Privacy Policy - Fulcrum Tax Services

Effective Date: February 23, 2026

Fulcrum Tax Services (“Fulcrum,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of visitors to www.ustaxes.help (the “Website”) and clients using our tax preparation services.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information when you visit the Website or engage our services, and your choices regarding your personal information. It applies to the Website and our tax services but not to offline data collection unless otherwise stated.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on the Website, and we will notify you of material changes via email or a prominent notice on the Website.

By using the Website or our services, you acknowledge that you have read this Privacy Policy [and agree to our Terms of Use (if applicable)].

If you have questions, contact us at (616) 666-6640 or fulcrum@ustaxes.help.

A. Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide

We collect personal information you voluntarily provide, such as when requesting tax preparation services or creating an account. This may include:

Contact details (name, email, mailing address, phone number)
Tax-related information (Social Security number, date of birth, employment/income details, bank account information, tax returns, IRS filing data)
Financial details (credit card or payment information for fees)
Other data you submit (e.g., documents for deductions/credits)

2. Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the Website, we may collect non-personal data such as IP address, browser type, device information, and usage data (e.g., pages viewed, time spent) to improve the site and for security purposes.

We use basic cookies to enhance functionality; you can manage them via your browser settings, but disabling may limit features.

3. Information from Third Parties

We may receive supplemental information from reliable sources (e.g., for address verification) to ensure accuracy. This is combined with data you provide and treated as personal information.

B. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide tax preparation, planning, and related services
Compute and file your tax returns
Communicate with you about your account, services, or updates
Improve our services, analyze trends, and prevent fraud
Comply with legal requirements, such as IRS regulations

For tax return information, we follow IRC Section 7216 and require your consent before certain uses or disclosures (e.g., via our engagement letter).

We may use aggregated, anonymized data for internal research.

C. How We Share Your Information

We share information only as necessary:

With service providers (e.g., secure e-filing vendors) who help us operate and are bound by confidentiality
To comply with laws, respond to government requests (e.g., IRS audits), or protect our rights
In the event of a business sale, merger, or acquisition

We do not sell your personal information.

Tax data is shared only with your consent or as required by law (e.g., with the IRS).

We are not responsible for third-party websites linked from ours; review their policies separately.

D. Storage and Security

We use industry-standard security measures, including encryption (e.g., SSL for sensitive data), to protect your information.

However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection. You are responsible for securing your devices and passwords.

Report any suspected breaches to fulcrum@ustaxes.help immediately.

E. Your Rights and Choices

You can:

Access, update, or correct your information by contacting us
Opt out of marketing emails via unsubscribe links or by emailing fulcrum@ustaxes.help (transactional/service emails will continue)

For residents of certain states (e.g., California under CCPA):

You have rights to know categories of data collected, sources, uses, and disclosures
Request access to specific information, deletion, or correction
Opt out of any "sale" or sharing of data (if applicable)
We do not discriminate against you for exercising rights

Submit requests to fulcrum@ustaxes.help with proof of identity. We respond within required timeframes (e.g., 45 days for CCPA).

We retain data as needed for services, legal compliance, or disputes.

F. Other Important Information

1. International Users

Our Website and services are operated in the U.S. If you are outside the U.S., your data may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., subject to U.S. laws. By using our services, you consent to this.

2. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we discover such data, we will delete it.

Parents: contact fulcrum@ustaxes.help with concerns.

3. Contact Us

For questions or requests, email fulcrum@ustaxes.help or call (616) 666-6640.