Look, we get it - nobody actually enjoys reading privacy policies. But when you're trusting us with your financial details, you deserve to know exactly how we're handling your info.
Welcome to Obsidron Ward Accounting's privacy policy. We're a Vancouver-based accounting firm that takes client confidentiality seriously - it's not just good practice, it's literally part of our professional obligations.
This policy explains what personal and financial information we collect, why we need it, how we use it, and what we do to keep it secure. We've tried to keep the legal jargon to a minimum because, honestly, we'd rather you actually understand what you're agreeing to.
By using our services or website, you're agreeing to the terms outlined here. If something doesn't sit right with you, give us a call at (604) 792-5438 and let's talk it through.
The basics - your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and Social Insurance Number (SIN). We need this stuff to properly identify you and file your tax returns with the CRA.
Here's where it gets into the nitty-gritty: income statements, T4s, T5s, investment records, business revenue and expenses, bank statements, receipts, property details, and anything else that affects your tax situation or financial statements. Basically, if it's got a dollar sign on it, we probably need to see it.
For our corporate clients - business registration numbers, corporate structure details, shareholder info, payroll records, and any other operational data we need to keep your books clean and your taxes compliant.
When you visit our site, we collect standard stuff like IP addresses, browser type, pages visited, and how long you stuck around. Nothing creepy, just the usual analytics that help us make the site better.
We're not selling your data to anyone or using it for anything sketchy. Here's what we actually do with it:
Security isn't just a checkbox for us - we've spent years building systems to keep your financial data locked down tight.
Look, no system is 100% hack-proof, and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. But we're doing everything reasonably possible to keep your stuff secure, and we're constantly updating our security measures as new threats emerge.
We don't sell, rent, or trade your information. Period. But there are a few situations where we need to share it:
The CRA, obviously - we can't file your taxes without sending them your info. We also comply with other legal requirements when authorities show up with proper documentation.
We work with secure cloud storage providers, accounting software companies, and payment processors. These folks have signed contracts promising they'll protect your data just like we do.
Sometimes we consult with lawyers, other accountants, or industry specialists on complex situations. When we do, they're bound by the same confidentiality rules we are.
If you ask us to share info with your lawyer, financial advisor, or anyone else, we'll do that - but only with your explicit consent.
Yeah, we use cookies - not the chocolate chip kind, unfortunately. Here's the deal:
Essential Cookies: These keep the website functioning properly. You can't really opt out of these without breaking the site.
Analytics Cookies: We use these to see which pages people visit, how long they stay, and where they're coming from. It helps us figure out what's working and what needs improvement. No personally identifiable stuff here.
Preference Cookies: These remember your settings so you don't have to keep entering the same info every time you visit.
Most browsers let you control cookies through their settings. You can block 'em, delete 'em, or get notified when they're being set. Just know that blocking cookies might make some parts of the site less functional.
Under Canadian privacy law, you've got some solid rights when it comes to your personal info:
You can ask to see what information we have about you. We'll provide it within 30 days, usually sooner.
If something's wrong or outdated, let us know and we'll fix it. Accurate records are important for both of us.
You can ask us to delete your info, though we might need to keep some records for legal or tax purposes. We'll explain what we can and can't delete.
Want to take your data somewhere else? We'll provide it in a format you can use.
Don't want us using your info for a particular purpose? You can object, and we'll stop unless we've got a legal obligation to continue.
To exercise any of these rights, just shoot us an email at info@obsidronward.info or give us a call at (604) 792-5438. We'll need to verify your identity first (to make sure we're not handing your info to some random person), but then we'll get it sorted quickly.
We don't keep your stuff forever, but we can't just delete everything the moment our engagement ends either. Here's why:
Tax Records: The CRA requires us to keep tax-related documents for at least 6 years from the end of the tax year they relate to. That's not our rule - it's theirs.
Financial Statements: Generally kept for 7 years, which is the standard limitation period for most financial disputes in BC.
Corporate Records: Some business documents need to be kept indefinitely by law, like articles of incorporation and shareholder agreements.
General Communication: Emails and correspondence that aren't directly related to tax or financial records? We typically keep those for 2-3 years, then they're gone.
Once the retention period ends, we securely destroy your information - and by securely, we mean proper data destruction methods, not just tossing files in the recycling bin.
Our services aren't designed for kids under 18. We don't knowingly collect information from minors without parental consent.
If you're a parent and you think your kid has somehow given us their information, let us know ASAP and we'll delete it. That said, if you're bringing your teenage kid into the accounting business early, good for you - just make sure you're involved in any information sharing.
For dependents claimed on tax returns, we only collect what's necessary for filing purposes (like their SIN and basic details), and that info is protected with the same security measures as everything else.
Privacy laws evolve, our practices improve, and sometimes we need to update this policy. When we make changes, we'll update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.
For minor tweaks (like clarifying wording or fixing typos), we'll just post the updated version. For major changes that significantly affect how we handle your information, we'll send you an email heads-up.
We recommend checking back here occasionally, especially if it's been a while since you last looked. We try to keep things transparent and will never sneak in major changes hoping nobody notices.
If you've got questions about this privacy policy, concerns about how we're handling your data, or you want to exercise any of your privacy rights, we're here to help.