Latest news with #BBBAccredited
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wedding scams to look out for
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Wedding season is here, and according to the local Better Business Bureau, that means big business—and big opportunities for scams. From planning the big day to finding the perfect gift, choosing the right business can make all the difference. Group of jewelry scammers being kicked out of the country 'Better Business Bureau sees a lot of small new businesses that don't have qualifications – maybe they have good intentions, but they prove not to be up to the challenge of delivering on the high expectations and promises made regarding the big day. Something we see a lot of complaints about is wedding photographers,' said Better Business Bureau's Cameron Nakashima. 'A wedding photographer scam can cost you more than money—it can cost memories and make the time following the wedding a stressful one. BBB has seen reports of people paying hundreds or thousands of dollars upfront for a photographer who does not deliver photos at all, or delivers blurry, AI-generated images, or simply does not show up for the wedding. Before you book, check for reviews, complaints, and whether the business has a track record and if it is BBB Accredited.'Another area BBB is seeing complaints about is when shopping for wedding-related clothing, decorations and gifts – especially online. 'Whether you are attending a wedding or hosting one, it's smart to be on the lookout for fake retailers trying to take advantage. BBB gets reports of fake dress websites, poor-quality knockoffs, or items that never arrive. Stick to trusted retailers, read return policies, and research the company before giving them your information,' Nakashima said. BBB has dedicated a portion of its website to wedding-related buying guides. Check out more news from around Hawaii 'Whether you're looking for venues, caterers, florists, or wedding-related travel services, BBB's Wedding HQ is your free guide to finding trustworthy businesses,' Nakashima said. 'You can explore top tips, get scam alerts, and connect with BBB Accredited Businesses that meet BBB's Standards for Trust—so you can plan your big day with peace of mind.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
21-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
New Study Reveals High Local Intent for Pest Control Services on Google
'When seaarching 'pest control near me' make sure to do additional research on the company to ensure they are BBB Accredited' — George Pilkington VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES, March 21, 2025 / / -- Title: New Study Reveals High Local Intent for Pest Control Services on Google A recent study has shown that when people search for " pest control near me" on Google, nearly half of all searches have local intent. This means that a significant number of individuals are actively seeking pest control services in their immediate area. According to the study, approximately 46% of all searches for pest control services on Google have local intent. This highlights the importance of local businesses optimizing their online presence to reach potential customers in their area. Furthermore, the study also found that 7 out of 10 people who search for pest control services will contact a business within 24 hours. This demonstrates the urgency and immediacy of these searches, as well as the potential for businesses to quickly convert these leads into customers. With the rise of online searches and the increasing use of Google as a primary source of information, it is crucial for pest control businesses to have a strong online presence. This includes having a well-optimized website, utilizing local SEO strategies, and maintaining a positive online reputation. As the demand for pest control services continues to grow, businesses that prioritize their online presence and cater to local intent will have a competitive advantage. This study serves as a reminder for businesses to adapt to the changing landscape of consumer behavior and utilize digital marketing strategies to reach potential customers. Universal Pest & Termite, a leading pest control company in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, has released their latest Google statistics, showcasing their success in providing effective pest control solutions to the local community. According to the statistics, Universal Pest & Termite has received an overwhelming number of positive reviews and ratings on Google from satisfied customers. With a 4.7-star rating and over 750 reviews, the company has established a strong reputation for their exceptional services and customer satisfaction. The statistics also reveal that Universal Pest & Termite has a high number of repeat customers, with many praising the company for their prompt and efficient services. This is a testament to the company's commitment to providing top-notch pest control solutions and maintaining long-term relationships with their clients. 'We are thrilled to see such positive feedback from our customers on Google. It is a reflection of our dedication to providing the best pest control services in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients and will continue to strive for excellence in all our services,' said George Pilkington, owner of Universal Pest & Termite. Universal Pest & Termite has been serving the Virginia Beach,Newport News and Chesapeake areas for over 20 years, offering a wide range of pest control services including termite control, bed bug treatment, and rodent control. With their team of highly trained and experienced technicians, the company has become a trusted name in the pest control industry. The release of these Google statistics further solidifies Universal Pest & Termite's position as a leading pest control company in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. With their commitment to customer satisfaction and effective pest control solutions, the company continues to set the standard for excellence in the industry. X Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer:
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Finding the right tax preparer: BBB offers tips to help you file this year
