Privacy Policy + SMS Terms of Service

Cox Accounting & Tax Services (“Cox Accounting,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights. This policy applies to all visitors, clients, and users of our website, services, and SMS/text messaging programs.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in a variety of ways when you interact with us online, by phone, or through our services.

1.1 Personal Information

· Name 

· Email address 

· Phone number 

· Business details 

· Billing and payment information 

1.2 Technical Information

· IP address 

· Browser and device type 

· Cookies and usage data 

1.3 SMS Information

If you opt in to receive text messages, we may collect:

· Your mobile phone number 

· Message preferences 

· Delivery and interaction data 

· Any information voluntarily sent via SMS 

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use your information to:

· Provide accounting, bookkeeping, tax, payroll, and advisory services 

· Communicate deadlines, reminders, and tax/service updates 

· Send invoices, payment notices, proposals, and requested documents 

· Improve services and enhance the user experience 

· Send promotional messages only if you have opted in 

3. SMS Privacy Policy

Cox Accounting offers optional SMS/text messaging for client communications. By opting in, you agree to receive text messages from us.

How We Use SMS Information

Your mobile information may be used to:

· Send appointment reminders 

· Deliver service and account updates 

· Provide support or respond to inquiries 

Send optional promotional messages (only if consented) 

Required Non-Sharing Disclosure

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

This means:

· We do not sell, trade, or share your phone number 

· We do not share your opt-in data or SMS consent outside our SMS provider 

· Your mobile number is used only for communication you request 

SMS Consent

By providing your mobile number, you consent to receive SMS messages. Consent is not required to purchase services.

Opt-Out Instructions

You may withdraw consent at any time:

· Text STOP to end SMS messages 

· Text HELP for assistance 

Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies.

4. How We Share Information

We may share limited personal information only when necessary:

· With trusted service providers who assist in service delivery (e.g., payment processors, SMS platforms) 

· To comply with legal obligations such as court orders or governmental requests 

We do NOT share:

· SMS opt-in data 

· Mobile numbers for marketing 

· Confidential financial or tax information without authorization 

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to improve website performance and user experience. You may disable cookies in your browser settings, though some features may not function correctly.

6. Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal and financial information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or misuse.

7. Children’s Privacy

We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from individuals under the age of 18.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Updated versions will be posted on this page with the revised effective date.

SMS Terms of Service

User Agreement

By opting in, you agree to receive SMS messages from Cox Accounting at the mobile number provided.

Message Types

Messages may include:

· Appointment confirmations 

· Client portal reminders 

· Tax or deadline notices 

· Account or billing updates 

· Optional marketing messages (only if opted in) 

Message Frequency

Message frequency may vary based on service activity.

Opt-Out Policy

To stop receiving messages:

· Reply STOP 

To get help:

· Reply HELP 

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Cost

Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile plan.

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the Cox Accounting & Tax Services website, client portal, communication channels, and services. By accessing our website or engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Services Provided

Cox Accounting & Tax Services (“Cox Accounting,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) provides accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, consulting, and related financial services. Service scope, deliverables, fees, and billing details are outlined in individual client agreements, proposals, and invoices.

We reserve the right to modify or discontinue services at any time with reasonable notice.

2. Use of Website and Materials

All content on our website—including text, graphics, logos, documents, and digital resources—is the property of Cox Accounting. You may not:

Copy, reproduce, or distribute our materials without permission

Use our content for commercial purposes without authorization

Reverse-engineer or misuse any of our website or portal tools

Unauthorized use may result in legal action.

3. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

Provide accurate and complete financial information in a timely manner

Maintain personal login credentials securely

Review invoices, proposals, and reports upon receipt

Respond promptly to requests for documentation or clarification

Failure to provide requested information may delay or prevent completion of services.

4. Billing and Payments

Payment terms are specified in your engagement letter or proposal. Unless otherwise stated:

Services are billed in advance or upon completion

Late fees may apply for overdue balances

Work may be paused until outstanding balances are paid

Retainer credits are applied to future work unless outlined differently in the engagement agreement.

5. Cancellations and Disengagement

Either party may terminate services with written notice. Upon offboarding:

Outstanding invoices are drafted or billed before the disengagement date

All fees must be paid in full prior to releasing financial documents

Retainer balances, if applicable, will be refunded on or before disengagement

Cox Accounting reserves the right to disengage if a client becomes uncooperative, abusive, or fails to provide required documentation.

6. Electronic Communications Consent

By providing your email and/or mobile number, you consent to receive:

Email communications

Appointment reminders

Service notifications

Invoices and billing alerts

SMS messages (if opted in)

Consent for SMS messaging is governed by our SMS Terms of Service and can be revoked at any time by replying STOP.

7. SMS Terms of Service

For users who opt in to receive text messages:

Message and data rates may apply

Message frequency varies based on service needs

Text STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance

Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages

Required Disclosure:

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

8. Privacy Practices

Your personal and financial information is handled according to our Privacy Policy, which outlines what data we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it. By using our services, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and accepted our Privacy Policy.

9. Limitation of Liability

Cox Accounting is not liable for:

Financial consequences resulting from incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the client

Delays caused by third-party systems, vendors, or government agencies

Business decisions made by clients based on provided reports or recommendations

Our liability is limited to the amount paid for the services rendered.

10. No Guarantee of Outcome

Accounting, tax, and advisory services involve variables outside our control—including government regulations, third-party vendors, and client behavior. We do not guarantee tax refunds, approval of financial applications, or any specific financial outcome. 

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Louisiana. Any disputes will be handled within applicable Louisiana jurisdiction.

12. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our website or services constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.