Fast Accurate Courteous Tax Services

I grew up knowing that quality was better than quantity! But also that Quality didn't have to be expensive!
So with that said:
FACTS is offering ALL new clients a 20% discount on their last years tax return
PLEASE NOTE PROOF IS REQUIRED! Call 718-690-3882 - Located at 3555 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY
I promise you, you will not be sorry and have a few extra dollars in your pocket!

OK FYI

Some info IRS will not officially be taking returns until Jan. 23rd this also includes paper filed.
They will be delaying all returns with Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax Credits until the 15th of Feb. They ask that everyone still file their returns as they usually would.
BTW this is about 2/3 of the returns filed!
Last day of tax season will be April 18th ( but for a refund you have 3 years) If you owe get it done ASAP as interest and penalty add up!
We hope all have a Happy and Healthy New Year Let's bring on 2017!!!!
Any questions please PM me or email me at teri@factsreturns,com I will respond ASAP

OK My Lovies FYI:
For those of you who owe and wish to send a extension be note that this is only a extended time to file NOT PAY! You need to include with the form 4868 90% of amount owed, this then stops the penalty from adding up! Also if you have the return completed but not the money due just send it in, with as much as you can & make a agreement form 9465. Keep in mind when making your agreement that whatever you can afford monthly to say half ( if you can give $100. say $50 BUT SEND THE $100) It is easier to get $50. if ever in a jam trust me I know! Now for those of you who do not owe the extention form is not necessary you have 3 years to file and claim your refund. "BTW" Those who are due for 2012 refunds need to have the returns in by April 15th and there are places that can send these prior years electronicially.
If anyone has a question that I can help with PM me Theresa Bruzzese and I will get back to you.

OK Some FYI
New York now has given the Tax Preparer the ability to assist their clients directly without any more time taken out of work to get answers and the help they need! This is a great thing: 1- it saves time and frustration on both client and preparer 2- as long as client has the necessary paper work needed the preparer can more then likely fix the problem with less effort being we would know what to ask and answer. The process is simple to do, but your preparer would have to be willing to accept doing this;
Here is the info to get started. BTW for those who do their returns through FACTS YES WE ARE ON THIS!
Please either creat your online account or fill out the form and get it to over to us asap
Go to www.nystax.gov and fill the form

E-ZRep Form TR-2000, Tax Information Access and Transaction Authorization Form.
As soon as we receive the form we can help Please do not forget to sign it. also not to be harsh but please do not request that we do this for you it is something that we will not if you want us to be able to help then we ask that at least fill out, print and sign the form TY

The IRS is warning taxpayers and tax professional about an increase in phishing and malware email schemes.


Consumers Warned of New Surge in IRS E-mail Schemes during 2016 Tax Season; Tax Industry Also Targeted

IR-2016-28, Feb. 18, 2016

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service renewed a consumer alert for e-mail schemes after seeing an approximate 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents so far this tax season.

The emails are designed to trick taxpayers into thinking these are official communications from the IRS or others in the tax industry, including tax software companies. The phishing schemes can ask taxpayers about a wide range of topics. E-mails can seek information related to refunds, filing status, confirming personal information, ordering transcripts and verifying PIN information.

Variations of these scams can be seen via text messages, and the communications are being reported in every section of the country.

"This dramatic jump in these scams comes at the busiest time of tax season," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "Watch out for fraudsters slipping these official-looking emails into inboxes, trying to confuse people at the very time they work on their taxes. We urge people not to click on these emails."

This tax season the IRS has observed fraudsters more frequently asking for personal tax information, which could be used to help file false tax returns.

When people click on these email links, they are taken to sites designed to imitate an official-looking website, such as IRS.gov. The sites ask for Social Security numbers and other personal information. The sites also may carry malware, which can infect people's computers and allow criminals to access your files or track your keystrokes to gain information.

The IRS has seen an increase in reported phishing and malware schemes, including:

There were 1,026 incidents reported in January, up from 254 from a year earlier.
The trend continued in February, nearly doubling the reported number of incidents compared to a year ago. In all, 363 incidents were reported from Feb. 1-16, compared to the 201 incidents reported for the entire month of February 2015.
This year's 1,389 incidents have already topped the 2014 yearly total of 1,361, and they are halfway to matching the 2015 total of 2,748.
(Numbers provided are for phishing and malware incidents combined.)

