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2013-April

Tax Identity Theft a Real and Growing Threat to all Taxpayers and Preparers

A new report by the Federal Trade Commission shows the growth in tax identity theft has far exceeded that of any other consumer complaints, reportedly doubling in frequency in 2012.

The Internal Revenue Service reported more than 938,000 fraudulent tax returns in 2011 totaling more than $6.5 billion. A report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration used characteristics of confirmed identity theft to detect another approximately 1.5 million potentially fraudulent tax returns that could cost the Treasury an additional $5.2 billion.

Tax identity theft occurs when thieves use stolen social security numbers and fraudulent W-2 and 1099 forms to apply for refunds from the IRS. Many times these fraudulent returns are filed early in the tax season and the victims are unaware of the scam until after their real return is processed by the IRS.

The first sign that you may be a victim of tax identity theft often comes in the form of a letter from the IRS notifying you of a problem with your return. The IRS may tell you that more than one tax return was filed under your name or there is a balance due, refund offset or collection action for a year in which you did not file a tax return or that the IRS received wages from an employer unknown to you.

A May 2012 report released by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found that: "Identify theft cases are not worked timely and can take more than a year to resolve. Communications between the IRS and victims are limited and confusing, and victims are asked multiple times to substantiate their identity."

There are some simple steps that can be taken to minimize risk on behalf of filers and preparers alike. As a tax preparer, it is most critical to keep your clients' sensitive information secure. One way to do this is to move away from the traditional file cabinet storage and use a system like Thompson Rueters File Cabinet, where documents can be stored electronically in a secure data location. Returning documents as quickly as possible and using secure portals for document and password exchange can mitigate many risk factors. Documents should also be backed up off-site through a secure, third-party provider.

As an individual, it is important to ask your tax preparer what steps are being taken to protect your personal information. It is just as important to be vigilant about keeping your information secure. Tax data should never be stored on a computer and should be cleared from the hard drive immediately after filing. Move your data to a thumb drive and keep it in a secure location. Filing your returns early can also alert you to potential fraud earlier and result in a speedier resolution.

If you feel you may already be a victim of tax identity theft, the most important thing you can do is contact the IRS immediately. Know that the IRS will never contact you via email or social networking and any attempt to do so is phishing. Any such attempt should be forwarded to the IRS using the email address This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you have received a letter from the IRS alerting you to potential fraud, take action immediately. If your tax records have not been affected by identity theft, but you believe you are at risk because of a lost wallet or tax documents, you can complete the Identity Theft Affidavit, IRS form 14039, to confirm and protect your identity. You can also contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit, toll-free at 1-800-908-4490. Identity Theft should also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338, ftc.gov/complaint, or TTY 866-653-4261.

Peter Fortin is the managing partner of Fortin & Associates, PLC, located just outside of Old Town, at 750 N. Cedar Street, Suite 3 Lansing, MI. He began his career in accounting almost 30 years ago after attending Michigan State University. Peter has been a licensed Certified Public Accountant since 1989, specializing in business and individual accounting needs including tax preparation services, business advisory services and traditional accounting services. For more information visit www.fortinassociates.com or call 517.372.6500.

Two Men and a Truck Chooses to Expand in Lansing Region

For a company that could locate or expand anywhere, Two Men and a Truck, which frequently tops national lists of notable companies, has chosen to expand their international headquarters here, where it all began, in Lansing, Michigan.

Recently, Two Men and a Truck/ International announced plans for expansion, creating 125 jobs locally, which will lead to the creation of 7,000 jobs nationally.

Present during the announcement was Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, who relayed the State of Michigan and Michigan Economic Development Corporation's level of support for the project and expressed his excitement to help support a Michigan-based company in their growth. LEAP packaged the deal of the state incentive of $355,000 from the MEDC matched by $5,000 from Delhi Township.

Located on Belle Chase Way in Delhi Township, Lansing, Mich, Two Men and a Truck is expanding their international headquarters by investing $3.9 million in their new building over the next 18 months with plans to hire 125 additional staff over the next five years.

