Latest news with #ITIN
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
How did the Boulder attack suspect have a Colorado license?
(COLORADO) — More details about the Boulder Pearl Street Mall suspect, 45-year-old Mohamed Sabry Soliman, are surfacing days after the attack. Soliman, who lived in El Paso County, entered the U.S. in August 2022 on a B-2 tourist visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The visa is used for foreign tourists' visits to the U.S. DHS further confirmed that the visa expired in February 2023. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told AP News that Soliman filed for asylum in September 2022 and was granted work authorization in March 2023, which had also expired. On Monday, June 2, Congressman Jeff Crank reported that Soliman had received a Colorado-issued driver's license in July 2024, a year after his visa had expired. 'Instead of turning him over to ICE, Colorado lawmakers gave him a sanctuary pass,' Crank wrote via X (formerly known as Twitter). 'Shocker.' FOX21 News reached out to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which confirmed that Soliman had received a Colorado driver's license 'The DMV has reviewed the history of this individual and confirms that federal law and Colorado law and rule were followed in the issuance of a Standard driver's license, which are authorized under the REAL ID Act and are not REAL ID compliant,' the DMV said. The DMV further explained that under Colorado law, 'if a person provides valid proof of temporary lawful presence at the time of issuance, the DMV will issue the person a Standard Credential. Standard credentials are valid for 3 years, and include a black banner that identifies it as a Standard credential and language on its face that states it cannot be used for federal purposes.' The law, C.R.S. 42-2-506, states that an individual who is temporarily present in the U.S. could apply for an identification document if they had any documents that showed the individual is lawfully present in the U.S. and 'satisfied the department'. DMV law for undocumented Colorado residents changed on March 31, 2025. A Colorado bill signed in 2024, SB24-182, updated issuance requirements for undocumented residents and would allow them to obtain a non-Real ID compliant driver's license. According to the DMV, effective on March 31, applicants would no longer need a Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), proof of Colorado income tax, or printed documentation of Colorado residence for the preceding two years. Applicants would need to provide: A completed CO-RCSA affidavit One proof of current Colorado residential address One form of identification: passport, consular card, or military identification card from the home country 'Colorado lawmakers and our governor gave him a sanctuary pass,' Crank said during a meeting. 'This tragedy could have been avoided.' When Soliman applied in July 2024, the requirements of providing a social security card or ITIN, proof of Colorado income tax, or printed documentation of Colorado residence were still applicable. Soliman was granted a work permit in 2023, according to DHS; however, they did not say how he obtained it. Asylum seekers become eligible for work authorization 180 days after arrival. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said Soliman had tried to purchase a gun in November 2024 at Scheels in Colorado Springs. His application was processed through the CBI InstaCheck and was denied. 'He never appealed his denial,' CBI said. 'This denial was based on information from the NCIS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). He would later be denied a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP) through the CBI and El Paso County Sheriff's Office on December 30, 2024.' Soliman is accused of committing an attack on a group of protesters who were demonstrating at the Pearl Street Mall in Boulder. According to an arrest affidavit, Soliman confessed to committing the attack. He is currently being held in Boulder County Jail on a $10 million cash bond only. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
Granite Credit Union Announces Grand Opening Celebration of New Sandy Branch
SALT LAKE CITY, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Granite Credit Union is excited to announce the official grand opening of its new Sandy Branch, located at 9383 S 700 E, Sandy, Utah 84070. The celebration will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited to enjoy food from local food trucks, GirlsWhoSmash and Udder Rivals, music, prize drawings, giveaways, and activities for all ages, including a cash machine. A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link. 'We're thrilled to celebrate the opening of our new branch with our members and the community,' said Charlotte Toone, branch manager. 