From our recent Newsletter

The official opening of the federal tax filing season was Jan. 20, also the unofficial opening of the tax scamming season, the Internal Revenue Service warns.

Tax fraudsters have posed as the IRS in everything from email refund schemes to phone impersonations all aimed at getting you to share your personal financial information. The scammers then use your personal information to steal your identity or to file a fake return and collect a false refund.

The IRS never contacts taxpayers by email and it never needs to ask for your personal or financial information – it already has it from your last return.

The IRS also doesn’t send text messages, nor does it post on your Facebook or Twitter.

There’s no reason for the IRS to ask for your personal identification numbers (PINs), passwords or other passwords for your credit card, bank or other financial accounts.

If you get an email claiming to be from the IRS, don’t open it or click on any links. Instead, forward the email to phishing@irs.gov.

Pick Your Tax Preparer Carefully

If you have a professional prepare your return, choose carefully since you’re going to share all your financial information with them. While most preparers provide excellent service to their clients, a few unscrupulous return preparers file false and fraudulent tax returns and ultimately defraud their clients.

Even if someone else prepares your return, you’re still responsible for the information on the tax return.

Tips from the IRS on choosing a preparer:

• Avoid return preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
• Don’t use preparers who charge based on the size of your refund.
• Make sure your tax professional signs and enters a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) on your tax return and gives you a copy.
• Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of your tax return, months, even years, after the return has been filed.
• Never sign a blank tax form.
• Ask questions. Do you know anyone who has used the tax professional? Were they satisfied with the service they received?

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Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.

Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit association with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.

In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.

You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web site and blog: www.yourValleyProperty.com.