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LEGAL & COMPLIANCE

Privacy
Policy

Last updated on November 2025

Aureus Advisory Partners (“Aureus,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to maintaining the privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal and financial information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information across all services and platforms, including our website, client onboarding systems, communication tools, and accounting/tax workflows.


By using our website, engaging our services, or providing your information, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We collect information in order to provide accounting, tax, payroll, advisory, and compliance services. This includes:

A. Personal Information
• Name, address, email, phone number
• Employer, job title, date of birth
• Government-issued identification numbers when required (Social Security Number, EIN, ITIN, etc.)

B. Financial & Tax Information
• Tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, payroll reports
• Business financial statements
• Bank statements, transaction data, general ledgers
• Accounting system logins or integrations (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Gusto, Ignition)

C. Business Information
• Entity details, ownership records
• Payroll data, employee information provided by clients
• Vendor and customer information as needed for bookkeeping or compliance

D. Website & Technical Information

Collected automatically through Wix analytics or integrated tools:
• IP address, browser type, device type
• Page views, clicks, and site behavior
• Form submissions

E. Communication Information
• Emails, SMS messages, Teams messages
• Uploaded documents
• Phone call records or meeting notes

We do not sell or rent personal data under any circumstances.

2. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information collected to:

A. Provide Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services
• Prepare tax returns and filings
• Provide bookkeeping, payroll, and CFO advisory work
• Respond to client questions and service requests

B. Maintain and Improve Client Experience
• Send updates about your services
• Request needed documents
• Schedule meetings or consultations
• Deliver reports and financial statements

C. Comply With Legal & Regulatory Requirements
• IRS rules and Circular 230
• State board of accountancy requirements
• Recordkeeping and audit obligations

D. Operate and Improve Our Website & Systems
• Website analytics and performance
• Security monitoring
• Service improvements

We never use client data for marketing without explicit consent.

3. HOW WE STORE & PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

Aureus uses enterprise-grade security through the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and trusted third-party platforms. Protections include:

A. Microsoft 365 Security
• Encrypted SharePoint and OneDrive storage
• MFA (multi-factor authentication) for all staff
• Access-controlled Teams channels
• Audit logs and role-based permissions

B. Secure Third-Party Tools
We use reputable, secure providers including:
• QuickBooks Online (accounting)
• Gusto (payroll)
• Ignition (engagements/onboarding)
• Adobe (e-signature & PDF documents)
• Zapier (limited automations)

All tools are used only as necessary to fulfill client services.

C. Internal Safeguards
• Confidentiality agreements for all team members
• Need-to-know access only
• Encrypted devices
• Regular security reviews

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4. SHARING YOUR INFORMATION

Aureus does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We may share information only when necessary to:

A. Provide Services
• Filing tax returns with the IRS or state agencies
• Coordinating payroll with Gusto
• Setting up accounting systems
• Using processors such as QuickBooks, Ignition, or Adobe

B. Comply With Law
• IRS subpoenas
• State or federal audit requests
• Court orders

C. Protect Our Firm or Clients
• Fraud prevention
• Security threats
• Legal claims

All sharing is done securely and only to fulfill legal or service obligations.

5. DATA RETENTION

We retain records according to:


• IRS Circular 230
• State board of accountancy requirements
• Federal and state legal requirements
• Professional liability standards

Generally, accounting and tax records are retained 7 years, unless a longer period is legally required.

6. SMS & ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION

Aureus Advisory Partners may contact you through SMS/text messaging, email, Microsoft Teams, or phone as part of providing accounting, tax, payroll, advisory, and compliance services.

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A. How We Collect Phone Numbers

We collect mobile numbers when you provide them through:
• Website forms or intake submissions
• Consultation booking forms
• Engagement letters
• Direct communication with our team
• Client onboarding processes

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B. How We Use SMS

We use SMS solely for service-related communications, including:
• Appointment confirmations and reminders
• Document requests
• Onboarding instructions
• Filing or compliance updates
• Time-sensitive service notifications

We do not use SMS for marketing or promotional content.​

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C. Verbal SMS Opt-In

Aureus Advisory Partners collects opt-in verbally at their locations or over the phone. When a customer is registered for the first time, they are asked to provide the phone number, and staff is trained to ask if the customer would like to opt in to SMS-based notifications. They will be verbally informed that "Message and data rates may apply", "Message frequency may vary", and they can "text HELP for support or more information and STOP to unsubscribe at any time". They will also be informed that their phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
https://www.aureusadv.com/privacy-policy
https://www.aureusadv.com/terms-and-conditions

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D. How We Store and Protect SMS Data

SMS content and related contact information are stored securely within the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and integrated platforms used for service delivery.


We do not sell, rent, or share mobile numbers with third parties for marketing.

7. YOUR RIGHTS & CHOICES

You may request the following at any time:


• Access to your personal data
• Corrections to inaccurate information
• Copies of your records
• Deletion of non-essential records (subject to legal retention rules)

To submit a request, email hello@aureusadv.com.

8. COOKIES & WEBSITE TRACKING

Our website may use:


• Essential cookies
• Analytics cookies
• Advertising or tracking pixels (e.g., Meta Pixel, depending on settings)

You may disable cookies through your browser settings.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18.

We do not knowingly collect information from children.

10. UPDATES TO THIS POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws, technology, or business operations.

Updates will be posted with a new “Last Updated” date.

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