Beware of Bogus Charities

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Times of crisis, when others are suffering and you want to help most, is also when heartless fraudsters tend to strike. If you’re planning a donation, watch for these signs that a charity isn’t on the up-and-up.

The fly-by-night charity. Every legitimate charitable association had a start date, and some are still being formed. But during a major crisis, such as a natural disaster, donate to charities that you trust, which means those with a proven track record. If you’re unsure, check out a charity watchdog group for details.

The evasive caller. If you get a phone call from a charity, don’t be afraid to ask direct questions and expect direct answers. A legitimate caller will be upfront about the charity, the percentage of funds allocated to administration and marketing, and what target groups will be helped by your donation. Beware of vague claims such as “educating the public” or “promoting awareness.”

The urgent online request. Social media postings, fake websites, and emails brimming with desperate pleas for money may originate from the backroom computer of a scam artist. Never divulge your financial information via email and don’t assume that social media messages about a particular charity are legitimate.

You want your donations to provide help where it is most needed, not line a fraudster’s pocket. Take time to make sure the charity you’re donating to is legitimate. If we can help, let us know.

Watch Out for These Early Warning Signs from Credit Customers

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Once you have extended credit to a customer, you have a stake in continuing the relationship even if you suspect trouble is brewing. You don’t want to crack down on a good customer too hard too soon; yet you don’t want to be “taken” by a debtor who has become unable or unwilling to pay. The problem is distinguishing between slow payers and no-payers.

What you need is an early warning system to detect a credit problem in the making so you can stop additional sales to that customer and begin collection procedures in earnest. Here are some telltale signs of an account that is turning sour.

  • The debtor has begun paying erratically, settling up on smaller invoices while larger ones get older.
  • The debtor fails to return your phone calls or shows unusual annoyance at your inquiries.
  • Your requests for information, such as updated financial statements, are ignored.
  • The debtor places jumbo orders and presses you for a higher credit limit.
  • Despite the problems you are having, the debtor tries to coax you into providing a good credit report to another supplier.

Any one of these hints of trouble can mean it’s time to turn up the heat on your collection efforts with this debtor, and make no more sales unless they’re cash on delivery. Contact us for more tips.

Planning a Wedding Over the Holidays

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Will wedding bells be ringing for you along with holiday sleigh bells this year? If so, add tax planning to your to-do list. Here are tax tips for soon-to-be newlyweds.

Check the effect marriage will have on your tax bill. If you both work and earn about the same income, you may need to adjust your tax withholding to avoid an unexpected tax bill next April, as well as potential penalty and interest charges for underpayment of taxes.

Notify your employer. Both you and your spouse will need to file new Forms W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, with your employers to reflect your married status.

Notify the IRS. You can use Form 8822, Change of Address, to update your mailing address if you move to a new home.

Notify the insurance marketplace. If you receive advance payments of the health insurance premium tax credit, marriage may change the amount you can claim.

Update your social security information. You’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate to accompany Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, if you change your name. Otherwise the IRS won’t be able to cross-match your new name and your social security number when you file your return with your spouse.

Review your financial paperwork. Update your estate plan, making appropriate changes to wills, powers-of-attorney, and health care directives. Also review the beneficiary designations on your retirement plans and insurance policies.

Have questions? Contact us. We’ll help you get the financial part of your married life off to a great start.