Security Standards & Data Protection

Blueprint recognizes that tax, accounting, payroll, and financial information is sensitive. We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect client information in a manner appropriate to the size and operations of our Firm, the services we provide, and the sensitivity of the information involved.

Secure Client Portal

Sensitive client documents should be exchanged through Blueprint's designated client portal rather than through ordinary email or the general website contact form.

Blueprint currently uses TaxDome as its primary client portal and document-management platform. TaxDome states that it uses encryption to protect data in transit and at rest and provides login-verification and multi-factor authentication controls. Specific security features and configurations are maintained by TaxDome and may change as its services evolve.

Clients are responsible for protecting their portal credentials, using a strong and unique password, enabling available multi-factor authentication, and promptly notifying Blueprint of suspected unauthorized access.

Firm Cloud Systems

Working copies of client documents and Firm-prepared work products may be maintained in access-controlled Microsoft 365 and OneDrive environments.

Microsoft states that Microsoft 365 and OneDrive use encryption to protect customer data in transit and at rest. The specific security features, encryption methods, and service configurations are maintained by Microsoft and may change as its services evolve.

Access and Authentication

Firm access to client information is limited according to business need and assigned system permissions.

Blueprint uses strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication for Firm accounts that access client information. Access rights are reviewed and adjusted when responsibilities, personnel, systems, or business needs change.

No client or user should share login credentials with another person.

Email and Website Communications

Do not transmit Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, financial account numbers, tax returns, payroll records, or other sensitive financial documents through the general website contact form or ordinary email.

Use the designated client portal for sensitive document exchange.

Administrative emails may be used for scheduling, general questions, notifications, and other communications that do not contain sensitive documents or confidential account credentials.

Service Providers

Blueprint uses third-party service providers for functions such as client-portal access, document storage, accounting software, tax preparation, payment processing, scheduling, communications, and other business operations.

Blueprint evaluates service providers based on the nature of the service, the information involved, available security and privacy information, contractual terms, and the risks reasonably associated with the service. Third-party providers maintain and control their own systems, policies, and security practices.

Use of a service provider does not constitute a representation that the provider's systems are immune from security incidents.

Security Incidents

Suspected security incidents are evaluated based on the systems, information, persons, and service providers involved.

Where a security incident triggers a notification obligation, Blueprint will provide notices to affected persons and governmental authorities as required by applicable law.

Report a Security Concern

If you believe your portal account, communications, or information may have been compromised, contact Blueprint promptly at: contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa

Do not include Social Security numbers, account numbers, passwords, tax documents, or other sensitive information in the initial email.

No Guarantee of Absolute Security

No method of internet transmission, electronic storage, authentication, or information-security control can guarantee absolute security. Blueprint regularly evaluates its practices and may modify its safeguards, systems, vendors, and procedures as circumstances and risks change.

Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is committed to providing a website and digital experience that can be used by people with disabilities. We work to identify and reduce accessibility barriers as the website, content, forms, and third-party services change.

Accessibility Goal

We use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, currently WCAG 2.2 Level AA, as a reference for website design, testing, and remediation.

This statement describes an accessibility goal and ongoing effort. It is not a representation that every page, component, document, integration, or third-party service currently satisfies every WCAG 2.2 Level A and Level AA success criterion.

Accessibility Practices

As website content and functionality are developed or revised, we work to consider accessibility practices such as:

• Clear headings and content structure
• Keyboard access to interactive website functions
• Visible keyboard focus
• Text alternatives for meaningful images
• Labels and instructions for form fields
• Sufficient text and interface contrast
• Compatibility with browser zoom and text resizing
• Descriptive link and button text
• Identification and correction of accessibility barriers

The effectiveness of these practices may vary depending on the browser, device, assistive technology, website feature, and third-party service involved.

Third-Party Services

The website may link to or integrate with third-party services, including scheduling, client-portal, communications, payment, and other service platforms. Those providers maintain and control their own accessibility features, interfaces, and conformance efforts.

Please contact us when a third-party service creates an accessibility barrier affecting your ability to obtain information or access a Blueprint service.

Request Assistance or an Alternative Format

If you experience difficulty accessing website content or need information in another format, contact:

Email: contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa
Subject line: Accessibility Request

Please identify the page, feature, document, or service involved and describe the assistance or format needed. Do not include Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, financial account numbers, tax documents, passwords, or other sensitive information in the initial email.

We aim to acknowledge accessibility requests within three business days and will work with the requester to identify a reasonable method of providing access to the applicable information or service.

