Security Standards & Data Protection

Written Information Security Program (WISP)

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC maintains a Written Information Security Program (WISP) as required by the FTC Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314) and IRS Publication 4557 (Safeguarding Taxpayer Data). Our WISP is reviewed and updated annually and covers risk assessment, access controls, vendor oversight, incident response, and employee security practices.

FTC Safeguards Rule Compliance

As a tax preparation and financial services firm handling non-public personal financial information (NPFI), we are subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) and the FTC Safeguards Rule. Our security program is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of 16 C.F.R. Part 314, including designation of a qualified security officer, annual risk assessments, and continuous monitoring of information systems.

Encryption Standards

All client data transmitted to and from our systems is protected using TLS 1.2 or higher. Data at rest in our secure client portal is encrypted using AES-256-bit encryption - the same standard used by financial institutions and the U.S. federal government. Working copies of client documents and firm-prepared reports are maintained in access-controlled, encrypted firm cloud systems (our Microsoft 365 / OneDrive environment), which also encrypt data at rest. We do not accept sensitive financial documents (SSNs, EINs, account numbers, tax return data) via email or unencrypted channels. All document exchange occurs through our encrypted client portal with multi-factor authentication.

Access Controls

Access to client data is restricted on a strict need-to-know basis. All systems require strong, unique passwords enforced through a password manager, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required on all accounts that access client information. Remote access to client data is not permitted without MFA and encrypted connection.

Vendor Security

All third-party service providers that process or store client data are required to execute Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) and maintain their own security programs consistent with applicable law. All vendors are evaluated for security practices prior to engagement, and each is required to maintain security programs consistent with applicable law. Current vendor categories include: secure client portal and document management; bookkeeping and accounting platforms; tax preparation software; scheduling services; payment processors; and business communication platforms.

Incident Response

In the event of a suspected or confirmed data breach involving client tax return information, Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC will notify affected clients and relevant authorities as required under applicable law, including the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (815 ILCS 530) and IRS Publication 4557 protocols. Clients will be notified without unreasonable delay.

Report a Security Concern

If you believe your account or data has been compromised, or if you identify a potential security vulnerability, contact us immediately at contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa. Do not include sensitive financial data in your report.

Accessibility Statement

Our Commitment

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is committed to ensuring that our website is accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. We strive to meet or exceed the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA, as referenced under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state accessibility standards.

Current Accessibility Features

This website has been designed and developed with accessibility in mind, including: semantic HTML5 structure for screen reader compatibility; sufficient color contrast ratios throughout the interface; keyboard-navigable interactive elements including modals, forms, and navigation; descriptive aria-label and aria-modal attributes on all interactive components; skip-to-content navigation support; and form fields with associated <label> elements.

Known Limitations

We are actively working to identify and remediate any remaining accessibility gaps. Some third-party tools integrated with this site (including scheduling and payment processors) are maintained by their respective vendors and may have independent accessibility standards.

Request Accommodations

If you experience any difficulty accessing content on this website, or require information in an alternative format, please contact us directly:

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

We will respond within three business days and work to provide the information or service you need in an accessible format.

Feedback

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of blueprintfinancial.cpa. Your input helps us improve. Please report any barriers you encounter to contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa.

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 the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct including Rule 1.700.001, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), and all applicable federal and state privacy laws. This Privacy Policy applies to information collected through our website at blueprintfinancial.cpa and through direct professional engagement.

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: Name, email, phone, business name, and information you submit through our contact form.

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 data: IP address, browser type, and pages visited, collected automatically for site maintenance only and not linked to your identity.

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: We do not collect, store, or use biometric identifiers or biometric information as defined under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (740 ILCS 14). The BIPA does not apply to our current data practices.

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 anonymized 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 solely to: respond 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.

Marketing Communications: If you opt in to marketing communications through our contact form, we may send you tax tips, planning insights, and firm updates by email. This consent is entirely voluntary, separate from any engagement relationship, and does not constitute consent under IRC §7216 for use of tax return information. You may withdraw this consent at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" in any communication or by emailing contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa. We honor unsubscribe requests within 10 business days, consistent with the CAN-SPAM Act (15 U.S.C. § 7704).

5. Third-Party Service Providers

We require all third-party service providers to maintain the confidentiality of your information and to process data only on our behalf and consistent with our instructions, through executed data processing agreements (DPAs) or equivalent contractual safeguards. Current categories of providers include: bookkeeping and accounting platforms; secure client portal and document management services; tax preparation software; scheduling services; payment processors; and business communication platforms. These providers are contractually prohibited from independently using your information for their own purposes.

Disclosure may also occur when required by valid subpoena, court order, or government agency; in connection with Illinois Board of Accountancy authorized practice reviews (reviewers are bound by IRC §7216(b)(5) and applicable confidentiality rules); or in connection with a practice sale or transfer under appropriate confidentiality safeguards.

