Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Austin Tax Refunds ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website austintaxrefunds.com and use our sales tax refund services.

By using our website and services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not access or use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Schedule an appointment for tax refund services
• Submit a tax refund claim
• Contact us via email or phone
• Subscribe to our newsletter or communications

This information may include:

• Full name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Passport information and travel documentation
• Purchase receipts and transaction details
• Payment information
• Mailing address

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device information
• Operating system
• Referring URLs
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Click-stream data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To process your tax refund claims, create export manifests, and provide custom broker services
• Communication: To respond to inquiries, send appointment confirmations, and provide customer support
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements related to tax documentation and international transactions
• Website Improvement: To analyze website usage, improve user experience, and optimize our services
• Marketing: To send promotional materials and updates about our services (with your consent)
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other security threats

4. Third-Party Services and Analytics

We use third-party services to help us operate our website and understand how visitors use our services:

4.1 Google Analytics / Google Tag Manager

We use Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to collect and analyze website traffic data. Google Analytics uses cookies to track visitor behavior and provide insights about website usage. This information is used to improve our website and services.

Learn more about Google's privacy practices: https://policies.google.com/privacy

You can opt-out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

4.2 Microsoft Clarity

We use Microsoft Clarity to understand how users interact with our website through behavioral metrics, heatmaps, and session replay. Clarity helps us identify usability issues and improve the user experience.

Learn more about Microsoft Clarity's privacy practices: https://privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement

4.3 Google Calendar

We use Google Calendar for appointment scheduling. When you schedule an appointment, your information is processed through Google's services in accordance with their privacy policy.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze website traffic, and personalize content. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognize you and remember your preferences.

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who assist with business operations, payment processing, and analytics
• Government Authorities: Tax authorities, customs agencies, and other regulatory bodies as required by law
• Legal Compliance: When required to comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Tax-related documents and transaction records are retained in accordance with applicable tax laws and regulations.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

15. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, object to processing, and data portability. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.