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Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

At Saarathi Pty Ltd (Saarathi Accountants & Advisors), we respect your personal information and are committed to ensuring its security. This Privacy Policy outlines how we manage and protect the personal information we collect. We take appropriate measures to provide a secure environment for our clients and all related entities. Some Saarathi entities may have specific legal requirements and may implement their consistent policies.

2. What Information Do We Collect?

Saarathi collects and retains personal information from clients, employees, contractors, and other individuals as necessary for business operations. The information we collect may include:

  • Identification details such as name, postal and email addresses, phone numbers, and date of birth.
  • Additional contact details like social media handles.
  • Health information (where permitted).
  • Location or activity data, including IP addresses.
  • Credit information such as credit history and eligibility details.
  • Investment, payroll, and taxation information, including job titles and accounting or financial data.

Most information is collected directly from you through forms, meetings, emails, or calls. In some cases, it may be obtained from third parties.

Cookies

Cookies are small files that collect information about your use of our websites. Saarathi uses cookies for purposes like:

  • Identifying if your browser has previously visited our site.
  • Remembering your settings and preferences, and tracking site usage.

You can adjust cookie settings in your browser’s privacy settings. Note that blocking cookies may limit your website experience.

Please refer to our cookies policy here … https://www.saarathi.com.au/about-us/cookies-policy/

Third-Party Information

We may collect information from:

  • Publicly available sources, such as social media.
  • Your representatives, such as financial or legal advisors.
  • Insurers.

Sensitive information, such as health or religious details, is only collected with your consent or as required by law.

3. How Do We Use This Information?

Saarathi collects, uses, and discloses personal information to carry out business functions and activities. If you do not provide the requested information, we may be unable to perform certain services.

We may use personal information to market our services via email. You can opt out of receiving marketing emails by contacting our Privacy Officer or using the unsubscribe link provided in emails.

Your information will only be used for its intended purpose or as permitted by law.

4. How Is Your Information Disclosed?

We do not disclose your information to a third party unless

  1. We have your permission.

We obtain this permission by way of a signed letter of engagement, signed consent or other communication with you such as email confirmation clearly stating your consent.

  1. We have a legal duty to do so.

We may disclose information relating to your client’s affairs to a third party without your client’s permission if you have a legal duty to do so.

Some examples of these circumstances include providing information to:

  • the TPB upon a notice issued under section 60-100 of the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA)
  • a court or tribunal under a direction, order, or other court process
  • the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) upon a notice issued under section 353- 10 in Schedule 1 to the Taxation Administration Act 1953 concerning taxation laws (subject to that material being properly withheld under legal professional privilege)
  • AUSTRAC to meet reporting obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006.
  • your AFS licensee (if you are their authorised representative) under section 912G of the Corporations Act 2001.

If you are concerned as to whether there is a legal duty to disclose client information to a third party, you should seek independent legal advice.

5. Overseas Disclosure
In some cases, Saarathi may disclose your personal information to overseas
affiliates or service providers. This is done only when:

  • It is necessary for completing a transaction.
  • You have provided consent.
  • The recipient complies with Australian Privacy Principles or similar
    standards.
    For instance, data exchanges with affiliates in Nepal may occur, but all data remains
    subject to confidentiality obligations.

Staff Training

  • Confidentiality and privacy training for employees.
  • Verifying access to personal information.

Secure Handling of Information

  • Ensuring third parties comply with our privacy standards.
  • Implementing confidentiality guidelines.

Building and System Security

  • Alarms, cameras, and controlled access to buildings.
  • IT security procedures such as password protection and firewalls.

Data Retention

We retain information only as long as required by law or business needs. When no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or de-identified.

7. Access

You may request access to your personal information by contacting Saarathi’s Privacy Officer. Identification may be required for verification purposes.

While access is typically free, a small fee may apply for extensive searches or intermediary use. If access is restricted for legal reasons, we will provide an explanation.

8. Accuracy & Correction

If you believe any information we hold is inaccurate or outdated, contact us to request a correction. If we have shared incorrect information with others, we will notify them of corrections where possible.

If a request to correct information is denied, you will be informed and have the right to escalate the issue.

9. Complaints

If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, contact our Privacy Officer in writing. Complaints will be managed through our Internal Dispute Resolution process, with a response provided within 30 calendar days.

Contact details:

Privacy Officer
Saarathi Pty Ltd
745 High Street, Preston VIC 3072
Email: keshabs@saarathi.com.au

If unsatisfied, you may escalate your complaint to:

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

10. Privacy Policy Updates

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. The current version will always be available on our website. Changes will apply immediately upon update.

Last Updated: 30/11/2024

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