Privacy Policy
1. Who we are
CKT Ventures, LLC (“we,” “us,” “our”) operates TaxOwl Pro, a flat-fee tax preparation platform for solo and small-firm tax preparers. This Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information when you visit taxowlpro.com, use The Hub or Tax Wire, or access our software. Questions: ctyler@taxowlpro.com.
2. Information we collect
From you (the preparer):
- Name, email, phone, business address
- PTIN, EFIN, AFSP / EA / CPA credential numbers
- Business identity (LLC name, EIN), banking info for bank-product enrollment
- Documents uploaded during application (PTIN card, EFIN letter, identity verification)
- Payment information (processed by Stripe; we do not store card data)
From your clients (when you use TaxOwl Pro to prepare returns):
- Client tax data, identifiers, and uploaded documents
- This information is processed under IRC §7216 strictly for tax-return preparation and is owned by your firm — TaxOwl Pro is the processor; you (the preparer) are the controller for your clients’ data
Automatically: IP, browser, device, OS, pages visited, in-app behavior, aggregated analytics via GA4.
3. How we use your information
- Provision and maintain your TaxOwl Pro license + Hub access + Academy training + Tax Wire delivery
- Process payments and send transactional notifications
- Provide customer support
- Detect and prevent fraud or unauthorized access
- Improve the platform via aggregated analytics
- Send product updates, release notes, and (with consent) marketing
4. Legal bases (GLBA / Safeguards Rule / IRC §7216)
As a service provider to tax preparers, we are subject to the same Safeguards Rule and Pub 4557 standards your firm is. Client tax data flowing through TaxOwl Pro is handled in accordance with:
- IRC §7216 — tax-return information used only for preparation
- GLBA Privacy Rule — governs disclosure of NPI
- FTC Safeguards Rule — administrative, technical, physical safeguards
- Our internal Written Information Security Plan (WISP), reviewed annually
5. Information sharing
We do NOT sell your information or your clients’ information.
| Recipient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| IRS, state tax authorities | E-file returns prepared via Pro |
| Stripe | Process Pro license payments |
| Hostinger, Google Workspace | Hosting, email (under DPA) |
| Bank-product partner (when enabled) | Refund-transfer disbursements |
| Tax-engine vendor | Underlying calculation engine (under DPA) |
| Law enforcement / courts | Subpoena, court order, legal obligation |
| Successor entity | Merger, acquisition, asset sale (with notice) |
All service providers maintain confidentiality and security standards equivalent to or stronger than ours.
6. Data retention
Tax-return data: 7 years per IRS retention requirements. Account data: while your subscription is active + 24 months after cancellation. After retention periods, we securely delete or de-identify. Backups persist up to 30 days after deletion.
7. Your rights
You may access, correct, request deletion of, or opt out of marketing for your information. Email ctyler@taxowlpro.com. Response within 30 days. Identity verification may be required.
8. Cookies
- Strictly necessary (auth, in-app session) — always on
- Analytics (GA4) — opt-in via cookie banner
- Functional (preferences) — opt-in via cookie banner
9. Data security
- TLS 1.2+ in transit, encryption at rest
- MFA required on all admin and Hub accounts
- Role-based access controls
- Encrypted offsite backups, quarterly restore tests
- Annual security training, incident-response procedures
10. Tax Wire and Hub
The Tax Wire (weekly insights newsletter) and TaxOwl Hub (preparer dashboard + Academy) are bundled with active TaxOwl Pro subscriptions. Access ends with subscription cancellation. Tax Wire and Hub data handling are governed by this Policy.
11. Children’s privacy
Our services are intended for licensed tax preparers (professional B2B). We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 18.
12. Changes to this Policy
Material changes communicated via email and 30-day prominent notice on the site.
13. Contact
CKT Ventures, LLC · ctyler@taxowlpro.com
For unresolved complaints: FTC · Florida Attorney General