Feedback

We welcome reports of accessibility barriers. Feedback may be sent to contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa with the subject line Accessibility Feedback.

Accessibility practices and this statement may be updated as the website, applicable guidance, and our services evolve.

Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC, operating under the assumed name Blueprint Financial ("Blueprint CPA & Advisory," "Blueprint Financial," "we," "us," or "our") is a licensed CPA firm registered as a Professional Limited Liability Company under Illinois law. We adhere to applicable professional confidentiality requirements, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and to applicable federal and state privacy and data-security laws, including the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) where applicable. This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website at blueprintfinancial.cpa and through direct professional engagement. It is not intended to replace any separate privacy notice or other client notice that Blueprint may provide when required by GLBA or other applicable law.

2. Professional Privacy Obligations

As a licensed CPA firm and tax preparer subject to GLBA, we are governed by: AICPA Code Rule 1.700.001 (Confidential Client Information Rule); IRC Section 7216 and Treasury Regulations 301.7216-1 through 301.7216-3 (criminal penalties up to $1,000 and/or one year imprisonment per unauthorized disclosure); IRC Section 6713 ($250 civil penalty per violation, up to $10,000/year); IRS Circular 230; GLBA Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314), requiring a written information security program (WISP) for all non-public personal financial information; Illinois Public Accountancy Act (225 ILCS 450); and IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data).

3. Information We Collect

Contact & inquiry data: Your name, email address, and the information you choose to include in your message. Additional business and contact information may be collected during consultation or onboarding.

Tax return information (IRC §7216): SSNs, EINs, income data, financial account details, and all information furnished in connection with tax preparation.

Engagement data: Financial statements, bank records, payroll information, and business records collected during bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory engagements.

Technical & usage data: We and our service providers may collect information such as IP address, browser and device type, pages viewed, referral source, approximate location, interaction data, and diagnostic information. This may be used for security, maintenance, troubleshooting, analytics, and improvement of the website and our services. It may include online or device identifiers, but we do not use it to directly identify individual website visitors.

Live chat data: If you start a conversation through the live chat widget on our website, we collect the messages you send and any contact details you choose to provide. This chat feature is provided by Microsoft, which processes the conversation as our service provider. Please do not submit SSNs, EINs, financial account numbers, or other sensitive information through the chat.

Biometric Data: Blueprint does not currently collect, store, or use biometric identifiers or biometric information, as those terms are defined under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (740 ILCS 14), through this website or in the course of providing services.

Cookies: We use functional cookies to maintain site performance, and analytics cookies provided by Google Analytics (GA4) to understand how visitors use the site. Google Analytics collects usage data such as pages visited, session duration, device and browser type, approximate geographic location, and traffic source. This data is processed by Google LLC under their privacy policy. We do not use advertising or behavioral tracking cookies, and we do not sell or share cookie data with third parties for marketing purposes. Our website also embeds a Microsoft Teams live chat widget; when loaded, it may set its own cookies or local storage on this site and transmits the contents of any chat you initiate to Microsoft, which processes that data as our service provider. Separately, third-party services accessed via external links (such as our scheduling service or client portal) may set their own cookies on their respective domains when you visit them.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for purposes including the following: responding to inquiries; prepare and file tax returns; provide bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and related services; communicate regarding your engagement; comply with legal and professional obligations; and maintain required records consistent with applicable retention schedules. We do not sell, rent, or trade your information. We do not use tax return information for marketing unrelated services without your prior written consent as required by IRC §7216 and Treasury Regulations §301.7216-3.

5. Third-Party Service Providers

We use third-party service providers for functions such as bookkeeping and accounting, client-portal and document management, tax preparation, scheduling, payment processing, communications, cloud storage, and other business operations. We seek to use providers under contractual, confidentiality, privacy, security, or other safeguards appropriate to the service and information involved. Provider terms, permitted uses, subprocessors, and technical controls may vary by vendor and service.

Disclosure may also occur when required or permitted by law, including in response to a valid subpoena, court order, or governmental request; in connection with an authorized quality or peer review to the extent permitted by Treasury Regulation §301.7216-2(p) and applicable professional confidentiality rules; or in connection with a practice sale or transfer under appropriate confidentiality safeguards.

6. Data Retention

We retain records based on the type of information, the services performed, applicable legal and professional requirements, contractual obligations, and legitimate business needs.

As a general practice, we may retain tax, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, engagement, billing, and related professional records for seven years after the applicable engagement or service period ends, where that period is appropriate for the record involved. A shorter or longer retention period may apply to a particular record category.

