According to IRS data, since 2010, approximately 3 million people have been victims of tax identity theft fraud, criminals use personal information to file fake returns and steal taxpayer refunds. This can be very challenging for victims…losing access to their refund for approximately 120 days and having to take multiple steps to regain their identity with the IRS.
 
In addition, this year the penalty for taxpayers without health insurance has doubled. For a family of 4 earning $60k a year, the penalty will be approximately $400.
 
But there is some good news for taxpayers. Starting Jan. 16, H&R Block will give away $1 million a day for a month. That means 1,000 taxpayers will win $1,000 a day starting Jan. 16 for a limited time.
 
Richard Gartland, senior tax preparer at H&R Block will discuss:
 
·         Consumer safeguards against tax identity theft fraud
·         Penalties for taxpayers without health insurance & how to avoid being penalized if you don’t have insurance
·         The best time to file and reasons why filing early helps prevent fraud
·         Tax tips for the 2016 season and how to win one of the 1,000 daily $1,000 prizes.

 
Richard Gartland currently serves as a senior tax preparer at H&R Block’s Glendale office in California. While many know him as the bow-tie loving face of H&R Block, he has more than 27 years of financial management experience, Gartland became a tax preparer six years ago and his expertise spans from investment income, self-employment, S-corps, rental real-estate and corporate returns.