Effective Date: August 13, 2025
Last Updated: August 13, 2025

1. Introduction

Novotny & Company ("we," "us," or "our") is a property tax consulting firm committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of our clients' information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you engage our property tax consulting services, visit our website www.novotnycompany.com, or communicate with us.

2. Information We Collect

Client Information You Provide

As a property tax consulting firm, we collect information necessary to provide our services, including:

Property Information:

• Property addresses and legal descriptions
• Property values, assessments, and tax records
• Property characteristics (square footage, lot size, improvements, etc.)
• Property ownership documentation
• Previous tax appeals and assessment history

Personal and Business Information:

• Name, contact information (address, phone, email)
• Business entity information (if applicable)
• Tax identification numbers
• Financial information related to property ownership
• Power of attorney or authorization documents
• Communications regarding your property tax matters

Professional Service Information:

• Service agreements and contracts
• Billing and payment information
• Documentation of our consulting work and recommendations
• Correspondence with tax authorities on your behalf

Information Collected from Third Parties

We may obtain information from:

• County assessor offices and tax authorities
• Public property records and databases
• Real estate databases and comparable property information
• Government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Other professionals working on your behalf (attorneys, accountants, etc.)

Website and Communication Data

When you visit our website or communicate with us digitally:

• Device and browser information
• Website usage patterns and preferences
• Email communication records
• Online consultation or contact form submissions
• Calls made to the number listed on the website are recorded

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information exclusively for legitimate business purposes related to our property tax consulting services:

Primary Service Delivery:

• Analyzing your property tax assessments and identifying potential savings
• Preparing and filing property tax appeals and protests
• Representing you before tax authorities and assessment review boards
• Researching comparable properties and market data
• Providing ongoing property tax consulting and advisory services

Business Operations:

• Maintaining client records and case files
• Processing payments and managing accounts
• Communicating about your cases and our services
• Complying with professional and legal obligations
• Quality assurance and service improvement

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

• Meeting professional licensing requirements
• Responding to lawful requests from authorities
• Maintaining records as required by law
• Protecting against fraud and ensuring data security

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We maintain strict confidentiality of client information. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

Authorized Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party professionals who assist in providing our services:

• Tax authorities and assessment offices (as your authorized representative)
• Legal counsel (when necessary for your case)
• Property appraisers and valuation experts
• Secure cloud storage and data management providers
• Professional consultants working on your specific matter

Legal and Professional Requirements

We may disclose information when required by:

• Court orders or legal subpoenas
• Professional licensing board investigations
• Government audits or regulatory inquiries
• Law enforcement requests with proper legal authority
• Protection of our legal rights or prevention of illegal activity

With Your Explicit Consent

We will share information with other parties only when you provide written authorization or explicit consent.

5. Data Security and Confidentiality

Given the sensitive nature of property and financial information, we employ robust security measures:

Physical Security:

• Secure office facilities with restricted access
• Locked filing systems for physical documents
• Secure disposal of confidential materials

Digital Security:

• Encrypted data transmission and storage
• Secure, password-protected client portals
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Limited access on a need-to-know basis
• Professional-grade cybersecurity measures

Professional Standards:

• Adherence to professional confidentiality obligations
• Staff training on privacy and security protocols
• Regular review and updating of security procedures

6. Your Rights and Choices

As our client, you have specific rights regarding your information:

Access and Review: Request copies of documents and information in your file Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate information Communication Preferences: Choose how and when we contact you Service Limitations: Withdraw consent for specific uses (subject to service limitations) File Access: Review your case file and consulting records. To exercise these rights, please contact us at customerservice@novotnycompany.com or 713-932-7672.

7. Data Retention

We retain client information according to:

• Active Cases: Throughout the duration of our representation
• Completed Cases: Minimum of 5 years after case completion
• Legal Requirements: As required by applicable laws and professional standards
• Professional Standards: As mandated by licensing and regulatory bodies

After retention periods expire, we securely destroy or return confidential information as appropriate.

8. Third-Party Services and Public Records

Property Data Sources: We access public property records and databases in the course of our work. This information is generally public, but we treat all client-related research confidentially.

Website Links: Our website may link to county assessor sites, tax authority portals, or other property-related resources. These sites have their own privacy policies.

9. Client Communications

Confidential Communications: All communications regarding your property tax matters are treated as confidential professional communications.

Secure Channels: We provide secure methods for sharing sensitive documents and information.

Email Security: While we use secure email practices, please be aware that standard email is not completely secure for highly sensitive information.

10. Professional Ethics and Compliance

Our privacy practices align with:

• Professional licensing requirements for tax consultants
• Industry best practices for handling financial and property information
• Applicable state and federal privacy laws
• Professional codes of ethics and conduct

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify clients of significant changes through:

• Email notification to active clients
• Posted notice on our website
• Direct communication for material changes affecting ongoing services

12. Contact Information and Complaints

For questions about this Privacy Policy, your privacy rights, or to file a complaint:

Novotny & Company
Property Tax Consultants Email: support@novotnycompany.com
Phone: 713-932-7672
Address: 2213 Blalock Rd, Houston, TX 77080

Professional Licensing Information: Regulatory Body: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation