Attention Thousand Oaks Tax Payers: Identity Thieves Want YOUR Tax Return
January 20, 2014
Skylar Dubrow, CPA
Blog
January 20, 2014Skylar Dubrow, CPABlogIn a moment, I’ll show you why this is so important for Thousand Oaks tax preparation clients. Because the hits keep on coming for Target Corp, and it’s unfortunate for them because they seem to be a company that works hard at doing things well. In fact, they were on the forefront of “Point of Sale” (POS) security with some new software, but other retailers didn’t join them, so it became cost prohibitive to go it alone.
Oops.
They recently announced that they will be offering a year of free credit monitoring to those who were affected, and this seems to me an effective way of “making things right”. But this crisis has highlighted a bunch of risks that you, as a local Thousand Oaks taxpayer, should understand … and it provides another reason to get your taxes submitted (properly) ASAP.
But before I explain what I mean by that, a couple pertinent things you should be aware of…
Tax documents are trickling out (organizations have until Jan. 31 to send everything your way), the long form 1040 was officially posted recently on the IRS site … and our phone has begun to ring with regularity [(818) 889-7285 in case you need it!].
So make sure you call us soon to set up a time where we can go through your situation with you. After all, would you rather spend 18 hours going it alone, or have your trusted advisor do it for you?
And here’s the list of forms you should be looking for in the mail, and online (from any employer, vendor, client or anyone else with whom you had a taxable transaction last year):
* Wage earners, watch for your W-2 forms, one from each employer.
* “Other income” (like a state tax refund, or government benefits) is shown to you on Form 1099-G
* Prize winnings — Form W-2G
* Most canceled debt (but not all) is reported as taxable. In which case, you’ll get Form 1099-C
… as I’m writing this, I realize the list is extremely long. Here’s a good place for the whole list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IRS_tax_forms [look under the section “Information Returns”]
So, as if there wasn’t enough incentive to get your taxes prepared by someone in the Thousand Oaks area who knows what they are doing (ahem), here’s another log on that fire…
Attention Thousand Oaks Tax Payers: Identity Thieves Want YOUR Tax Return
“Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who has overcome adversity.” – Lou Holtz
It may not surprise you to learn that identity theft is annually the number one complaint made to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Well, the tax return component of this crime has been heating up.
In 2010, only about 15 percent of all identity theft complaints to the FTC dealt with tax returns. Well, in 2013, that jumped to 43 percent.
All the thief requires is your SSN, a few easily-forged counterfeit documents … and WHAMMO, they’ve got your expected refund.
In essence, to prevent this kind of theft of your refund, or your return filing status, you need to file your return before the thief does. Which is just another reason to start the process with us here in Thousand Oaks, ASAP (Here’s our number: (818) 889-7285 — call us today).
The good news is that the IRS is aware of this problem, and they do have systems in place. If this DOES happen to you, we can help you work with the IRS to get it resolved. Alternatively, of course, you can call the IRS ID Theft Protection Unit yourself at (800) 908-4490, extension 245. The hold times … well, they’re not always fun. There will be paperwork to file and other things you will have to do as quickly as possible.
Which means that it’s nice to have someone in your corner who can handle this kind of thing on your behalf, right?
Other ways to protect yourself
Nobody can *guarantee* that they won’t get victimized, but here are a couple steps you can take to reduce the risk…
Again, while we can never fully prevent bad things from happening, we certainly can help you cover your bases!
Give us a call today.
To your family’s financial and emotional peace…
Warmly,
Skylar Dubrow CPA
(818) 889-7285
Preparing a correct and accurate tax return is our priority. We proudly stand behind our work and if a mistake does happen that is our fault, we will immediate correct the mistake and gladly refund your money if requested.
If any penalties or interest are incurred due to our mistake, we will do everything we can to fix the problem and cover any penalties should they arise.
We feel so confident in our processes to account for all deductions and uncover hidden deductions that we guarantee that you will pay the lowest amount of taxes legally possible. We spend a good amount of time correcting and fixing other so called tax pros mistakes and oversights.
We are so committed to giving out clients the best service. We do this by taking thte time to understand our clients situation and asking the right questions to make sure every deduction is accounted for. And remember we work for you, NOT the IRS.
Not only do we prepare an accurate tax return, we will inform you of tax saving strategies and best record keeping practices should we see fit.
Starting January 1, 2017, all our returns come with our “Silver” Stress Free Audit Insurance, FREE with paid tax preparation. Our Silver package includes our full support when handling IRS and State Notices for the 2016 tax year. If you receive a notice, send it to us and we will work with you to organize the required documentation and we will respond to the IRS on your behalf.
“Many tax experts are predicting an increase in IRS audits (because of the system automation), as well as an increase in audits by the state”
Our Gold Package adds our representation for an actual IRS audit for the current year. Whether it be an “audit by mail”, or an actual audit at one of the IRS locations, we will work with you to compile all the necessary documentation and represent you in front of the IRS for no additional charge. Our fees to represent our clients in an audit scenario can range from $1000- $2500 & up depending on time and complexities.
Our Gold option is an optional add on service & not included with regular tax preparation. Gold protection covers the current tax year only regardless of when you get audited.
The IRS and state authorities are behind in auditing tax returns and matching reporting documents to tax returns.They are currently working on 2012 & 2013 years.
Our Platinum level package covers you for a period of 7 years. It Is just like our Gold package, but it includes the currtent year and 6 prior years. We will provide audit coverage for prior years tax returns, even if we did not prepare them.
How is that for taking care of our clients! Once the Platinum level package is purchased, only the gold level will be required in future years as the previous years have been protected by the one time Platinum purchase.
