In a world where technology has brought so many advances, it is unfortunate that it has also brought many financial risks. All of us are aware that identity theft exists. This theft can occur when someone uses your personal information to empty your bank accounts, apply for new credit cards or loans, or charge up existing credit cards. There are many ways that criminals can obtain this information. Unfortunately, many criminals are impersonating the IRS in order to gain trust and trick unsuspecting taxpayers.
According to the IRS website, the IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by e-mail to request personal or financial information. They will never send communications requesting PIN numbers, passwords, or bank account and credit card information via e-mail. Criminals are sending e-mails from false IRS e-mail addresses showing convincing IRS logos with many different scams. For example, fraudulent e-mails in the past have told victims that they are eligible to receive a tax refund, they can take a paid survey about their dealings with the IRS, they have been suspected of fraud and need to complete an "investigation form", or that their recent payment to the IRS has been canceled. Victims are asked to click on a link to complete the necessary information, which usually includes valuable personal information and detailed bank account information as well.
The IRS website, IRS.gov, has specific instructions for those that receive these e-mails. If you ever receive an e-mail from someone claiming to be the IRS, do not reply to the e-mail. Be sure never to open any attachments or click on any links within the e-mail. Forward the e-mail, exactly as it was received, to phishing@irs.gov. Once forwarded to the IRS, delete the e-mail permanently from your computer. As always, if you have any question regarding the validity of an e-mail from the IRS, contact your accountant or tax advisor for guidance. For more information on identity theft and protecting yourself, visit the IRS website, where they added a new section devoted to tips, guidance and even YouTube videos about identity theft.
If you have any questions, or require any additional information, please contact:
Susan K. Marley, CPA
(302) 656-6632
SMarley@CoverRossiter.com
Cover & Rossiter is one of the area's oldest and most respected certified public accounting and advisory firms. Focused on being the best rather than the biggest, we assembled an outstanding team with a wide range of skills. It is our goal to provide our clients with innovative services designed to maximize profitability and minimize tax burden. Our advice is current… our client focus timeless.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Two Cover & Rossiter Partners Recognized for Professional Achievements
Peter S. Kennedy, CPA, Director of Cover & Rossiter’s Audit Practice, was recently selected to sit on a national advisory committee for the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
Mr. Kennedy was selected to be one of 15-20 individuals nationally to serve as a member of the FASB’s new Not-for-Profit Financial Statements Resource Group. This group will advise the FASB in future Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) changes for nonprofits. The Resource Group will provide the FASB’s Board and Staff with an important discussion forum and advice on critical issues in the Board’s efforts to improve the presentation of information in financial statements of not-for-profit organizations. Resource Group members will also provide a key vehicle for hearing perspectives from the not-for-profit sector. In addition, they help the Board and staff in communicating to the sector about those issues, the tentative decisions reached, and proposed changes to existing guidance.
“Cover & Rossiter is honored to have Pete leading our Audit Team and thrilled to announce that he has been chosen to participate in the Resource Group. Pete’s selection recognizes his tremendous knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector” Geoff Langdon, Managing Director
Diane Burke, CPA, AEP, Director of Cover & Rossiter’s Personal Tax Practice, was honored on January 20, 2012 at the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Annual Dinner at the Chesapeake Inn. Ms. Burke was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the MACC. She received the MACC Will Kirkwood President’s Award, which is given to the Chamber Board Member who has done the most work to benefit the chamber the previous year.
“We are proud to have Diane as the driving force behind our Middletown presence, we are fortunate to have her on our team and excited that she was recognized for all of her hard work at the Middletown Chamber” Geoff Langdon, Managing Director.
Pete Kennedy joined Cover & Rossiter in 1999 and was named Director in 2005. Pete is an expert in nonprofit accounting and auditing issues and has been privileged to work with many of the region’s leading nonprofit institutions. Mr. Kennedy is responsible for the firm’s quality control policies and procedures; ensuring Cover & Rossiter meets or exceeds all professional standards. He is a graduate of Clarkson University with a Bachelors degree in Accounting. Mr. Kennedy retired from the Navy Reserve after twenty-two years of service (six years active duty and sixteen as a Reservist). Pete enjoys spending time with his family and volunteers as a cash counter at his church and with the Delaware Community Foundation’s Audit Committee.
