DefenceTax is a trading name of Accountants Plus Pty Ltd. This policy explains how we handle personal information provided through the DefenceTax website and related tax-service journeys.
Information we collect
We collect information you choose to provide when you contact us, request a checklist or call back, register overdue returns, use booking or Express Tax journeys, telephone our office or send email. Depending on the service, this may include contact details, Defence service context, tax-year information and documents needed to provide tax services.
Our website and service providers may also record technical information needed to operate and protect their systems, such as device, browser, access and security logs. The exact information depends on the channel and service you use.
Do not send tax file numbers, identity documents, passwords or other highly sensitive records through an ordinary contact form or ordinary email when we provide a secure upload route.
How we use information
We may use information to respond to enquiries; arrange appointments; identify and administer requested tax services; prepare, review or lodge work you authorise; communicate about progress; maintain security; meet professional, legal and regulatory obligations; and improve our services and website.
Where you begin through a general enquiry, we use the details to understand the assistance requested. A professional engagement, and any authority to act, is confirmed separately through the applicable service process.
When information may be disclosed
Information may be shared where reasonably necessary with authorised staff and contractors, Accountants Plus group operations, and professional, technology, booking or payment providers supporting the service you select. Those providers receive information relevant to their function.
We may also disclose information to the Australian Taxation Office or another authority where you authorise us or the law requires it, and to legal, regulatory or professional advisers where necessary. We do not describe every service interaction as a disclosure; the circumstances depend on what you ask us to do.
Security and retention
We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards suited to the information and service involved. No internet transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure, so use the secure route we identify for sensitive tax and identity records.
Information is retained for periods reasonably necessary for the service, professional record-keeping, security, dispute management and legal or regulatory requirements. The period varies with the record and engagement rather than being one fixed website period.
Access and correction
You may ask to access personal information we hold about you or request correction if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant or misleading. We may need to verify your identity and may be unable to provide access where an exception under applicable law applies.
Privacy complaints
Contact us with the details of your concern so we can review it and respond. If you are not satisfied after giving us a reasonable opportunity to address the issue, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner for information about further options.
Overseas handling
Some technology or professional service providers may process or store information outside Australia. We do not list fixed countries because provider arrangements can change. Where Australian privacy law requires, we take reasonable steps in relation to overseas handling. You can ask our privacy contact for current information relevant to the service you use.