1. Purpose of This Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Smarter Advisory & Accounting (“we”, “our”, “the Practice”) collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
It also outlines your rights and how you may contact us regarding your personal information.

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We collect personal information necessary to provide accounting, taxation, advisory, and identity verification services. This may include:

2.1 General Personal Information
– Full name
– Date of birth
– Address and contact details
– Email and phone number
– Tax File Number (TFN)
– Bank account details (for refunds or payroll)
– Employment and income information
– Business and financial records

2.2 Identity Verification Information (DVS / IDV)
To comply with AML/CTF and TPB requirements, we may collect:

– Driver licence details
– Passport details
– Medicare card details
– Other government-issued identification
– Verification results from third‑party IDV providers

2.3 Sensitive Information
Where required, we may collect limited sensitive information such as:

– Criminal history checks (if required for AML/CTF)
– Beneficial ownership information
– Politically Exposed Person (PEP) status
We only collect sensitive information with your consent or where authorised by law.

3. How We Collect Personal Information
We collect information through:

– Direct communication (in person, phone, email, website forms)
– Client onboarding forms
– Document uploads
– Third‑party platforms such as Xero, ATO, ASIC, ABR, and IDV providers
– Publicly available sources (ASIC registers, ABN Lookup, etc.)

4. Why We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information for the following purposes:

– Providing accounting, tax, BAS, payroll, and advisory services
– Verifying your identity (DVS/IDV)
– Meeting our obligations under the Tax Agent Services Act, AML/CTF Act, and Corporations Act
– Lodging documents with the ATO, ASIC, and other regulators
– Managing client relationships and communication
– Internal administration, billing, and compliance audits
– Preventing fraud and ensuring security
We do not sell or trade your personal information.

5. How We Store and Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
Our security measures include:

– Encrypted cloud storage
– Multi‑factor authentication
– Access controls and role‑based permissions
– Secure disposal of documents
– Staff confidentiality agreements
– Regular security reviews and compliance checks
Where information is stored with third‑party providers (e.g., Xero, Microsoft, IDV platforms), we ensure they meet Australian privacy and security standards.

6. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your information to:

– The Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
– ASIC and other government agencies
– Third‑party identity verification providers
– Cloud software providers (e.g., Xero, Microsoft 365)
– Banks and financial institutions (with your consent)
– Auditors, legal advisors, and compliance bodies
– Other parties where required by law
We do not disclose your information overseas unless required for a specific service and only where adequate protection exists.

7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
– Request access to your personal information
– Request corrections to inaccurate information
– Withdraw consent (where applicable)
– Make a complaint about a privacy breach
We will respond to all requests within a reasonable timeframe.

8. Website and Cookies
When you visit our website, we may collect:
– IP address
– Browser type
– Pages visited
– Basic analytics data
This helps us improve our services.
We do not track personal behaviour or sell analytics data.

9. How to Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to make a privacy request, contact:

Smarter Advisory & Accounting Pty Ltd
Email: faisal@smarteraa.com.au
Phone: 1300 020 627
Address: RM 162 8 Parramatta Square, Level 49/10 Darcy St, Parramatta NSW 2150

10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or our business practices.
The latest version will always be available on our website.