This is the latest edition of the Make Ends Meet newsletter.
First up this week: Your 1099-G tax form is on the way
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With the April 18 tax deadline just days away, the Department of Economic Opportunity issued a text this week that should give hundreds of Florida taxpayers peace of mind.
The DEO says, “As part of Florida’s commitment to our citizens, DEO has mailed a courtesy copy of claimant’s 2021 IRS 1099-G tax for those who have not accessed the form in their account. For more information, view our FAQs.
IRS says get a reputable tax preparer
With the tax deadline, of course, we have that last-minute rush to get your taxes completed.
Tara Reed, supervisory special agent with the IRS Criminal Investigation unit, tells me there are plenty of “fraudsters” promising a big tax refund for a hefty fee.
The IRS gave me these tips to avoid tax season fraud:
1. Choose a tax preparer wisely. Look for a preparer who is available year-round.
2. Ask your tax preparer for their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). All paid preparers are required to have one.
3. Don’t use a ghost preparer. They won’t sign a tax return they prepare for you.
4. Don’t fall victim to tax preparers’ promises of large refunds. Taxpayers must pay their fair share of taxes.
5. Don’t sign a blank tax return. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for what appears on tax returns filed with the IRS.
6. Make sure you receive your refund. Your refund should be deposited into your bank account, not your tax preparer’s.
7. The IRS will not call you threatening legal action. If you receive a call like this, hang up.
8. Don’t respond to text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS. They may contain malware that could compromise your personal information.
9. Don’t click links or open attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages about your tax return. These messages are fraudulent.
10. Protect your personal and financial information. Never provide this information in response to unsolicited text messages, emails or social media posts claiming to be the IRS
We are continuing to help residents in Florida and across the country navigate unemployment benefits issues. Mike and Sandy, of Michigan, contacted Make Ends Meet when they both received unemployment overpayment notices.
I was able to present their case to the state of Michigan’s unemployment team in Lansing and the $50,000 overpayment was forgiven and they were paid additional benefits to boot.
“You are my knight in shining armor,” Sandy said.
Make Ends Meet has already topped $2 million in benefits paid to Florida claimants thanks to our partnership with the DEO, led by Secretary Dane Eagle.
Remember, if you have an unemployment issue, email makeendsmeet@wkmg.com or text the worlds Make Ends Meet along with your issue to 407-676-7428