unlawful activity, or to report concerns to relevant authorities
– Is required or authorised by or under law
– Is necessary for the preparation for, conduct of, or implementation of orders from any court or tribunal

We do not share your personal information with any professional contacts or business partners unless specifically authorised by you.

4. HOW WE STORE AND PROTECT YOUR DATA
We store and manage your personal and financial information securely using reputable, cloud-based platforms and services that comply with Australian privacy laws and standards.

All data is stored offsite on secure servers with strong encryption and access controls. We do not keep client information on local servers or personal computers.

Where we receive physical documents from the ATO or other sources, we scan and securely forward them to you electronically. Physical copies are either promptly shredded or returned to you, depending on the circumstance, to protect your privacy.

We use multi-factor authentication and other security measures to protect against unauthorised access, misuse, or loss of your information.

Where data may be stored on servers outside Australia, we take reasonable steps to ensure those providers meet privacy protections consistent with Australian legislation.

5. TAX FILE NUMBERS (TFNs)
We collect and handle Tax File Numbers (TFNs) in accordance with the Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015. TFNs are used only for lawful purposes and are stored securely. They are never disclosed without your consent, except as required by law.

6. ACCESS AND CORRECTION
You may request access to the personal information we hold about you at any time. If you believe any information is inaccurate or out of date, please let us know and we’ll promptly correct it.

In some limited cases, we may be unable to provide access (e.g. where prohibited by law), but we will explain why if that is the case.

7. QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS
If you have any concerns about how your personal information is handled, please contact us directly:
R&A Tax and Business Services
Email: info@rnatax.com.au
Phone: 0468 877 587

If we can’t resolve your concern, you may also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at https://www.oaic.gov.au.

8. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The most current version is always available on our website at https://rnatax.com.au/privacy. Please note that our use of your personal information will be based on the privacy policy in effect at the time the information is used.