The Federal Trade Commission has issued regulations that require tax preparation firms to provide an annual statement of firm privacy policies.

Here is my policy:

I handle all information you provide me with the utmost confidentiality.  We will not disclose your  personal information to anyone outside our firm without your express written permission to do so, or unless we are legally required to do so.  For example, if a mortgage lender contacts me for a copy of your return or information about it, I will ask that you provide permission prior to responding to that request.

You should also be aware that anything you tell me during the interview for the preparation of your tax return is confidential, but not protected from the IRS.  Privileged communications (those that are protected from IRS authority to compel our testimony) are limited to non-criminal tax advice on matters before IRS or non-criminal tax proceedings in federal courts.  Although I  consider any information you provide me as confidential, return preparation engagements are not covered by advisor-client privilege.  If you feel the nature of any subject matter to be discussed requires protected communications, please raise that issue so that I can discuss your possible need to consult with an attorney for legal advice.