We may retain records for a longer period when required or permitted by law, regulation, professional standards, contract, insurance requirements, governmental request, subpoena, audit, examination, investigation, dispute, claim, litigation, legal hold, or another legitimate business or professional need.

Retention periods vary by record type, system, service provider, legal requirement, and business need. Contact-form submissions and pre-engagement inquiries that do not lead to an engagement are generally retained only as long as reasonably necessary for inquiry management, recordkeeping, security, dispute resolution, or other legitimate business purposes. Technical, analytics, and log data are retained according to the applicable system configuration, provider settings, security needs, and legal requirements.

Information maintained by third-party service providers may also be subject to the provider's system limitations, backup cycles, contractual terms, and legal obligations.

When we determine that records are eligible for disposal and no preservation requirement applies, the records are securely deleted, destroyed, or anonymized using methods appropriate to the record format and sensitivity, consistent with IRS Publication 4557 (cross-cut shredding for paper; secure deletion for electronic records).

Clients remain responsible for retaining their own copies of tax returns, financial reports, filings, source records, payroll records, and other documents needed for legal, tax, financial, or business purposes. Continued portal availability is not a substitute for the client's own record-retention obligations.

7. Data Security & GLBA Safeguards

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect client information in a manner appropriate to the size and operations of the Firm, the services provided, and the sensitivity of the information involved. These safeguards include access controls, strong authentication practices, designated client-portal use, access-controlled cloud systems, and procedures for evaluating security concerns. Specific safeguards may vary by system, service provider, information type, and identified risk.

Do not transmit Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, financial account numbers, tax returns, payroll records, or other sensitive financial documents through the general contact form or ordinary email. Sensitive documents should be exchanged through Blueprint's designated client portal.

8. Breach Notification

When a security incident triggers a legal notification obligation, Blueprint will provide notices to affected individuals, regulators, governmental authorities, consumer reporting agencies, or other recipients as and when required by applicable federal or state breach-notification law, including the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (815 ILCS 530) where applicable. The timing, method, recipients, and content of any notice will be determined by the law applicable to the incident and the information involved.

8a. State Privacy Requests

Depending on applicable law and whether that law applies to Blueprint, residents of certain U.S. states may have rights regarding their personal information. These rights may include requesting access to, correction of, deletion of, or a portable copy of certain personal information, as well as opting out of certain sales, sharing, or targeted advertising and appealing the denial of a request.

Privacy rights are subject to the scope, applicability thresholds, definitions, exceptions, exemptions, verification requirements, and retention obligations of the applicable law. A particular right may not apply to Blueprint, to the person submitting the request, or to all information we maintain.

We may retain information when retention is required or permitted for tax, accounting, payroll, professional, contractual, security, fraud-prevention, dispute-resolution, insurance, legal, regulatory, or other legitimate purposes. Information handled in connection with professional services may also be governed by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, IRC §7216, applicable professional standards, engagement obligations, and other federal or state requirements.

We do not sell personal information for monetary or other valuable consideration. We do not use personal information for targeted advertising based on an individual's activity across unaffiliated websites or services.

To submit a privacy request, email contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa with the subject line "Privacy Request." Include your full name, email address, state of residence, relationship to Blueprint, and a description of the request. Do not include Social Security numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, financial account numbers, passwords, tax returns, or other sensitive documents in the initial email.

We may take reasonable steps to verify the requester's identity, state of residence, authority to act for another person, and relationship to the information requested. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law and may extend the response period when permitted. If we deny a request in whole or in part, we will provide an explanation and appeal instructions when required by applicable law.

8b. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)

Our services are directed at business owners, organizations, and adult individuals. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age as defined under the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, please contact us immediately at contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa and we will promptly delete the information.

8c. Electronic Signatures & Engagement Formation

Engagement documents, consents, and related agreements may be executed electronically in accordance with applicable electronic-signature law, including the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. §7001 et seq.) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as adopted by applicable states, including the Illinois Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (815 ILCS 333). Electronic records and signatures may have the same legal effect as paper records and handwritten signatures when the requirements of applicable law and the parties' agreement are satisfied.

8d. Use of Technology & Automated Processing

We may use third-party platforms, productivity tools, and automated features to support the delivery of professional services. Blueprint does not intentionally use confidential client information to train public generative AI models. When tools involving automated processing are used with client information, we seek to use vendor-controlled business or professional systems subject to appropriate confidentiality, privacy, security, and contractual safeguards. Automated tools support, but do not replace, the professional judgment and review applicable to the services we provide.

