For Immediate Release: January 21, 2015
January Hot Topics:
- Finding a Trustworthy Tax Preparer. BBB® Offers Tips
- Freezing Temperatures Causing Freezing Pipes? BBB® Offers These Tips
- Have the Cold Temperatures Affected Your Heating System?
- Think Ahead: Does Your Lawn Service Have an Automatic Contract?
Finding a Trustworthy Tax Preparer. BBB® Offers Tips
It’s that time of year again. Time to start thinking about taxes; and preparing ahead allows you to get your taxes done early and with little hassle before the April 15th deadline. If you are unsure of a tax preparer to use, ask those whom you trust such as your family and friends to see what they recommend. You can also search for a BBB Accredited Business in tax return preparation at http://go.bbb.org/1Dt3gsX.
Tax preparation providers should not base their fees on a percentage of your refund. Before signing up with a tax preparer, verify their credentials and make sure they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Also, ask about their accessibility after the time your taxes were filed and find out to reach them during this off-season. Ultimately, the taxpayer is the one responsible to the IRS for the paperwork, so it is best to ensure you use the best person possible.
Be sure to read the paperwork thoroughly. Understand how much it is going to cost for the service and how the cost may be affected if preparation is more complicated than expected. Ask if the tax preparation company will represent you if there is an audit. If you don’t understand something in the paperwork, be sure to ask for clarification.
When filing your taxes online, make sure all information is correct before submitting. Check the application for missing information or flags where other common errors occur. Be sure to sign and date the return with your self-selected personal identification number.
According to the IRS, they don’t initiate contact with you by email, text messages or social media to obtain any personal information. If you receive a phone call, letter or fax from someone who claims to be an IRS employee, but think they are not, contact the IRS. Forward suspicious emails that claim to be the IRS and ask for personal information to phishing@irs.gov.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
Freezing Temperatures Causing Freezing Pipes? BBB® Offers These Tips
Cold weather can cause some problems in your home, such as freezing your pipes. If this happens, find one of our Accredited Businesses who are plumbers to contract the work. When hiring a plumber:
- Ask family and friends for recommendations on what plumbers they used in the past.
- Plumbers need to be licensed and display their license number on their website, vehicles and marketing pieces.
- If the job is going to be a larger project, ask for three estimates from three different companies. Be sure to understand how the plumber charges either by the hour or a flat rate for the work to be done.
- Ask the plumber for references and contact them to learn about their experience.
- Get a written agreement. Make sure everything that was said to you is in the contract. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Keep a copy of the contract.
- Make the final payment after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
Find an Accredited Business who specializes in plumbing here: http://go.bbb.org/1xJaFkl.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
Have the Cold Temperatures Affected Your Heating System?
The past few weeks, Indiana saw some very cold temperatures. BBB® Serving Central Indiana offers tips for those who may need to hire a heating contractor. In 2014, heating and air conditioning contractors were in BBB® Serving Central Indiana’s top 10 most inquired about types of businesses.
If your heating system needs to be repaired, get several estimates from different companies to compare prices. The lowest price may not necessarily be the best deal. The estimate should include a full description of the services to be provided and if there is a trip charge included. When you receive an estimate be sure to compare the size of the equipment. If the system needs to be replaced, be sure the estimate includes any additional fees.
Before you purchase a new product or get one fixed, ask if there is a warranty offered and what it includes. Find out how long the warranty will last and what company honors it. Ask if there is a service contract available to provide annual inspection and maintenance.
Read the contract thoroughly and ask questions before you sign. Keep a copy all of all agreements and contracts.
Find a trustworthy Accredited Business to help with heating and air conditioning here: http://go.bbb.org/1BPlvET and find an Accredited heating contractor: http://go.bbb.org/1FAcYMb
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
Think Ahead: Does Your Lawn Service Have an Automatic Contract?
With the cold weather, most of us are ready to think about warmer times, but warmer months mean taking care of our yards. Since you don’t need your lawn taken care of during the winter months, now is a good time to think about the lawn care services you hired in the past and plan for future needs.
Be sure to check your contract now to see if it renews automatically or if you are required to renew it on your own. If the contract renews automatically, find out when it starts back up and what services you will be getting. If you would like to cancel your service, check your contract/paperwork for a cancellation clause. If there is no cancellation clause, contact the company or visit the company’s website to find out how to cancel or amend your service.
Find an Accredited lawn maintenance business here: http://go.bbb.org/1DGuPwe.
If you have a question about a company or want to find an Accredited Business you can trust, visit BBB’s website at: bbb.org/indy/
To schedule an interview, please contact Tim Maniscalo at: tmaniscalo@indybbb.org or 317.488.2202. For more information, please contact Deidra Colvin at: dcolvin@indybbb.org or 317.488.2201.