The IRS is spearheading a cross-functional campaign to promote March 21, 2009, as Super Saturday: Get Free Tax Help Today!   Super Saturday is a nationwide effort designated as a day to provide extra service to taxpayers, particularly those who are experiencing difficulties during these stressful economic times.  We want to attract taxpayers to the hundreds of venues, both in IRS offices, at partner sites across the country and online where they can get free tax assistance. 

• The IRS will provide an extra day of service to taxpayers on Saturday, March 21 at local IRS walk in sites called Taxpayer Assistance Centers. These offices will provide free services, including assistance with prior year returns. To find the locations of Taxpayer Assistance Centers please visit   http://www.irs.gov/localcontacts/  or call 1-800-829-1040.  

• Many of the Volunteer Free Tax Preparation Sites around the country will be open and may expand the hours of operation on Super Saturday. Please call 1-800-906-9887 or 211 to find a free local Volunteer Tax site.   

• The Free File Tax Software is available on www.irs.gov  where taxpayers can select a company from the Free File Alliance, a group of private sector tax software companies.  By answering simple questions, the software does all the math calculations and prepares the return for e-filing. This service is free for most taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $56,000 or less.

Press Release

Release Date: March 5, 2009

For immediate release

Reports of mortgage foreclosure scams are on the rise.  Knowing what to watch for and where to turn for help is vital for families who are struggling to remain in their homes.  March 1 to 9 is National Consumer Protection Week, and the Federal Reserve Board has compiled some tips to help protect consumers from becoming victims of foreclosure avoidance scams.  It's important for consumers to know that housing counselors and other resources are available at no or low cost to assist homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage payments.

"Saving a home from foreclosure requires fast and informed action but the solution doesn't have to be costly," said Federal Reserve Governor Elizabeth A Duke.  "It shouldn't hurt to get help."

Solicitors of foreclosure schemes reach out to potential victims by a variety of means using the Internet, the telephone, and direct mailings.  Some solicitors go door-to-door or approach homeowners at events related to home preservation.  The information the Federal Reserve is providing, which is part of its "5 Tips" series, is intended to give consumers the basic information they need to recognize and avoid foreclosure avoidance scams.  Consumers are urged to check the credentials of counselors and to avoid working with someone who collects a fee before providing any services or accepts payment only by cashier's check or wire transfer.  Consumers should not pay for a service without knowing exactly what they are buying.

Avoiding foreclosure cannot be guaranteed--regardless of the circumstances.  Working with a legitimate counselor can increase the chances of keeping a home, but consumers should be wary of people who tell them it's a sure thing.  Details of the transaction, along with any promises, should be provided up front and in writing.

The tips to follow will help consumers select a reputable counselor and avoid fraudulent foreclosure scams.

• Work only with a non-profit HUD-approved counselor.  For a list of certified counselors visit www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm or call 877-HUD-1515 (877-483-1515).  If the name of the organization you are working with isn't on the list, then switch to one that is.

• Don't pay an arm and a leg.  Most housing counselors provide no- or low-cost counseling services.  You should not have to pay hundreds, or thousands, of dollars for assistance.

• Be wary of "guarantees."  No one can ensure you good results.

• Know what you are signing. Don't let a counselor pressure you into signing paperwork you haven't had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don't understand.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

• If you feel you are a victim of foreclosure fraud, trust your instincts and ask for help. Report suspicious schemes to your state and local consumer protection agencies, which you can find on the Consumer Action Website.

• Additional information about avoiding foreclosure scams may be found on the Board's website:

  5 Tips for Avoiding Foreclosure Scams

   

  2009 Other Announcements

While you are looking for a new job, it may be a good idea to explore the possibility of receiving temporary public assistance.  Many government programs don't count assets such as cash deposits, 401k, stocks/bonds, etc., and rely solely on household income to determine eligibility.  In Massachusetts, 60% of estimated state median income or $53,608 for a family of 4 is often used as the eligibility threshold.  Families with a working spouse may not qualify for assistance but it's worth trying. 

1. Fuel Assistance, available until 4/30/09 for families with income at or below 60% of estimated state median income. For further information, visit www.mass.gov  Furthermore, different types of energy efficiency programs such as replacement and repair of faulty heating systems and weatherization assistance are also available during the winter months.

2.  Utility assistance such as arrearage forgiveness and discounted rates are available from all major Utility companies, such as Keyspan, NGRID etc.  Most municipal utility companies don't offer these services.  Eligibility is restricted to 60% of state median income.

2 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or VITA is available during the tax filling season for all those who qualify.  Visit www.irs.gov or www.mass.gov/dor for further information.  Your local town hall and public library can also tell you where to go or may offer volunteer tax assistance.

3. Your local non-profit organizations may offer these and other services.  I don't have a complete list, but you can always google them.  The Secretary of State's office usually keeps a list of all local non-profit corporations.

In many states, you can get information about government programs by just calling 211. Massachusetts has a 211 line.  For other states, feel free to visit:

www.govbenefits.gov

This is from today's Boston Globe.

http://www.boston.com/business/personalfinance/managingyourmoney/archives/2009/03/just_laid_off_g_1.html?p1=Well_MostPop_Emailed3

 Have more questions about the COBRA changes? Chat with Gerald McDonough, general counsel for the Mass. Department of Labor, Monday, March 9, at 11 a.m.