PRIVACY POLICY

Tax 2000 Inc.

Effective Date: October 26, 2026

At Tax 2000 Inc., protecting your personal and financial information is one of our highest priorities. We understand that you trust us with sensitive and confidential information, and we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining that trust.

This Privacy Policy explains how Tax 2000 Inc. collects, uses, stores, protects, and shares information when you visit our website, www.tax2000inc.com, or use our tax preparation, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, accounting, and related professional services.

By using our website or providing information to us, you acknowledge the privacy practices described in this policy. Any consent required by law for the use or disclosure of tax return information will be obtained separately when necessary.

1. Information We Collect

To provide accurate, professional, and reliable services, Tax 2000 Inc. may collect the following categories of information:

Personal Information

  • Full name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number

  • Social Security numbers and taxpayer identification numbers

  • Dates of birth and dependent information

  • Marital status and other personal information necessary for tax preparation

  • Government-issued identification information when required

Financial and Tax Information

  • Income statements, W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents

  • Bank account and financial account information

  • Employment and business financial records

  • Tax returns and supporting documentation

  • Payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting records

  • Information concerning deductions, credits, expenses, and investments

  • Other information necessary to provide requested professional services

Website and Electronic Information

When you visit our website or use our online services, certain technical information may be collected, including:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) address

  • Browser type and device information

  • Pages visited and website interactions

  • Information submitted through online forms or secure client portals

  • Cookies and similar website technologies, where applicable

2. How We Use Your Information

Tax 2000 Inc. uses personal and financial information for legitimate business purposes, including:

  • Preparing and electronically filing federal and state tax returns

  • Providing tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting services

  • Communicating with clients regarding their accounts and services

  • Verifying identity and preventing fraud

  • Processing payments and maintaining business records

  • Providing IRS representation and responding to tax-related inquiries

  • Processing authorized Refund Transfers and Easy Advance applications

  • Complying with applicable federal and state laws

  • Maintaining and improving our website and client service experience

We use and disclose tax return information only as permitted by applicable law or with the taxpayer's valid consent when required.

3. Confidentiality of Taxpayer Information

Tax 2000 Inc. recognizes the confidential nature of taxpayer information.

We are committed to complying with applicable federal privacy requirements, including Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 and its implementing regulations, which restrict the unauthorized use and disclosure of tax return information.

We do not disclose confidential tax return information for unrelated purposes without the taxpayer's consent unless disclosure is otherwise authorized or required by law.

When written consent is legally required, we will obtain the appropriate authorization before using or disclosing tax return information.

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

Tax 2000 Inc. does not sell taxpayer return information to third parties for advertising or marketing purposes.

We may share personal, financial, or tax-related information when necessary and legally permitted with:

  • The Internal Revenue Service and applicable state or local taxing authorities

  • Authorized electronic filing providers and tax preparation service providers

  • Secure technology providers that support our professional services

  • Republic Bank & Trust Company for authorized Refund Transfers and Easy Advance applications

  • Payment processors and financial institutions involved in authorized transactions

  • Payroll, bookkeeping, and accounting service providers when applicable

  • Government agencies, regulators, or other parties when required or permitted by law

  • Other third parties when you provide legally sufficient authorization

We limit disclosures to information reasonably necessary for the authorized purpose and apply applicable confidentiality and security requirements.

5. Refund Transfers and Easy Advance Loans — Republic Bank

Tax 2000 Inc. partners with Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, to offer eligible clients optional financial products, including Refund Transfers and Easy Advance loans.

Refund Transfers

Clients may choose to have their tax preparation fees and other authorized charges deducted from their tax refunds through a Refund Transfer offered by Republic Bank.

When a client elects this service, Tax 2000 Inc. may provide Republic Bank with personal, financial, and tax-related information necessary to process the application, administer the transaction, and distribute the client's remaining refund.

Easy Advance Loans

Eligible clients may apply for an Easy Advance loan offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company.

When a client applies for an Easy Advance, information necessary to evaluate and process the application may be provided to Republic Bank, including:

  • Name, address, and contact information

  • Social Security number or taxpayer identification number

  • Identity verification information

  • Tax return information and anticipated refund amounts

  • Other information required for the application, underwriting, and administration of the loan

Easy Advance loans are subject to Republic Bank's eligibility requirements, underwriting, approval, and applicable terms and conditions. Approval is not guaranteed.

