Finances

Photo courtesy of StatePoint

By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou
Michael Christodoulou

The financial markets always go through periods of instability. And we may see more of that now, given concerns about tariffs, inflation and the economy. As an investor, how can you deal with this volatility?

Some investors try to take advantage of market ups and downs by attempting to follow the age-old advice to “buy low and sell high” — that is, they seek to buy stocks when they feel prices have bottomed out and they sell stocks when they think the market has reached a high point. In theory, this is a great idea, but in practice, it’s essentially impossible, because no one can really predict market highs and lows. 

Rather than trying to anticipate highs and lows, your best strategy for coping with the price fluctuations of the financial markets is to diversify your investment portfolio by owning a mix of stocks, bonds and other types of securities. Different types of financial assets can move in different directions at any given time — so, for example, stocks may be up while bonds are down, or vice versa. If you only owned one of these types of assets, and the market for that asset class was down, your portfolio could take a bigger hit than if you owned a variety of asset types.

And you can further diversify within individual asset categories. Stocks can be domestic or international, large-company or small-company — and these groupings can also move in different directions at the same time, depending on various market forces. As for bonds, they too don’t always move in a uniform direction, or at least with the same intensity — for instance, when interest rates rise, bond prices tend to fall, but longer-term bonds may fall more than shorter-term ones, which are closer to maturity with fewer interest payments remaining. Conversely, when rates are falling, longer-term bonds may be more attractive because they lock in higher yields for a longer time. Consequently, one diversification technique for bonds is to build a “ladder” containing bonds of varying maturities.

Some investments, by their nature, are already somewhat diversified. A mutual fund can contain dozens, or even hundreds, of stocks, or a mixture of stocks and bonds. And different mutual funds may have different investment objectives — some focus more on growth, while others are more income-oriented — so, further diversification can be achieved by owning a mix of funds.

Furthermore, some investors achieve even greater diversification by owning alternative investments, such as real estate, commodities and cryptocurrencies, although these vehicles themselves are often more volatile than those in more traditional investment categories. 

Financial companies have been designing newer securities which help lower the volatility within the security, while allowing the investor to have upside potential and significant monthly income.

While a diversified portfolio is important for every investor, your exact level of diversification — the percentages of your portfolio devoted to stocks, bonds and other securities — will depend on your individual risk tolerance, time horizon and financial goals. I highly recommend you consult with a financial professional about creating the diversified investment mix that’s right for your needs. The tools available today for investors have significantly changes to help manage the volatility. 

Ultimately, while diversification can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help you reduce some of the risks associated with investing and better prepare you to deal with the inevitable volatility of the financial markets — two key benefits that can help you over the many years you’ll spend as an investor.

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

 

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By Britt Burner, Esq. & Brittni Sullivan, Esq.

The biggest concern that most have when they are in need of long-term nursing home care is that their primary residence will not be protected. This may or may not be true.  There are special rules surrounding the home that are different than other types of assets. 

To understand this fear, it is important to understand how one becomes eligible for Medicaid to assist with nursing home costs.  The applicant is permitted to have countable assets in the amount of $32,396, retirement assets in any amount so long as the retirement account is set up for a monthly distribution, and a pre-paid irrevocable burial.  

Applying for this program also involves a five-year lookback. This requires the applicant and spouse to provide full financial disclosure for the five-year period immediately prior to institutionalization. The purpose of the lookback is to see if the applicant or spouse transferred any assets out of their names.  If transfers were made, there will be a legal presumption that this was done for the purpose of applying for Medicaid, and a penalty will be assessed. The penalty will result in a time of ineligibility for services. 

However, there are certain transfers that are exempt and will not draw a penalty, this includes transfers of any assets to a spouse or to a blind or disabled child.  Specifically for the primary residence, transfers are exempt when made to a spouse, blind or disabled child of the applicant, a sibling with an equity interest in the home, or to a caretaker child. 

A caretaker child is defined as a child who has resided in the primary residence with the Medicaid applicant for the two years immediately prior to institutionalization and who, during that time has provided some level of care support to the individual who requires nursing home care.  Medicaid will closely scrutinize the transfer and ask for supporting documentation to prove residency for the caretaker child.  

For several reasons, this type of planning is best used in crisis planning and is not an advanced planning technique. First, there may be adverse tax consequences when you transfer the real property to the caretaker child.  Second, transfer to the caretaker child could thwart your estate plan to leave assets to multiple beneficiaries. Last, the transfer to the caretaker child can only happen immediately prior to your institutionalization.  Therefore, if the child is moved out at the time you require nursing home care, the exemption is lost.  

The fear of losing the home is common. Planning in advance can help ensure the primary residence is protected.

Britt Burner, Esq., Partner at Burner Prudenti Law, P.C., concentrates her practice in Estate Planning and Elder Law. Brittni Sullivan, Esq., Senior Associate at the firm, also focuses on Estate Planning and Elder Law. Burner Prudenti Law serves clients from Manhattan to the east end of Long Island with offices located in East Setauket, Westhampton Beach, New York City and East Hampton.

