C RY D E R
P O I N T
MARCH 10
On Feb. 7, the IRS reported a new scam that consumers
should be aware of. Please read the following carefully. ~
Editor
WASHINGTON – Today, towards the end of the second
full week of the 2019 tax filing season, the Internal
Revenue Service warned taxpayers to avoid unethical tax
return preparers, known as ghost preparers.
By law, anyone who is paid to prepare or assist in preparing
federal tax returns must have a valid 2019 Preparer
Tax Identification Number, or PTIN. Paid preparers
must sign the return and include their PTIN.
But ‘ghost’ preparers do not sign the return. Instead,
they print the return and tell the taxpayer to sign and
mail it to the IRS. Or, for e-filed returns, they prepare but
refuse to digitally sign it as the paid preparer.
According to the IRS, similar to other tax preparation
schemes, dishonest and unscrupulous ghost tax return
preparers look to make a fast buck by promising a big
refund or charging fees based on a percentage of the
refund. These scammers hurt honest taxpayers who are
simply trying to do the right thing and file a legitimate
tax return.
Ghost tax return preparers may also:
Require payment in cash only and not provide a receipt.
Invent income to erroneously qualify their clients for
tax credits or claim fake deductions to boost their refunds.
Direct refunds into their own bank account rather than
the taxpayer’s account.
The IRS urges taxpayers to review their tax return carefully
before signing and ask questions if something is not
Dining Diva
Lenny’s Clam Bar &
Italian Restaurant
BY HELENE OELERICH
Lenny’s Clam Bar in Howard Beach,
Queens was established back in1974
and offers fresh, high quality ingredients
in a warm and welcoming atmosphere
with second-generation
family hospitality! The service was
unbelievably fabulous and Joe De-
Candia, Jr., is the nicest manager.
There are so many choices of appetizers,
seafood, pasta, as well as Italian
specialties
from the grill and barbeque, plus
a huge wine list and special lunch
menu. There are also seasonal fall and
winter specials.
We all enjoyed the soups (clam
chowder, potato soup and lobster
bisque) and the finger food (fried
zucchini and chicken fingers) was
delicious! The desserts were equally
yummy!
Lenny’s Clam Bar is located at 161-
03 Crossbay Blvd. Hours are Sunday -
Thursday from 11am-2am and Friday
- Saturday from 11am-4am. Check
out the menu at lennysclambar.com.
Telephone 718-845-5100.
Tip: Ask for Joe and get a free glass
of wine on the house!
Yahoo! It’s Tax Time!
clear. And for any direct deposit refund, taxpayers should
make sure both the routing and bank account number on
the completed tax return are correct.
The IRS offers tips to help taxpayers choose a tax return
preparer wisely. The Choosing a Tax Professional page
has information about tax preparer credentials and
qualifications. The IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return
Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can
Helene & Phil enjoy dinner with friends Our delightful waitress, Brittanie Marvelous mussels!
10 CRYDER POINT COURIER | MARCH 2019 | WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
help identify many preparers by type of credential or
qualification.
Taxpayers can report abusive tax preparers to the IRS.
Use Form 14157, Complaint: Tax Return Preparer. If a
taxpayer suspects a tax preparer filed or changed their
tax return without their consent, they should file Form
14157-A, Tax Return Preparer Fraud or Misconduct Affidavit.
Source: irs.gov
Special appetizer Fabulous fried calamari!
Delish pasta with
mushrooms & veggies Yummy dessert!
/lennysclambar.com
/WWW.QUEENSCOURIER.COM
/irs.gov