While many will choose to use an app or purchase tax software to complete and submit their own tax forms, others are in search of some extra help in the form of a tax return preparation service or a tax consultant. How do you know when to get help with your taxes? Significant life changes, business ownership, or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws can make finding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea. Just like choosing an expert to put a roof on your home is probably a better idea than tackling it yourself, sometimes it just makes sense to hire a professional. A professional tax preparer is not only familiar with tax laws and how to file but can also help navigate things like deductions, tax credits, and whether a married couple should file jointly or separately. In addition, a BBB Accredited tax preparer has agreed to uphold the BBB standards to tell the truth, honor promises and be transparent – and most importantly, when dealing with personal information: to safeguard your privacy. That said, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training. Here are tips for finding someone you can trust with your finances and sensitive personal information. First, it's essential to understand the different types of tax preparers and their qualifications. While all the types listed below can prepare your taxes, only enrolled agents, certified public accountants, and tax attorneys may represent their clients to the IRS on matters such as audits, collection issues, and appeals. Tax preparers: Thousands of people work as tax preparers in the United States. Some are full-time workers, and others work part-time or only during the tax season. These preparers must have an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN) through the IRS. Beyond the PTIN, regulating tax preparers is done at the state level. Check with your state's department of taxation or revenue to learn more. Most tax preparers are legitimate and competent, but keep in mind that without a national license requirement, they may be working off of their research and experience. Because of this, you should conduct a thorough interview with the tax preparer before hiring them. Enrolled Agent (EA): An EA is a tax preparer approved by the IRS to represent taxpayers. An EA must either have prior qualifying employment with the IRS or pass a comprehensive IRS test on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must complete several credit hours of continuing education courses in accounting methods and tax regulations. An EA may work independently or as part of a firm and specialize in specific areas of tax law. An EA may be a good option if you have a more complex tax situation. However, you'll want to make sure their area of expertise applies to your personal situation. An EA is also qualified to help you with financial planning and give you tips that could help you reduce your taxes in the future. Certified Public Accountants (CPA): CPAs are licensed after passing a state professional qualifying exam. They are highly skilled in accounting. These skills and qualifications make them good candidates for complex tax planning and preparation ifthey have experience in handling tax matters and they enroll in continuing education programs that keep them abreast of the constant changes to tax laws. If your return is quite complex, a CPA may be your best choice for tax preparation. Tax returns 2025: Tax help is easier than ever to find online. Should you file them yourself or pay a pro? Tax attorneys: A tax attorney helps their clients with legal issues related to taxes. They can represent individuals or businesses. Hiring a tax attorney is a good option for taxpayers looking to shelter part of their income legally or for those needing specialized advice on municipal bonds, estate planning, and the like. A tax attorney can also represent clients in tax court and draft appropriate legal documents. How to choose the right tax preparer: Choosing the right kind of tax preparer for you will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. After you've decided what qualifications your tax preparer needs, the following tips will help you choose someone trustworthy and competent: • Review the tax preparer's credentials. EAs, CPAs, and tax attorneys are qualified to represent their clients to the IRS on all matters. Other preparers can help you with forms and basic matters but cannot represent you in case of an audit. Don't be afraid to ask about these or other qualifications before you hire someone. • Be wary of spectacular promises. If a tax preparer promises you larger refunds than the competition, this is a red flag. Some tax preparers base their fees on the amount of your return and may be likely to use shady tax preparation tactics. In addition, you might want to avoid tax preparers who offer "refund anticipation loans" as you could lose a large percentage of your return to commission fees. Read the fine print! • Get referrals from friends and family – and BBB. One of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer is to ask your loved ones for recommendations, and another is to check your Better Business Bureau. Check paying careful attention to other consumers' reviews or complaint details. This research will give you a clear view of what you can expect. • Think about availability. If the IRS finds errors in your tax forms or decides to perform an audit, will your tax preparer be available to help you with the details? Find out whether you can contact the tax preparer year-round or only during tax season. • Ask about fees ahead of time. Before you agree to any services, read the contracts carefully and understand how much the tax preparer charges for their services. Ask about extra fees for e-filing state, federal, and local returns and fees for any unexpected complications. • If things don't add up, find someone else. If a tax preparer can't verify their credentials, has a record of bad reviews from previous clients, or their business practices don't seem convincing, don't do business with them. Remember that if you hire them, this individual will handle your sensitive personal information – information you need to keep safe from corrupt or fraudulent tax preparers. For more information and to learn how to protect yourself, Google 'BBB 10 Steps to Avoid Scams.' If you spot a scam, whether you have lost money or not, report it to BBB's Scam Tracker at and the FTC at Your story can help protect consumers from similar scams. Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit . This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: BBB offers tips to help you file your taxes this year Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
05-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Finding the right tax preparer: BBB offers tips to help you file this year