8e. Testimonials, Endorsements & Client References

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC complies with the Federal Trade Commission's Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (16 C.F.R. Part 255) and applicable state consumer protection laws in any use of client testimonials, reviews, or endorsements. If client testimonials, case studies, or endorsements appear on this Site in the future: (i) all such statements will reflect the honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences of the endorser; (ii) any material connection between the firm and the endorser (such as compensation, free services, or other consideration) will be clearly and conspicuously disclosed; (iii) results described in any testimonial are specific to that client's facts and circumstances, do not constitute typical results, and do not guarantee similar outcomes for other clients; and (iv) the firm will not fabricate, alter, or selectively edit testimonials in a manner that misrepresents the endorser's actual experience. As of the Last Updated date shown above, this Site does not display client testimonials.

9. Your Rights & Contact

To submit a request concerning your personal information, email contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa with the subject line "Privacy Request." Depending on applicable law and whether that law applies to Blueprint, you may have the rights described in Section 8a of this Privacy Policy. We may verify your identity, residence, relationship to the information, and authority to submit the request before taking action. Requests will be processed within the timeframe required by applicable law, subject to permitted extensions, exemptions, and record-retention obligations.

Website & Services Disclaimer

1. General Disclaimer & No Professional Relationship

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC, operating under the assumed name Blueprint Financial ("Blueprint CPA & Advisory," "Blueprint Financial," "we," "us," or "our") maintains this website for general informational purposes only. Nothing on this Site constitutes professional accounting, tax, legal, financial, or investment advice, and nothing creates an accountant-client, attorney-client, or other professional relationship. A professional engagement is established only when Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC issues a written engagement document through TaxDome or another approved electronic platform and the client electronically signs and submits it, except where the engagement document expressly requires an additional Firm signature. Visiting this Site, submitting a contact form, scheduling a consultation, or communicating with us before execution of an engagement document does not establish a professional relationship or obligation.

2. No Professional Advice - Website Content

All content on this Site is general in nature and is not tailored to any individual's or entity's specific facts, circumstances, or jurisdiction. Tax laws, accounting standards, and financial regulations are complex, frequently changing, and vary by state and locality. You should not act on any information on this Site without first obtaining advice from a qualified professional with knowledge of your particular situation. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this Site.

3. No Guarantee of Outcomes

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee that engagement of our services will result in any specific tax savings, refund, financial improvement, reduction in tax liability, or other outcome. All results depend on the individual facts, circumstances, applicable law, and agency determinations unique to each client. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Tax savings, if any, vary significantly based on individual circumstances and cannot be predicted in advance. Any examples or illustrations on this Site are hypothetical and for informational purposes only.

4. IRC Section 7216 - Tax Return Information

IRC Section 7216 and its Treasury Regulations govern the use and disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers. Where taxpayer consent is required, Blueprint will obtain consent that satisfies applicable requirements, including Treasury Regulation §301.7216-3. Certain uses and disclosures are permitted without taxpayer consent under IRC §7216 and Treasury Regulation §301.7216-2; Blueprint may rely on those exceptions when applicable.

4a. AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS)

All tax services provided by Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC are performed in accordance with the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTS), as adopted by the AICPA and incorporated into the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. Tax services are performed in accordance with the current AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services and other applicable professional standards, laws, regulations, and taxing-authority requirements. Our tax professionals exercise professional judgment consistent with those standards on each applicable tax engagement.

5. Service Area & Licensing

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is a CPA firm licensed in the State of Illinois, regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) under the Illinois Public Accountancy Act (225 ILCS 450). Services requiring a CPA license are limited to jurisdictions where the firm is properly licensed or otherwise authorized to practice. Nothing on this Site constitutes an offer to provide professional services in any jurisdiction where the firm is not licensed or where such an offer would be unlawful.

5a. Multi-State Practice & Firm Registration

For services provided to clients outside Illinois, applicable CPA mobility, firm-registration, tax-preparer, business-registration, and other professional requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the nature of the service. Before accepting or commencing an out-of-state engagement, Blueprint evaluates the requirements applicable to the client's location and requested services. Where registration, notice, licensure, authorization, or another compliance step is required, Blueprint will complete the applicable requirement before providing the affected service or will decline or appropriately limit the engagement.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC and its members, employees, and agents shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from use of or reliance on this Site or its content. This website limitation does not govern liability arising from a professional engagement. Any limitations applicable to a client engagement are governed by the applicable signed engagement document and applicable law. Nothing in this Site is intended to exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

7. Payroll Services - Client Data Accuracy

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC processes payroll based exclusively on information provided by the client, including employee data, hours worked, compensation rates, withholding elections, garnishment instructions, and related records. The accuracy and completeness of all data submitted for payroll processing is the sole responsibility of the client. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC shall not be liable for any penalties, interest, late fees, underpayments, overpayments, or other costs resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely information provided by the client. Clients are responsible for reviewing all payroll reports and tax filings for accuracy prior to submission deadlines. Blueprint is not responsible for penalties, interest, or other consequences to the extent caused by late, incomplete, inaccurate, or unauthorized client information or instructions. Responsibility for errors caused by Blueprint is governed by the applicable engagement document and applicable law.

