Introduction

At Covering Taxes, hereinafter referred to as “Covering,” we are deeply committed to protecting the personal information of our clients and other individuals. Our practices adhere to the Information Technology Act, 2000, its amendments, and all other relevant laws in India. Building trust and maintaining strong relationships with our clients is our top priority.

This Privacy Policy outlines how Covering Taxes collects, uses, and shares personal information. It applies to the data we collect in managing income tax policies and delivering services such as tax preparation, tax planning, tax scrutiny, addressing tax queries, and providing financial planning advisory services within the Indian context.

Scope of This Privacy Policy

This policy applies to:

• Clients: Individuals who use our services and share their personal information with us.
• Advisors: Professionals who collaborate with us or offer guidance to our clients.
• Visitors: Anyone accessing our website or app, whether casually or as a registered user.
• Service Providers: Entities or individuals offering services to us or acting on our behalf.
• Inquirers: Individuals seeking information about our services, policies, or other related matters.
• Beneficiaries: Those who directly or indirectly benefit from our services.

Collectively, these groups are referred to as “you.” This policy covers all interactions with our website, app, and the various products and services we provide, including Income Tax Return filing, Tax Notices, Tax Scrutiny, and Tax Planning Applications.

Our Privacy Policy in Action

Our Privacy Policy explains:

• Information We Collect: Types of personal data we gather from you.
• Purpose of Collection: Why we collect your personal information.
• Usage of Personal Information: How we utilize your personal data.
• Consent: The role of your consent in processing your data as per applicable laws.
• Sharing of Personal Information: Situations under which we might share your information while maintaining confidentiality.
• Data Transmission, Storage, and Security: Our commitment to protecting your data.
• Data Retention: How long we keep your personal information and the reasons for doing so.
• Your Rights: Your rights regarding your personal information under relevant legal provisions.
• Contacting Us: How to reach our Grievance Officer for privacy-related issues.
• Policy Updates: How we inform you about changes to our Privacy Policy.
• Cookies: Use of cookies on our website.
• Miscellaneous: Additional information relevant to our privacy practices.

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

• Newsletter Subscription: When you purchase a membership plan, we collect your email address and contact details to send newsletters.
• Provided Information: Information you provide by filling out forms or uploading data.
• Registration Details: Personal identification details like name, address, contact information, email address, and password, necessary for tax preparation services.
• Advisory Services Information: Information related to your instructions, claims, or complaints.
• Tax-Related Information: Data such as your name, address, email, phone number, PAN, bank details, income and deductions, and other information needed for tax returns.
• Tax Scrutiny/Notice Services: Copies of notices or correspondence for responding to tax notices.
• Communication Records: Records of correspondence, emails, voicemails, or conversations with you.
• Website Interaction: Details collected via cookies and tracking technologies, including IP address, browser version, operating system, traffic data, and location data.
• Publicly Available Information: Data from public domains or accessible sources, including social media websites.

Purpose of Data Collection

We process your personal information for legitimate or lawful purposes, including:

• Enhancing Security: Improving network and information system security.
• Fraud Prevention: Identifying and preventing online fraud and cybercrime.
• Record Maintenance: Keeping accurate financial and operational records.
• Service Customization: Tailoring services and communications for a personalized experience.
• Legal Compliance: Adhering to laws, guidelines, orders from law enforcement, court requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Legal Defense: Using data in legal claims or defenses.
• Tax Services Facilitation: Communicating with clients for tax planning and advisory services.
• Meeting Legal Obligations: Complying with regulatory requirements.
• Vital Interests Protection: Safeguarding your vital interests or those of others.
• Training and Quality Assurance: Ensuring high service standards through training.
• KYC Compliance: Fulfilling KYC requirements as per regulations.
• Contract Performance: Using data for contract performance or to enter into agreements.
• Public Interest Tasks: Processing data for public interest tasks or official authority as mandated by law.

Use of Personal Information

We use your personal information to:

• Tax Services Assessment: Evaluate and provide tax planning or advisory services.
• Income Tax Filing Management: Efficiently manage income tax return filing and advisory services.
• Monitoring Quality and Compliance: Monitor calls and transactions for quality, compliance, and fraud prevention.
• Identity Verification: Verify your identity as required by law.
• Payment Recovery: Recover outstanding payments.
• Service Improvement: Analyze data to enhance business operations.
• Operational Management: Manage infrastructure and streamline operations.
• Service Notifications: Notify you about changes or updates to our services.
• Marketing Communications: Reach out to you through various channels for marketing purposes.

We ensure that your personal data is processed only when it does not conflict with your interests or rights. Your privacy is paramount to us.

Newsletters

When you buy a membership plan, we collect your email address to send newsletters. We aim to provide better services, enhance your financial well-being, operate our business effectively, and make our services more useful to you. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties for their own commercial use without your explicit consent.

Consent

Your consent to process your personal information for specific purposes is mandatory under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other applicable laws. We will request your consent where required, and you have the right to withdraw it at any time. By visiting our website and engaging with its content, you consent to abide by this Privacy Policy.

Sharing of Personal Information

We uphold strict non-disclosure standards and agreements. However, we may share your personal information with:

• Affiliates: Entities affiliated with Covering Taxes, for business operations purposes.
• Service Providers: KYC validation agencies and related entities, under applicable laws, for services like KYC status validation and Aadhaar authentication.
• Joint Marketing Arrangements: Joint marketers with whom we have marketing agreements.
• Business or Asset Acquirers: Entities acquiring our business or assets, where client information may be included.
• Government Authorities: Courts, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies for investigations, compliance, or legal proceedings.

Data Transmission, Storage, and Security

We are committed to protecting your personal information with physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards. Data under our control is securely stored on our servers, and access is restricted to authorized personnel. We use SSL encryption for data transmission and require third parties to have appropriate security measures. Please keep your password confidential and follow our security procedures.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. This may include extended periods for compliance with tax, accounting, regulatory, or legal requirements. When your data is no longer needed, we ensure its secure deletion.

Your Rights

Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and its amendments, you have the right to:

• Request details on the use of your personal information.
• Obtain a copy of your personal information.
• Correct inaccuracies in your personal information.
• Request deletion of personal information without a lawful basis for usage.
• Withdraw consent for specific processing activities.
• Object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Transfer your personal information to a third party in a standardized format.
• Restrict rights for public interest tasks, such as crime prevention.

Contacting Us

For privacy-related matters, please contact our Grievance Officer:

Mr. Gagan Gupta
Designation: Co Founder & CEO
Email: coveringtaxes.com@gmail.com
Telephone: +918236088452(Operational Hours: Mon. to Fri. 10 am to 6 pm)

Policy Updates

We may update our Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our website or services. Please review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use your personal information.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies allow us to tailor content, track website usage, and serve relevant advertisements. You can control cookie settings through your browser, but disabling cookies may limit website functionality.

Miscellaneous

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal information. This website may contain links to third-party websites, each with its own privacy policies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party sites. We remain committed to transparency and the responsible handling of your personal data.