FOLLOWING ARE SOME WARNINGS TO BE AWARE OF:

1. The IRS does NOT email anyone for any reason. If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS, it is a scam and NOT from the IRS.

The IRS will NEVER ask for your credit card information via email.

There are fraudulent IRS websites coming out. Never go to an IRS website through another site or link. Always enter their site on your own by going to www.irs.gov.

If you receive an email claiming to be from the IRS or come across a website you believe to be fraudulent, do NOT open the email, do NOT click on any links, forward the message or web site to phishing@irs.gov.

Please realize that identity thieves do NOT need ALL of your information at the same time, they steal bits and pieces at a time. Be careful about listing your birthday on such websites as twitter and facebook.

If you think your identity has been stolen, report it to the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.

2. Remember the donation law has changed starting January 2007: you must keep your canceled check AND the statement from the non-profit organization as proof of donation made in order to claim a deduction on your return. For non-cash donations, you must have the receipt and the list of items donated. (Not a bad idea to take a photograph of the stuff first.)

3. Dependent definitions have changed: In order to claim a person as your DEPENDENT, they MUST either be your child by blood or marriage or adoption.

© 2004 Lynda Mohs Tax Service