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By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou
Michael Christodoulou

Going through a divorce is emotionally painful and can disrupt one’s life in many ways — but does it also have to be financially devastating? Not necessarily. You can help yourself greatly by making a series of moves. Here are some to consider: 

Before the divorce is final …

Determine how you’ll cover the cost of the divorce. To meet the costs of a divorce, which can be tens of thousands dollars, you may need to tap in to your income stream and savings accounts, or even explore alternative options, such as borrowing from your retirement plan, if it’s allowed by a divorce court judge.

Create a budget. You may want to build a temporary budget. Your divorce attorney can advise you on how long your separation period may last in a contested case.

Start building separate bank and brokerage accounts. Consult with your divorce attorney on ways to establish independent bank and brokerage accounts without harming your spouse.

Understand your retirement benefits. Know the value of your and your spouse’s 401(k) or similar plans, IRAs, pensions, stock options and other employer benefits. Also, you might need to negotiate the splitting of retirement benefits through a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO). A tax professional and a financial advisor can help you understand how different QDRO proposals can affect your retirement goals.

After the divorce is final …

Finish building your separate financial accounts. You may want to close any joint accounts or credit cards, change online access to financial accounts, remove your name from bills for which you are no longer responsible and complete any agreed-upon asset transfers, such as dividing retirement assets. 

Create a new budget. You can now create a longer-term budget, incorporating any spouse or child support you receive as income. You may also need to adjust your spending to reflect items in the divorce agreement, such as expenses now covered by your former spouse and court-ordered responsibilities for paying college education expenses for dependent children and possibly the attorneys’ fees for a former spouse.

Review your protection plans. You may need to review your life, homeowners and auto insurance policies. And if you were covered under your spouse’s health insurance plan, you may want to apply for COBRA to stay on that plan up to 36 months or switch to your own employer’s plan, if available. If you don’t have access to an employer’s health insurance, you may want to explore a marketplace plan from the Affordable Care Act or contact a health insurance broker.

Review your estate plans. To reflect your new marital status, you may need to work with your legal professional to change some of your estate-planning documents, such as a will, living trust, advanced health care directive or power of attorney. Also, review the beneficiary designations on life insurance policies, IRAs, annuities and investment accounts, as these designations can likely supersede instructions on your will or trust. 

See your tax professional. You may need to consult with your tax professional on issues such as changing your tax return filing status, claiming a child as a dependent and dealing with tax implications of assets received in the divorce.

Going through a divorce is not easy — but by taking the appropriate steps before and after the divorce is finalized, you can at least help put yourself in a more secure and stable financial position to begin the next phase of your life.

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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Photo courtesy of StatePoint

With flowers blooming and birds chirping, you may be in a spring-cleaning mindset. As you spruce up your home, you can also channel that energy into getting your finances in tip-top shape!

According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® professionals, here’s how to clear away the cobwebs in your budget:

Sort expenditures: If you’ve ever sorted your clothes and other items into piles during a spring clean, this budgeting principle will be familiar to you: Review your expenses and categorize them into needs, wants and expenditures you’re ready to part with. Whether you do this on paper or electronically, use a color-coded system to visualize where your money is going.

Review your streaming services: Electronic subscription bloat is common, as is paying for forgotten subscriptions after free trials end. For example, you may be subscribed to several of the most common entertainment streaming services, such as Netflix, Max and Hulu. Do you really need all of them? Whether it’s an online newsletter or a music streaming service, cancel unused subscriptions.

Avoid bank fees: Review your bank statements. Are you getting dinged with fees? Consider switching to a bank that doesn’t charge an account maintenance fee. You can also set up notifications to avoid having your account get hit with an overdraft. If you do get charged, contact your bank to explain your situation — you may be able to have some fees waived.

Switch insurance carriers: Periodically review your insurance rates, and shop the market to see if better rates are available for home, automotive and other forms of insurance.

Reduce debt: If your debt is costing you a pretty penny, it’s time to act. A CFP® professional or credit counselor can help you craft a plan for consolidating debt into lower-rate credit card accounts, refinancing your mortgage and reducing your overall debt burden. You should also automate credit card payments (and other bills) to ensure you aren’t paying late fees.

Pay yourself first: Earmark a portion of your budget to savings and investments each month. This will leave you with more money for your important goals and less for frivolous spending.

This spring, go beyond dusting the baseboards and mopping the floors. Refresh your finances for a fresh start to the season. (StatePoint)

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By William Stieglitz

With the end of President Donald Trump’s (R) 30-day pause for tariffs on Canada and Mexico fast approaching, TBR News Media spoke with local business owners regarding their thoughts on the tariffs. Explained simply, the tariffs would increase the cost of goods imported from each country by 25% (with energy imported from Canada taxed at 10%), a concern relevant to local businesses that rely on such goods to operate. These come in addition to other recent tariffs placed by the newest presidential administration, such as 10% levy on Chinese goods. When asked for their thoughts, both interviewees spoke first on the impact of past tariffs.

Claudia Dowling, owner of Claudia Dowling Interiors in Huntington, describes how the 2019 tariffs cost her “well over 30%” of her profit for that year. “Having written an order for a client, I felt it necessary to keep to the original pricing we agreed on. However, after the product arrived and [was] delivered, my final invoice … had one to sometimes three tariffs added.” 

