IRS: E-File Opens for 2009 With New Features to Expand Taxpayer Access, Help Speed Refunds

The Internal Revenue Service today announced the Jan. 16 opening of an expanded IRS e-file program for 2008 federal tax returns, highlighted by new features that will allow expanded access to electronic filing and help people looking for faster refunds. IRS: E-File Opens for 2009 With New Features to Expand Taxpayer Access, Help Speed Refunds

IRS: Recovery Rebate Credit Is for Individuals Who Missed Last Year's Economic Stimulus Payment

The Recovery Rebate Credit is a special one-time benefit that most people received last year in the form of an Economic Stimulus Payment. But people who did not receive the maximum amount of the Economic Stimulus Payment, and whose circumstances have changed, may be eligible now. IRS: Recovery Rebate Credit Is for Individuals Who Missed Last Year's Economic Stimulus Payment

Contraception and Abortion Rights: California Seeks to Block Bush Administration Attack on Contraception and Abortion Rights

California joined a lawsuit against the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to halt the implementation of a Bush Administration "midnight regulation" that could potentially "endanger a woman’s right to contraception," including emergency contraception given to rape victims. Contraception and Abortion Rights: California Seeks to Block Bush Administration Attack on Contraception and Abortion Rights

New Presidential Limousine Enters Secret Service Fleet

On Tuesday, January 20, a new armored presidential limousine will make its debut as part of the 56 th Presidential Inauguration, following the tradition of integrating new U.S. Secret Service vehicles into the fleet for Inaugural parades. New Presidential Limousine Enters Secret Service Fleet

New Presidential Limousine Enters Secret Service Fleet

On Tuesday, January 20, a new armored presidential limousine will make its debut as part of the 56 th Presidential Inauguration, following the tradition of integrating new U.S. Secret Service vehicles into the fleet for Inaugural parades. New Presidential Limousine Enters Secret Service Fleet

Read This Before Choosing a Tax Preparer

If you will be paying someone to do your tax return, choose a tax preparer wisely. You are legally responsible for what’s on your tax returns even if they are prepared by someone else. So, it’s important to find a qualified tax professional.  Read This Before Choosing a Tax Preparer

Be Aware of Suspicious E-Mails

Be aware of e-mail scams that fraudulently use the IRS name or Logo as a lure. The goal of the scam is to trick people into revealing personal and financial information, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, which the scammers can use to commit identity theft and steal your money. Be Aware of Suspicious E-Mails

TV Converter Box Coupons: New Coupon Applicants Will be Placed on Waiting List Due to High Demand

Starting Sunday, January 4, consumers requesting coupons from the agency's TV Converter Box Coupon Program will be placed on a waiting list and coupons will be mailed on a first-come-first-served basis, as funds from expired coupons become available. TV Converter Box Coupons: New Coupon Applicants Will be Placed on Waiting List Due to High Demand

Job Fair: U.S. Border Patrol to Hold Recruiting Event in Bay City, Mich

The U.S. Border Patrol will hold a recruiting and hiring event in Bay City, Michigan Saturday, January 10, at the Double Tree Hotel at 600 Saginaw St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Job Fair: U.S. Border Patrol to Hold Recruiting Event in Bay City, Mich

U.S. Postal Service Launches New Priority Mail Box

Small Flat-Rate Box Gives Customers Another Shipping Option. U.S. Postal Service Launches New Priority Mail Box

Ponzi Scheme: SEC Charges Joseph S. Forte for Conducting Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged a Philadelphia-area investment fund manager and his firm for conducting a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme, and has obtained an emergency court order freezing their assets. Ponzi Scheme: SEC Charges Joseph S. Forte for Conducting Multi-Million Dollar Ponzi Scheme

IRS: How to Choose a Tax Preparer and Avoid Preparer Fraud

Return preparer fraud involves the preparation and filing of false income tax returns by preparers who claim inflated personal or business expenses, false deductions, unallowable credits or excessive exemptions on returns prepared for their clients. How to Choose a Tax Preparer and Avoid Preparer Fraud

Credit problems, phishing scams, car issues top list of consumer complaints

The Attorney General's Office has released its Top 10 list of consumer complaints for 2008, and it has a familiar look. Complaints about financing, credit and debt collection were the number one category of complaints filed, as they were in 2007. The Consumer Protection Division this year received more than 120,000 calls, letters, e-mails and online complaints in 2008. Credit problems, phishing scams, car issues top list of consumer complaints

IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially Distressed Taxpayers

The Internal Revenue Service today kicked off the 2009 tax filing season by announcing a number of new steps to help financially distressed taxpayers maximize their refunds and speed payments while providing additional help to people struggling to meet their tax obligations. IRS Begins Tax Season 2009 with Steps to Help Financially Distressed Taxpayers

January is Stalking Awareness Month

Stalking Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to learn about this crime that continues to disrupt and victimize people from all walks of life and in every community throughout America.  January is Stalking Awareness Month

Muslim Discrimination Lawsuit: Merrill Lynch to Pay $1.55 Million for Job Bias against Iranian Muslim Former Employee

EEOC announced that Merrill Lynch, the international financial services firm, has agreed to pay $1,550,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act on behalf of an Iranian Muslim former worker who was fired due to his religion and national origin.  Muslim Discrimination Lawsuit: Merrill Lynch to Pay $1.55 Million for Job Bias against Iranian Muslim Former Employee

Throwing a New Year's Eve Party? I.I.I. Offers Tips for Being a Responsible Host

If you are planning to throw a New Year’s Eve party, remember that a truly great host recruits designated drivers and takes other steps to ensure the safety of guests, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).  Throwing a New Year's Eve Party? I.I.I. Offers Tips for Being a Responsible Host

Vitamin protection & Prostate Cancer

Vitamin E and the mineral selenium don't seem to give men the protection against prostate cancer that they might have hoped for. Vitamin protection & Prostate Cancer

Tainted Weight Loss Pills - FDA Warns Consumers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss because they contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers health at risk. Tainted Weight Loss Pills - FDA Warns Consumers

Bailout Update: Treasury Provides TARP Funds to Local Banks

The U.S. Treasury Department announced today details of a $2.8 billion investment in 49 banks made on Friday, December 19 through its Capital Purchase Program.  Treasury also closed $1.9 billion in transactions with 43 banks today. Bailout Update: Treasury Provides TARP Funds to Local Banks