Additionally, Two Men and a Truck plans to hire 7,000 new staff nationally, over the next five years.

Two Men and a Truck CEO Brig Sorber declared his decision to keep the company's headquarters in Lansing an easy one. It is the place he and his family have called home his entire life.

"Our roots are here and they are deep. I'm so proud to announce we will expand upon what we've already built." Sorber adds, "With every passing day, the business climate in Michigan grows stronger and stronger, and I'm happy our company is part of that progress through the addition of more jobs to the Lansing area. We thank Governor Snyder, the MEDC, LEAP and Delhi Township for their critical support and partnership during our decision making process."

The expansion announcement builds upon the momentum the company has recently enjoyed, growing more than 50 percent over the past three years in addition to the international growth the company has had since it started in 1981 with Two Men and a Truck.

"LEAP is very pleased to package this deal on behalf of the region that enables the international headquarters of Two Men and a Truck to substantially expand its operations right here," said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. "Adding 125 headquarter jobs and 7,000 jobs nationally, all emanating from a home-grown firm like this, again shows that the Lansing region is leading the state in economic development activity."

For more information visit www.twomenandatruck.com.

Lansing Resident Matt Waligorski Named HBA of Michigan 2012 Associate of the Year

The Home Builders Association of Michigan (HBA of Michigan) has named Matt Waligorski of Lyman & Sheets Insurance Company in Lansing Charter Township as 2012 Associate of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding service to HBA of Michigan, the industry and local community.

Waligorski has been an active member in the Home Builders Association of Greater Lansing (HBAGL) since 1997, where he has served on board of directors since 2009, and has served on its board of directors seven times. He has been elected to serve as HBAGL's board of directors' treasurer in 2013, a position Waligorski has held for the last two years. His additional committee involvement is extensive, including participation in HBAGL's finance, membership, and nominating committees, among a number of others.

Waligorski is a member of the Lyman & Sheets Insurance Agency Newsletter Committee where he writes articles regarding current insurance industry issues. Waligorski holds professional designations with the Society of Insurance Educations and Research.

Carrie Huff Joins Alane & Chartier, P.L.C.

Alane & Chartier, P.L.C. is thrilled to announce that attorney Carrie Huff has joined the law firm.

Huff focuses her practice in the areas of domestic relations and family law, personal protection litigation, real estate litigation and general civil litigation. She served as co-chairperson of the Ingham County Bar Association Family Law Section from 2009 until 2012. Huff has served on several local city and township committees and boards.

Huff is founder of the first Tri-County Family Law Organization in Mid-Michigan and has devoted her time to promote unity, uniformity and community involvement between practitioners, judges, and friend of the court personnel. Huff was also named a State of Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2011 and 2012.

Lansing Man Earns Highfields' Distinguished Service Award

Highfields Residential Manager of Operations Darryl Scott of Lansing is the recipient of the Carl J. Latona Distinguished Service Award. He was chosen by his peers for his leadership during 2012.

"Darryl was chosen for demonstrating leadership and poise during a time of transition last year," says Brian Philson, president/CEO. "He showed complete dedication to the residential program by handling the roles of several employees. He is a key leader in our organization."

The award recognizes integrity, passion to help others, perseverance and commitment to excellence and is named for Carl J. Latona, who served as president/CEO of Highfields for more than 25 years.

Scott oversees program implementation, student projects and recreational activities. He is a certified non-violent crisis intervention instructor. He also manages campus security, staff, daily operations, transportation and food services. Scott also serves as the residential basketball coach and Ingham Academy transporter. He joined Highfields in 2006 as a part-time residential counselor and has served as a full-time residential counselor and assistant manager of residential services.

Scott has a bachelor's degree in education from Michigan State University. He is a former Lansing Public Schools teacher and men's and women's basketball coach for Lansing Everett High School.

Founded in 1962, Highfields Inc. is a non-profit organization in its 50th year of providing home-based counseling, residential care, experiential education and support programs for families, youth and communities throughout mid-Michigan.

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