Privacy Statement

PRIVACY STATEMENT

Beckford Accounting
Keith Beckford, CPA, MBA, CFE, CBM

Effective Date: February 2nd, 2026

Our Commitment to Privacy

Beckford Accounting is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of client information. This Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose information in the course of providing professional accounting services.

Information We Collect

In order to provide tax preparation, tax planning, and bookkeeping services, we collect various types of information, including:

Personal Information:

Name, address, telephone number, and email address
Social Security numbers and Employer Identification Numbers
Date of birth and dependent information
Financial account information

Financial Information:

Income records (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc.)
Expense documentation and receipts
Bank and investment account statements
Business financial records and statements
Real estate and asset information
Prior year tax returns

Communication Records:

Correspondence via email, phone, or in-person meetings
Notes from consultations and professional advice provided
Documents and files exchanged for service delivery

How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected solely for the following purposes:

Preparing federal and state tax returns
Providing tax planning and consultation services
Performing bookkeeping and accounting services
Communicating with you about your engagement
Responding to inquiries from tax authorities (with your authorization)
Fulfilling our professional and legal obligations
Maintaining accurate records as required by professional standards

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Professional Standards

As a Certified Public Accountant licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, Keith Beckford is bound by strict confidentiality requirements under:

AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy Rules of Professional Conduct
Federal and state privacy laws

Limited Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may disclose client information only in the following limited circumstances:

With Your Consent:

When you provide explicit written authorization
To third parties you designate (e.g., financial institutions, attorneys)

To Service Providers:

Tax software providers necessary for return preparation and e-filing
Professional liability insurance carriers (as required)
Practice management software providers with appropriate security safeguards

As Required by Law:

In response to valid subpoenas, court orders, or legal process
To comply with IRS or state tax authority inquiries (with client notification when permitted)
When required by applicable federal or state regulations

Professional Review:

Peer review programs authorized by AICPA or Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Quality control reviews required for professional compliance
We will make reasonable efforts to notify you of such disclosures unless prohibited by law.

Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

Security Measures Include:

Encrypted email communications for sensitive documents
Secure file transfer systems for document exchange
Password-protected computer systems and files
Secure physical storage of paper documents
Limited access to client information on a need-to-know basis
Regular security updates and software patches

Client Responsibility:

When transmitting information electronically, we recommend clients use secure methods. If you choose to send information via unsecured email, you acknowledge the inherent security risks.

Data Retention

We retain client records in accordance with professional standards and applicable legal requirements:

Tax Returns and Supporting Documents: Minimum of seven (7) years from filing date
Engagement Letters and Correspondence: Retained for the duration of the professional relationship plus seven (7) years
Bookkeeping Records: As required by IRS regulations and professional standards
After the retention period, records are securely destroyed through shredding (paper) or secure deletion (electronic files).

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

Website and Digital Communications

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use basic cookies to improve user experience and analyze site traffic. These cookies do not collect personally identifiable information. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some website features may not function properly.

Contact Forms

Information submitted through website contact forms is transmitted securely and used solely to respond to your inquiry and assess potential engagement.

Email Communications

Email communication is not always secure. We recommend against sending highly sensitive information (such as Social Security numbers or complete financial records) via standard email. We can provide secure file transfer options upon request.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors except as dependents listed on tax returns prepared for adult clients.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

Access: Request copies of your records maintained by our firm
Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information in your records
Restriction: Request limitations on how we use your information (subject to professional obligations)
Withdrawal: Terminate the professional relationship at any time (subject to Terms and Conditions)

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

Updates to This Privacy Statement

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Statement to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. The effective date at the top of this statement indicates when it was last revised. Material changes will be communicated to active clients.

Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about this Privacy Statement or our privacy practices, please contact:

Beckford Accounting

Keith Beckford, CPA, MBA, CFE, CBM

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

Houston, Texas

Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been violated, you may file a complaint with:

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

333 Guadalupe, Tower 3, Suite 900

Austin, TX 78701-3900