1. Introduction
Advocate CPA LLC ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies on our website advocate-cpa.net (the "Site"). This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your choices regarding cookies.
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, provide a better user experience, and give website owners information about how visitors use their site.
Cookies serve various purposes, including:
- Enabling the website to function properly
- Remembering your preferences and settings
- Understanding how you interact with our website
- Improving our services and user experience
- Providing relevant content and features
2. Types of Cookies We Use
2.1 Necessary/Essential Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function properly. They enable basic functions like page navigation, secure access to authenticated areas, and the ability to submit forms. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Essential cookies we use include:
- Session cookies: These are temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser. They maintain your session state and allow you to navigate between pages without losing information.
- Security cookies: These help authenticate users and prevent fraudulent use of accounts.
- Cookie consent cookies: These remember your cookie preferences and consent choices.
2.2 Analytics Cookies
We may use analytics cookies to understand how visitors interact with our website. These cookies collect information anonymously, including the number of visitors, where visitors come from, and which pages they visit. This helps us improve our website and services.
Analytics cookies help us:
- Measure traffic and usage patterns
- Identify popular content and areas for improvement
- Understand how users navigate our site
- Optimize website performance
2.3 Functionality Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings. If you do not allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not function properly.
Functionality cookies may:
- Remember your language preference
- Remember form data you have entered
- Provide personalized content based on your interests
2.4 Marketing Cookies
We may use marketing cookies to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual user. These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners.
Currently, we do not actively use marketing cookies, but we reserve the right to implement them in the future. If we do, we will update this policy accordingly.
3. Third-Party Cookies
Our website may use services provided by third parties that set their own cookies. These third-party services are described below:
3.1 Google Maps
We use Google Maps on our website to display our office location. Google Maps may set cookies when you interact with the map. These cookies are controlled by Google and are used to provide their mapping services.
For more information about how Google uses cookies, please visit: https://policies.google.com/privacy
3.2 FormSubmit
We use FormSubmit (formsubmit.co) to process our contact forms. When you submit a form, FormSubmit may set cookies to process your request and provide spam protection.
For more information about FormSubmit's privacy practices, please visit: https://formsubmit.co/privacy-policy
3.3 Other Third-Party Services
We may use other third-party services in the future that may set cookies. We will update this policy as needed to reflect any changes.
4. Cookies We Use
The following table lists the cookies we use on our website:
| Cookie Name |
Type |
Purpose |
Duration |
| cookieConsent |
Necessary |
Stores your cookie consent preferences |
1 year |
| PHPSESSID |
Necessary |
Session management and security |
Session |
| _ga |
Analytics |
Google Analytics - distinguishes users |
2 years |
| _ga_* |
Analytics |
Google Analytics - maintains session state |
2 years |
| _gid |
Analytics |
Google Analytics - distinguishes users |
24 hours |
| formsubmit_* |
Necessary |
Form submission processing and spam protection |
Session |
| NID |
Third-Party (Google Maps) |
Google Maps functionality |
6 months |
| 1P_JAR |
Third-Party (Google) |
Google advertising and personalization |
1 month |
5. How to Manage Cookies
You have several options for managing cookies on our website:
5.1 Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can:
- View cookies stored on your device
- Delete some or all cookies
- Block cookies from being set
- Set preferences for specific websites
To manage cookies in your browser, follow these instructions:
- Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
- Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
- Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
Please note that blocking all cookies may impact your experience on our website and may prevent certain features from functioning properly.
5.2 Our Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you will see a cookie consent banner that allows you to:
- Accept All: Accept all cookies including analytics and marketing cookies
- Reject All: Only accept necessary cookies required for the website to function
- Settings: Choose which types of cookies you want to accept
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by clicking the "Settings" button on the cookie banner or by clearing your browser cookies to trigger the banner again.
5.3 Opt-Out Tools
For analytics cookies, you may opt out using the following tools:
6. Cookie Duration
Cookies can be either session cookies or persistent cookies:
6.1 Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary cookies that remain on your device only while you are browsing our website. They are automatically deleted when you close your web browser. We use session cookies for:
- Maintaining your session state
- Processing form submissions
- Security and authentication
6.2 Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period or until you manually delete them. The duration depends on the specific cookie and its purpose. We use persistent cookies for:
- Remembering your cookie preferences
- Analytics and tracking
- Third-party services
7. Updates to Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. The "Last updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies. Significant changes will be communicated through our website or other appropriate means.