The Law Office of Seth J. Howell, PLLC

‍Principal Office Address: 4100 Southwest Freeway, Apartment 471, Houston, Texas 77027 Phone: 832-637-8794 Email: sjhowell@howelltaxlaw.com Website: https://howelltaxlaw.com

This Privacy Policy explains how The Law Office of Seth J. Howell, PLLC ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information. This Policy applies to all website visitors, clients, prospective clients, and individuals who communicate with the firm, including via telephone, SMS/text message, email, social media, messaging platforms, and MyCase.

We are a law firm licensed to practice in the State of Texas and the State of Alaska. We are committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information in accordance with applicable law and professional ethics rules.

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1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information directly from you or from third parties, including but not limited to:

• Name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth
• Financial and tax-related records
• Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number
• Information contained in IRS notices or previous tax filings
• Communications, call logs, text message responses, and emails
• Information submitted through our website contact forms or scheduling tools

We also automatically collect limited technical data when you interact with our website, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Analytical tracking data via Google Analytics

We do not use cookies or tracking technologies for retargeting advertising at this time, and we do not sell your data.

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2. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information only for purposes related to legal representation and legitimate business functions, including:

• Communicating regarding your legal matter
• Filing tax returns, preparing legal filings, or advising on tax or estate-related issues
• Scheduling consultations and follow-up communications
• Maintaining client records and documentation
• Running secure remote legal services

We do not use personal data for unauthorized marketing or share it with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

3. SMS/Text Messaging Policy & Consent (TCPA/CTIA Compliant)

By providing your phone number to the firm—including by booking a consultation, submitting a website form, sending us a message, or contacting the firm—you consent to receive SMS/text messages from us for:

• Appointment scheduling and reminders
• Document requests or confirmation of receipt
• Case updates
• Secure communication and authentication

Message frequency may vary.

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile plan.

Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying:

STOP to end messages HELP for assistance

Opting out of SMS may limit communication options but does not affect attorney-client representation once established.

We do not send marketing text messages unless we have your express written consent.

4. Email and Electronic Communication

We may communicate with you via unencrypted email unless you request otherwise. While reasonable security measures are used, email may not be fully secure. Please notify us if you prefer encrypted communication.

5. Data Storage and Security

We maintain industry-standard data security measures and professional confidentiality obligations. Records may be stored securely through encrypted platforms, such as:

• MyCase client portal
• Encrypted cloud storage services
• Secure document upload tools

We restrict access to personal data to authorized individuals only.

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We may share information only when necessary to:

• Provide legal services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to court orders or government requests
• Work with vendors who assist in secure case management (bound by confidentiality agreements)

7. Google Analytics and Website Tracking

Our website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymized usage data. Google Analytics does not provide us with names, phone numbers, Social Security Numbers, or tax information.

You may opt out of analytics tracking with browser add-ons such as: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/

8. Rights of Residents of Alaska

If you are a resident of Alaska, the collection, use, and safeguarding of your personal information is also governed by the Alaska Personal Information Protection Act (APIPA), AS 45.48.

Under APIPA, you have the right to:

• Request access to personal information we maintain about you
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Request that we limit the use or disclosure of your personal information where legally permissible

We will not disclose your personal information to third parties except as permitted to provide legal services, comply with legal requirements, or maintain secure systems and service operations. We do not sell personal information, including for marketing or data-sharing programs.

In the event of a data breach involving unencrypted personal information of Alaska residents, we will provide notification to affected individuals without unreasonable delay, in accordance with AS 45.48.010.

9. Access to Information

Depending on applicable law, you may request to:

• Access your information
• Request corrections
• Request limits on certain uses or disclosures

Requests may be made by contacting the firm using the information at the top of this Policy.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date will be revised accordingly.

10. Contact Information

For privacy or communication-related questions, please contact:

The Law Office of Seth J. Howell, PLLC Email: sjhowell@howelltaxlaw.com Phone: 832-637-8794 Address: 4100 Southwest Freeway, Apartment 471, Houston, Texas 77027

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