Jan Diaz South Bend Tribune While many will choose to use an app or purchase tax software to complete and submit their own tax forms, others are in search of some extra help in the form of a tax return preparation service or a tax consultant. How do you know when to get help with your taxes? Significant life changes, business ownership, or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws can make finding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea. Just like choosing an expert to put a roof on your home is probably a better idea than tackling it yourself, sometimes it just makes sense to hire a professional. A professional tax preparer is not only familiar with tax laws and how to file but can also help navigate things like deductions, tax credits, and whether a married couple should file jointly or separately. In addition, a BBB Accredited tax preparer has agreed to uphold the BBB standards to tell the truth, honor promises and be transparent – and most importantly, when dealing with personal information: to safeguard your privacy. Find the loan that's right for you: Best personal loans That said, not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training. Here are tips for finding someone you can trust with your finances and sensitive personal information. First, it's essential to understand the different types of tax preparers and their qualifications. While all the types listed below can prepare your taxes, only enrolled agents, certified public accountants, and tax attorneys may represent their clients to the IRS on matters such as audits, collection issues, and appeals. Tax preparers: Thousands of people work as tax preparers in the United States. Some are full-time workers, and others work part-time or only during the tax season. These preparers must have an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN) through the IRS. Beyond the PTIN, regulating tax preparers is done at the state level. Check with your state's department of taxation or revenue to learn more. Most tax preparers are legitimate and competent, but keep in mind that without a national license requirement, they may be working off of their research and experience. Because of this, you should conduct a thorough interview with the tax preparer before hiring them. Enrolled Agent (EA): An EA is a tax preparer approved by the IRS to represent taxpayers. An EA must either have prior qualifying employment with the IRS or pass a comprehensive IRS test on individual and business tax returns. To maintain EA status, they must complete several credit hours of continuing education courses in accounting methods and tax regulations. An EA may work independently or as part of a firm and specialize in specific areas of tax law. An EA may be a good option if you have a more complex tax situation. However, you'll want to make sure their area of expertise applies to your personal situation. An EA is also qualified to help you with financial planning and give you tips that could help you reduce your taxes in the future. Certified Public Accountants (CPA): CPAs are licensed after passing a state professional qualifying exam. They are highly skilled in accounting. These skills and qualifications make them good candidates for complex tax planning and preparation ifthey have experience in handling tax matters and they enroll in continuing education programs that keep them abreast of the constant changes to tax laws. If your return is quite complex, a CPA may be your best choice for tax preparation. Tax returns 2025:Tax help is easier than ever to find online. Should you file them yourself or pay a pro? Tax attorneys: A tax attorney helps their clients with legal issues related to taxes. They can represent individuals or businesses. Hiring a tax attorney is a good option for taxpayers looking to shelter part of their income legally or for those needing specialized advice on municipal bonds, estate planning, and the like. A tax attorney can also represent clients in tax court and draft appropriate legal documents. How to choose the right tax preparer: Choosing the right kind of tax preparer for you will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. After you've decided what qualifications your tax preparer needs, the following tips will help you choose someone trustworthy and competent: • Review the tax preparer's credentials. EAs, CPAs, and tax attorneys are qualified to represent their clients to the IRS on all matters. Other preparers can help you with forms and basic matters but cannot represent you in case of an audit. Don't be afraid to ask about these or other qualifications before you hire someone. • Be wary of spectacular promises. If a tax preparer promises you larger refunds than the competition, this is a red flag. Some tax preparers base their fees on the amount of your return and may be likely to use shady tax preparation tactics. In addition, you might want to avoid tax preparers who offer "refund anticipation loans" as you could lose a large percentage of your return to commission fees. Read the fine print! • Get referrals from friends and family – and BBB. One of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer is to ask your loved ones for recommendations, and another is to check your Better Business Bureau. Check paying careful attention to other consumers' reviews or complaint details. This research will give you a clear view of what you can expect. • Think about availability. If the IRS finds errors in your tax forms or decides to perform an audit, will your tax preparer be available to help you with the details? Find out whether you can contact the tax preparer year-round or only during tax season. • Ask about fees ahead of time. Before you agree to any services, read the contracts carefully and understand how much the tax preparer charges for their services. Ask about extra fees for e-filing state, federal, and local returns and fees for any unexpected complications. • If things don't add up, find someone else. If a tax preparer can't verify their credentials, has a record of bad reviews from previous clients, or their business practices don't seem convincing, don't do business with them. Remember that if you hire them, this individual will handle your sensitive personal information – information you need to keep safe from corrupt or fraudulent tax preparers. For more information and to learn how to protect yourself, Google 'BBB 10 Steps to Avoid Scams.' If you spot a scam, whether you have lost money or not, report it to BBB's Scam Tracker at and the FTC at Your story can help protect consumers from similar scams. Jan Diaz is the President/CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Northern Indiana, which serves 23 counties. Contact the BBB at 800-552-4631 or visit
