We recognize that the collection and handling of personal and financial information carries significant responsibility. ABKS Accounting & Tax Consultants Limited (“ABKS”) takes this responsibility seriously and has implemented administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of client information.
Our information-handling practices are structured to align with Canadian privacy legislation, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), as well as the professional standards applicable to tax and accounting practices.
This disclosure outlines how personal information is collected, used, stored, transmitted, retained, and ultimately destroyed in connection with the preparation of T1 Personal Tax Returns.

How Your Information Is Collected
• Client information is collected through a secure online intake form accessed directly from our website (abks.ca).

• The intake form is hosted by Formstack, a professional data collection platform used by regulated service providers.

• Information entered into the form is encrypted and securely stored within Formstack.

• To reduce security risks, completed forms are not transmitted by email.

How Your Information Is Transferred and Stored
• Intake information is securely downloaded from Formstack and stored within ABKS’s controlled server environments.

• Client files are stored using a combination of secure cloud-based storage and a secure local server, depending on the nature of the records.

• Access to all systems is password protected and restricted to authorized ABKS personnel.

Tax Preparation & Internal Practice Systems
• T1 Personal Tax Returns are prepared using ProFile, a professional Canadian tax preparation software.

• Accounting records, including QuickBooks files, are maintained on a secure local server.

• Client engagement tracking and workflow management are handled using Financial Cents, a practice management platform designed specifically for accounting firms.

Secure Signatures & Client Document Delivery
• When electronic signatures are used, documents are delivered through the Financial Cents secure client portal with Adobe Sign integration.

• Signed documents are returned through the same secure system and retained in ABKS’s records.

• Final copies of completed tax returns are provided to clients through secure portal access rather than by email.

Record Retention & Secure Destruction
• ABKS retains electronic copies of client records and working papers in accordance with CRA requirements and professional standards.

• Engagement files and working papers are retained for seven (7) years.

• After the retention period, records are securely destroyed.

• Original documents supplied by clients are returned upon completion of the engagement. Clients are responsible for maintaining their original records in secure storage.

Professional & Legal Obligations
• ABKS is bound by confidentiality and privacy obligations applicable to Canadian accounting and tax professionals.

• Personal information is used solely for the purpose of providing professional services, meeting legal and regulatory requirements, and managing client engagements.

• Information is not sold or disclosed to third parties except as required for service delivery, electronic signing, regulatory compliance, or as required by law.