Last Updated: 01-02-2026
GBS Accountants ("us", "we", or "our") is committed to providing you with the highest quality professional service. This includes protecting your privacy and keeping your personal and financial information secure. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and disclose your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
1. What Personal Information We Collect
To provide accurate accounting, taxation, and business advisory services, we may collect the following types of personal information:
- Identity Data: Name, date of birth, and Tax File Number (TFN).
- Contact Data: Email address, telephone number, and residential/postal address.
- Financial Data: Bank account details, shareholdings, investment details, superannuation details, and income statements.
- Business Data: Company details, ABN/ACN, employee records, and payroll data.
2. How We Collect Your Information
We collect your personal information directly from you through:
- Client engagement letters and new client forms.
- Direct correspondence (emails, meetings, phone calls).
- Documents you provide to us (e.g., invoices, bank statements, Xero files).
- Your use of our website and contact forms.
We may also collect information from third parties with your consent, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), ASIC, banks, or your previous accountant.
3. How We Use Your Information
We require your personal information to:
- Prepare and lodge tax returns, BAS, and financial statements.
- Advise on business structuring, SMSF, and tax planning.
- Communicate with the ATO and ASIC on your behalf.
- Manage our relationship with you, including billing and support.
- Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
4. Disclosure of Personal Information
We may disclose your personal information to:
- Government Authorities: The ATO, ASIC, and other regulatory bodies as required by law.
- Cloud Software Providers: Such as Xero, MYOB, or practice management software (strictly for the purpose of completing your work).
- Professional Advisers: Lawyers, financial planners, or auditors, but only with your explicit consent.
No Overseas Outsourcing: As per our firm's policy, GBS Accountants does not outsource your accounting or tax work to overseas processing centers. Your data is processed and managed locally by our team in Melbourne.
5. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. We use secure cloud storage, firewalls, encryption, and physical security measures at our premises to safeguard your data.
6. Cookies and Website Data
Our website may use "cookies" to improve your experience. A cookie is a small file stored on your browser that helps us analyze web traffic. You can choose to accept or decline cookies within your browser settings. No personally identifiable information is collected via cookies unless you voluntarily submit a form.
7. Accessing and Correcting Your Information
You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to ask for corrections if you believe it is inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete. If you wish to access or correct your personal information, please contact us in writing.
8. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the Australian Privacy Principles, please contact us immediately. We take all complaints seriously and will investigate and respond to you within a reasonable timeframe.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact our Privacy Officer:
- By email: info@gbsaccountants.com.au
- By phone: (03) 9305 3665
- By mail: Suite 11, 882-900 Cooper Street Somerton, VIC 3062