6. Data Retention

We apply differentiated retention schedules based on data category and professional obligation:

• Tax return records and supporting documents: Minimum 7 years following the end of the engagement, consistent with IRS guidance and professional standards.
• Bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory engagement records: Minimum 7 years following the end of the engagement, or longer where required by applicable law.
• Contact form submissions and pre-engagement inquiries (non-clients): Maximum 3 years, unless a formal engagement commences.
• Technical/log data: Retained no longer than 90 days.

At the end of applicable retention periods, records are destroyed securely using methods consistent with IRS Publication 4557 (cross-cut shredding for paper; secure deletion for electronic records).

7. Data Security & GLBA Safeguards

Consistent with our obligations under the GLBA Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314) and IRS Publication 4557, we maintain a Written Information Security Program (WISP) that includes: encrypted file transmission (TLS); secure client portals with multi-factor authentication (MFA); access controls on a strict need-to-know basis; strong password policies enforced through a password manager; regular security risk assessments; employee security awareness practices; and secure physical document storage. Do not transmit SSNs, EINs, or financial account numbers via email or the general contact form. All sensitive documents should be exchanged through our secure client portal.

8. Breach Notification

In the event of a security breach involving your personal information, we will notify you as required by the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) (815 ILCS 530). Under PIPA, notification will be provided in the most expedient time possible and without unreasonable delay, by written notice, electronic notice (where permitted), or substitute notice where the cost of written notice would exceed $250,000 or more than 500,000 Illinois residents are affected. Notification will describe the nature of the breach, the type of information involved, and steps we are taking to address it.

8a. Preparer Tax Identification & Filing Credentials

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC uses a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) issued by the IRS, as required by IRC §6109(a)(4), on all tax returns prepared for compensation. The firm maintains an active Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) for all electronic return submissions. These credentials are renewed annually and confirm that the firm is authorized to prepare and electronically file federal tax returns.

8b. State Privacy Rights (Multi-Jurisdictional Clients)

Because Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC provides non-attest services to clients nationwide, we may be subject to the consumer privacy laws of various U.S. states, including but not limited to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) / California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA); the Colorado Privacy Act (CPA); the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA); the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (CTDPA); the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA); the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA); and similar statutes in other jurisdictions. Depending on your state of residence, you may have the right to: (i) request access to the personal information we hold about you; (ii) request correction of inaccurate personal information; (iii) request deletion of personal information, subject to legal and professional retention obligations; (iv) opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell or share personal information); (v) limit the use of sensitive personal information; and (vi) appeal denial of a request. Many of these rights are subject to exemptions for information collected, processed, or retained in connection with regulated professional services (including tax preparation, bookkeeping, and advisory engagements subject to IRC §7216, GLBA, and AICPA professional standards). To exercise a state privacy right, email contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa with the subject line "Privacy Request" and identify your state of residence. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law (typically 30-45 days).

8c. 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.

8d. Electronic Signatures & Engagement Formation

All engagement letters, consents, and related agreements may be executed electronically in accordance with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (E-SIGN Act, 15 U.S.C. §7001 et seq.), the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) as adopted by applicable states, and the Illinois Electronic Commerce Security Act. By executing an agreement electronically, you consent to the use of electronic records and signatures and agree that such electronic execution has the same legal force as a handwritten signature.

8e. Use of Technology & Automated Processing

We may use secure third-party platforms and productivity tools to support the delivery of professional services. Client data is not used to train public generative AI models, and we do not submit tax return information, financial records, or other confidential client information to consumer-facing generative AI tools outside of our vendor-controlled, contractually-bound professional software. All professional judgments, tax positions, and advisory recommendations are made by licensed professionals and reviewed before delivery.

8f. Professional Liability Insurance

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC maintains professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance consistent with industry practice for CPA firms of our size and scope. Coverage details are available upon request in connection with a prospective or active engagement.

8g. 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

Subject to applicable legal and professional retention obligations, you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your information by contacting contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa. We respond within 30 days of a verified request. Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC - blueprintfinancial.cpa

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 exclusively upon execution of a written engagement letter signed by both parties. Visiting this Site, submitting a contact form, scheduling a consultation, or communicating with us prior to a signed engagement letter does NOT establish any 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. IRS Circular 230 Disclosure - §10.37 Written Advice

4. 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.

5. IRC Section 7216 - Tax Return Information

IRC Section 7216 strictly governs the use and disclosure of tax return information by tax return preparers. We may not use your tax return information for any purpose other than preparing your return without your prior written consent that meets the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 301.7216-3, including identification of the specific use, recipient, and time period. Any required consent form will include the disclosures mandated by federal regulation.

