Report

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission works diligently to ensure hiring opportunities are fair and non-discriminatory for everyone. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the EEOC mission statement is “We Promote Equality of Opportunity in the Workplace and Enforce Federal Laws Prohibiting Employment Discrimination”.  The EEOC provides guidance to federal agencies on all aspects of the government’s equal employment opportunity program.

Businesses with 15 or more employees are normally qualified for coverage, and companies with 20 or more employees are also qualified during age discrimination cases.  The EEOC has the authority to investigate charges of discrimination against employers covered by the law.  Contrary to many popular beliefs, employers are normally offered an opportunity to settle a case when charges of discrimination arise and are deemed valid.  If settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, the EEOC retains the authority to bring a lawsuit against the employer to protect the rights of individuals and the interest of the general public.

In addition to investigating and litigating charges of discrimination in the workplace, a rigorous education program is in place to teach employers ways to minimize and eliminate opportunities where discrimination may arise.  Local branches of the EEOC are available for assistance, and representatives can be called upon for general seminar information for companies, local groups, and community organizations.

Virginia Department of Taxation has released a press release regarding a scam related to their new Virginia Tax Refund Debit Card.

Most Virginias have their state refunds deposited by direct deposit. But for those who have received checks in the past they will receive their refunds via a debit card. The 2012-2014 Appropriations Act approved by the 2012 Virginia Assembly eliminated paper checks as a cost saving measure. This is estimated to save approximately $200,000 in printing and mailing costs every year.

Unfortunately, the Virginia Department of Taxation has been alerted to a scam related to the new debit card. Individuals are receiving calls telling them their “Way2Go prepaid MasterCard is locked for security reasons.” The individuals are then asked for personal information to unlock the card. This is a scam.

The Virginia Department of Taxation does not make automated calls and does not ask for personal information ove the phone. Hang up immediately if you receive a call like this. This scam is not related to the security of the debit cards and the Department is working with the provider to end the phone scam.

To read more on the Department of Taxation website at http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=NewsRelease#PhoneScam

Are you ready to file your 2013 individual income tax return?  E-file it!  Filing it electronically means your return is accepted sooner by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and you can receive your refund faster!  Select direct deposit and you can receive your return even quicker.  IRS offers multiple ways to e-file and everyone can e-file!  In 2012 nearly 100 million people select to e-file.

Did you take advantage of e-file in 2012?

If not, do it for 2013.  The IRS offers multiple options so you can find one that works best for you.

 e-file with Free File

Free File allows you to e-file for free if your income is $57,000 or less.  This option is ONLY available through www.irs.gov .  Some of the options available even support state filing!  Visit http://www.irs.gov/uac/Free-File:-Do-Your-Federal-Taxes-for-Free for more information.

 e-file with Free File Fillable Forms

Everyone can use the IRS online fillable forms!  These are electronic versions of the IRS paper forms.  Who should use these forms?  Anyone who is comfortable with preparing their return by themselves.  These forms only do basic math and do NOT support state returns.  These fillable forms offer secure and free e-filing.

e-file with Commercial Tax Software

Do your return online by purchasing a tax preparation software in a store or online.  Complete your return in the software and then press send to e-file!  It is that simple.  The return is sent securely.  For more information regarding e-filing with a commercial software visit http://www.irs.gov/uac/e-file-with-Commercial-Software

e-file Through a Paid Tax Preparer

At tax time there are paid preparers readily available to help you complete your return.  Almost all preparers have the capability to e-file just be sure to request it upon completion of your tax return.  The IRS offers a handy search tool to find providers in your area too!  http://www.irs.gov/uac/Authorized-IRS-e-file-Providers-for-Individuals

The IRS began accepting and processing individual returns on January 30, 2012 for most 2012 individual returns.  Visit http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/List-of-IRS-forms-that-1040-filers-can-begin-filing-in-late-February-or-into-March-2013 to see a full list of forms and the dates the IRS will be accepting the forms.

Tax Preparers

Tax preparers effective January 1, 2012 if you have more than 10 individual or trust returns you must use e-file.  If you aren’t an authorized IRS e-file provider visit http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals/e-File-Providers-&-Partners/Become-an-Authorized-e-file-Provider to start the authorization process.

The PenSoft Payroll 2012 software version 3.12.5.00 has gone live. This update can be used to process 2012 fourth quarter and year end returns. Registered PenSoft users can access https://www.pensoft.com/customers/softwareupdates.aspx and download the update with their customer number and password.
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