Client Authorization and Privacy Protection

Tax 2000 Inc. shares taxpayer information with Republic Bank for these products only when authorized by the client and permitted by applicable law.

Where required under Internal Revenue Code Section 7216 and related regulations, Tax 2000 Inc. obtains the taxpayer's appropriate written consent before disclosing tax return information.

Republic Bank maintains its own privacy policies and security practices governing information received and processed in connection with its financial products.

Refund Transfers and Easy Advance loans are optional services. Clients are not required to obtain these products to use Tax 2000 Inc.'s tax preparation services.

Tax 2000 Inc. is a tax preparation and accounting services company, not an FDIC-insured financial institution. Refund Transfers and Easy Advance loans are offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC, and not by Tax 2000 Inc.

For additional information about Republic Bank's financial products and privacy practices, visit:

https://www.republictaxpayer.com

6. Data Security

Protecting your personal and financial information is extremely important to us.

Tax 2000 Inc. maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect confidential information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.

Our security practices are intended to support compliance with applicable requirements, including:

  • The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)

  • The Federal Trade Commission's Safeguards Rule

  • Internal Revenue Code Section 7216

  • Applicable IRS taxpayer data security requirements

  • Relevant state privacy and information security laws

We take reasonable measures to protect sensitive client information and restrict access to individuals and service providers with a legitimate business need.

Although we work to safeguard your information, no electronic transmission or data storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

7. Secure Online Tax Preparation and Client Portal

Tax 2000 Inc. offers online tax preparation services through a secure client portal.

Our online services allow clients to:

  • Submit tax documents electronically

  • Complete tax organizers

  • Communicate with tax professionals

  • Review completed tax returns

  • Electronically sign required documents

  • Receive completed tax returns and related information

Clients are encouraged to use our designated secure portal when submitting sensitive financial documents, Social Security numbers, and tax information.

For your protection, please avoid sending sensitive tax documents or financial account information through unsecured email or other unprotected communication methods.

Our online portal and any third-party systems used to provide services may have additional privacy notices or terms governing their operation.

8. Cookies and Website Technology

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, understand visitor activity, and improve the browsing experience.

Depending on your browser settings, you may be able to limit or disable cookies.

Certain website functions may not operate as intended if cookies are disabled.

Third-party website services may collect technical information according to their own privacy policies. Where applicable, we will provide additional disclosures or choices required by law.

9. Retention of Client Information

Tax 2000 Inc. retains tax returns, financial records, and other client information for periods reasonably necessary to:

  • Provide requested professional services

  • Maintain accurate business records

  • Meet applicable legal and regulatory recordkeeping obligations

  • Respond to authorized inquiries, disputes, or government requests

  • Protect the legal rights of our clients and business

When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely dispose of it in accordance with applicable requirements and our record retention procedures.

10. Your Privacy Rights

You may contact Tax 2000 Inc. to:

  • Request information regarding our privacy practices

  • Ask questions about personal information we maintain

  • Request corrections to inaccurate information

  • Inquire about available options for accessing or updating your records

  • Raise concerns about the privacy or security of your information

Requests for access, correction, or deletion will be reviewed in accordance with applicable laws, professional obligations, and record retention requirements.

Certain records may need to be retained to comply with tax laws or other legal requirements.

11. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, financial service providers, government agencies, or online filing platforms.

Tax 2000 Inc. is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of websites operated by independent third parties.

We encourage visitors to review the privacy policies of external websites before providing personal or financial information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed toward children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13 through our website without appropriate authorization.

Information regarding children or dependents may be collected from parents, guardians, or authorized taxpayers when necessary to prepare tax returns or provide other professional services.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Tax 2000 Inc. may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our business practices, technology, or applicable legal requirements.

Updated policies will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.

We encourage visitors and clients to review this policy periodically.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how Tax 2000 Inc. handles personal or financial information, please contact us.

Tax 2000 Inc.
Attn: Sheri L. Atkins, E.A.
134 South Main Street
Marion, NC 28752

Phone: (828) 659-2772
Email: sheri@tax2000inc.com
Website: https://www.tax2000inc.com

For sensitive client communications and document submissions, please use our secure online client portal.

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At Tax 2000 Inc., your trust matters.

We are committed to treating your personal and financial information with confidentiality, professionalism, and care while providing dependable tax preparation, accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, and financial services.

Tax 2000 Inc. — Your Trusted Partner in Tax and Accounting Services.