April 12, 2007
Reported by: Natalie Grise
For number crunchers like Pam Mancuso, this is crunch time.
"We're incredibly busy, this is the busiest tax season of my career," She says.
The reason? The devastation caused by Hurricane Rita means doing 2006 taxes, and amending some from previous years.
"It's kind of like doing two seasons at once," She says.
But Rita's effect could also cause problems for e-filers.
"Normally, it's not a problem to do it on the internet, but this year, if you've been impacted by the hurricane and you choose a national website, they may or may not cue you to fill in that and it can be hundreds of dollars for some people."
But chose the wrong website could cost you more than missed refund opportunities. A bogus site could mean losing your identity.
"If you give sensitive information such as your bank account number or social security number you've basically given them your identity," says Carmen Million, president of the Lake Charles Better Business Bureau, "they can open accounts in your name and in most cases you wont know about it."
You can protect yourself by always using a protected site by checking for this lock at the bottom of your site.
"Don't assume that because the emblem is there that its protected. You need to click on it, make sure it gives you an explanation of how its being protected," Million advises.
And the best way to handle your taxes? Don't wait to start on them.
"Stay on it. Come in early February or March. That's the best time to do it," Mancuso says.
But this year, she says, don't be afraid of extensions. They can give you time to take your information to a tax professional, who can look at it with a fresh set of eyes.
The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
More >>The funeral service of former first lady Barbara Bush is being held at 11 a.m. today in Houston, Texas. Expected guests include former president Bill and Mrs. Bill Clinton, former president Barack and Mrs. Barack Obama and First Lady Melania Trump. Around 1,500 are expected to attend.
More >>A man stole a motorcycle in the 2200 block of US 190 in Elton, officials say.
More >>A man stole a motorcycle in the 2200 block of US 190 in Elton, officials say.
More >>The next person to oversee college campuses across our state is someone some might recognize. Lake Charles native Kim Hunter Reed was selected to become Louisiana's Commissioner of Higher Education after a months-long search. "It's a wonderful feeling, and a wonderful opportunity," said Reed. Reed was chosen over three other finalists for the job. "When the phone rings and people say to you your state needs you, they need your...
More >>The next person to oversee college campuses across our state is someone some might recognize. Lake Charles native Kim Hunter Reed was selected to become Louisiana's Commissioner of Higher Education after a months-long search. "It's a wonderful feeling, and a wonderful opportunity," said Reed. Reed was chosen over three other finalists for the job. "When the phone rings and people say to you your state needs you, they need your...
More >>A Lake Charles man stole a black rhinoceros horn from McNeese State University, according to the United States Department of Justice. McNeese's Biology department staff reported to police that a horn had been stolen from a mounted black rhinoceros head on display, says United States Attorney David C. Joseph. Joseph says the United States Fish Wildlife Service agents found the horn for sale online in Sulphur on a website with images of the horn on the hood of a car. An undercov...
More >>A Lake Charles man stole a black rhinoceros horn from McNeese State University, according to the United States Department of Justice. McNeese's Biology department staff reported to police that a horn had been stolen from a mounted black rhinoceros head on display, says United States Attorney David C. Joseph. Joseph says the United States Fish Wildlife Service agents found the horn for sale online in Sulphur on a website with images of the horn on the hood of a car. An undercov...
More >>Avoid the westbound lanes of 210. Accidents are blocking the lanes. Lake Charles police say there has been an accident involving 18-wheelers at the foot of the bridge. Copyright 2018 KPLC. All rights reserved.
More >>Avoid the westbound lanes of 210. Accidents are blocking the lanes. Lake Charles police say there has been an accident involving 18-wheelers at the foot of the bridge. Copyright 2018 KPLC. All rights reserved.
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