'This location offers exceptional convenience, centrally located near shopping and in one of Sandy's fastest-growing areas. It's a place where members can connect with our team for personalized financial guidance and support in achieving their financial goals.' The new Sandy Branch features a modern, open design that creates a welcoming and innovative environment for members to manage their finances. Granite Credit Union offers various services, including savings and checking accounts, insurance, investments, automobile loans, ITIN loans, real estate, commercial, and business lending. As Granite Credit Union continues to celebrate its 90th anniversary, it remains grounded in its core values and focused on the future. Whether through expanded access to financial products, deeper community engagement, or its pledge to serve the underserved, Granite Credit Union is—and always will be—'always there…so you can make life happen.' To learn more about the event, please visit Granite Credit Union. About Granite Credit Union Founded in 1935, Granite Credit Union serves over 37,000 members and has nearly $900 million in assets. Committed to helping members achieve their financial goals, Granite Credit Union offers a variety of financial products and services, including competitive rates, flexible lending options, and personalized financial guidance. With a vision of 'always there… so you can make life happen,' the credit union strives to empower members with the tools and support they need to succeed financially. Members enjoy access to secure mobile banking services, online tools, and personalized in-branch assistance at locations across Utah. Granite Credit Union is dedicated to positively impacting its communities through financial education, trusted relationships, and exceptional service. Granite Credit Union is always there…so you can make life happen. Learn more at Media Contact: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Int'l Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
The ITIN Lady: Sirius Tax Group Founder Is a Tax Expert Who Puts People First
For many, tax season is a time of stress, confusion, and often, fear. The IRS can feel like an intimidating entity, full of complex rules and red tape. Now imagine facing that same system as a non-U.S. citizen, someone unfamiliar with the intricacies of U.S. tax laws, unsure of how to navigate the requirements. That's where Sydney R. Smith, MBA, CAA, steps in, not just as a tax advisor and professional but as a guide, an advocate, and a reassuring presence in an often overwhelming process. But Sydney, president and founder of Sirius Tax Group , didn't enter the tax industry simply for the numbers. In fact, her approach to tax advisory is built on a deep understanding of culture, human interactions, and the challenges people face when navigating the American tax system, especially those coming from outside the U.S. As a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA), she has spent years guiding international clients through the complexities of obtaining an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and ensuring they meet compliance requirements while setting them up for long-term success. Sydney R. Smith Sydney's deep appreciation for cultural diversity is rooted in her own upbringing. As the daughter of a U.S. Air Force Major, she grew up living around the world. Her father would bring back dolls from Japan, Spain, and other countries, planting the seed for her fascination with international cultures. Even as a young girl watching businesspeople on TV—she told herself: "One day, I'm going to be important just like them." That early exposure to global perspectives shaped her approach to business. Sydney earned her undergraduate degree in management, where she developed a passion for marketing and entrepreneurship. She later pursued an Executive MBA, further solidifying her expertise in cross-border leadership, backstage culture, and international business. Her professional journey has been just as diverse as her upbringing. From running a home-based natural skincare business while raising her children to transitioning into business consulting, she has always prioritized human connection in her work. Sydney states, "I loved working with people. But then I realized that adding tax services into my consulting business is actually working with people and that to be the best consultant, especially for small businesses, I had to add tax. So many professionals in this space forget about the people behind the tax forms. But when you take the time to understand them—their culture, their goals, their fears—you create real solutions." Sydney became a CAA in 2013, a designation that allows her to help foreign nationals obtain ITINs—for those who need to file taxes in the U.S. but aren't eligible for a Social Security Number. It was in this role that she truly found her passion. "Most Americans are intimidated by the IRS. Now imagine being someone new to this country, trying to make sense of it all," she says. "I don't just process paperwork; I educate, I guide, and I reassure my clients that they're in good hands." Her clients come from every corner of the world—India, Saudi Arabia, France, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Australia, Jamaica, and beyond. Each case is unique, requiring tax expertise and an understanding of specific visa characteristics and international norms. Sydney takes the time to understand their short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. "I always ask my clients, 'Do you have plans to stay in the U.S. long-term? Do you want to bring your family over? Do you eventually want to become a citizen?'" she