8. Advisory Services - Client Decision Authority

All advisory services provided by Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC, including but not limited to tax planning, fractional CFO services, financial forecasting, budgeting, cash flow analysis, entity structure recommendations, and strategic financial guidance, are advisory only in nature. Recommendations, analyses, projections, and financial models provided during advisory engagements represent professional judgment based on information available at the time and are subject to change as facts and circumstances change. The client retains full and final decision-making authority over all financial, business, tax, and operational decisions. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC supports management's decision-making but does not assume management responsibility. Business, financing, investment, operational, and transaction decisions remain the client's responsibility, and the allocation of responsibilities is governed by the applicable engagement document. Advisory services do not constitute legal advice, investment advice, or securities recommendations, and do not include the preparation of operating agreements, bylaws, shareholder or ownership agreements, or other governing legal documents.

8a. Fractional CFO Services - Scope & Role Limitation

Fractional CFO, CFO-style, or CFO-level services offered by Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC are provided on a non-attest, contract advisory basis only. The firm and its personnel do not serve as corporate officers, directors, employees, agents, fiduciaries, or signatories of any client entity, and do not hold or exercise any officer-level authority, fiduciary duty, or statutory responsibility on behalf of the client. The client's own officers, directors, and governance bodies retain all corporate authority, signing authority, fiduciary duties, and statutory obligations. Marketing references on this Site (including but not limited to "CFO-level financial guidance," "CFO-style calls," "fractional CFO services," and similar terms) describe the advisory nature and quality of the services provided and do not create, imply, or establish an officer relationship, employment relationship, or fiduciary relationship between the firm and the client or any third party.

8b. Financial Reports - Not Audited; No Third-Party Reliance

Management reports, dashboards, forecasts, budgets, and other work product prepared by Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC in connection with bookkeeping or advisory engagements are management-use reports only. They are not audited, reviewed, or compiled within the meaning of the AICPA Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) or Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services (SSARS), and no assurance of any kind is provided on them. These reports are not intended for reliance by lenders, investors, regulators, acquirers, or any other third party for any purpose. Clients seeking assurance-level or third-party-reliance financial statements must engage a firm that provides attest services. Any third party reviewing these reports does so at its own risk and without professional assurance from the Firm.

Where Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is separately engaged to perform financial statement preparation services, that work is governed by a separate written engagement and is performed under AR-C section 70 of the SSARS (SSARS No. 21, as amended). A financial statement preparation engagement still provides no assurance (no audit, review, or compilation) but is governed by the terms of that separate engagement, which identify the financial reporting framework and any intended use, including any use by a third party such as a lender.

8c. Communication & Standard Business Hours

Blueprint's standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, excluding federal holidays, firm holidays, and announced firm-closure periods. Client communications are handled primarily through the designated client portal and email, and advisory calls follow the cadence agreed for the applicable engagement. Messages received outside standard business hours may be treated as received on the next business day. Response and completion times vary based on scope, complexity, deadlines, required information, staffing, and circumstances outside the firm's reasonable control. Any specific communication or turnaround commitments are governed by the applicable signed engagement document.

8d. Pricing - Scope-Based and Subject to Change

References to "fixed monthly pricing," "fixed monthly fees," or similar terms on this Site refer to fixed monthly pricing for a defined scope of services agreed upon in a signed engagement document. Fees are scoped based on factors including (but not limited to) transaction volume, business complexity, entity structure, and service tier. Changes in client circumstances that materially change the scope of services (including but not limited to growth in transaction volume, addition of entities, changes in business complexity, new service requests, or changes in regulatory requirements) may result in a scope re-evaluation and fee adjustment, subject to advance notice and client consent. A one-time onboarding and implementation fee applies to all engagements and is scoped at consultation. "Fixed" refers to the predictability of the monthly fee within the agreed scope and does not imply an unchangeable fee regardless of scope. Ongoing engagements are subject to the initial term and automatic-renewal provisions set out in Section 8f and Section 8h of this Disclaimer.

