Privacy Policy – Ethical Accounting & Taxation Services (EBATS)

1. Introduction

Ethical Accounting & Taxation Services (referred to in this policy as “Ethical Accounting & Taxation Services”, “EBATS”, “we”, “us” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.

We are a registered Australian Tax Agent and Accounting firm and comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) regarding how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we manage your personal information, including when you use our website ebats.com.au, interact with us on social media, or engage us for professional services.

By using our services or accessing our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.


2. What is “personal information”?

“Personal information” means information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.

Some personal information is considered sensitive information under the Privacy Act, such as health data, religious beliefs, or professional memberships.

We also handle Tax File Number (TFN) information, which is regulated under the Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015.


3. What personal information we collect

Depending on your dealings with us, we may collect:

  • Name, title, and contact details (address, phone, email)

  • Date of birth and identification information

  • Tax File Number (TFN), ABN, or ACN

  • Financial, income, and employment details

  • Business and accounting data (BAS, invoices, payroll, superannuation, etc.)

  • Bank account or payment details

  • Communications and correspondence with us

  • Website usage data (IP address, browser type, cookies)

We only collect personal information necessary for our tax, accounting, and advisory functions.


4. How we collect personal information

We may collect personal information:

  • Directly from you, through meetings, phone calls, emails, or website forms

  • From documents you provide to us for tax or accounting purposes

  • From authorised third parties such as the ATOASIC, or your employer

  • From publicly available sources (e.g. ABN Lookup, business directories)

If you provide information about another person, you must have their consent and ensure they are aware of this Privacy Policy.


5. Why we collect, use and disclose personal information

We collect, hold, use, and disclose your information to:

  • Provide tax agent, accounting, BAS, payroll, and business advisory services

  • Prepare and lodge tax returns, BAS statements, and other compliance documents

  • Manage billing, correspondence, and client relationships

  • Comply with legal, professional, and regulatory obligations

  • Send updates, newsletters, or service information (you can opt out anytime)

  • Improve our services, systems, and website functionality

We only use your information for the purpose for which it was collected, or for related lawful purposes you would reasonably expect.


6. Tax File Numbers (TFNs)

We handle TFNs in strict compliance with the Privacy (Tax File Number) Rule 2015.
TFNs are collected only where legally authorised and used solely for tax-related purposes, such as preparing and lodging your returns.

Access to TFNs is restricted, and all information is securely stored and protected from unauthorised use or disclosure.


7. Disclosure of personal information

We may disclose your personal information to:

  • The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other government agencies

  • The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) and professional associations

  • Our service providers (e.g. IT, cloud storage, accounting software providers)

  • Your authorised representatives, such as legal or financial advisers

  • Other parties as required or authorised by law

All third-party providers are required to handle your information confidentially and securely.


8. Overseas disclosure

We may store or process information using cloud-based systems or outsource certain support services to trusted providers located outside Australia, such as administrative or processing support in Sri Lanka.

When we do so, we ensure those overseas recipients handle your information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles or equivalent data protection standards.


9. Security and storage

We take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information, including:

  • Secure physical offices and restricted file access

  • Encrypted digital systems and password-protected databases

  • Staff confidentiality agreements and regular training

  • Secure disposal or de-identification when data is no longer required

While we strive to protect your data, no online transmission or storage system is completely secure. However, we apply industry-standard safeguards at all times.


10. Access and correction

You may request access to the personal information we hold about you or ask us to correct inaccurate information by contacting us (see Section 13).

We may ask you to verify your identity before providing access.
In limited circumstances, we may refuse access where allowed by law and will explain the reason if this occurs.


11. Website, cookies and analytics

When you visit ebats.com.au, we may automatically collect technical information (IP address, device type, browser, pages visited) via cookies and analytics tools.

This helps us improve website performance and user experience.
You can disable cookies in your browser, but certain website functions may be affected.

Our website may contain links to third-party sites; we are not responsible for their privacy practices.


12. Direct marketing

We may send you updates or marketing materials relevant to our services.
You may opt out at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting us directly.

We will never sell or rent your personal information to anyone.


13. Contact us

If you have any questions or complaints about how we handle your personal information, please contact:

Privacy Officer
Ethical Accounting & Taxation Services (EBATS)
Suite 2.2, 47 Queen Street, Campbelltown NSW 2560
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 404 471 816

We will acknowledge your enquiry promptly and aim to resolve any concerns as quickly as possible.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au or by calling 1300 363 992.


14. Updates to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or our business practices.
The latest version will always be available on ebats.com.au.