explains. "When I know what they want, I can develop a tax strategy that aligns with their future." Her role extends far beyond paperwork and tax season. She's helped clients navigate visa-related tax implications and guided them through the steps needed to secure permanent residency. Her ability to connect with people from all walks of life has earned her the title of "The ITIN Lady" among her clients and peers. Her fluency in cultural norms is one of her greatest strengths. "Whether it's an H-1B ITIN visa applicant from India, an F-1 student visa holder from Albania, or an O-1 visa holder from Chile, I know the appropriate steps to take, including researching tax treaties," she says. "Every culture navigates conversations differently, and my job is to make them feel comfortable while ensuring they comply with IRS guidance and directives." Sydney is now closely monitoring the proposed Gold Visa introduction and the traction it may gain. While there is a debate and uncertainty, she says, " I think that this proposed visa will run parallel to the EB-5 visa, rather than replace it. Chiefly, because the target audience for both is different. The Gold Visa has a requirement of $5 million, while EB-5 requires $800,000 to $1.05 million." Sydney's impact goes beyond her own clients. She's committed to improving industry standards and educating other professionals in the tax industry. She has presented at industry events, training tax advisors, professionals, and attorneys on best practices for working with ITIN clients. She says, "I'm bridging cultural gaps by sharing my knowledge with other professionals so they can serve their clients with the same level of care and expertise." Looking ahead, Sydney R. Smith remains committed to her dual mission: empowering clients and improving industry norms. To further her mission, she's currently writing a book for tax advisors, professionals, and attorneys. With her book in the works and her continued involvement in educating fellow professionals, she hopes to inspire a new wave of tax experts who harness the human connection. "At the end of the day, this work isn't just about tax codes and compliance," she says. "It's about people—their dreams, their futures, and their journeys. And if I can make that journey easier for them, then I know I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do."
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Where's my refund? Is my deposit delayed? Here's how to check IRS refund status
Today is the final day to file your taxes. But if you've already crossed that off your to-do list, then you could be waiting for a refund. According to IRS data, the bureau expects nearly 140 million Americans to file taxes. But when will that check or direct deposit arrive? Will there be delays? Here is what you need to know about tax deadlines, how to check your payment return status, and when to expect your return. The process of seeing your tax refund status is simple. On the site, taxpayers who filed their returns can see their refund status on the "Where's My Refund?" tool. To see the status, you must enter the following information: Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN) Your filing status The exact refund amount on your return Once the information is entered, you will see one of the following: Return Received – The IRS received your return and are processing it. Refund Approved – The IRS approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown. Refund Sent – The IRS sent the refund to your bank or you in the mail. It may take five days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail. If you file electronically, your return is processed much faster than if you file a paper return and wait for a check. According to the , most refunds are issued in less than three weeks. The IRS advises taxpayers not to depend on receiving a refund by a specific date, particularly when making significant purchases or paying bills. Some returns may need further review, which could take more time. There is a bevy of reasons why a tax return gets delayed. Here are the most common reasons, as per the IRS: The return has errors, is incomplete, or is affected by identity theft or fraud. The return needs a correction to the child tax credit or recovery rebate credit amount. The return has a claim filed for an earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit or includes a Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation PDF. The time it takes a taxpayer's bank or credit union to post the refund to the taxpayer's account. Federal income tax returns for 2024 must be filed by April 15, 2025. Americans residing overseas have an extended deadline of June 16, 2025, to file. The IRS clarifies that the timestamp in your time zone when submitting your electronic return determines its timeliness. For those submitting paper returns, the IRS will consider them on time if they are correctly addressed, have sufficient postage, and are mailed and postmarked by the due date. For electronic filers, the deadline is 11:59 p.m. local time. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Where is my tax refund? Here's how to check IRS refund status
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why is my tax refund taking so long?