"While more attention has focused on the continuing IRS phone scams, we are deeply worried this increase in email schemes threatens more taxpayers," Koskinen said. "We continue to work cooperatively with our partners on this issue, and we have taken steps to strengthen our processing systems and fraud filters to watch for scam artists trying to use stolen information to file bogus tax returns."

As the email scams increase, the IRS is working on this issue through the Security Summit initiative with state revenue departments and the tax industry. Many software companies, tax professionals and state revenue departments have seen variations in the schemes.

For example, tax professionals are also reporting phishing scams that are seeking their online credentials to IRS services, for example the IRS Tax Professional PTIN System. Tax professionals are also reporting that many of their clients are seeing the e-mail schemes.

As part of the effort to protect taxpayers, the IRS has teamed up with state revenue departments and the tax industry to make sure taxpayers understand the dangers to their personal and financial data as part of the “Taxes. Security. Together” campaign.

If a taxpayer receives an unsolicited email that appears to be from either the IRS e-services portal or an organization closely linked to the IRS, report it by sending it to [email protected]. Learn more by going to the Report Phishing and Online Scams page.

It is important to keep in mind the IRS generally does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. The IRS has information online that can help protect taxpayers from email scams.

Phishing and malware schemes again made the IRS "Dirty Dozen" tax scam list this year. Check out the last IRS Phishing Scam news release for more info.

What to look for in these scams

Taxpayers receive an official-looking email from what appears to be an official source, whether the IRS or someone in the tax industry.

The underlying messages frequently ask taxpayers to update important information by clicking on a web link. The links may be masked to appear to go to official pages, but they can go to a scam page designed to look like the official page. The IRS urges people not to click on these links but instead send the email to [email protected].

Recent email examples the IRS has seen include subject lines and underlying text referencing:

Numerous variations about people's tax refund.
Update your filing details, which can include references to W-2.
Confirm your personal information.
Get my IP Pin.
Get my E-file Pin.
Order a transcript.
Complete your tax return information.

FYI
Here's a goodie I have had the honor of 2 clients receiving these calls. And dealing with the threats The difference was the people I encountered spoke english
Please do not believe these calls and report them asap! They can be extremely convincing BUT KNOW THE IRS SENDS NOTICES FIRST THEN REGISTERED MAIL THEY DON'T CALL EVER FROM MY 24YEARS EXPERIENCE If you really owe and for by some chance never get that notice you will find out later when they take your refunds and/or freeze your accounts
IRS Wraps Up the "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams for 2016

IRS YouTube Video
Tax Scams: English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts
Tax Scams: English | Spanish

IR-2016-29, Feb. 19, 2016

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today wrapped up its annual "Dirty Dozen" list of tax scams with identity theft topping this year's list but with phone scams and phishing schemes also deserving special mention. Taxpayers need to guard against any ploys to steal their personal information, scam them out of money or talk them into engaging in questionable behavior with their taxes.

During the past year, as part of the Security Summit initiative, the IRS partnered with states and the tax industry to enhance coordination and create a more secure system for taxpayers. Participants now regularly share details of fraudulent schemes detected so both industry and government can provide increased protection. Many enhancements are invisible to taxpayers.

"We are working hard to protect taxpayers from identity theft and other scams this filing season," said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. "Taxpayers have rights and should not be frightened into providing personal information or money to someone over the phone or in an email. We urge taxpayers to help protect themselves from scams — old and new."

This is the second year the IRS has highlighted its Dirty Dozen list in separate releases over 12 business days. Taxpayers are encouraged to review the list in a special section on IRS.gov and be on the lookout for these scams. Many of these con games peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns or hire someone to do so.

The IRS this week also renewed a consumer alert for e-mail schemes after seeing an approximate 400 percent surge in phishing and malware incidents so far this tax season. (IR-2016-28)

Perpetrators of illegal scams can face significant penalties and interest and possible criminal prosecution. IRS Criminal Investigation works closely with the Department of Justice to shut down scams and prosecute the criminals behind them. Taxpayers should remember that they are legally responsible for what is on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. Be sure the preparer is up to the task. For more see the Choosing a Tax Professional page.