Ms. Burke joined Cover & Rossiter in 1996, who was named a Director in 2003, leads the Personal Tax Practice. A specialist in trust and estate tax matters, she also has expertise in estate and trust tax filings, estate administration, and preparation of formal fiduciary accountings. She holds a BS in Finance, Summa Cum Laude from New York University, She subsequently earned an MBA in Accounting, with distinction, from the New York University Graduate School of Business. Diane resides in Wilmington with her husband and has three sons.
About Cover & Rossiter – Cover & Rossiter is one of Delaware’s oldest and most respected certified public accounting and advisory firms. Since 1939, Cover & Rossiter has established and maintained longstanding relationships with many of the region’s most prominent businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations and foundations. With offices in Wilmington and Middletown, Cover & Rossiter provides a full range of tax, accounting and audit services with a reputation for unsurpassed client service.
For more information, please contact Lindsay Wheeler, LWheeler@CoverRossiter.com or (302) 656-6632.
This information is originally posted on our website and can be found here.
Mr. Kennedy was selected to be one of 15-20 individuals nationally to serve as a member of the FASB’s new Not-for-Profit Financial Statements Resource Group. This group will advise the FASB in future Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) changes for nonprofits. The Resource Group will provide the FASB’s Board and Staff with an important discussion forum and advice on critical issues in the Board’s efforts to improve the presentation of information in financial statements of not-for-profit organizations. Resource Group members will also provide a key vehicle for hearing perspectives from the not-for-profit sector. In addition, they help the Board and staff in communicating to the sector about those issues, the tentative decisions reached, and proposed changes to existing guidance.
“Cover & Rossiter is honored to have Pete leading our Audit Team and thrilled to announce that he has been chosen to participate in the Resource Group. Pete’s selection recognizes his tremendous knowledge and experience in the nonprofit sector” Geoff Langdon, Managing Director
Diane Burke, CPA, AEP, Director of Cover & Rossiter’s Personal Tax Practice, was honored on January 20, 2012 at the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Annual Dinner at the Chesapeake Inn. Ms. Burke was recognized for her outstanding accomplishments and dedication to the MACC. She received the MACC Will Kirkwood President’s Award, which is given to the Chamber Board Member who has done the most work to benefit the chamber the previous year.
“We are proud to have Diane as the driving force behind our Middletown presence, we are fortunate to have her on our team and excited that she was recognized for all of her hard work at the Middletown Chamber” Geoff Langdon, Managing Director.
Pete Kennedy joined Cover & Rossiter in 1999 and was named Director in 2005. Pete is an expert in nonprofit accounting and auditing issues and has been privileged to work with many of the region’s leading nonprofit institutions. Mr. Kennedy is responsible for the firm’s quality control policies and procedures; ensuring Cover & Rossiter meets or exceeds all professional standards. He is a graduate of Clarkson University with a Bachelors degree in Accounting. Mr. Kennedy retired from the Navy Reserve after twenty-two years of service (six years active duty and sixteen as a Reservist). Pete enjoys spending time with his family and volunteers as a cash counter at his church and with the Delaware Community Foundation’s Audit Committee.
Ms. Burke joined Cover & Rossiter in 1996, who was named a Director in 2003, leads the Personal Tax Practice. A specialist in trust and estate tax matters, she also has expertise in estate and trust tax filings, estate administration, and preparation of formal fiduciary accountings. She holds a BS in Finance, Summa Cum Laude from New York University, She subsequently earned an MBA in Accounting, with distinction, from the New York University Graduate School of Business. Diane resides in Wilmington with her husband and has three sons.
About Cover & Rossiter – Cover & Rossiter is one of Delaware’s oldest and most respected certified public accounting and advisory firms. Since 1939, Cover & Rossiter has established and maintained longstanding relationships with many of the region’s most prominent businesses, individuals, non-profit organizations and foundations. With offices in Wilmington and Middletown, Cover & Rossiter provides a full range of tax, accounting and audit services with a reputation for unsurpassed client service.
For more information, please contact Lindsay Wheeler, LWheeler@CoverRossiter.com or (302) 656-6632.
This information is originally posted on our website and can be found here.
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