5a. 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. SSTS standards govern the positions taken on tax returns, the duty to advise clients of relevant tax matters, the use of estimates, departure from a position taken on a prior return, and departure from other applicable standards. Our tax professionals exercise professional judgment consistent with SSTS No. 1 through 4 on every client engagement.

6. 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.

6a. Multi-State Practice & Firm Registration

For non-attest services (including bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning, payroll, and advisory engagements) provided to clients in states other than Illinois, the firm relies on practice mobility provisions modeled on the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) and adopted by most U.S. states, which generally permit Illinois-licensed CPA firms to provide non-attest services to out-of-state clients without separate state licensure or firm registration. Several jurisdictions, however, maintain firm-registration or notification requirements even for non-attest services, including but not limited to Hawaii, Louisiana, North Carolina, and certain types of engagements in Texas. Where applicable state law requires firm registration, notification, or other compliance steps before services can be provided to a resident of that jurisdiction, Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC will complete those steps prior to commencing the engagement, or will decline the engagement and refer the prospective client to an appropriately licensed practitioner. Prospective clients located outside Illinois should expect that initial engagement scoping may include verification of applicable state requirements.

7. 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, or exemplary damages arising from your use of or reliance on this Site or its content. To the extent liability cannot be fully disclaimed under applicable law, the aggregate liability of Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC arising from or related to a specific client engagement shall not exceed the total fees actually paid by that client for the specific engagement giving rise to the claim. This limitation does not apply to liability arising from fraud, gross negligence, willful misconduct, or liability that cannot be excluded under the Illinois Public Accountancy Act or AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

8. 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. IRS and state agency penalties and interest arising from client-provided data errors remain the client's responsibility.

9. 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 does not make decisions on behalf of clients and is not responsible for outcomes resulting from decisions made by the client based on advisory guidance. Advisory services do not constitute legal advice, investment advice, or securities recommendations.

9a. 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.

9b. Financial Reports - Not Audited; No Third-Party Reliance

Any financial statements, management reports, KPI dashboards, forecasts, budgets, board-ready reports, investor-ready reports, or other work product prepared by Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC in connection with advisory or bookkeeping engagements are management-use reports only and 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). No assurance is provided on such reports, and they are not intended for reliance by lenders, investors, regulators, acquirers, or any third party for any purpose. Clients seeking assurance-level financial statements must engage a separate firm that provides attest services. Third parties reviewing any such reports do so at their own risk and without the benefit of professional assurance from Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC.

The foregoing applies to management-use work product prepared in connection with advisory and bookkeeping engagements. It does not apply where Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC is separately engaged to prepare financial statements under AR-C section 70 of the SSARS (a preparation engagement). Such a preparation engagement still provides no assurance - no audit, review, or compilation - but is governed by the terms of that separate signed engagement, which identify the financial reporting framework and any intended use, including any use by a third party such as a lender.

9c. Service-Level Commitments - Standard Business Hours

Any service-level commitments referenced on this Site (including but not limited to "priority support," "highest-priority support," "same-business-day response," "same-business-day acknowledgment," and similar commitments) apply only during standard business hours, defined as Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time, excluding federal holidays and reasonable firm-closure periods communicated in advance. "Response" and "acknowledgment" refer to initial acknowledgment of the client communication; complete resolution times vary based on complexity, scope, and the availability of required information. Service-level commitments are not guarantees and are subject to suspension or modification in the event of illness, emergency, force majeure, or other circumstances beyond the firm's reasonable control, with reasonable notice to the client where practicable. Specific response and turnaround expectations for any engagement are governed by the terms of the signed engagement letter for that engagement.

9d. 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 letter. 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 9f and Section 9h of this Disclaimer.

9e. 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.

9f. Engagement Term & Automatic Renewal

Ongoing client engagements (bookkeeping, recurring tax preparation, payroll, advisory, fractional CFO, and similar recurring services) begin with a signed engagement letter covering an initial one (1) year term, commencing on the engagement letter 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 9g 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 letters and are not subject to the 1-year initial term described above.

9g. 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 60-day good-faith period described in Section 9f and continuing through the remainder of the initial 1-year term, either party may terminate the engagement for cause upon written notice specifying the cause. Cause for termination by the client includes material breach of the engagement letter by the firm that remains uncured after reasonable written notice, or loss of professional competence to perform the engaged services. Cause for termination by the firm includes (without limitation): nonpayment of undisputed fees; material failure by the client to provide information, records, or cooperation reasonably required to perform the services; loss of the firm's independence or creation of a professional conflict of interest; client request to take a position or action that would violate the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, IRS Circular 230, the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services, the Illinois Public Accountancy Act, or any other applicable law or professional standard; or circumstances that make continued engagement professionally inappropriate under AICPA ethics rules.

