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IRS warns taxpayers of new filing season scams involving Form W-2 wages; those filing fake returns face potential penalties, investigation
IR-2023-38, March 3, 2023 WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert today to warn taxpayers of new scams that urge people to use wage information on a tax return to claim false credits in hopes of getting a big refund. One scheme, which is circulating on social media, encourages people to use tax software to manually fill out Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, and include false income information. In this W-2 scheme, scam artists suggest people make up large income and withholding figures as well as the employer it is coming from. Scam artists then instruct people to file the bogus tax return electronically in hopes of getting a substantial refund – sometimes as much as five figures – due to the large amount of withholding. The IRS along with the Security Summit partners in the tax industry and the states, are actively watching for this scheme and others. In addition, the IRS works with payroll companies and large employers – as well as the Social Security Administration – to verify W-2 information. With National Consumer Protection Week starting Monday, the IRS and Summit partners warn people not to fall for these scams. “We are seeing signs this scam is increasing, and we worry that innocent taxpayers could be at risk of being tempted into falling into a trap that puts them at risk of financial and criminal penalties,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “The IRS and Security Summit partners remind people there is no secret way to get free money or a big refund. People should not make up income and try to submit a fraudulent tax return in hopes of getting a huge refund.” Two variations of this scheme are also being seen by the IRS; both involve misusing Form W-2 wage information in hopes of generating a larger refund:
The IRS reminds people who try this that they face a wide range of penalties. This may include a frivolous return penalty of $5,000. Filers also run the risk of criminal prosecution for filing a false tax return. For anyone who has participated in one of these schemes, there are several options that the IRS recommends. People can amend a previous tax return or consult with a trusted tax professional. -30-
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For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org ** Calendar Listings ** Events at Mount Hope Farm March / April 2023 Recurring - Saturdays, 9 am to 12:30 Join us at our ongoing Farmers Market in our historic Barn with vendors of produce, baked goods, meat, cocktails and prepared foods, along with artisans and more. Details: mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market Daily Throughout March, 8 am to 6 pm The StoryWalk at Mount Hope Farm features the gorgeous children's book Old Rock is Not Boring this month. If the StoryWalk concept is new to you, think of it as a great family outing where you enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise while stopping at stations that feature pages from a book perfect for young readers. Details: mounthopefarm.org/story-walk Sunday, March 19, 10 to 11 am Warm up on winter Sunday mornings with gentle vinyasa flow and guided breath yoga in our cozy Barn. All levels are welcome. Sessions led by certified instructor Valerie Griffiths. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Tuesday, March 21, 7:30 pm to 9 pm Join Dr. Adria Updike assistant professor of Physics at Roger Williams as she leads stargazers on a Spring Equinox Astronomy Walk through the Farm trails and out to Cove Cabin. Farm. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, March 25, 9 am to 12:30 pm Recycle your electronics when Indie Cycle visits the Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm. Accepting computers, TVs, monitors, printers, small household appliances, air conditioners, and much more. (Note: fee required for some items.) Details: https://indiecycle.blogspot.com/ Tuesday, March 28, 5 pm to 8 pm Join us for a fresh take on networking with our friend and local food economist Rely on Rach for a Sunset Social. Enjoy an evening of casual conversation and connection as we mingle and share ideas, struggles, and wins. We'll bring out the solo stoves to keep it cozy and provide snacks from our friends at Wedge and Newport Chowder Co. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Thursday, April 6, 6 pm to 8 pm Enjoy an evening out with friends and Jessica Cook of Quintessential Gardens for garden chats, flower arranging, and tasty cocktails from Two Gals Cocktails. With spring beginning and Easter around the corner join us for a Blooming Bulbs Workshop as we share hope for what is to come and get creative arranging locally grown spring ephemerals (bulbs, ranunculus, hellebores, forced branches). We will also discuss planting and growing some of these beauties in your own gardens. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, April 15, 10 am to 2 pm The Farmers Market is hitting the road and heading back to Pivotal Brewery for a special Spring Fling Market. Enjoy all your favorite vendors plus additional artisan vendors and food trucks. Try out Pivotals large variety of beer and enjoy the rest of Unity Park! Details: https://www.mounthopefarm.org/farmers-market Thursday, April 20, 6 to 8 pm Two local physicians – Michael Fine, MD, and Edward Iannuccilli, MD – speak about expanding their medical careers to become published authors in a conversation entitled Doctoring Words. They share their stories of expanding their horizons to become published authors of memoirs, fiction and nonfiction, and offer tips on how you, too, can write your story and get it in print. Moderated by Dante Bellini, Jr., the director of the award-winning film Ken Burns: Here & There. Farm Members: $15. Nonmembers: $20. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. ###  For Immediate Release
Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org A Vintage Market is headed to Mount Hope Farm this spring! February 7, 2023 (Bristol, RI) ‒ A curated Vintage Market is coming to Mount Hope Farm in Bristol over the weekend of May 20th and 21st. Mount Hope Farm is thrilled to be partnering with well-known local business owner and vintage furniture extraordinaire, Jenna Kinghorn of Blanc & Bleu to present Bristol Vintage Market – a curated market of vintage finds, handmade goods, and local artisans. To enhance the shopper experience Mount Hope Farm will have food trucks and live music for shoppers’ enjoyment! Shoppers will be able to peruse booths with styles ranging including farmhouse, coastal, mid-century modern, European, traditional, and more. Customers can purchase unique pieces as well as gain inspiration for their own space all in the pastoral and historical setting of Mount Hope Farm. “The history and open space of Mount Hope Farm lends itself perfectly to a market that repurposes and reimagines vintage pieces for today, It should be a fun event for all ages!” said Katie Blais, Community Events Manager, Mount Hope Farm. The event will be ticketed with the option to purchase a one-day ticket or weekend ticket providing access to the market on Saturday and Sunday. Members of Mount Hope Farm will have special access to the market shopping one hour before the market opens to the public The application for vendors is open now through March 31, 2023. Interested vendors can visit https://www.mounthopefarm.org/bristol-vintage-market to learn more. About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. ###  BENJAMIN LESCAULT PROMOTED TO ADMINISTRATOR OF GRACE BARKER HEALTH
Ushers in third generation of family leadership of Warren business WARREN, R.I. (January 12, 2023): Grace Barker Health, a skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day health provider located in Warren, announces that Benjamin Lescault, MSHCA, LNHA, ALRA has been promoted to administrator. The announcement was made by Mark and Mary Beth Lescault, co-owners of Grace Barker Health. At age 26, Mr. Lescault is one of the youngest, most experienced administrators in the United States to lead an elder care organization. He grew up in the family business and most recently served in the capacity of assistant administrator where he was responsible for overseeing staff operations; facilities management; monitoring inventory and distribution of products and services; assisting with business planning, budget development and marketing; and other operational duties. Previously, he served Grace Barker Health as environmental services assistant. Prior to joining Grace Barker Health, he was administrative intern at a nursing home in Newport, R.I., a position he held while pursuing his bachelor of science degree in healthcare administration and management with a minor in business administration (2018, magna cum laude) at Salve Regina University (Newport). He earned his master of science degree in the field of healthcare administration at the University. Mr. Lescault is certified by the Rhode Island Department of Health as a licensed nursing home administrator and assisted living residence administrator. “Long-term care is in Ben’s career DNA as he literally grew up at Grace Barker, pulling bingo numbers and playing with his toys as a child in the hallways,” states Mary Beth Lescault, whose mother established Grace Barker Nursing Home in 1966. “Now as the third generation of our family’s leadership, he will continue the legacy of caring for and providing quality elder services throughout the East Bay community and beyond. We are so proud of his accomplishments.” Benjamin is a resident of Swansea, Massachusetts. # # # Established in 1966 in historic Warren, Rhode Island, Grace Barker Health is a family- and locally-owned healthcare provider of skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living and adult day services for residents and families throughout the communities of Warren, Bristol, Barrington, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Portsmouth and Tiverton as well as nearby Swansea, Seekonk, Somerset and Rehoboth. The business is a member of the East Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Assisted Living Association. The Cove at Grace Barker offers skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation and The Willows at Grace Barker offers assisted living and adult day health services. Grace Barker Health is located on Barker Avenue in Warren, RI 02885; phone: 