8e. Credential & Experience Claims

Statements on this Site regarding professional credentials (including but not limited to CPA licensure), years of experience (including but not limited to "10+ Years in Financial Planning & Analysis"), and prior professional background (including but not limited to "Fortune 100 Corporate Finance experience") reflect the verifiable professional background of the firm's principal(s) as of the Last Updated date shown on this Site. Documentation confirming such credentials and background is available upon reasonable request in connection with a prospective or active engagement. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC does not guarantee that any individual engagement will be staffed by the same principal for all work, although the firm's principal maintains oversight of all client engagements.

8f. Engagement Term & Automatic Renewal

Ongoing client engagements (bookkeeping, recurring tax preparation, payroll, advisory, fractional CFO, and similar recurring services) begin with a signed engagement document covering an initial one (1) year term, commencing on the engagement document effective date. The initial term includes a 60-day good-faith period during which either party may terminate the engagement for any reason or no reason upon written notice, with no further obligation beyond fees earned through the termination effective date. At the expiration of the initial 1-year term, the engagement automatically continues on a month-to-month basis unless terminated by either party in accordance with Section 8g below. The month-to-month continuation renews automatically each calendar month at the then-current fee and scope, subject to any scope or fee adjustments communicated and agreed in writing in advance. During the month-to-month renewal period, either party may terminate the engagement for any reason upon thirty (30) days’ written notice. Short-term, project-based, or one-time engagements (including but not limited to cleanup and catch-up bookkeeping, standalone tax return preparation, entity formation, and individual advisory projects) are scoped separately in their own engagement documents and are not subject to the 1-year initial term described above.

8g. Termination Rights & Procedures

Termination after the initial term. Following the expiration of the initial 1-year term, either party may terminate the engagement for any reason or no reason upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other party.

Termination for Cause during the Initial Term after 60 days. Following the sixty-day good-faith evaluation period described in Section 8f and continuing through the remainder of the Initial Term, either party may terminate the engagement or an affected recurring service only for Cause, as defined in the applicable engagement document. That engagement document controls the applicable definition of Cause, notice requirements, cure period, payment obligations, refund rights, and transition responsibilities.

File return and handoff. Upon termination for any reason, Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC will return client-provided records in accordance with AICPA Code Rule 1.400.200 (Records Requests) and applicable Illinois rules, regardless of any fee dispute. Firm work papers and internally-developed documentation remain the property of the firm. The firm will reasonably cooperate in the transition to a successor provider.

Prepaid fees. Any prepaid fees for services not yet rendered as of the termination effective date will be refunded to the client on a pro-rata basis, net of any unpaid earned fees and any early-termination amounts payable under the engagement document.

Confidentiality and post-termination obligations. The firm's confidentiality obligations under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, IRC §7216, GLBA, and this Policy survive termination of the engagement indefinitely with respect to client confidential information.

8h. Automatic Renewal & Month-to-Month Continuation

For ongoing engagements that automatically continue after an initial term, the signed engagement document controls the renewal, cancellation, notice, fee, and scope terms, subject to applicable law. Blueprint provides the following summary for its standard recurring engagement structure:

• Automatic continuation. At the expiration of the initial 1-year term, the engagement automatically continues on a month-to-month basis at the then-current agreed fee and scope unless terminated in accordance with the engagement document.
• Cancellation. During the month-to-month continuation, either party may terminate for any reason upon 30 days' written notice, including notice delivered through the secure client portal or another written method permitted by the engagement document.
• Consent and disclosure. The signed engagement document describes the initial term, the 60-day good-faith period, the month-to-month continuation, and the applicable cancellation procedure. Blueprint will provide any additional renewal disclosure, acknowledgment, reminder, or cancellation mechanism required by law when applicable to a particular engagement.
• Fee or scope changes. Material fee or scope changes during the month-to-month continuation will be communicated in writing in advance and handled in accordance with the engagement document and applicable law.

8i. Annual Prepayment Discount

As an alternative to monthly billing during the initial 1-year term, eligible clients may elect to prepay the recurring monthly service fees for the initial year in advance. Clients who elect this option receive a 5% discount on those recurring monthly service fees only. The discount does not apply to onboarding and implementation, cleanup, separately scoped work, reimbursable expenses, or other one-time charges. The following terms apply:

