Privacy Policy

Your Financial Sanctuary in a Complex World

Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Introduction

Look, we get it - privacy policies can be a real snooze-fest. But when it comes to your financial info, we figured you'd wanna know exactly what we're doing with it.

At Pyrelitha Haven Accounting, we've built our whole practice around being your financial sanctuary. That means treating your personal and financial data with the same care we'd want for our own. We're not just saying that because it sounds good - it's literally part of our professional obligations as accountants in Canada, and honestly, it's just the right thing to do.

This policy lays out what information we collect, why we need it, how we protect it, and what rights you've got when it comes to your data. We've tried to keep the legalese to a minimum, but there are some spots where we gotta be precise for compliance reasons.

Quick Note: This policy applies to services provided by Pyrelitha Haven Accounting operating in British Columbia, Canada. We follow Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).

Information We Collect

When you become a client, we'll need some basic stuff about you. This includes:

  • Full legal name and any previous names
  • Date of birth and SIN (Social Insurance Number)
  • Home address and mailing address if different
  • Phone numbers and email addresses
  • Government-issued ID copies for verification purposes
  • Marital status and dependent information

Yeah, it's a lot, but the CRA kinda insists on it. We can't file your taxes or set up estate plans without this stuff.

Here's where it gets into the nitty-gritty. Depending on what services you're using, we might collect:

  • Income statements (T4s, T5s, and all those other fun slips)
  • Bank account details for direct deposits or payments
  • Investment account information and transaction records
  • Business financial statements and receipts
  • Property ownership records and mortgage info
  • Trust documents and estate planning details
  • Prior year tax returns and CRA correspondence

This is the meat and potatoes of what we do. Without access to your financial picture, we can't really help you optimize your taxes or plan your estate properly.

If you're a business client, we'll also need:

  • Business registration numbers and incorporation documents
  • Employee records for payroll services
  • Business banking and credit card statements
  • Vendor and supplier information
  • Sales records and invoices
  • Business licenses and permits

Running a business creates a whole other level of paperwork. We need this info to keep your books straight and make sure you're not overpaying on taxes.

When you visit our website or use our client portal, we automatically collect:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Device information and operating system
  • Pages visited and time spent on site
  • Referring website and search terms used
  • Login times and portal activity

This stuff helps us keep our systems secure and improve our services. We're not tracking you across the internet - just monitoring how our own site and portal are being used.

How We Use Your Information

We're not in the business of collecting data for the sake of it. Everything we gather has a specific purpose related to providing you with top-notch accounting services.

Tax Preparation & Filing

We use your info to prepare accurate tax returns, identify deductions you're entitled to, and file with the CRA on your behalf. Pretty straightforward stuff.

Strategic Planning

Your financial data helps us develop tax optimization strategies and estate plans that actually make sense for your situation - not just cookie-cutter templates.

Compliance & Representation

If the CRA comes knocking, we use your records to represent you during audits and respond to any inquiries. It's nice having someone in your corner who knows the details.

Client Communication

We'll use your contact info to send tax deadline reminders, discuss planning opportunities, and keep you updated on changes that might affect you.

Record Keeping

We're legally required to keep certain records for specific periods. Your data gets archived securely to meet these professional and regulatory obligations.

Service Improvement

Anonymized data helps us spot trends and improve our processes. We might notice that lots of clients struggle with a particular tax issue and create resources to help.

What We DON'T Do: We don't sell your data to third parties, use it for unrelated marketing, or share it with anyone unless required by law or with your explicit consent. Your financial info stays between us and the relevant authorities.

Data Protection & Security

Protecting your data isn't just a legal requirement - it's fundamental to what we do. We've invested in multiple layers of security because your trust is everything.

Encryption

All data transmission uses 256-bit SSL encryption. Your files are encrypted at rest too. Basically, even if someone somehow got their hands on our servers, they'd just see gibberish.

Secure Storage

We use Canadian-based servers with physical security measures, redundant backups, and disaster recovery protocols. Your data stays in Canada, subject to Canadian privacy laws.

Access Controls

Only authorized team members can access your files, and we track who views what. Multi-factor authentication is mandatory for all staff. No exceptions.

Our Security Practices Include:

  • Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
  • Firewall protection and intrusion detection systems
  • Secure document shredding for physical records
  • Staff training on privacy and security protocols
  • Incident response plan in case of any security breach
  • Regular software updates and patch management
  • Locked filing cabinets and restricted office access

Look, no system is 100% hack-proof - anyone who tells you otherwise is lying. But we've done everything reasonably possible to make sure your data is protected. We stay current with security best practices and continuously evaluate new threats.

Information Sharing & Disclosure

We don't share your info willy-nilly. But there are some situations where we need to or are legally required to disclose certain information.

When We Might Share Your Information:
Government Agencies

The CRA, provincial tax authorities, and other regulators when required by law. We file your tax returns, respond to official inquiries, and comply with court orders. This is non-negotiable stuff.

Service Providers

We use trusted third-party services for things like secure file storage, payroll processing software, and tax filing platforms. These providers are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and only get access to the specific data they need to do their job.

Professional Advisors

Sometimes we'll work with your lawyer, financial planner, or other professionals to provide comprehensive advice. We'll only share what's necessary and only with your explicit permission.

Legal Obligations

If we're legally required to disclose information (court order, subpoena, regulatory investigation), we'll do so. We'll notify you when possible, unless we're prohibited from doing so by law.

Business Transfers

If we ever sell the practice or merge with another firm (not planning on it, but you never know), your information would transfer to the new owner. We'd notify you in advance and ensure they maintain the same privacy standards.

Your Consent Matters: For anything beyond these necessary disclosures, we'll ask for your explicit consent first. You're always in control of who else gets to see your financial information.