401-245-9100; web: www.GraceBarkerHealth.com. For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Blais Community Programming and Events Manager Mount Hope Farm Tel: 401-245-1745 Email: katie@mounthopefarm.org ** Calendar Listings ** Events at Mount Hope Farm January / February 2023 Recurring - Saturdays, 10 am to 12:30 Join us at our ongoing Farmers Market in our historic Barn with vendors of produce, baked goods, fish, cocktails and ethnic foods, along with artisans and more. Attend 10 markets through end of March and enter our Winter Warrior program to win a selection of market products. Daily Throughout January, 8 am to 6 pm The StoryWalk at Mount Hope Farm features the gorgeous children's book The Night Gardener this month. If the StoryWalk concept is new to you, think of it as a great family outing where you enjoy nature and get a bit of exercise while stopping at stations that feature pages from a book perfect for young readers. Saturday, January 21, 10 am to 12:30 pm Recycle your old electronics when Indie Cycle visits the Farmers Market at Mount Hope Farm. Accepting computers, TVs, monitors, printers, small household appliances, air conditioners, and much more. (Note: fee required for some items.) Details: https://indiecycle.blogspot.com/ Sunday, January 22 and Sunday, February 19, 10 to 11 am Warm up on winter Sunday mornings with gentle vinyasa flow and guided breath yoga in our cozy Barn. All levels are welcome. Sessions led by certified instructor Valerie Griffiths. Farm Members: $12 per session. Nonmembers: $15 per session. Thursday, January 26, 6 to 7:30 pm The creative and knowledgeable staff of Bristol’s Thistle & Posy join us in the Barn with instruction on how to Build a Succulent Terrarium. All materials provided, so attendees leave with a very special plant arrangement to brighten up winter days. Two Gals Cocktails will have a cash bar and complimentary empanadas from The Perfect Empanada. Farm Members: $65. Nonmembers: $75. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events Saturday, January 28, 2 to 5 pm Two local physicians – Michael Fine, MD, and Edward Iannuccilli, MD – speak about expanding their medical careers to become published authors in a conversation entitled Doctoring Words. They share their stories of expanding their horizons to become published authors of memoirs, fiction and nonfiction, and offer tips on how you, too, can write your story and get it in print. Moderated by Dante Bellini, Jr., the director of the award-winning film Ken Burns: Here & There. Farm Members: $15. Nonmembers: $20. Monday, February 13, 6 to 8:30 pm Our classes in making a perfect charcuterie board are always sellouts and this session – Gal-entines Day DIY – not only teaches how to make a creative board (presented by The Perfect Parcel) but also includes the basics of hand lettering (presented by Perfectly Personalized). All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $120. Tuesday, February 14, 6 to 7:30 pm Our Valentine’s Day Date Night program offers couples a fun new way to celebrate the holiday. Crystal from The Perfect Parcel leads a lively session on making a creative – and delicious – Valentine’s Day themed charcuterie board. All materials provided. Cash bar by Two Gals Cocktails. Tickets: $85. Details/registration: mounthopefarm.org/upcoming-events About Mount Hope Farm: Mount Hope Farm is a 127-acre national historic site located in Bristol, Rhode Island. The property is privately owned and governed by The Mount Hope Trust in Bristol and is on the national register of historic placed since 1976. The Farm is a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of its natural assets and its historical structures. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Courtney Hunter
401.846.8930 ext.: 1218 chunter@peoplescu.com PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION HOLDS COMMUNITY WINTER COAT DRIVE MIDDLETOWN, RI (November 8, 2022): People’s Credit Union is holding a community winter coat drive in partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center (MLKCC) from now until Monday, November 21st. The credit union is accepting new or slightly used cold weather coats and accessories for adults and children to be distributed to families in need. Items can be placed in the collection bins at all six of People’s branch locations in Bristol, Newport, North Kingstown, Middletown, Portsmouth, and Wakefield. “As the cold weather starts to set in, many individuals, families, and especially children, don’t have the resources or access to appropriate winter garments to get them through the winter. The coat drive is just one way that People’s Credit Union, with the help of the MLKCC, can make life a little easier for those in need for the winter season,” stated Courtney Hunter, Marketing Manager People’s Credit Union. “We encourage generous community donations to assist our neighbors in need,” she added. Heather Strout, Executive Director of the MLKCC, expressed gratitude for the credit union’s efforts. “We are so grateful to People’s Credit Union and their members for caring so deeply for our community. Providing warm clothing to the most vulnerable members of our community is just one of many ways that People’s Credit Union gives back. With winter weather quickly approaching, the need is great. These donations are appreciated.” ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION People’s offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People’s Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com.  PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION BY OFFERING FREE TREES FOR FALL PLANTING
