Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

CPAI Experts (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at www.cpaiexperts.com (the “Service”) or use our professional services designed for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and accounting firms.

This policy applies to all users of our Service, including visitors, registered users, and clients. By accessing or using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

Account Registration Information:

• Full name and professional credentials
• Email address and phone number
• Business name and address
• Professional license numbers (CPA license, etc.)
• Job title and department
• Username and password

Business and Professional Information:

• Firm size and structure
• Areas of specialization
• Client industry focus
• Professional certifications and continuing education records
• Billing and payment information

Communications:

• Information you provide when contacting us for support
• Survey responses and feedback
• Comments on our content or forums
• Messages sent through our platform

Content You Submit:

• Professional documents and templates
• Case studies and examples
• Forum posts and comments
• Profile information and professional bio

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Provision

• Create and maintain your account
• Provide access to our professional resources and tools
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Deliver customer support and technical assistance
• Facilitate networking and professional connections

3.2 Communication

• Send service-related notifications and updates
• Provide continuing education reminders and opportunities
• Share relevant industry news and insights
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)

3.3 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research on professional needs and trends
• Enhance user experience and platform performance
• Troubleshoot technical issues

3.4 Legal and Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Enforce our terms of service and user agreements
• Respond to legal requests and court orders
• Maintain professional standards and ethics

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal information under the following legal bases:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to processing for specific purposes
• Contract: To perform our services and fulfill our contractual obligations
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure security
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and professional regulations

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 We May Share Information With:

Service Providers:

• Cloud hosting and data storage providers
• Payment processors and billing services
• Analytics and marketing platforms
• Customer support and communication tools
• Professional verification services

5.2 We Do Not:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share your information for others' direct marketing without consent
• Use your professional work product for commercial purposes
• Disclose confidential client information you may store on our platform

6. Data Security and Protection

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Multi-factor authentication options
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls and privilege management
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Employee training on data protection

7. Data Retention

• Active Accounts: As long as your account remains active
• Inactive Accounts: Up to 7 years after last activity
• Financial Records: 7 years for tax and accounting purposes
• Legal Hold: Indefinitely when subject to legal proceedings
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent or 5 years, whichever is shorter

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct inaccurate data
• Delete your account and personal information
• Export your data in a portable format
• Restrict certain processing activities
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests

9. International Data Transfers

If you are located outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions for certain jurisdictions
• Certified frameworks like Privacy Shield successors
• Your explicit consent when required

10. Children's Privacy

Our Service is designed for professional use and is not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take immediate steps to delete it.

11. State-Specific Privacy Rights

11.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have additional rights including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
• Right to correct inaccurate personal information

12. Professional Ethics and Confidentiality

As a service provider to CPAs and accounting professionals, we recognize the importance of:

• Maintaining client confidentiality
• Supporting professional ethics requirements
• Protecting privileged communications
• Complying with professional standards and regulations
• Respecting attorney-client and accountant-client privileges

13. Cookies and Similar Technologies

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our service
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertising and track campaign effectiveness

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Notify users of material changes via email
• Indicate the effective date of changes
• Provide notice as required by applicable law
• Obtain consent when required for material changes

15. Contact Information

15.1 Privacy Questions

For privacy-related questions or concerns, contact us at:

• Email: privacy@cpaiexperts.com
• Phone: (609) 608-0171
• Mail: 300 Carnegie Center Dr #150, Princeton, NJ 08540

15.2 Data Protection Officer

If required by applicable law, our Data Protection Officer can be reached at:

• Email: dpo@cpaiexperts.com

16. Definitions

Personal Information: Information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked with a particular individual.

Professional Information: Information related to your CPA license, professional credentials, work experience, and business activities.

Service: The CPAI Experts website, platform, and associated professional services.

User: Any individual who accesses or uses our Service, including visitors, registered users, and clients.