• Election timing. The annual prepayment option must be elected and the applicable recurring-fee prepayment received in full by the timing stated in the engagement document.
• 60-day good-faith period. The 60-day good-faith walk-away period described in Section 8f continues to apply to prepaid engagements. A client who terminates during the 60-day period will receive a refund of unused monthly amounts calculated on a pro-rata basis at the discounted (5%-off) monthly rate, with no further obligation beyond fees earned through the termination effective date.
• Termination after 60 days during the Initial Term. Following the sixty-day good-faith evaluation period, termination rights during the remainder of the Initial Term are governed by the applicable engagement document and are limited to termination for Cause as defined there. Any refund due will be calculated under the annual prepayment provisions of the engagement document.
• End of initial term and renewal. The 5% prepayment discount applies only to the initial 1-year term. Upon expiration of the initial term, the engagement converts to month-to-month at the standard (non-discounted) monthly rate in effect at that time, in accordance with Section 8f and Section 8h. Subsequent annual prepayments may be available at the firm's discretion and will be addressed in writing prior to renewal.
• Scope and fee changes during prepaid term. If a material change to scope occurs during the prepaid initial term that would warrant a fee adjustment under Section 8d (such as significant growth in transaction volume or addition of entities), the firm will discuss the change in writing and the parties will agree on the appropriate handling, which may include a supplemental invoice for additional scope or a revised engagement document for the remainder of the term.
• Excluded charges. The one-time onboarding and implementation fee and other non-recurring or separately scoped charges are separate from recurring monthly service fees and are not subject to the 5% prepayment discount.

9. Governing Law & Venue

This Disclaimer is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising under or relating to this Disclaimer, the use of this Site, or any pre-engagement communication shall be resolved exclusively in the state courts of Cook County, Illinois, or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. You irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waive any objection based on improper venue or inconvenient forum.

10. Professional Licensing & Complaints

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is registered as a PLLC with the Illinois Secretary of State. The firm's CPA is licensed by, and subject to the disciplinary jurisdiction of, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and adheres to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct as the recognized standard of professional conduct. Complaints regarding professional conduct may be directed to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

11. Contact

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC - contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa - blueprintfinancial.cpa

Terms of Use

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the website at blueprintfinancial.cpa (the "Site"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC, operating under the assumed name Blueprint Financial ("Blueprint CPA & Advisory," "Blueprint Financial," "we," "us," or "our") reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time by posting updated Terms on the Site. Your continued use of the Site after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.

2. No Professional Advice

Nothing on this Site constitutes professional accounting, tax, legal, financial, or investment advice of any kind. All content is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional with knowledge of your specific situation. No accountant-client, attorney-client, fiduciary, or other professional relationship is created by your use of this Site, by submitting an inquiry, or by communicating with us prior to execution of a signed engagement document. Any general information, examples, or illustrations on this Site are hypothetical and may not apply to your circumstances.

3. Use of Technology

In delivering our services and maintaining this Site, we may utilize secure third-party platforms, cloud-based systems, and advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, organization, and accuracy. These tools operate under our supervision and are used solely to support the delivery of our services.

All content, analysis, and recommendations provided through this Site or our services remain subject to professional judgment and review. We do not rely solely on automated systems to provide advice or conclusions.

4. Intellectual Property & Copyright

Content and materials on this Site, including text, service descriptions, pricing information, design elements, graphics, logos, icons, the Blueprint CPA & Advisory name and brand elements, and the overall look and feel of the Site, are owned by or licensed to Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC except where otherwise indicated, and are protected to the extent provided by applicable copyright, trademark, and other intellectual-property laws.

You may not reproduce, copy, distribute, publish, display, transmit, modify, create derivative works from, sell, license, or otherwise commercially exploit any content from this Site without our prior express written consent. Unauthorized use of any content on this Site may violate copyright, trademark, privacy, and other laws and could result in legal liability. The Blueprint CPA & Advisory name and logo are proprietary marks of Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC and may not be used in any manner without express written permission.

You may print or download a single copy of any page on this Site for your personal, non-commercial reference only, provided that you do not remove any copyright or proprietary notices.

5. Permitted Use

You may access and use this Site solely for lawful, personal, non-commercial purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to: use the Site in any way that violates applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations; use automated tools, bots, scrapers, or crawlers to extract content without our written consent; attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Site or its related systems or networks; transmit any harmful, offensive, fraudulent, or unlawful content; misrepresent your identity or affiliation with any person or entity; or interfere with or disrupt the operation of the Site.

6. Cookies & Tracking

This Site uses functional cookies and analytics cookies provided by Google Analytics (GA4) to help maintain the Site and understand how visitors interact with it. Google may process usage and device information in accordance with its own terms and privacy documentation. The Site also embeds a Microsoft live-chat service that may use cookies or local storage when loaded, and third-party services reached through external links, such as scheduling or the client portal, may use cookies on their own domains. Blueprint does not use advertising or behavioral-tracking cookies to build profiles for targeted marketing and does not sell cookie data for third-party marketing. You may control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect Site functionality and analytics.

