Ask TaxMama Issue 499 - Beware of Scams

2009-04-10 by



Happy Passover and Easter


Dear Family,

Happy Passover and Easter!

Remember…the filing deadline is fast approaching. 5 days left!

If you still haven’t finished your tax return, you’re in luck. TaxMama®’s MarketWatch.com article this week deals with last minute tips before April 15th. You’ll find it in MarketWatch.com’s Last Minute Tax Guide over the weekend.

Incidentally, if you want to file your extension electronically, you can use FileLater, your own tax software, or look for fill-in forms at the IRS FreeFile Alliance site.

Yesterday’s batch of spam contained an email about something you really need to avoid. It’s a job offer “as a cash representative for (Name Deleted) TAX ID NUMBER; 26-1741950 in the United States, in which you could earn a lot.” They offer you a 10% commission on every check from the IRS that they send you to run through your bank account, plus a salary of $2,000. Wow, what a good deal! All you have to do is deposit the checks they send you and you make a bundle! What harm can there be in that? Especially if you’re out of a job, or just took a 30% pay cut to keep the job you have.

The harm? You deposit the checks into your bank account. Then you have to send them their 90% within 24-48 hours (note: before the check they send you has cleared). They’ll probably start by sending you a few small checks. Perhaps the first couple will clear. Then they send you the bigger checks, once you trust them. The check will never clear because it’s a bogus check. Not only do you lose your 10% commission, you will owe your bank the full amount of the bad check – because THEY will have deposited your check. AND you have bounced check fees, and dings to your credit.

To see an example of one of these solicitations, Google the ID #26-1741950
(Note: I deleted the company name in the email because the name they include might be a real company whose identity they’ve usurped. Or not.)

Back to our regular programming. What’s on today’s agenda?

I am getting lots of calls about this year’s EA exam review and have had the privilege of meeting some terrific and interesting folks. Looking forward to getting to know you over the summer! (And some of you will be meeting the folks at Gleim or FasTax instead – and getting to know them better.)

We got a little delayed on redesigning the EA Exam website and interface. I want it to be more user-friendly for you. Andrew spent a lot of time on two free tools for your benefit.

First: In about a week, I am going to have a gift for you – a new iphone application.
As soon as it’s live in the iphone store, you’ll get the link. Don’t worry – it’s free! And it’s really nifty. And you can give it to everyone you know.

Second: We’re going to launch We Found A Solution at the end of this month. We can really use your help to spread the word. Please sign up for the newsletter so we can give you some tools to announce the service.

Once launched, the newsletter will be providing you with bi-monthly tips to help you. The Twitter feed will send you tips each time a new idea is posted.

Remember, this site was born as a result of your Positive Ideas and suggestions. You are welcome to add more ideas and tips to help people help each other. We already know the world economy is in trouble. Instead of worrying or griping, it’s time for us to Save our Own World! Let’s pitch in and help each other get jobs, keep homes, find food and resources – and to have fun doing it!

In the meantime, about the EA Exam Review class, please hold your questions about the EA Exam and all for a couple of weeks. Since everyone pretty much has the same questions (or should) I’ve arranged to answer them for you all, all at once. Please join me at a CSEA DigiTAX course on May 13th.

May 13, 09 – 11:00 am – CSEA – Audio Tax – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the EA Exam

Come back on – Aug 5, 09 – 11:00 am – CSEA – Audio Tax – Hobby Loss Rules and how to Overcome Them

This week’s AccountingWeb.com blog is about SaaS – Software as a Service – including some of the major advantages to systems like these. And the potential problems.
http://www.accountingweb.com/cgi-bin/item.cgi?category_cs=1628

Today’s IRS News this week, we learn whether motor scooters qualify for the new sales and use tax deductions, and we learn about the rules for the Build America Bonds. And big news! IRS reverses itself on the subject of credit and debit card fees you are charged when paying your taxes!
http://taxquips.com/index.php?cat=IRSNews

Today’s Money Funny we learn the Scottish Secret to Longevity.
http://taxquips.com/index.php?cat=MoneyFunnies

In TaxQuips this week, we learn about how and when to claim disaster losses; whether you can contribute to your company retirement plan after you retire; if gifts are like IRAs; and whether or not there is still a tax credit for replacing your windows.
http://taxquips.com/index.php?cat=TaxQuips

As always, we love your feedback, opinions and ideas.
You are what makes all this fun – and interesting!

Please use the Comments link online.
http://taxquips.com/index.php?id=1191

TaxNerd gear makes a bold statement during tax season.
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Hugs from your favorite TaxNerd,

Eva Rosenberg, EA

Your TaxMama is watching…out for you.

www.TaxMama.com
www.TaxQuips.com
www.IRSExam.com
www.taxnerd.net
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Ask TaxMama
Where taxes are fun and answers are free
www.TaxQuips.com
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Money Funnies & Inspiration
The Scottish Secret to Longevity - Golf and a wee dram
IRS News
Convenience fees, Build America Bonds, motor scooters
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