This Privacy Policy explains how Zelin & Associates CPA LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you visit our website at zelincpa.com (the "Site") or use our IRS penalty- and interest-recovery services (the "Services").
1. Information we collect
We collect information you provide directly, information collected automatically, and information from third parties.
Information you provide
- Contact details — name and email address you submit through our eligibility check or partner form.
- Eligibility details — filing type (individual or business), whether you filed or paid late for tax years 2020–2022, and similar information you share with us.
- Authorization & tax information — if you choose to proceed, the information needed to review your IRS account and prepare a claim, which may include your name, taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN), address, and signed authorization forms.
- Communications — messages you send us by email, phone, web form, or chat.
Information collected automatically
- Device and browser type, IP address, pages viewed, referring URLs, and approximate location.
- Usage data gathered through cookies and similar technologies (see Section 5).
Information from third parties
- With your authorization, view-only IRS account transcript data (see Section 3).
- Referral information from partners who direct you to our Services.
2. How we use information
- To determine your eligibility and estimate a potential refund.
- To prepare, file, and follow up on penalty- and interest-recovery claims on your behalf.
- To communicate with you about your check, estimate, claim status, and our Services.
- To operate, secure, maintain, and improve the Site and Services.
- To process partner referrals and any associated profit-share payments.
- To comply with legal, tax, and regulatory obligations and to enforce our Terms.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your tax information for advertising.
3. IRS transcript access
If you authorize us to review your IRS record, we access your account transcripts on a view-only basis through a secure, encrypted connection. We cannot change your IRS account, move funds, or take any action on your account without your explicit, signed authorization. We use this information solely to evaluate eligibility and prepare your claim.
4. How we share information
We share information only as needed to deliver the Services and as described below:
| We share with… | For the purpose of… |
|---|---|
| Service providers (hosting, email, e-signature, payment, analytics) | Operating the Site and Services under confidentiality obligations |
| Tax professionals / preparers working on your claim | Reviewing your record and filing your claim |
| The IRS and relevant tax authorities | Submitting and following up on your authorized claim |
| Referral partners | Limited confirmation of referral status; not your tax details unless you consent |
| Legal / regulatory bodies | Complying with law, subpoenas, or protecting our rights and users |
| A successor entity | A merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to this policy |
5. Cookies & tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep the Site functioning, remember preferences, and understand usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling some cookies may affect Site functionality. If we use analytics or advertising pixels, they are listed in our [COOKIE NOTICE / CONSENT BANNER].
6. Data security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards — including 256-bit encryption in transit — designed to protect your information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential.
7. Data retention
We retain information for as long as needed to provide the Services, comply with legal and tax recordkeeping requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When no longer required, we delete or de-identify it.
8. Your privacy rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal information, to opt out of certain processing, and to not be discriminated against for exercising these rights. To make a request, contact us using Section 12. We will verify your identity before acting on a request.
California residents (CCPA/CPRA): you may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect, the purposes for collection, and the parties with whom we share it, and you may request deletion. We do not sell or "share" (as defined by the CPRA) your personal information.
9. Children's privacy
The Services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
10. Third-party links
The Site may link to third-party websites we do not control. This policy does not apply to those sites; please review their privacy policies.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised version with a new "Last updated" date and, where required, provide additional notice.
12. Contact us
Questions about this Privacy Policy or your information:
- Email: info@zelincpa.com
- Phone: (646) 678-4496 · Fax: (917) 595-1548
- Mail: Zelin & Associates CPA LLC, 555 8th Avenue, Suite 2203, New York, NY 10018
- Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–7pm · Sat 10am–5pm · Sun 12pm–4pm