MIDDLETOWN, RI (September 21, 2022) As part of its year-long Centennial Celebration, People’s Credit Union is continuing its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to provide free trees to the community for the fall planting season. Through the Foundation’s Community Canopy Program, the free trees will be distributed right to residents’ doorsteps through November 27th as part of the Credit Union’s commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship. By planting trees on their property, residents can help provide cleaner air & water, reduce storm-water runoff, sequester carbon, and lower energy usage & utility bills. The trees also provide property owners with improved surrounding aesthetics and a sense of helping our environment as their trees grow and flourish. Members of the community can reserve one of three tree types through an easy step by step, fun and informative ordering process at: www.arborday.org/peoplescu. An online mapping tool takes the guesswork out of where to plant the trees to maximize their environmental impact to the resident’s home and neighborhood. The native species trees were all specifically selected for their compatibility with the region’s climate and to provide residents with a variety of size and color options. “The Credit Union’s spring effort with The Arbor Foundation was met by our members with such success that continuing it into the fall planting season with the entire community was an easy decision,” stated Sean Daly, President & Chief Executive Officer for People’s Credit Union. ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION People’s offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People’s Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com. ABOUT THE ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters, and valued partners. Since 1972, more than 300 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities, and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to help others understand and use trees as a solution to many of the global issues we face today, including air quality, water quality, climate change, deforestation, poverty, and hunger. ###  PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION DESIGNATED BY FORBES ONE OF THE BEST CREDIT UNIONS IN RI AND THE COUNTRY FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR
MIDDLETOWN, RI (July 5, 2022): People’s Credit Union has been ranked by Forbes as one the best-in-state and nationwide credit unions for the second year in a row. As part of their annual survey of the Best Credit Unions in each state, Forbes went directly to their customers, partnering with market research firm Statista to conduct in-depth interviews of more than 26,000 U.S. citizens from all fifty states on their banking relationships. Respondents answered a detailed battery of questions focused on six separate facets of the relationship: Trust, terms & conditions (including reasonable and transparent fees), branch services, digital services, customer service, and financial advice. Based on a scale of 1-100, overall scores ranged from 73.95 and 92.54, with 171 unique credit unions nationwide qualifying to earn best-in-state accolades, representing just 3.4% of all U.S credit unions. People’s Credit Union was the only Credit Union in Rhode Island to exceed Forbes’ criteria to be included in the ranking two years in a row. “Earning this distinction two years in a row is a real testament to our team, without whom nothing even close to this designation would be possible,” stated Sean Daly, President & Chief Executive Officer for People’s Credit Union… “As Forbes points out, ’credit unions are the unheralded lifeblood of the U.S. economy…,’ and at People’s we know that to be true now more than ever,” Daly concluded. Forbes in partnership with research firm Statista published their annual financial institution ranking report in June 2022. ABOUT PEOPLE’S CREDIT UNION People’s offers a complete range of services including online and mobile banking, savings and checking accounts, personal loans, mortgages, business accounts, business loans, and financial services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union is a member-owned, state chartered, federally insured, community credit union established in 1922. Membership is open to all individuals. Deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government. For more information about People’s Credit Union visit www.peoplescu.com. ### Happy Friday!!! On the last day of Small Business Week, I have decided to promote my own business, Bookkeeping Towne, LLC. That is definitely one thing I don't do enough: self-promote! We are all our own advocates but we just don't do it enough. If you don't know what I do & how I help, let me re-introduce myself....... Want to learn more about my services? Click here: https://connectwithdolly.as.me/bookkeepingqa  |
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