Privacy Policy

Effective Oct 30, 2026

Who we are

Golden Pines Accounting LLC ("Golden Pines," "we," "us") is a bookkeeping firm based in Chicago, Illinois. We provide QuickBooks Online bookkeeping and related accounts payable and accounts receivable services to small businesses.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through goldenpinesaccounting.com (the "Site") and in the course of providing our services, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using the Site or our services, you agree to the practices described here.

Information we collect

We collect three kinds of information.

Information you give us. When you fill out a contact or consultation form, email us, call us, or book a meeting, we collect what you provide. This typically includes your name, email address, phone number, business name, and details about your bookkeeping needs.

Client financial information. If you become a client, we access and process financial records needed to do the work. This can include your QuickBooks Online company file, bank and credit card transaction data, invoices, bills, vendor and customer lists, and related documents. We collect this only under a signed engagement agreement and only to perform the services you hired us for.

Information collected automatically. When you visit the Site, our website platform and analytics tools automatically collect certain technical data. This includes your IP address, browser type, device type, pages visited, referring website, and the date and time of your visit. See "Cookies, analytics, and advertising" below.

How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to your inquiries and schedule consultations

  • Provide bookkeeping, accounts payable, and accounts receivable services

  • Send invoices, process payments, and manage our client relationship

  • Communicate with you about your account, our services, or changes to our policies

  • Operate, maintain, and improve the Site and understand how visitors use it

  • Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and other misuse

  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements

We do not use client financial information for marketing, and we do not sell personal information.

How we share information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share it only in these situations:

  • Service providers. We use trusted third parties to run our business, such as providers of website hosting, accounting software (including Intuit QuickBooks Online), email, scheduling, file sharing, and payment processing. They may use information only to perform services for us.

  • With your direction. We share information with people you authorize, such as your CPA, tax preparer, or business partners.

  • Legal requirements. We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or court order, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

  • Business transfers. If Golden Pines is involved in a merger, sale, or transfer of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this policy.

Text messaging

If you give us your mobile number and agree to receive text messages, we may text you about appointments, your account, and our services. Message frequency varies, and message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out at any time, or HELP for help.

We do not share mobile phone numbers or text messaging consent with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile information may be shared only with service providers that help us deliver messages.

Cookies, analytics, and advertising

The Site is hosted on Squarespace, which uses cookies and similar technologies to keep the Site working, remember your preferences, and measure traffic. We may also use analytics tools to understand how visitors find and use the Site.

Cookies are small files stored in your browser. Most browsers let you block or delete them in their settings. If you block cookies, some parts of the Site may not work properly.

Squarespace's own handling of visitor data is described in the Squarespace Privacy Policy.

Advertising. We may use advertising services, such as Google Ads and Meta (Facebook and Instagram), to show our ads to people who have visited the Site. These services may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about your visits and show you relevant ads on other websites. You can opt out of personalized ads through Google Ads Settings, your Meta ad preferences, or the Digital Advertising Alliance.

Do Not Track. Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" setting. Because there is no common industry standard for these signals, the Site does not currently respond to them.

Data security and retention

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your information. These include secure, access-controlled accounts, multi-factor authentication where available, and limiting access to people who need it to do the work. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We keep personal information only as long as needed for the purposes in this policy. Client records are retained for the length of the engagement and for a reasonable period afterward to meet legal, tax, and record keeping obligations, then securely deleted or returned. If a security breach affects your personal information, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

Golden Pines is based in the United States, and your information is stored and processed in the United States. If you use the Site from outside the U.S., you understand that your information will be transferred to and handled in the United States.

Your choices and rights

You can ask us to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you by contacting us below. You can opt out of marketing emails at any time using the unsubscribe link or by emailing us. Some information may need to be kept to meet legal or contractual obligations.

Children's privacy

The Site and our services are intended for businesses and adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

Third-party links

The Site may link to other websites, such as Intuit or our social media pages. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top shows when it was last revised. Continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Contact us

Questions about this policy or your information can be sent to:

Golden Pines Accounting LLC
Chicago, Illinois
[email protected]