7. No Guarantee of Accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to keep the content on this Site accurate and current. However, we make no warranty, express or implied, that any content is complete, accurate, reliable, or up to date as of the date you access it. Tax laws and financial regulations change frequently, and content may not reflect the most recent legal developments. Do not rely on any content on this Site without independently verifying it with a qualified professional.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC and its members, employees, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising from your access to or use of (or inability to use) this Site, or from any content on this Site, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. This limitation applies regardless of the theory of liability (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise). This limitation does not apply to liability arising from fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

9. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information submitted through this Site. However, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Do not submit sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers, Employer Identification Numbers, financial account numbers, or tax return data through the general contact form. Once an engagement is established, sensitive documents should be transmitted through the Firm's designated client portal. The portal provider states that the portal provides encrypted data transmission and storage and supports account-verification and multi-factor authentication controls.

10. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC and its members, officers, employees, agents, and successors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of or relating to: (a) your use of or access to the Site; (b) your violation of these Terms; (c) your violation of any applicable law or regulation; (d) your violation of any rights of a third party; or (e) any content you submit through the Site. This indemnification obligation survives termination of these Terms and your use of the Site.

11. Third-Party Links

This Site may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience only. We do not endorse, control, or assume any responsibility for the content, privacy practices, accuracy, or availability of any third-party website. Accessing any linked site is entirely at your own risk, and you should review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party site you visit.

12. Geographic Limitations & Jurisdictional Compliance

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is licensed as a CPA firm in the State of Illinois. Services requiring a CPA license are limited to jurisdictions where the firm is properly licensed or otherwise authorized to practice. Nothing on this Site constitutes an offer to provide professional accounting, tax, or advisory services in any jurisdiction where the firm is not licensed or where such an offer would be prohibited by law. You are responsible for compliance with any local laws that may apply in your jurisdiction.

13. Governing Law & Venue

These Terms of Use are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Site, or your use thereof shall be resolved exclusively in the state courts of Cook County, Illinois, or the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. You hereby irrevocably consent to the personal jurisdiction and venue of such courts and waive any objection to venue based on improper venue or inconvenient forum.

13a. AICPA Code & Professional Standards

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC operates under the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, including the principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality, and professional behavior. In the event of any conflict between these Terms of Use and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct or applicable state board rules (including the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct for CPAs under 225 ILCS 450), the professional standards shall control. These Terms govern the use of this website only and do not supersede the terms of any signed engagement document, which takes precedence over these Terms in all matters relating to a specific professional engagement.

14. Severability & Entire Agreement

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the remaining Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect. These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC with respect to your use of the Site and supersede all prior agreements relating thereto.

15. Contact

Questions regarding these Terms may be directed to:
Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC
contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa - blueprintfinancial.cpa

Cookie Policy

What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function properly and to provide basic analytics.

How We Use Cookies

This website uses functional cookies that are strictly necessary for the website to operate – enabling navigation, remembering session state, and ensuring the site displays correctly. We also use analytics cookies provided by Google Analytics (GA4) to understand how visitors use the site. Google Analytics sets cookies (such as _ga and _ga_G-0PBQSG124Y, which expire after two years) that collect usage data including pages visited, session duration, device and browser type, approximate geographic location, and traffic source. This data is processed by Google LLC and helps us improve the site. Blueprint does not use Google Analytics to directly identify individual website visitors, and we do not use it to track your activity across other websites. This site also embeds a Microsoft Teams live chat widget; when it loads, it may set its own cookies or local storage on this site and transmits the contents of any chat you start to Microsoft, which acts as our service provider. When you visit other third-party services via external links on this site (such as our scheduling service or client portal), those services may set their own cookies on their respective domains. We do not use advertising cookies or behavioral tracking cookies that build profiles for targeted marketing.

What We Do Not Do

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC does not: use cookies to track your browsing behavior across other websites; share cookie data with advertising networks; use cookies to build profiles for targeted marketing; or sell any cookie data to third parties. Analytics data collected through Google Analytics is used solely to understand and improve how this website is used. We do not use Google Analytics to directly identify individual website visitors. Google may process device, usage, and online identifiers in accordance with its own terms and privacy documentation.

Managing Cookies

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling functional cookies may affect the performance of certain website features. Instructions for managing cookies are available in your browser's help documentation.

Changes to This Policy

If our cookie practices change, we will update this policy and the "Last Updated" date above. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions about our cookie practices: contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa