Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Online document storage is very helpful, but is it secure?

We understand the importance of protecting client’s confidential and proprietary information, so that’s why YCZ uses Amazon Web Services (AWS), one of the global leaders in providing commercial-strength web services. AWS provides security and robust networking functionality for leading companies, government entities, and organizations.

How is my confidential information secured?

Our Amazon EC2 platform includes multiple security control elements, including built-in firewalls for network segregation, data encryption, and 24/7 security monitoring.

Is the data transfer secure?

Data in transfer is encrypted using TLS (transport layer security) protocols to ensure safe and secure transmission.

We like the idea of a central cloud-based storage, but how reliable is it?

The Amazon EC2 service runs within Amazon’s proven network infrastructure and data centers. The Amazon EC2 Service Level Agreement delivers 99.95% availability.

How can we ensure account security?

YCZ protects client information using the strongest available web services and secure internet connections. Users can help to protect their information by creating a secure password. To improve security, YCZ requires every account to utilize strong encryption protocols and complex passwords. Following the advice of industry-leading security experts, YCZ accounts must adhere to strong password security standards, which include a minimum length of 12 characters; contain both upper and lower case, and uses both alpha and numeric characters.

Can we have multiple team members access our account?

We recognize the value of team focus and want to help clients to improve teamwork.  To help you increase team efficiency, YCZ allows you to add an unlimited number of users to your account.

How does adding team members to our account increase our costs?

The ability to add users to the company’s account is important, but we’ve heard from users that they feel many cloud-based tools charge exhorbitant fees for additional users. YCZ’s goal is to enhance team work efficiency and communicaiton, so there’s no additional charge for adding users to your account team.

How do I know if I need to register?

Are you a business that conducts inbound or outbound marketing phone calls, or a call center that does this on behalf of clients? If so, most states will require you to register as a telemarketer to place calls into (or from) that state. Registration requirements will vary by state, and some states may even require the additional licensing of individual telemarketing agents. Because understanding individual state requirements can be complicated, it is important to seek expert support, and you may even want to obtain legal guidance to determine in which states you will need to register.

Why do I have to register?

You must register in states in which it is required because it is the law.  Failure to comply can result in substantial fines, civil lawsuits, and potentially criminal charges.

Do I have to register if I have no prior consumer complaints?

Yes, a clean performance history has no bearing on registration requirements. You must register in required states even if you have a perfect record of no complaints.

What about the Do Not Call (DNC) list? Do I need to register for that as well?

Yes, in addition to their registration demands, many states will also require you to register separately for (as well as purchase) their DNC list. Further, you may also need to register with the national DNC list, unless you meet certain exemption criteria.

How do I know in which states I need to register?

Currently, 32 states and the District of Columbia require registration for telemarketing. However, some states offer exemptions for which you may quality. You may want to seek legal counsel to determine which states will require you to register, and what, if any, exemptions apply to your business.

Is registration the same for every state?

No two states have the same registration requirements, processes, or forms. A minor error or omission on a single form can result in lengthy delays, forfeiture of application fees, or denial.

What if my call centers are located outside the U.S.? Do I still need to register?

Yes, if you are placing calls to (or receiving them from) the United States, it does not matter if your call center is off-shore. You are still considered to be conducting business in the US and are subject to these regulations.

How much will it cost?

As with registration requirements, state fees vary and can be several hundred dollars per state. To ensure timely and smooth processing of your registrations, you may opt to have Your Compliance Zone manage your registration and renewal work on your behalf. We will pay all your registration fees up front at the time of application/renewal, billing you only after the applications have been submitted.

Are there any exemptions to registration requirements?

Yes, there are several exemptions available and these will vary across states. Because understanding individual state requirements and their exemptions can be confusing, we recommend seeking legal counsel to determine your company’s individual registration obligations.

What if we just don’t register in required states?

If you choose not to register in required states, you are breaking the law. It bears repeating that failure to register where needed can result in substantial fines, civil lawsuits, and even criminal charges.

Where can I find more information on telemarketing regulations?

You can find information on federal regulations at www.donotcall.gov. Information on individual state regulations can most often be found on the state’s Attorney General website. You may also find regulatory information on a state’s Public Utilities Commission or Public Service Commission website pages.

How do I know if I need to register?

Are you a non-profit, 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) organization participating in fundraising, or a call center or mail house doing this on behalf of clients? If so, most states will require you to register prior to beginning any soliciting of funds in that state. Registration requirements will vary by state, and may be based on factors such as the solicitation of funds, receipt of funds, or number of donors. Because understanding individual state requirements can be confusing, it is important to seek expert support, and you may even want to obtain legal guidance to determine which states will require registration for your business or organization.

Why do I have to register?

You must register in states in which it is required because it is the law.  Failure to comply can result in substantial fines, civil lawsuits, loss of fundraising privileges, or even criminal charges.

How do I know in which states I need to register?

Currently, 40 states and the District of Columbia require registration for charity fundraising. However, some states offer exemptions for which you may quality. You may want to seek legal counsel to determine which states will require you to register, and what, if any, exemptions apply to your business or organization.

Is registration the same for every state?

No two states have the same registration requirements, processes, or forms. It’s important to note that a minor error or omission on a single form can result in lengthy delays, forfeiture of application fees, or denial.

What about federal requirements?

Generally, federal registration requirements are met through your IRS 501 (c) (3) status. You may want to seek legal guidance if you have additional questions regarding federal requirements.

What information will I need to provide?

Initial registration requirements will vary by state, but at a minimum, you should expect to provide the following: IRS application for non-profit status, IRS letter of determination, IRS Form 990; board of director information, governance documents such as articles and bylaws, audit reports, and certificate of good standing.

Information requirements to renew your registration will be less extensive, and may include updated board member information, data from the prior year’s fundraising efforts and audits, and any new or revised governance documents.

How much will it cost?

As with registration requirements, state fees vary and can be several hundred dollars per state. To ensure timely and smooth processing of your registrations, you may opt to have Your Compliance Zone manage your registration and renewal work on your behalf. We will pay all your registration fees up front at the time of application/renewal, billing you only after the applications have been submitted.

Are there any exemptions to registration requirements?

Yes, there are several exemptions and these will vary across states. Because understanding individual state requirements and exemptions can be confusing, we recommend seeking legal counsel to determine your individual registration obligations.

What if we just don’t register in required states?

If you choose not to register in required states, you are breaking the law. It bears repeating, failure to register where needed can result in substantial fines, civil lawsuits, loss of fundraising privileges, and even criminal charges.

Why bother to register if there’s little risk?

States with registration requirements are able to impose fines and other penalties on any organization that fails to register. These fines can be substantial. For example, Pennsylvania imposes a minimum $1,000 fine for failing to register. Even more, most states can order your organization to cease soliciting donations within the state until you register there.  This both significantly hampers your abilty to raise funds and hurts your reputation.

How would a state find out if our firm is unregistered?

States discover non-compliance in a variety of ways, though the most common comes from when a consumer makes an inquiry or complaint to the state regulatory agency. Other states have been known to “seed” names into solicitation lists that are purchased by nonprofit organizations in order for them to check on compliance.

Insurance Industry FAQ’s coming soon.

Debt Collection Industry FAQ’s coming soon.