Every year the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) releases its list of tax scams, spotlighting the myriad ways that people try to separate you from your money.¹
The “Dirty Dozen”
Identity Theft
Using your personal information, an identity thief can file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. If you’ve been a victim of stolen personal information, you can contact the IRS so the agency can protect your tax account.
Phishing
Be wary of fake emails or websites looking to steal your personal information. If you receive a request for information that appears to be from the IRS, contact the IRS directly to verify the request.
Telephone Scams
Scammers will contact you pretending to be from the IRS. They may say that you are due a large refund or owe money (even threatening arrest or revocation of your driver’s license). If you receive such a call, call the IRS and contact the Federal Trade Commission using their “FTC Complaint Assistant” at FTC.gov.
Inflated Refund Claims
Tax preparers promising inflated returns may ask clients to sign a blank return or charge fees based on a percentage of the refund. Beware of phony storefronts or preparers advertising through word-of-mouth to community groups where trust is high.
Return Preparer Fraud
Dishonest preparers may use tax preparation as an excuse to steal your personal information, so only use a preparer who signs the return and has an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number.
Hiding Income Offshore
The IRS has strengthened its ability to identify offshore holdings, and the failure to report them will be costly.
Impersonation of Charitable Organizations
Fraudulent charities raise money or obtain private information from individuals looking to help. Donate only to recognized charities, and beware of charities whose names sound similar to the well-known ones.
False Income, Expenses or Exemptions
Falsifying your tax return is a high risk, low reward exercise, especially in this age of Big Data.
Frivolous Arguments
Ignore promoters of frivolous arguments that promise you tax relief. Not only are they expected to fail, but you may be subjected to penalties and possible jail time.
Falsely Padding Deductions or Returns
Dishonestly reporting deductions to reduce tax bills or inflate refunds may open you up to penalties and prosecution.
Abusive Tax Structures
If someone is proposing to eliminate or substantially reduce your taxes through complex tax structures, walk away—they may be offering nothing more than illegal tax evasion.
Excessive Claims for Business Tax Credits
This happens when taxpayers or their tax preparers improperly claim the research credit or the fuel tax credit, which is generally limited to off-highway uses, such as farming.
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What is the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save a portion of their salary on a pre-tax or after-tax basis for their future retirement.
How can I enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can enroll in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan by accessing the companys benefits portal or contacting the HR department for guidance on the enrollment process.
What is the employer match for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Sherwin-Williams offers a competitive employer match for contributions made to the 401(k) plan, typically matching a percentage of employee contributions up to a certain limit.
At what age can I start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can start contributing to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan as soon as they are eligible, which is generally after completing a certain period of service with the company.
Can I take a loan against my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) plan balance under certain conditions. Employees should review the plans specific loan provisions for details.
What investment options are available in the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
The Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan offers a variety of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and other investment vehicles to help employees grow their retirement savings.
How often can I change my contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan?
Employees can change their contribution amount to the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) plan at designated times throughout the year, typically during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event.
Is there a vesting schedule for the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) employer match?
Yes, Sherwin-Williams has a vesting schedule for the employer match, meaning employees must work for the company for a certain period to fully own the matched contributions.
How can I check my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance?
Employees can check their Sherwin-Williams 401(k) balance by logging into the benefits portal or contacting the plan administrator for assistance.
What happens to my Sherwin-Williams 401(k) if I leave the company?
If you leave Sherwin-Williams, you have several options for your 401(k) balance, including rolling it over to an IRA or a new employers plan, cashing it out, or leaving it in the Sherwin-Williams plan if eligible.