Cookie Policy

Last updated: January 15, 2026

Summary

  • FastTaxCalc sets zero first-party cookies
  • Google Analytics sets analytics cookies to measure traffic
  • Google AdSense sets advertising cookies for ad personalisation
  • Calculator inputs are never stored in cookies
  • You can opt out of all non-essential cookies — see below

What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work correctly, remember your preferences, and provide information to website owners about how their site is being used.

Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, FastTaxCalc) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by third parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies."

Cookies FastTaxCalc uses

Cookie nameProviderPurposeExpiryType
_gaGoogle AnalyticsDistinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number2 yearsAnalytics
_ga_*Google AnalyticsUsed to persist session state (GA4)2 yearsAnalytics
_gidGoogle AnalyticsDistinguishes users — stores and updates a unique value for each page visited24 hoursAnalytics
_gatGoogle AnalyticsThrottles request rate — limits data collection on high-traffic sites1 minuteAnalytics
IDEGoogle AdSense (doubleclick.net)Ad targeting and measurement — stores information about how ads are used13 monthsAdvertising
DSIDGoogle AdSenseIdentifies a signed-in Google user for ad personalisation2 weeksAdvertising
__Secure-3PAPISID, SAPISID, APISIDGoogleUsed by Google to build a profile of interests for personalised advertising2 yearsAdvertising

Note: Exact cookie names used by Google may vary. For a complete list, see Google's cookie documentation.

No first-party cookies

FastTaxCalc itself does not set any cookies. We do not use cookies to:

  • Store your calculator inputs or results
  • Remember your country or state selection between visits
  • Track you across different websites
  • Store any personally identifiable information

All calculator inputs you enter stay entirely in your browser's memory and are cleared when you close or refresh the page.

How to manage and opt out of cookies

Google Analytics opt-out

Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data on all websites you visit.

Google AdSense / personalised ads opt-out

Visit Google Ad Settings to manage or opt out of personalised advertising. You will still see ads but they will not be based on your browsing behaviour.

EU and UK users can also opt out via the Your Online Choices tool or the NAI opt-out tool.

Browser settings

You can also manage, block, or delete cookies through your browser settings. Note that blocking all cookies may affect the functionality of some websites.

GDPR and UK GDPR

If you are in the European Union or United Kingdom, you have the right to consent to or refuse non-essential cookies. Essential cookies (if any) are strictly necessary for the website to function. Analytics and advertising cookies are non-essential and you may opt out at any time using the methods described above.

As FastTaxCalc sets no first-party cookies, our cookie footprint is limited to third-party cookies from Google, which you can manage through Google's own opt-out tools or your browser settings.

Changes to this Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy as our use of cookies changes or as legal requirements evolve. The "Last updated" date above reflects the most recent revision. Check back periodically for updates.

Contact

Questions about our use of cookies? Contact us.