Effective Date: January 10, 2026 | Last Updated: February 25, 2026
1. Introduction
Benallal Bookkeeping (“we,” “us,” or “our”), located in Harris County, Texas, is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of your non-public personal information (NPI). This policy describes our practices regarding the collection, use, and protection of your data in accordance with Texas state law and federal standards.
2. Information We Collect
In the course of providing bookkeeping services, we collect information that identifies, relates to, or describes you or your business. This includes:
- Sensitive Personal Information: Social Security Numbers (SSN), Employer Identification Numbers (EIN), and driver’s license numbers.
- Financial Account Information: Bank account numbers, credit/debit card numbers, and access credentials for accounting software.
- Business Records: General ledgers, tax returns, payroll records, and financial statements.
3. Duty of Care & Data Security
In compliance with Texas Business & Commerce Code Chapter 521, we maintain a comprehensive information security program.
- Encryption: We use industry-standard encryption for all digital transmissions of sensitive data.
- Restricted Access: Access to your sensitive personal information is strictly limited to authorized personnel who require it to perform bookkeeping duties.
- Physical Security: Any physical documents containing sensitive information are stored in a secure, locked location and destroyed via professional shredding services when no longer needed.
4. How We Use Your Information
We use your information exclusively to:
- Perform bookkeeping, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
- Prepare and process payroll or 1099 filings.
- Facilitate communication regarding your business’s financial health.
- Comply with IRS regulations and Texas state tax requirements.
5. No Sale of Information
Benallal Bookkeeping does not sell, rent, or lease client lists or any personal information to third parties. We do not share your information with outside marketers.
6. Third-Party Disclosures
We only disclose your information to third parties in the following scenarios:
- Professional Partners: To your designated CPA, Tax Attorney, or Auditor with your express written consent.
- Service Providers: To secure software platforms (e.g., QuickBooks Online) necessary to perform our services.
- Legal Compliance: To comply with a validly issued subpoena, court order, or as required by Texas or federal law.
7. Disposal of Records
In accordance with Texas Business & Commerce Code § 72.004, we follow strict procedures for the disposal of business records. When your information is no longer required for legal or business purposes, we will take all reasonable steps to make the personal information unreadable or undecipherable through shredding, erasing, or otherwise modifying the data.
8. Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach involving your sensitive personal information, Benallal Bookkeeping will notify you and the Texas Attorney General’s office in accordance with the timelines and requirements set forth in Texas Business & Commerce Code § 521.053.
9. Your Rights
Under Texas law, you have the right to:
- Inquire about the categories of data we have collected about you.
- Request the correction of inaccurate financial or personal data.
- Withdraw consent for our access to your banking or software portals at any time.
📱 SMS Communication Policy
Last Updated: February 25, 2026
Program Description
Benallal Bookkeeping uses SMS to provide you with timely updates regarding your account. These messages may include:
- Appointment reminders and schedule changes.
- Requests for missing documents (receipts, bank statements).
- Tax deadline alerts and payroll notifications.
- Brief responses to your bookkeeping inquiries.
How to Opt-In
To receive text messages from us, you must provide your prior express written consent. You can do this by:
- Signing a physical or digital engagement letter that includes an SMS consent clause.
- Texting START to our business number at (832) 669-6300.
Note: Consent is not a condition of purchase for our services.
How to Opt-Out
You have the right to stop receiving messages at any time. To opt out, simply reply STOP to any text message you receive from us. After you send STOP, we will send you one final SMS to confirm that you have been unsubscribed.
Help Instructions
If you are experiencing issues with the messaging program, reply with the keyword HELP for assistance, or contact us directly at kristina@benallalbookkeeping.com.
Message Frequency & Rates
- Frequency: Message frequency varies based on your activity. You can typically expect 2–4 messages per month.
- Rates: Message and data rates may apply from your mobile carrier. Benallal Bookkeeping is not responsible for any costs incurred by receiving or sending text messages.
Privacy & Data Sharing
Benallal Bookkeeping will never sell, rent, or share your phone number or SMS consent data with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Your mobile information is used strictly for communication between you and our firm.
10. Contact Information
If you have questions regarding this policy or our data handling practices, please contact: