Any Problems Filing Your Income Tax Return

Tax season can be a stressful time for even the most seasoned tax filer.  State or federal, the avalanche of needed documents, number crunching, and all the stress that comes along with it is enough to make anyone feel buried. These effects are only intensified if one has put off filing until the last moment and are now out of time.

 The important thing is to file the return! Even if you don’t have the money to pay the taxes due, file! Or, if you have the money but are disorganized and don’t know how much to pay, send an estimated amount. The worst choice is to do nothing.

www.irs.gov has a wealth of information available on their website and the extension request form is there for you to download. Enter “tax filing extension” in the search box and a list of options will appear. One of them is IRS Tax Topic 304 - Extensions of Time to File Your Tax Return. The extension grants you a 6-month reprieve to get the return filed. The unpaid taxes were still due on April 15^th.

Another search provides options available if you can’t pay on time.

The IRS will take action if the return is not filed and no arrangements are made to pay the amount due. Collection actions may include levying bank accounts and wages or taking other assets. The notice of a Federal Tax Lien may be filed on your credit report

 A lien is not a levy. A lien secures the government’s interest in your property when you don’t pay your tax debt. A levy actually takes the property to pay the tax debt. If you don’t pay or make arrangements to settle your tax debt, the IRS can levy, seize and sell any type of real or personal property that you own or have an interest in.

 If you had to pay a large tax bill for 2011 and it is putting a strain on your monthly budget, don’t hesitate to contact your CCCS Counselor to review your budget and plan for 2012 going forward.

 Good luck and hope you get a refund next time.

Mobile Phone VS Landline

 As we try to adjust our budgets in today’s economy, reducing telephone cost is a consideration. 26% of Americans have given up their landlines and even more have added mobile service. Going mobile is an option. Does that option fit your lifestyle? Does going completely mobile fill your requirements?

The biggest advantage of going mobile is having a telephone with you all the time and the most troubling concern is reaching emergency services. Going mobile lets you dump all those fees and taxes being charged for the landline. But you are giving up a certain amount of security in times of an emergency.

The fact is a mobile phone does not provide the same service as a landline when you dial 911. We all know the merits of the landline; let’s talk about the downside of a mobile phone. Obviously, the mobile phone does not identify were you are physically located. The call will connect to an emergency services operator and you must be calm and specific about where you are, assuming you can speak. There are documented cases of the same street address being located in several nearby towns. Emergency Services couldn’t find the caller. On the other hand, if you were not in your home, without a mobile phone you would have no way to reach out at all.

This is not an advertisement for landlines; this is an alert to be prepared. Recognize the weaknesses in the system and work out the best solution for you. A mobile phone may be the best choice for you. Rehearse the needed information for an emergency call and make a list on an index card for home or the car glove box. (Remember, you’ll be stressed out.) Be aware of your location and surroundings at all times and provide those details to the operator. Older phones don’t have GPS. New phones may narrow the location to within 325 feet. If you are in an apartment building, that may not be close enough.

Mobile and landline service plans need a lot of study. Mobile may be more convenient but seldom less expensive. Basic landline service is very reasonably priced. That’s with no caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding or 3-way calling; just a “fax line” may be available for faxing and occasional use for a reduced fee.

Mobile phone service plans can be tailored to the individual’s requirements. If you carry a mobile phone for emergencies only, you will need basic service for a low, basic cost. If the mobile is your only phone, you may need a more inclusive package to prevent overuse shock. How many calling minutes and text messages are included for the cost? Many programs have unlimited calling and texting. When traveling to less populated areas, you may encounter roaming charges. Ask for a plan that includes roaming. Internet access will obviously increase the cost. 

Mobile Phone Tips

A quick, local survey heavily favored going mobile. A few concerns were:

     Is quality of reception a consideration? If you have to stand in the middle of the kitchen with your head turned slightly to the right to get reception that’s not acceptable. Answer: check with another carrier. Carriers conduct neighborhood test to determine the quality of reception.

      How do I find my mobile phone if I don’t have a landline to make it ring? Answer: go to www.wheresmycellphone.com for assistance.

     Mobile phone numbers are not listed in 1-411 or the White Pages so distant friends or family may not find you. Answer: that may be a good thing? 

     Computer dial-up connections need a landline. Answer: upgrade to wireless but that cost more.

     Home security systems need a landline. Answer: there are companies that provide the service through the Internet but that is after you go wireless.

     Will you have a telephone available for family members?  Answer: a mobile phone unit should be available for children, the elderly and caregivers. Each should be taught to use the mobile unit.

     A lost phone or dead battery. Answer: maintaining a mobile phone requires attention to detail and being responsible. Carelessness will result in the unit being stolen or not being available for use when you need it.

     Are mobile phones included in Reverse 911 allowing Emergency Services to notify you in case of a threat to the community? Answer: check with your local emergency preparedness department to see if they are incorporating mobile phones.

    IN CASE OF EMERGENCY: ICE:  If you are unresponsive, first responders check the contacts in your mobile phone for an ICE listing -  ICE: MOM. They will know who to contact for medical information.

     Communities are studying emergency services problems and rapidly developing solutions. The mobile phone industry is addressing many of these issue and new plans and programs are announced frequently. There is a wealth of information available with a little research.

     Recycle old mobile phones through your local police department. A charged phone will call 911 without an active carrier. There is no identifying number assigned to the phone so Emergency Services will have no way to identify the caller or return a disconnected call. Many communities provide mobile phones to victims of spousal abuse.

• Any Problems Filing Your Income Tax Return
   
• Mobile Phone VS Landline
   
• Mobile Phone Tips
   

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