As the tax filing season deadline rapidly approaches, millions of taxpayers are counting on receiving back some of the money they've already paid in federal income tax. According to a recent survey, most Americans plan to use their refund check to afford basic necessities or pay down debt. Did you submit your tax filing weeks ago, but you're still waiting for the money? Let's set your mind at ease by clarifying how long it usually takes the IRS to process income tax refunds, the reasons it might be delayed, and how you can use the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website to track the status of your refund. According to the IRS, if you e-file your return, you should see the refund check within 21 days or sooner. This is especially true if you receive your refund via direct deposit into your savings or checking account. The IRS says 90% of taxpayers generally receive their federal tax refund check within this timeframe. If it's been more than 21 days and you're still asking 'where's my refund,' there could be some simple reasons for the delay. Any of the following scenarios could result in a longer processing time for filers. Nobody's perfect, so tax preparation errors are a common reason for refund delays. And it's not just adding up numbers wrong. For instance, an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) can flag your return and get it sent back to you to update or amend. If you breeze through your tax filing and forget to sign, skip a line, or miss including a form, you'll probably have a longer wait. It pays to slow down and double-check your work or use tax software such as H&R Block to ensure you don't miss something crucial. Maybe your e-filing was precise and perfect right up until you put the wrong number into your direct deposit information. If the IRS can't complete your refund, they'll let you know. But if your money makes it into the wrong bank account, all bets are off. At that point, you're responsible for contacting the bank directly to get it back. Some tax credits can delay your refund, especially if you file early. For instance, the additional child tax credit and the earned income tax credit (EITC) are refundable tax credits that put money back into taxpayers' pockets. But they can't be disbursed by law until late February or early March. And claiming these tax credits may subject your return to some additional scrutiny about whether you qualify to receive a refund. If you made a simple mistake in your filing, the IRS will likely correct your error. However, you'll have to file an amended return if you have to change your filing status, income, deductions or credits you claimed, or declare additional income. Processing a Form 1040X for an amended return may take anywhere from 8-12 weeks. You can still file a paper return by U.S. mail with the IRS, but they're up-front about the fact that this could result in significant delays. The IRS website details which month's paper returns they're currently working on, and it's usually anywhere from 4-6 weeks from when the tax filing was received. If you choose to receive your refund as a paper check delivered to your home address, that can also cause delays. Keep in mind, according to an executive order, the U.S. Treasury will no longer issue paper checks, including paper tax refund checks, after Sept. 30, 2025. The IRS withholds or seizes refunds over certain types of debt. It's called a tax refund offset. For example, if you owe child support, state taxes, or student loans that have gone into delinquency, you may receive a notice from the U.S. Treasury that your refund is being taken to offset those debts. One of the most common forms of tax fraud is identity theft, when someone files a tax return and claims a refund on your behalf. This type of fraud is why the IRS advises closely tracking your refund status. If you suspect you've been a victim of tax-related identity theft, contact the IRS immediately. The IRS experiences bottlenecks due to volume, just like any other agency or department. If you submitted early, your refund may be delayed because you claimed certain tax credits. If you barely got your filing in under the deadline, your refund may get delayed by the deluge of returns the IRS receives at the end of every tax season. It might not feel fair, but if you're under audit from a previous tax year, your tax return will likely get flagged this year for additional review. Since it's likely to be under additional review, getting advice from a tax professional may be worthwhile to ensure your federal filing is accurate before you submit it. Read more: Free tax filing: How to file your 2024 return for free You don't have to guess why your tax refund hasn't hit your bank account because the IRS will tell you. Visit the "Where's My Refund" tool to check your refund status and see if there's been an issue holding up the processing of your return. You'll need a few pieces of information, including your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number, your filing status, and your exact refund amount. If the IRS needs more information, they'll update this page with details about how to proceed. You can also contact the IRS and speak to an agent at 1-800-829-1040. If time is of the essence, follow the IRS tax tips for a speedy tax refund and submit via e-file with direct deposit. Having the funds electronically deposited into your bank account is free, and you can specify if you want to split the refund between two or three different accounts. Keep in mind that if you don't see the deposit clear, but the IRS says it's been issued, you may have to wait a few days for it to show up in your bank account. If it's been 21 days since you filed electronically and the IRS website tracking tool doesn't say why your refund is delayed, you can reach out for more information. For individual returns, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also visit a local Taxpayer Assistance Center to learn more about your refund status. Read more: 5 smart ways to put your tax refund to use If your income tax return requires additional review, you'll be notified via both the IRS refund status tracker and by mail. If you simply need to amend your return or provide more information, the IRS will let you know how to proceed. If you are being audited, you'll receive a specific notice called a CP05, and the IRS will reach out with any next steps. Delays in processing your federal tax return don't always mean you're being audited or that anything is wrong. Often, delays are simply a result of when you file and whether you filled out the forms accurately. Only a small fraction of tax filings are selected for automatic review or audit. Most tax returns that are flagged for an audit have incomplete or incorrect information.
