Grow Brooklyn protects your personal and tax information. When you use our free services—like Free Tax Prep (VITA), self-employed tax support, housing counseling, and financial coaching—we collect only what we need and safeguard it carefully.

We follow the confidentiality and privacy requirements used in the IRS-certified VITA program, including volunteer standards of conduct and IRS guidance on privacy and safeguarding.

Quick Summary

• We use your information only to provide services you request (like preparing and filing taxes).
• We do not sell your information.
• We share information only when necessary (for example, to file your return with the IRS/state) or when required by law.
• We protect your information with secure systems, limited access, and safe disposal practices.
• Our staff and volunteers are trained and required to follow strict confidentiality rules.

What Information We Collect

Depending on the service, we may collect:

• Your name, address, date of birth, and contact information
• Photo ID (for identity verification)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN (when needed for tax filing)
• Tax documents (W-2, 1099s, 1098s, benefit letters, etc.)
• Banking details (only if you choose direct deposit for refund/payment)
• Information you share during intake for counseling and referrals

We collect information only with your consent and only when it’s necessary for service delivery.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Prepare and electronically file your tax return
• Provide tax-related support and follow-up (like missing documents)
• Provide counseling or referrals you request
• Complete required program reporting without identifying you personally, whenever possible

We never use taxpayer information for personal benefit, solicitation, fundraising, research, or any purpose outside of IRS-authorized services and the services you requested.

Who Can Access Your Information

Only authorized staff and trained volunteers who are working on your case may access your information. Everyone who handles taxpayer information is required to follow strict confidentiality rules.

How We Protect Your Information

We use safeguards such as:

• IRS-approved tax preparation software
• Password-protected devices and accounts
• Limited access to files and systems
• Secure storage of paper documents during service delivery
• Secure disposal (shredding/deletion) when records are no longer needed

We also work to hold private conversations whenever possible and limit public discussion of personal details.

When We Share Your Information

We may share your information only:

• With the IRS and state tax agencies to file your tax return
• With a partner organization only if you ask us to or give consent for a referral that requires sharing details
• If required by law

We do not share client information for immigration enforcement or for purposes unrelated to tax filing and the services you requested.

Texts, Emails, and Phone Calls

If you provide a phone number or email, we may contact you about:

• Appointments (confirmations/reminders)
• Missing documents
• Service follow-ups you requested

For your protection:

• We do not send SSNs/ITINs or full tax documents by text
• We limit sensitive details in messages whenever possible

You can ask us to stop non-essential messages at any time.

Your Choices and Rights

You can:

• Ask what information we have about you
• Request corrections
• Decline services at any time
• Withdraw consent for future communications

Questions or Concerns

If you have concerns about privacy or believe your information has been mishandled, contact Grow Brooklyn immediately so we can review and respond.