The 2008 Edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans is Now Available

The 2008 Edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents booklet is Now Available
The 2008 Edition of VA's Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents booklet is available for viewing on-line or for download in portable document format (PDF).  

China Travel Warning

This Travel Alert is being issued to update U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in China's Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) as well as the neighboring provinces of Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai .  American citizens in Tibet, especially in Lhasa , are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.  American citizens should defer travel to Tibet at this time.  This supersedes the Travel Alert for China dated March 15, 2008 and expires on April 21, 2008. China Travel Warning

H-1B Visas: USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) transmitted an interim final rule to the Federal Register today that prohibits employers from filing multiple H-1B petitions for the same employee.  These changes will ensure that companies filing H-1B petitions subject to congressionally mandated numerical limits have an equal chance to employ an H-1B worker. To ensure a fair and orderly distribution of available H-1B visas, USCIS will deny or revoke multiple petitions filed by an employer for the same H-1B worker and will not refund the filing fees submitted with multiple or duplicative petitions. H-1B Visas: USCIS Announces Interim Rule on H-1B Visas

IRS Has $1.2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2004 Tax Return

Unclaimed refunds totaling approximately $1.2 billion are awaiting about 1.3 million people who failed to file a federal income tax return for 2004, the Internal Revenue Service announced today. However, to collect the money, a return for 2004 must be filed with an IRS office no later than Tuesday, April 15, 2008.  IRS Has $1.2 Billion for People Who Have Not Filed a 2004 Tax Return

Mortgage Scams: California Shuts Down Mortgage Scam Artists

As the mortgage crisis worsens, a growing number of fly-by-night companies are employing utterly brazen tactics to push homeowners into illegal and unconscionable loans, Attorney General Brown said. The illegal sales practices of these companies, run by Eric Pony and his family, included psychological pressure, forgery, and outright lies, Brown added. Mortgage Scams: California Shuts Down Mortgage Scam Artists

Asbestos, Mold and Lead Assessment, Testing, Training, Consultation Contract Opportunity

The State of California is seeking a contractor to  furnish all labor, including travel and per diem, materials, nonconsumable supplies, transportation, equipment, and every other item of expense necessary to perform Asbestos, Mold and Lead Assessment, Testing, Training, and Consultation Services specified herein for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Folsom State Prison (FSP) located at Prison Road, Represa, California 95671- Asbestos, Mold and Lead Assessment, Testing, Training, Consultation Contract Opportunity

Reebok to Pay Record $1,000,000 Civil Penalty for Importing Charm Bracelets

The penalty settles allegations that Reebok International Ltd., of Canton, Mass., imported and distributed charm bracelets that contained toxic levels of lead. The charm bracelets were provided as free gifts with the purchase of various styles of children's footwear. In March 2006, a 4-year-old boy from Minneapolis who swallowed the bracelet's heart-shaped pendant died. Reebok to Pay Record $1,000,000 Civil Penalty for Importing Charm Bracelets

Mortgage Fraud: FBI Creates Southern Nevada Mortgage Fraud Task Force

Mortgage fraud is a significant crime problem in Nevada. Mortgage fraud has likely accelerated the recent decline in the Las Vegas housing market. As of February 2008, Nevada was the top state in the nation for investor-owned mortgage defaults. Mortgage Fraud: FBI Creates Southern Nevada Mortgage Fraud Task Force

IRS issued its 2008 list of the 12 most egregious tax schemes

The Internal Revenue Service today issued its 2008 list of the 12 most egregious tax schemes and scams, highlighted by Internet phishing scams and several frivolous tax arguments. IRS Update: Phishing Scams, Frivolous Arguments Top the 2008 "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams

New Cell Phone Laws - Effective July 1, 2008

Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of CHP's Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws. New Cell Phone Laws - Frequently Asked Questions

Major Child Porn Ring Busted: The FBI Reports

Thanks to a global law enforcement operation spanning five countries, three continents, and 11 U.S. states. As part of the continuing investigation, a total of 22 men have been arrested, including 14 in America, four in Germany, and two each in Australia and the U.K. Major Child Porn Ring Busted: The FBI Reports

FAA Statement on Southwest Airlines

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Acting Administrator of the FAA Robert A. Sturgell met today with the senior leadership of Southwest Airlines. Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, briefed the Administrator and his top safety executives on the steps the airline is taking to ensure its aircraft comply with all airworthiness directives. FAA Statement on Southwest Airlines

Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

As of March 3, 2008, more than 21,000 inmates serving time for federal crimes involving crack cocaine became eligible to have their sentences reduced. Federal courts had been preparing for that eventuality...  Crack Cocaine: Federal Courts Handling New Sentences for Crack Cocaine

Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

A federal judge has granted the Federal Trade Commission's request for a default judgment against a software developer who helped scammers infect millions of computers with destructive and intrusive spyware. The judgment bars the defendant from distributing software that interferes with consumers' computers and requires that he give up his ill-gotten gains. Spyware Scammer: Judgment Entered Against Spyware Scammer

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment

IRS Free File Now Available for Nonfilers Who Must File a Return to Receive Economic Stimulus Payment
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that individuals who normally do not file a tax return but must do so this year in order to receive their 2008 economic stimulus payment can now use the IRS Free File program to help them file returns for 2007.

Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Following are just some of the most important changes for tax year 2007 . For more specific information, consult a tax professional.Tax Season 2007: Important Changes for Tax Year 2007

Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

If you have Sun Java installed, then you should apply updates from Sun to remedy these vulnerabilities. Follow these instructions to update your version of Java. Cyber Alert: Java Sun Updates for Multiple Vulnerabilities in Java

Tax and Rebate Scams: FTC Cautions Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission is cautioning consumers looking forward to rebate checks from the government that they may be targets of scammers out to steal their identity. The agency has issued an alert to help consumers avoid this situation. FTC Cautions Consumers About Tax and Rebate Scams

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

More than 130 million American households will begin receiving Internal Revenue Service letters next week reminding them to file a 2007 tax return in order to receive a 2008 economic stimulus payment.

IRS Update: Special Economic Stimulus Letters Reach Mailboxes in March

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud

Accurate, independent appraisals are very important to ensuring the safety and soundness of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the mortgage market," said Director Lockhart. "These agreements build upon existing federal and state laws and regulations to further strengthen the single-family home appraisal process. The agreements should help restore confidence in the mortgage market by enhancing underwriting practices, reducing mortgage fraud and making home valuations more reliable. I thank the Attorney General, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for their strong roles in this important effort.

Appraisal Fraud: Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac Sign Agreements To Combat Appraisal Fraud