Voluntary early termination by the client (after the 60-day period, during the initial term, without cause). Following the 60-day good-faith period, a client who elects to terminate an ongoing engagement during the remainder of the initial 1-year term without cause remains responsible for fees earned through the termination effective date and for any early-termination provisions set out in the engagement letter. The firm may, at its discretion, waive or reduce remaining-term obligations based on the specific circumstances.

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 letter.

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.

9h. Automatic Renewal Disclosure (Multi-Jurisdictional Clients)

In compliance with the California Automatic Renewal Law (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §17600 et seq.) and similar automatic-renewal statutes in other states (including but not limited to New York, Illinois, Virginia, Oregon, and Washington), the firm provides the following disclosures for ongoing engagements that renew automatically:

• Automatic renewal. At the expiration of the initial 1-year term, your engagement will automatically continue on a month-to-month basis at the then-current fee and scope, and will continue each month until terminated in accordance with Section 9g (which provides 30 days’ written notice for any reason during the month-to-month renewal period).
• Cancellation. You may cancel the month-to-month continuation at any time, for any reason, upon 30 days' written notice sent to contact@blueprintfinancial.cpa or by written notice delivered through the secure client portal. No fee is charged for cancellation in the month-to-month period.
• Affirmative consent. Your signed engagement letter evidences your affirmative consent to the initial 1-year term (including the 60-day good-faith period), and the automatic month-to-month continuation described above. You will receive a written acknowledgment of the engagement terms at signing.
• Fee or term changes. Any material change to fees or scope during the month-to-month continuation will be communicated to you in writing at least 30 days in advance, and you may cancel without penalty before such change takes effect.

9i. Annual Prepayment Discount

As an alternative to monthly billing during the initial 1-year term, clients may elect to prepay the full initial-year engagement total in advance. Clients who elect this option receive a 5% discount applied to the initial-year engagement total, reflecting the operational and administrative benefit of advance payment. The following terms apply:

• Election timing. The annual prepayment option must be elected and the prepayment received in full prior to the engagement start date set out in the engagement letter.
• 60-day good-faith period. The 60-day good-faith walk-away period described in Section 9f 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 initial term. Pro-rata refunds for terminations after the 60-day period and during the remainder of the initial 1-year term are governed by Section 9g (Termination Rights & Procedures), with refund amounts calculated at the discounted monthly rate. Voluntary early terminations without cause remain subject to the early-termination provisions of the engagement letter.
• 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 9f and Section 9h. 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 9d (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 letter for the remainder of the term.
• No fee waiver of onboarding. The one-time onboarding and implementation fee referenced in Section 9d is separate from the recurring monthly fees and is not subject to the 5% prepayment discount.

10. 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.

11. 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).

12. 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 letter. 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

All content on this Site - including but not limited to text, service descriptions, pricing information, design, layout, graphics, logos, icons, the Blueprint CPA & Advisory name and brand elements, and the overall look and feel of the Site - is the exclusive intellectual property of Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC and is protected by United States copyright law, trademark law, and other applicable 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 to maintain basic site performance and navigation, and analytics cookies provided by Google Analytics (GA4) to help us understand how visitors interact with the Site. Google Analytics collects anonymized usage data (such as pages visited, session duration, device type, approximate location, and traffic source), which is processed by Google LLC under their privacy policy. We do not use advertising cookies or behavioral tracking cookies that build profiles for targeted marketing. Our website also embeds a Microsoft Teams live chat widget that, when loaded, may set its own cookies or local storage on this Site and transmits any chat you initiate to Microsoft as our service provider. Certain other 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. By using this Site, you consent to the placement of functional and analytics cookies on your device. You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may affect Site functionality and our ability to improve the Site. We do not sell or share any data collected through cookies with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

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, all sensitive documents must be transmitted through our secure encrypted client portal, which uses multi-factor authentication.

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 letter, 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

Circular 230 Disclosure

Required IRS Circular 230 Disclosure

Scope of This Disclosure

This disclosure applies to all written tax-related content on blueprintfinancial.cpa, including service descriptions, FAQ answers, blog posts, and any other informational content. This website is maintained for general educational and informational purposes only.

Formal Written Tax Advice

Formal written tax advice that meets the standards of IRS Circular 230 §10.37 is provided exclusively within a signed client engagement. Such advice is clearly designated as formal written tax advice at the time of delivery. Nothing on this website constitutes formal written tax advice under Circular 230 §10.37.

Professional Standards

Blueprint CPA & Advisory, PLLC operates in compliance with IRS Circular 230 (31 C.F.R. Part 10), the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct including Rule 1.700.001, IRC §7216, and the Illinois Public Accountancy Act (225 ILCS 450). The firm's CPA is subject to the professional standards and disciplinary jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Contact

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 anonymized 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. Google Analytics does not identify you personally, 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.

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