Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 1 July 2025
HKS Russell | Business + Accountants + Consultants

At HKS Russell, your privacy is important to us. We are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information.

1. What Personal Information We Collect

We may collect personal information including, but not limited to:

Full name, contact details, date of birth
Tax File Number (TFN)
Financial, tax and superannuation details
Employment and business information
Government-issued identifiers (e.g. ABN, Medicare, Centrelink)
Bank account or payment details (where relevant)

2. How We Collect It

We collect personal information:

Directly from you (via forms, email, phone calls, meetings)
From third parties with your consent (e.g. ATO, financial institutions, employers)
From publicly available sources (e.g. ASIC)

3. Why We Collect It

We collect and use your information to:

Provide tax, accounting, and advisory services
Lodge documents with the ATO and government agencies
Meet our legal obligations
Communicate with you and respond to enquiries
Manage client relationships

4. Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose your information:

To the ATO and other government agencies as legally required
To financial institutions, auditors, or legal advisers
To software providers (e.g. Xero, MYOB) under secure data arrangements
Where required by law or court order

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

5. Storage and Security

Your personal information is stored securely in electronic and/or physical formats. We take all reasonable steps to protect data from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

6. Accessing and Updating Your Information

You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time by contacting us at admin@hksrussell.com.au. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

7. Use of Cookies

Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You may disable cookies via your browser settings.

8. Complaints

If you have a privacy-related complaint, please contact:

Charisse Russell
Director
Email: advisors@hksrussell.com

We will respond within 14 days. If you are not satisfied, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at www.oaic.gov.au.

Tax Agent Services Disclosure (TASA 2024 Compliance)

As a registered Tax Agent, HKS Russell provides services in accordance with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA). The Tax Agent Services (Code of Professional Conduct) Determination 2024 requires the following disclosures:

1. Matters Influencing Engagement

From 1 July 2022 onward, no matters exist that would significantly influence your decision to engage (or continue to engage) us.
If this changes, we will notify you promptly.

2. Public Register

The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) maintains a public register of all Tax and BAS Agents. You can access the register here:
https://www.tpb.gov.au/public-register

3. Complaints Process

If you have a complaint regarding our Tax Agent services:

Contact your accountant by email with the details.
If unresolved after 3 business days, escalate the matter to:
Charisse Russell – Director
Email: advisors@hksrussell.com
Your complaint will be reviewed by Charisse or a senior staff member not involved in the issue (where possible). You will receive a written acknowledgement and an outline of the resolution process. We aim to resolve all complaints within 14 days.
If you’re dissatisfied with our resolution, you may submit a complaint to the Tax Practitioners Board at:
https://www.tpb.gov.au/make-complaint
The TPB will acknowledge and assess your complaint. If you’re unhappy with the TPB’s handling, the same link provides information on your review rights.