Privacy policy

Last updated: 5/28/2026

1. Who we are

TaxBuddy is operated by Connecting Minds ("we", "us"). We provide guided U.S. tax preparation tools and licensed preparer review.

2. Information we collect

Account details, identity information, tax return data (income, deductions, credits, dependents, SSNs), uploaded documents, and product usage logs.

3. How we protect your data

• AES-256 encryption at rest; TLS 1.3 in transit.
• Multi-factor authentication required for all accounts.
• Role-based access control with least-privilege defaults.
• SSNs masked after entry and never displayed in plain text in the UI.
• Comprehensive audit logging of access events.
• Aligned with IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data).
• Connecting Minds maintains a Written Information Security Plan (WISP).

4. How we use your data

To prepare and review your tax return, to contact you about your account, to meet legal obligations, and to improve product safety. We do not sell taxpayer data.

5. Data retention

Tax records are retained for a minimum of 3 years after the latest filing year per IRS guidance, and may be retained longer where law requires. You may request deletion of records not required for compliance.

6. Your rights

You may access, correct, export, or request deletion of personal data subject to legal retention requirements. Contact privacy@connectingminds.example.

7. Third parties

Once enabled, we will integrate with payment processors, identity verification, document OCR, and the IRS Modernized e-File system. Each integration is governed by data-processing agreements.

8. Changes

We will notify users in-product when this policy materially changes.