Privacy policy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 13, 2025

1. Introduction

Michael Martin CPA Inc. ("I," "me," or "my firm") is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with:

  • Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)

  • CPA BC’s privacy guidelines

  • CPA Canada’s ethical standards

This policy outlines how I collect, use, disclose, and safeguard the personal information of my clients and website visitors.

2. Information Collected

I may collect and store personal information such as:

  • Contact Details (Name, address, email, phone number)

  • Financial Information (Income details, tax records, banking information)

  • Business Information (Corporate financials, tax filings, payroll details)

  • Website Usage Data (IP address, cookies, analytics from Google Analytics and Squarespace)

3. How Personal Information is Used

I collect personal information to:

  • Provide Accounting & Tax Services

  • Process Financial Transactions & Payments

  • Respond to Client Inquiries & Requests

  • Comply with Legal & Regulatory Requirements

  • Improve My Website & Client Experience

4. Compliance with CPA BC & CPA Canada

As a CPA in British Columbia, I adhere to the privacy standards set by CPA BC and CPA Canada, including:

  • FOIPPA Compliance (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

  • CPA Canada’s Code of Conduct, ensuring client confidentiality in all financial matters

  • Secure Financial Data Handling, protecting sensitive accounting and tax records

5. Consent & Disclosure

I obtain explicit or implied consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information unless required by law. Personal data is not sold and is disclosed only when necessary:

  • To third-party service providers assisting in accounting operations (CaseWare, TaxCycle, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks Online)

  • To government agencies in compliance with tax laws and regulations

  • To legal representatives when required by law

  • As part of CPA practice review or audits, ensuring compliance with professional standards

6. Data Storage, Retention & Security

Michael Martin CPA Inc. uses secure cloud storage for financial records, ensuring compliance with:

  • PIPEDA & CPA BC regulations on data retention

  • Encryption & multi-factor authentication for data security

  • Routine audits of storage protocols for compliance

Retention Periods

  • Tax records stored for at least 6 years, as per CRA requirements

  • Financial documents retained for compliance and audits

  • Secure deletion of outdated records upon request

7. Website Tracking & Analytics

I use Google Analytics and Squarespace to improve website functionality. This may involve:

  • Tracking visitor behavior, IP addresses, and engagement patterns

  • Using cookies for analytics & functionality (which users can disable)

  • Aggregating data to improve services—no personal identifiers are stored

8. Client Rights & Access

Clients have the right to:

  • Access & Review their personal data

  • Request Corrections if information is inaccurate

  • Withdraw Consent for data processing (subject to legal obligations)

9. Privacy Officer & Complaints

I serve as the designated Privacy Officer for Michael Martin CPA Inc. For privacy concerns or data requests, please contact:

Michael Martin Michael Martin CPA Inc. michael@michaelmartincpa.ca

10. Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Clients are encouraged to review my website for the latest version.