NotchBooks Privacy Policy
Version 4
Effective: September 28, 2026
1. Introduction
NotchBooks ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Client Portal.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We collect information you provide directly, including:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Identification Information: Social Security Number, date of birth, driver's license information
- Financial Information: Income details, tax documents, bank account information (for direct deposit elections)
- Family Information: Spouse and dependent details for tax filing purposes
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you use the Portal, we automatically collect:
- IP address and device information
- Browser type and operating system
- Access times and pages viewed
- Referring URL
2.3 Documents and Files
- Tax forms and supporting documents you upload
- Electronic signatures and consent records
- Tax organizer responses
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Prepare and file your tax returns
- Communicate with you about your tax matters
- Verify your identity and prevent fraud
- Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
- Improve our services and Portal functionality
4. AI and Automated Processing
4.1 How We Use AI Technology
When you upload identification documents (such as driver's licenses) or other documents, we may use AI technology to automatically extract information (such as your name, address, and date of birth) to help complete your tax organizer and streamline the tax preparation process.
4.2 Your Data Privacy Protections
- Your personal information is ONLY used to complete your tax documents
- Images and data are stored ONLY in our secure storage and database
- Your data is NOT used for AI training purposes
- Your data is NOT stored by any third-party AI service beyond the immediate processing
- Your data is NOT shared with any other parties for AI or machine learning purposes
4.3 Human Oversight
All AI-extracted information is subject to review by you and our tax professionals. You have the opportunity to verify and correct any information before it is used in your tax documents.
5. Information Sharing
5.1 We May Share Information With:
- Tax Authorities: IRS, state tax agencies as required for filing
- Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist in Portal operations (under strict confidentiality agreements)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
5.2 We Do NOT:
- Sell your personal information to third parties
- Share your information for marketing purposes
- Provide your data to unrelated businesses
- Use your data for AI model training
6. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256)
- Access Controls: Role-based access limits who can view your information
- Secure Authentication: Multi-factor authentication options available
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Secure Storage: Data stored in SOC 2 compliant facilities
7. Data Retention
- We retain your tax records for a minimum of 7 years as required by IRS regulations
- You may request deletion of non-essential data by contacting us
- Some information must be retained for legal compliance even after account closure
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
- Portability: Request your data in a portable format
- Withdraw Consent: Opt out of optional communications
9. Cookies and Tracking
The Portal uses essential cookies to:
- Maintain your session
- Remember your preferences
- Ensure security
We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
10. Children's Privacy
The Portal is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or Portal notification. Your continued use after changes indicates acceptance.
12. Contact Us
For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:
- Contact your tax preparer directly
- Email: team@notchbooks.com
13. California Residents
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (note: we do not sell personal information).
14. Text Messaging
Notchbooks, Inc. may send text messages to the mobile number you provide. These messages relate to your account and your tax and accounting work with us, including notices that a document is ready for review or that a signature is needed, reminders about filing deadlines and appointments, and replies from our staff to questions you send us. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You can stop receiving texts at any time by replying STOP to any message, or by turning off Text Notifications in your portal settings. Reply HELP to any message for assistance, or call us at 631-551-5099. Agreeing to receive text messages is not a condition of any service we provide. You can decline and continue to work with us by email, phone, and through this portal. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. Do not send Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other sensitive personal information by text. Text messages are not a secure channel. Use the secure upload in your portal for anything sensitive.
By using the Portal, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.