Latest news with #SusanTompor
CBS News
19-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Scam job postings are on the rise, here's what to know before you apply
Job posting scams are more common than you think. Here are red flags to keep an eye out for. Job posting scams are more common than you think. Here are red flags to keep an eye out for. Job posting scams are more common than you think. Here are red flags to keep an eye out for. If you're looking for work — or just a side-hustle to make some extra cash — think twice before replying to that job posting. Job scams are on the rise, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit that helps consumers when their identities are stolen. How job scams work The fact that most people now search for jobs online has made it easier for fraudsters to pose as recruiters or companies, using the application process to trick people into giving money or personal information, according to Mary Bach with AARP Pennsylvania. "It's a way to steal your identity," Bach warns. "They ask for things like your Social Security number, your driver's license number, under the guise of just a job application." But Bach cautions that kind of personal information should never be required for a job interview. "An employer is not going to ask you for all of that detail until they've actually hired you and you've got the job," she said. Some scammers post fake jobs, but others reach out directly to job seekers through direct messages or texts. Susan Tompor's offer came in a text message, advertising a work-from-home position with a chance to earn up to $1,000 a day. "Obviously, when you get a text, somebody offering you a job, you feel like, oh, somebody likes you," she previously told CBS News. "You know, somebody likes your work, they've noticed your talent." It sounded so good, Tompor said she recognized right away it was a scam. CBS Philadelphia Red flags to keep an eye out for An initial red flag is that scammers usually try to make the job sound very appealing, according to the Better Business Bureau. The BBB says some bogus offers say things like, "we offer a job that takes only 30 minutes a day," and will often include phrases like, "being your own boss," or "setting your own schedule." In other cases, scammers pose fake jobs for positions that don't really exist. Some phony posts even make it onto legitimate sites like LinkedIn. In either case, another big red flag is if you're asked to pay something up front. "They may tell you up front that they need your bank account number in order to post payment when you're hired, well, let me assure you, that's a real red flag," Bach said. A scammer might also send a fake signing bonus and then ask you to return some of the money under the guise of covering expenses. But when the bank discovers it's a fake check, you're left on the hook for the money. Always do your research Bach advises job seekers to always research the company, especially if they didn't seek out the offer. If someone claiming to be a recruiter contacts you, it's recommended that you research their name to see if you can verify if they have a social media presence. You can also verify a recruiter's email through a free email address validator, like Emailable or Clearout, or by calling the company directly. If you or a family member is a victim of a scam, it's good practice to report it on the FTC's website. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Do you have a money question, a consumer issue, or a scam story you want to share? Email InYourCorner@
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Didn't file for 2021? The IRS may owe you money. April 15 is your last chance to claim it
With the clock ticking on tax season, the IRS is reminding Americans that April 15 is also their last chance to file a past due return and receive a refund for tax year 2021. Some 1.1 million Americans who didn't file a federal income tax return for 2021 are collectively missing out on $1.025 billion in unclaimed refunds, according to the IRS. If you are one of them, you may be leaving money on the table and time is running out to claim it. The IRS says there is no penalty for failing to file until now if a refund is due, but in order to receive one and claim any credits, a past due return must be filed within three years of the original due date. For those who didn't file in 2022, that deadline is April 15, 2025. Fail to file within the three-year window? Your refund becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury and you're most likely not getting it back. More: Kids bring joy, chaos... and tax benefits. What to know as a new parent filing a return The more than $1 billion estimate for unclaimed refunds is based on taxes that were withheld from paychecks or paid during 2021. States with the highest median refund for 2021 include Massachusetts at $936; Rhode Island at $946; Pennsylvania at $993; and New York, where the IRS estimated the median unclaimed refund is $995. The IRS estimates the midpoint for potential refunds nationwide for 2021 is $781, meaning half the refunds are more than $781 and half are less. Everyone's circumstances are different. Actual refund amounts will vary based on a filer's status, withholding amount, and other factors. Tax year 2021 refunds may be held back if you haven't filed returns for 2022 and 2023, so make sure you've filed for all three years. They may also be withheld and used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, including student loans. Taxpayers can potentially up their 2021 refund by thousands of dollars if they are eligible for and take advantage of credits, such as the recovery rebate credit and the earned income tax credit, when they file. But remember, that money goes to the U.S. Treasury unless you file by April 15. Contributing: Susan Tompor Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@ and follow her on X @rachelbarber_ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Last chance to claim refund for tax year 2021 Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
14-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Didn't file for 2021? The IRS may owe you money. April 15 is your last chance to claim it
