Privacy Policy

1. Scope and Application

This Privacy Policy applies to:

1. 1.1 Taxpayers

   Individuals using DocTax to receive AI-assisted tax guidance, consult with tax experts, upload tax-related files, or engage in platform communications.

2. 1.2 Tax Experts

   Licensed and qualified professionals who create expert accounts, undergo verification, receive consultation requests, and perform tax-related services on the platform.

3. 1.3 Shared Principles (Applies to Both)

   • All users must provide accurate information.
   • All communication must remain within the platform.
   • DocTax may store user information and consultation data for operational, legal, and quality assurance purposes.

2. Information We Collect

DocTax collects only the information necessary to operate the platform, verify users, enable consultations, and enhance platform security.

1. 2.1 Information Collected from All Users

   • Account information: name, email address, mobile number
   • Login credentials (encrypted)
   • Location or device metadata for platform security and tax RDO related support
   • Gmail basic profile information (if you choose Google sign-in)
   • Chat logs, uploaded files, consultation notes, user’s questions to AI and AI-generated guidance/feedback
   • System activity logs for fraud prevention and platform safety

2. 2.2 Additional Information Collected from Taxpayers

   • Tax-related data voluntarily shared during consultation
   • Uploaded documents (e.g., receipts, tax forms, letters, statements)
   • Consultation preferences or history
   • Payment records for any manual off-platform transactions (optional and only if provided during dispute investigation)

3. 2.3 Additional Information Collected from Tax Experts

   To comply with verification requirements, we may collect:

   • PRC license, BIR accreditation, or any professional credentials
   • Valid IDs, Certificates of Training
   • Portfolio or proof of tax experience
   • Subscription records and payment confirmations
   • Availability schedules and consultation activity logs

   DocTax may conduct background checks and license verification, as stated in the Terms of Use.

3. How We Use Your Information

The data we collect is used to deliver services, maintain system integrity, and comply with legal and regulatory obligations.

1. 3.1 Uses Applicable to All Users

   • Account creation, verification, and identity confirmation (KYC)
   • Processing login requests and securing access
   • Reviewing chat transcripts and uploaded documents for auditing, safety, and quality assurance
   • Monitoring compliance with platform rules
   • System improvements, including AI training and accuracy enhancement
   • Investigating reports, disputes, or fraudulent activity
   • Generating platform analytics (non-personal and aggregated)

2. 3.2 Uses Specific to Taxpayers

   • Matching taxpayers with appropriate tax experts
   • Providing personalized tax guidance
   • Displaying consultation history and documentation
   • Ensuring accuracy and completeness of tax information provided

3. 3.3 Uses Specific to Tax Experts

   • Verifying professional identity, credentials, and competency
   • Determining eligibility and approval of expert accounts
   • Assigning consultations and managing expert visibility
   • Tracking responsiveness and performance for rating systems
   • Generating invoices for subscription payments

4. Communication and Interaction Data

All communication between taxpayers and tax experts must happen inside the DocTax platform.

We collect and store:

• Chat logs
• Consultation summaries and documentation
• Notes, files, and reference materials shared by both parties

This data is stored to:

• Ensure accurate consultations
• Provide shared documentation to both parties
• Conduct quality checks, audits, and dispute resolution
• Ensure compliance with safety and conduct rules

DocTax may review these records when necessary for system integrity.

5. Data Storage and Retention

DocTax retains user data only as long as necessary for operational, legal, and auditing purposes.

Data may be stored for:

• Up to 3 months after the user's last platform activity (as stated in the Terms of Use)
• Longer retention only if required for:
  • Dispute resolution
  • Fraud investigations
  • Legal, regulatory, or tax compliance
  • Quality assurance and platform improvement

Stored data is encrypted and protected using industry-standard security practices.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

DocTax does not sell or rent user information.

We may share limited data only under the conditions below:

1. 6.1 With Authorized Third-Party Providers

   • Payment processors for Tax Expert subscriptions
   • Cloud hosting or storage providers
   • Identity verification service providers

   Only the minimal necessary information is shared.

2. 6.2 With Tax Experts (for Taxpayer Consultations)

   Taxpayers' uploaded files, questions, and relevant tax information are shared only with the assigned tax expert.

3. 6.3 With Taxpayers (for Documentation Review)

   Tax experts’ shared documents, advice, and notes will be accessible to the taxpayer for reference.

4. 6.4 For Legal or Safety Purposes

   DocTax may disclose information if:

   • Required by law, court order, or regulatory authority (e.g., BIR investigation)
   • Needed to investigate fraud, misconduct, abuse, or safety risks
   • Necessary to protect the platform, users, or the public

7. User Rights

Both Taxpayers and Tax Experts have the right to:

• Access their personal information
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion (subject to legal and operational exceptions)
• Request a copy of stored documents
• Withdraw consent for certain types of data processing
• Report misuse, fraud, or suspicious activity involving their data

Requests should be submitted through DocTax’s helpdesk or support channels.

8. Data Security

DocTax implements strict security controls to protect data, including:

• Encrypted data storage
• Encrypted transmission (HTTPS/SSL)
• OTP / Multi-factor authentication for tax experts
• Automated fraud and threat detection
• Access logging and monitoring of unusual system behavior
• Restricted access to consultation records

Despite these controls, no platform can guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for protecting their passwords and device.

9. Children's Privacy

DocTax is not intended for individuals under 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect or store information from minors.

10. Changes to the Privacy Policy

DocTax may update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect:

• Regulatory changes
• Platform updates
• New features or services
• Security improvements

Continued use of DocTax after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Information

For privacy concerns, data access requests, or questions regarding this policy, contact:

DocTax Operations Support
support@doctax.ph
6F Eastwood Global Plaza, Palm Tree Avenue,
Eastwood City, Libis
Quezon City 1110