Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Like many modern professional service firms, we use AI as a tool to improve efficiency, communication, and internal processes. As AI becomes standard throughout the profession, our firm is committed to supervising how AI is used without compromising data security, client trust, our objectivity, or the human touch.

AI assists us with: • Drafting communications and educational materials • Supporting tax research and summarizing complex topics • Improving workflow efficiency and document organization • Enhancing internal training and consistency All outputs are reviewed by our team before being used in any client-facing work.

No. We do not use AI to prepare, finalize, review or approve your tax return, nor does it make financial or tax decisions on your behalf. Those responsibilities remain with our qualified professionals.

Only in our secured environments. We do not input sensitive client data into public or unprotected AI platforms like ChatGPT - in fact, access to ChatGPT and other public generative AI is blocked from our staff's computers. We use controlled, secure systems and follow strict confidentiality standards consistent with our professional obligations. We do use apps like TaxGPT and Thomson Reuters' Ready to Advise to perform complex research for us and analyze client data against thousands of tax codes and accounting standards to ask questions about your data and provide useful tax-saving, wealth-building strategies for our clients. However, apps like this are self-contained and do not allow your data to leave our servers. When we use tools like TaxGPT or Thomson Reuters’ Ready to Advise, your data is protected through a combination of secure technology, restricted use, and professional safeguards. 1. Your Data Is Not Public These tools operate in secure, professional environments—not public AI platforms. • Your information is not shared publicly • It is not used to train open AI models • It is not accessible to other users or firms 2. We Control What Information Is Used We are intentional about what is entered into any AI-supported tool. • Sensitive identifying details are limited or excluded when possible • We follow strict internal policies about what can and cannot be entered • Data is only used when necessary to support your engagement 3. Enterprise-Level Security Standards Platforms like Thomson Reuters are built specifically for accounting professionals and follow: • Encryption of data in transit and at rest • Secure cloud infrastructure • Access controls and authentication safeguards These are the same types of protections used in banking and financial systems. 4. Human Oversight Always Applies • AI tools assist our team—but they do not operate independently • All outputs are reviewed by a qualified professional • No decisions are made without human judgment and validation 5. We Are Bound by Professional Confidentiality As a CPA firm, we are required to follow strict confidentiality standards. That means: • Your information is protected under professional ethics rules • We are responsible for safeguarding your data—regardless of the tools we use Bottom Line We use secure, professional-grade tools to enhance efficiency—but your privacy, security, and trust remain our top priorities at all times.

AI is used as a starting point—not a final authority. Our team: • Reviews all AI-assisted work • Cross-checks against IRS and applicable state guidance • Applies professional judgment and experience Accuracy and compliance always come first.

Common risks include: • Inaccurate or incomplete information • Data privacy concerns • Over-reliance on automation We mitigate these risks through: • Human oversight and review • Secure technology policies • Internal quality control procedures • Adherence to professional and ethical standards • Use of reputable providers

Using AI allows us to deliver a better client experience by: • Responding more quickly • Communicating more clearly and consistently • Reducing administrative inefficiencies • Spending more time on strategic advisory services • Building deeper relationships with our clients

No. AI cannot replace professional judgment, experience, or the relationship we have with our clients. It is simply a tool that supports our team—not a substitute for it. Much like when the internet first came out, and even now as the information on the internet continues to evolve.

If you have concerns about how AI technology is used in your engagement, we welcome that conversation. Transparency and trust are important to us, and we are happy to discuss our processes in more detail. However, with the way that AI has been embedded into nearly every software program and app that we use, it would be incredibly difficult and labor-intensive for us to do our work without it.

We operate as a 100% paperless firm, using secure, professional-grade platforms such as SafeSend and Ignition to manage document exchange, engagement, payment and communication. These systems protect your information through: • Secure Portals (Not Email): All sensitive documents are uploaded, delivered, and signed through encrypted portals—reducing the risk of interception or misdelivery associated with email or paper documents. • Encryption & Secure Storage: Your data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and stored within controlled, secure environments designed for financial professionals. • Identity Verification & Access Controls: Only authorized users can access your information, with built-in safeguards such as authentication protocols and permission-based access. • Audit Trails & Tracking: These platforms create a clear record of when documents are completed and by whom, when they are sent to clients and by whom, when they are viewed by clients, and when they are signed by clients — adding transparency and accountability. • Controlled Use of AI: While we use AI-enhanced tools to improve efficiency, sensitive client data remains within our secure systems and is not entered into public or unsecured AI platforms. By combining secure technology, paperless workflows, and responsible AI use, we are able to provide a more efficient experience while maintaining a high level of data protection and confidentiality. Your information is protected at every step—far more securely than email or paper documents could ever be.