Didn't file for 2021? The IRS may owe you money. April 15 is your last chance to claim it Show Caption Hide Caption Tax status changing? Here's what to know about filing this year Tax season gives many people anxiety. Here's what we know about filing this year. With the clock ticking on tax season, the IRS is reminding Americans that April 15 is also their last chance to file a past due return and receive a refund for tax year 2021. Some 1.1 million Americans who didn't file a federal income tax return for 2021 are collectively missing out on $1.025 billion in unclaimed refunds, according to the IRS. If you are one of them, you may be leaving money on the table and time is running out to claim it. The IRS says there is no penalty for failing to file until now if a refund is due, but in order to receive one and claim any credits, a past due return must be filed within three years of the original due date. For those who didn't file in 2022, that deadline is April 15, 2025. Fail to file within the three-year window? Your refund becomes the property of the U.S. Treasury and you're most likely not getting it back. More: Kids bring joy, chaos... and tax benefits. What to know as a new parent filing a return How much does the IRS owe taxpayers? The more than $1 billion estimate for unclaimed refunds is based on taxes that were withheld from paychecks or paid during 2021. States with the highest median refund for 2021 include Massachusetts at $936; Rhode Island at $946; Pennsylvania at $993; and New York, where the IRS estimated the median unclaimed refund is $995. The IRS estimates the midpoint for potential refunds nationwide for 2021 is $781, meaning half the refunds are more than $781 and half are less. Everyone's circumstances are different. Actual refund amounts will vary based on a filer's status, withholding amount, and other factors. Why some refunds could be more or less Tax year 2021 refunds may be held back if you haven't filed returns for 2022 and 2023, so make sure you've filed for all three years. They may also be withheld and used to offset unpaid child support or past due federal debts, including student loans. Taxpayers can potentially up their 2021 refund by thousands of dollars if they are eligible for and take advantage of credits, such as the recovery rebate credit and the earned income tax credit, when they file. But remember, that money goes to the U.S. Treasury unless you file by April 15. Contributing: Susan Tompor Reach Rachel Barber at rbarber@ and follow her on X @rachelbarber_
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Know the 2024 standard mileage rate before you do your taxes
One of fast tax tip to review before filing your 2024 federal income tax return is the IRS mileage rate. It's a much-talked-about deduction, but it's also a tax break that stalls out for plenty of drivers. Several years ago, many people could claim an itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Now, though, if you work for a company who doesn't reimburse your mileage for travel, you're out of luck. The change in the tax rule is part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, a self-employed taxpayer who files a Schedule C can use the standard rate to deduct expenses from mileage incurred while doing business. You can only use one method — the standard mileage rate or the business portion of actual expenses — for the same vehicle. More tax season: Deductions and credits may boost your refund. Which ones are available to new filers? The 2024 standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle is 67 cents a mile. The mileage rate is useful to know at tax time for those traveling for volunteer work and others. The 2024 mileage rate for use of your vehicle to do volunteer work for certain charitable organizations is 14 cents a mile. To claim that deduction, you must itemize your deductions, and not take the standard deduction, as the majority of taxpayers now do. This would be for unreimbursed expenses. About 90% of taxpayers claim the standard deduction now and do not itemize deductions. If you itemize, see Schedule A under the charitable deductions section. A key point from the IRS: "The IRS will not allow deductions for volunteer travel unless there isno significant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in such travel." The 2024 rate for operating expenses for a car when you use it for medical reasons is 21 cents a mile. The same rate of 21 cents per mile applies for specific moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces. The IRS notes that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act taxpayers cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: IRS mileage rate to know for 2024 tax filing Sign in to access your portfolio
USA Today
15-02-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Know the 2024 standard mileage rate before you do your taxes
Know the 2024 standard mileage rate before you do your taxes Show Caption Hide Caption Tax Season 2024: Key dates and tips for a smooth filing experience While the IRS hasn't set the start date for tax returns, it's likely to be late January, following recent trends. One of fast tax tip to review before filing your 2024 federal income tax return is the IRS mileage rate. It's a much-talked-about deduction, but it's also a tax break that stalls out for plenty of drivers. Several years ago, many people could claim an itemized deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Now, though, if you work for a company who doesn't reimburse your mileage for travel, you're out of luck. The change in the tax rule is part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, a self-employed taxpayer who files a Schedule C can use the standard rate to deduct expenses from mileage incurred while doing business. You can only use one method — the standard mileage rate or the business portion of actual expenses — for the same vehicle. More tax season: Deductions and credits may boost your refund. Which ones are available to new filers? The 2024 standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle is 67 cents a mile. The mileage rate is useful to know at tax time for those traveling for volunteer work and others. The 2024 mileage rate for use of your vehicle to do volunteer work for certain charitable organizations is 14 cents a mile. To claim that deduction, you must itemize your deductions, and not take the standard deduction, as the majority of taxpayers now do. This would be for unreimbursed expenses. About 90% of taxpayers claim the standard deduction now and do not itemize deductions. If you itemize, see Schedule A under the charitable deductions section. A key point from the IRS: "The IRS will not allow deductions for volunteer travel unless there isno significant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in such travel." The 2024 rate for operating expenses for a car when you use it for medical reasons is 21 cents a mile. The same rate of 21 cents per mile applies for specific moving purposes for qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces. The IRS notes that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act taxpayers cannot claim a deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of station. Contact personal finance columnist Susan Tompor: stompor@ Follow her on X @tompor.
