Privacy Policy
Last updated: December 21, 2024
1. Introduction
Tip Credit Partners ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or interact with us in any way.
By using our services, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, business address
- Business Information: Business name, DBA, website, industry type, number of employees
- Financial Information: Tax returns, payroll records, tip income data, FICA tax information
- Account Information: Login credentials, account preferences, communication history
- Referral Information: Referral partner details, referral codes
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address and location data
- Browser type and version
- Device information
- Pages visited and time spent on our site
- Referring website information
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: Processing FICA tip credit claims, preparing tax documents, communicating with the IRS
- Communication: Sending welcome emails, updates on claim status, newsletters, and support responses
- Account Management: Creating and managing your client portal account
- Legal Compliance: Meeting regulatory requirements and tax law obligations
- Business Operations: Improving our services, analyzing website usage, and conducting research
- Marketing: Sending promotional materials and service updates (with your consent)
- Security: Protecting against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats
4. SMS/MMS Text Messaging Communications
By becoming a client of Tip Credit Partners and providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive SMS/MMS text messages from us regarding your account and services. These messages may include:
- Account Updates: Notifications about your FICA tip credit claim status and progress
- Document Requests: Alerts when we need additional documents or information from you
- Important Deadlines: Reminders about upcoming deadlines related to your claim
- Payment Notifications: Updates regarding refund disbursements and payment status
- Service Announcements: Important information about changes to our services that may affect you
- Appointment Reminders: Confirmations and reminders for scheduled calls or meetings
4.1 Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your account activity and claim status. You may receive multiple messages per month during active claim processing periods.
4.2 Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply. Please consult your wireless carrier for details about your text messaging plan.
4.3 Opting Out of Text Messages
You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive from us. After opting out, you will receive a confirmation message, and no further text messages will be sent unless you re-subscribe. Please note that opting out of text messages will not affect other forms of communication from us (such as email or phone calls).
4.4 Help and Support
For help with our text messaging program, reply HELP to any message or contact us at support@tipcreditpartners.com or call 888-783-1503.
4.5 Carrier Liability
Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. We are not responsible for any charges your wireless carrier may impose for text messaging services.
4.6 Privacy of Phone Numbers
Your mobile phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. We will only use your phone number to send you messages related to your account and our services as described above.
5. Information Sharing and Disclosure
5.1 Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third parties who assist us in providing our services:
- Tax Professionals: CPAs, tax attorneys, and other qualified professionals who process your claims
- Technology Providers: Cloud storage, email services, and software platforms
- Payment Processors: For processing fees and payments
- Legal Advisors: Attorneys and legal consultants as needed
5.2 Government Agencies
We may share information with government agencies when:
- Required by law or legal process
- Submitting tax credit claims to the IRS
- Responding to government investigations or audits
- Complying with tax reporting requirements
5.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.
5.4 Referral Partners
We may share limited information with authorized referral partners who referred you to our services, including claim status and outcomes.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information:
- Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit and at rest
- Access Controls: Limited access to authorized personnel only
- Secure Storage: Documents stored in high-security vaults with restricted access
- Regular Audits: Security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Employee Training: Staff trained on data protection and confidentiality
However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Remember your preferences and settings
- Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
- Provide personalized content and advertisements
- Track referral sources and campaign effectiveness
You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect website functionality.
8. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
- Access: Request access to your personal information
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
- Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
- Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
- Restriction: Request limitation of processing activities
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.
9. Contact Information
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
