Privacy Policy

1. Our Privacy Commitment

Karvis Accountants is an Australian accounting and taxation practice. We understand that clients trust us with sensitive financial, taxation and identity information, and we are committed to handling that information responsibly.

This Privacy Policy explains how Karvis Accountants collects, uses, stores and discloses personal information. It is intended to reflect our obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015 where those laws apply.

2. Personal Information We Collect

The information we collect depends on the services you request and may include:

• Name, address, date of birth, phone number and email address.
• Tax File Number, Australian Business Number, Australian Company Number and other tax identifiers.
• Identity documents and verification information, such as driver licence, passport or Medicare details.
• Employment, payroll, superannuation, investment, rental property and business records.
• Bank account, billing, payment and transaction information.
• Income tax returns, BAS, financial statements, ATO correspondence and supporting documents.
• Information sent through our website forms, emails, phone calls, meetings, client portals or third-party accounting platforms.
• Website usage information such as IP address, browser type, device information and pages visited.

3. How We Collect Information

We usually collect personal information directly from you, your authorised representative or your business. We may also collect information from government agencies, banks, cloud accounting platforms, payroll systems, ASIC, the Australian Taxation Office, superannuation funds and other advisers where necessary to provide our services.

If you provide personal information about another person, you should ensure you have their authority to do so and that they understand how their information may be handled under this policy.

4. How We Use Personal Information

Karvis Accountants uses personal information for purposes connected with accounting, taxation, compliance and client service, including to:

• Prepare and lodge tax returns, activity statements, financial reports and compliance documents.
• Provide accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, ASIC, SMSF and business advisory services.
• Verify identity and satisfy legal, professional and regulatory obligations.
• Communicate with clients, government agencies and authorised representatives.
• Maintain client files, billing records and internal administration.
• Improve our website, systems, service quality and client communications.
• Send relevant service updates, reminders or information, where permitted by law.

5. Tax File Numbers and Government Identifiers

Tax File Numbers are sensitive identifiers. We collect, use, store and disclose TFN information only where permitted by taxation, superannuation or related Australian law.

We do not use a TFN as our own client identifier. Where TFN information is no longer required to be retained, we take reasonable steps to securely destroy, delete or de-identify it in accordance with our legal and professional obligations.

6. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose personal information where it is reasonably necessary for our services or required by law, including to:

• The Australian Taxation Office, Tax Practitioners Board, ASIC and other government or regulatory bodies.
• Cloud accounting, tax, document management, payment, email and client portal providers.
• Auditors, legal advisers, financial advisers, finance brokers or other professional advisers authorised by you.
• Banks, superannuation funds, payroll providers and insurers where relevant to the work we perform.
• Contractors or service providers who help us operate our practice, subject to confidentiality and security requirements.

7. Overseas Disclosure

Some software, hosting, support or professional service providers may store or process data outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to use reputable providers and protect personal information in line with applicable privacy requirements.

We will not sell your personal information to third parties.

8. Security and Retention

We take reasonable technical, administrative and physical steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. These steps may include restricted access controls, secure document handling, password protection, staff confidentiality practices and use of secure software platforms.

Accounting and taxation records often need to be retained for legal, professional and audit purposes. We keep personal information for as long as required for those purposes and then take reasonable steps to securely destroy or de-identify it when it is no longer needed.

9. Website, Cookies and Analytics

When you use our website, we may collect technical information such as IP address, device details, browser type, referral source and pages visited. This helps us maintain website security, understand site performance and improve the user experience.

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies. You can usually adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, although some website features may not work as intended.

10. Access and Correction

You may request access to personal information we hold about you or ask us to correct information that is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. We may need to verify your identity before responding.

In some circumstances we may be unable to provide access, for example where doing so would breach another person's privacy, legal privilege or a law. If access or correction is refused, we will explain the reason where reasonable and lawful.

11. Privacy Questions and Complaints

If you have a privacy question, request or complaint, please contact Karvis Accountants using the details below. We will review the issue and respond within a reasonable time.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

12. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our services, systems or legal obligations. The current version will be published on this page.