Here is a recap of this year's "Dirty Dozen" scams:



Identity Theft: Taxpayers need to watch out for identity theft especially around tax time. The IRS continues to aggressively pursue the criminals that file fraudulent returns using someone else’s Social Security number. Though the agency is making progress on this front, taxpayers still need to be extremely careful and do everything they can to avoid being victimized. (IR-2016-12)

Phone Scams: Phone calls from criminals impersonating IRS agents remain an ongoing threat to taxpayers. The IRS has seen a surge of these phone scams in recent years as scam artists threaten taxpayers with police arrest, deportation and license revocation, among other things. (IR-2016-14)

Phishing: Taxpayers need to be on guard against fake emails or websites looking to steal personal information. The IRS will never send taxpayers an email about a bill or refund out of the blue. Don’t click on one claiming to be from the IRS.Be wary of strange emails and websites that may be nothing more than scams to steal personal information. (IR-2016-15)

Return Preparer Fraud: Be on the lookout for unscrupulous return preparers. The vast majority of tax professionals provide honest high-quality service. But there are some dishonest preparers who set up shop each filing season to perpetrate refund fraud, identity theft and other scams that hurt taxpayers. Legitimate tax professionals are a vital part of the U.S. tax system. (IR-2016-16)

Offshore Tax Avoidance: The recent string of successful enforcement actions against offshore tax cheats and the financial organizations that help them shows that it’s a bad bet to hide money and income offshore. Taxpayers are best served by coming in voluntarily and getting caught up on their tax-filing responsibilities. The IRS offers the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) to enable people catch up on their filing and tax obligations. (IR-2016-17)

Inflated Refund Claims: Taxpayers need to be on the lookout for anyone promising inflated refunds. Be wary of anyone who asks taxpayers to sign a blank return, promises a big refund before looking at their records, or charges fees based on a percentage of the refund. Scam artists use flyers, advertisements, phony store fronts and word of mouth via community groups where trust is high to find victims. (IR-2016-18)

Fake Charities: Be on guard against groups masquerading as charitable organizations to attract donations from unsuspecting contributors. Be wary of charities with names similar to familiar or nationally-known organizations. Contributors should take a few extra minutes to ensure their hard-earned money goes to legitimate and currently eligible charities. IRS.gov has the tools taxpayers need to check out the status of charitable organizations. (IR-2016-20)

Falsely Padding Deductions on Returns: Taxpayers should avoid the temptation of falsely inflating deductions or expenses on their returns to under pay what they owe or possibly receive larger refunds. Think twice before overstating deductions such as charitable contributions and business expenses or improperly claiming such credits as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. (IR-2016-21)

Excessive Claims for Business Credits: Avoid improperly claiming the fuel tax credit, a tax benefit generally not available to most taxpayers. The credit is generally limited to off-highway business use, including use in farming. Taxpayers should also avoid misuse of the research credit. Improper claims generally involve failures to participate in or substantiate qualified research activities and/or satisfy the requirements related to qualified research expenses. (IR-2016-22)

Falsifying Income to Claim Credits: Don’t invent income to erroneously qualify for tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. Taxpayers are sometimes talked into doing this by scam artists. Taxpayers are best served by filing the most-accurate return possible because they are legally responsible for what is on their return. This scam can lead to taxpayers facing big bills to pay back taxes, interest and penalties. In some cases, they may even face criminal prosecution. (IR-2016-23)

Abusive Tax Shelters: Don’t use abusive tax structures to avoid paying taxes. The IRS is committed to stopping complex tax avoidance schemes and the people who create and sell them. The vast majority of taxpayers pay their fair share, and everyone should be on the lookout for people peddling tax shelters that sound too good to be true. When in doubt, taxpayers should seek an independent opinion regarding complex products they are offered. (IR-2016-25)

Frivolous Tax Arguments: Don’t use frivolous tax arguments in an effort to avoid paying tax. Promoters of frivolous schemes encourage taxpayers to make unreasonable and outlandish claims Even though they are wrong and have been repeatedly thrown out of court. While taxpayers have the right to contest their tax liabilities in court, no one has the right to disobey the law or disregard their responsibility to pay taxes. The penalty for filing a frivolous tax return is $5,000. (IR-2016-27)

Additional information about tax scams is available on IRS social media sites, including YouTube http://www.youtube.com/irsvideos and Tumblr http://internalrevenueservice.tumblr.com, where people can search “scam” to find all the scam-related posts

IRSvideos Welcome to the Internal Revenue Service's official YouTube channel, featuring IRS-produced videos on various tax administration topics. The U.S. government d...

OK so a little FYI For those of us that either live in NY or need to be in contact (work in NY) Try making an online account with NY go to www.nytax.gov it is a great way to keep up to date on all your tax issues and questions and also if you ever need to send them info or respond to a notice this is the fastest way. They have to my liking after 24 years of dealings with them, improved so much!!! BTW The process in very simple

www.nytax.gov

Online tax prep for those of you who are the "DIY" here is my link!

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