She elaborated how in the years since COVID19 hit, freight costs became especially high, making it hard to turn a profit, and how this could be further inflated by new tariffs. And while larger companies can reduce these costs by relying on Amazon, she said this was not an option for smaller businesses like hers. 

“I have to eliminate many vendors making it impossible to fill my store. It goes on and on. The small business community is in more trouble than ever.” While she has been in her business for 50 years, she is now concerned about staying afloat.

Howard Stern, owner of East Bay Mechanical Corp. in Yaphank, has already seen his business impacted by the separate proposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum set to start on March 12. He described how even though he relies on domestic steel, he has seen those prices already go up in response, resulting in an approximate 20% increase in his metal costs. 

“It affects washing machines, it affects AC units, it doesn’t just affect the sheet metal … but everything that goes along with it, because everything requires metal and, unfortunately, it goes up but it never comes back down … even when the tariffs are lifted,” he said.

Stern also describes how tariffs affect costs at each step of the way “so by the time the end consumer gets on it, that 20% in raw material has been stepped on three to four times by four different people, so the end consumer is paying that tariff four times.” 

According to both the January Navigator Research Poll and the February Harvard Caps/Harris poll, approximately three in five Americans expect new tariffs will increase costs for consumers. The Navigator polls indicate a slim majority believes tariffs will be worthwhile if they can protect American manufacturing and jobs, but also that a majority believes the tariffs will hurt American consumers more than foreign countries. Further costs to Americans could come from retaliatory tariffs too, as Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau previously promised to implement.

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Some people look forward to filing their tax returns, while others recoil at the thought of paying what they owe. Regardless of which camp taxpayers are in, come April most people have a question or two related to their returns. As the deadline to file tax returns draws closer, taxpayers hoping to make the process as smooth as possible can consider these frequently asked questions and answers, courtesy of the Internal Revenue Service.

When is deadline day? Though taxpayers periodically get an extra day or two to file their returns when April 15 coincides with a holiday or lands on a weekend, there’s no such reprieve in 2025. This year all taxpayers who are not requesting an extension must file their income tax returns by April 15, 2025.

What if my address has changed? The IRS urges all taxpayers to use their new address when filing their returns. Additional ways taxpayers can update their address with the IRS is through the filing of Form 8822, Change of Address or Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business. Written statements or oral notifications are additional ways to notify the IRS of an address change, and these methods must include personal information, including the old and new address as well as the taxpayer’s Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Is there an age limit on claiming my child as a dependent? A child must meet either the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test in order to be claimed as a dependent. To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you or your spouse if filing jointly and either younger than 19-years-old or be a “student” younger than 24-years-old as of the end of the calendar year.

There is no age limit to claim a child as a dependent if a child is “permanently and totally disabled” or meets the qualifying relative test. In addition to meeting the qualifying child or qualifying relative test, you can claim that person as a dependent only if these three tests are met:

1. Dependent taxpayer test

2. Citizen or resident test, and

3. Joint return test

Taxpayers who remain uncertain about their eligibility to claim a child as a dependent are urged to contact the IRS or a tax preparation professional for clarification before filing their returns.

What should I do if my W-2 is incorrect? Employers must provide employees with a W-2 by January 31. If the W-2 is incorrect and has not been fixed by the end of February, taxpayers can contact the IRS and request to initiate a Form W-2 complaint. When such a request is initiated, the IRS sends a letter to the employer and requests that they furnish a corrected W-2 within 10 days. The IRS also sends a letter to the taxpayer with instructions and Form 4852, which can be used to file a return if a corrected W-2 is not provided before the filing deadline.

How can I file for an extension? There are three ways to request an automatic extension of time to file an income tax return.

1. You can pay all or part of your estimated income tax due and indicate that the payment is for an extension using your bank account; a digital wallet such as Click to Pay, PayPal, and Venmo; cash; or a credit or debit card.

2. You can file Form 4868 electronically by accessing IRS e-file using your tax software or by using a tax professional who uses e-file.

3. You can file a paper Form 4868 and enclose payment of your estimate of tax due (optional).

Tax day arrives on April 15. Taxpayers who have lingering questions about their returns are urged to contact the IRS via irs.gov or work with a certified tax professional.

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Receiving a tax refund this year? While it can be tempting to impulse spend, if you want to really treat yourself, financial professionals recommend using the payout for practical expenses.

According to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNING® professionals, here are smart ways to spend your tax refund that will improve your life:

Build an emergency fund: Unexpected circumstances, such as illness or job loss, can leave you with more bills and less income. Not having an emergency fund puts you at risk of having to take on high-interest debt to meet expenses. Use your tax refund to create some peace of mind for yourself and your family. And now that you’ve started the emergency fund, consider using direct deposit to funnel a portion of each paycheck into this account.

Reduce debt: Paying down debt can feel like an insurmountable challenge. And if it’s a challenge you’ve been avoiding, you can use your tax refund to kick-start your journey. Not sure where to start? A CFP® professional can help you identify which debt to prioritize first, as well as help you craft a repayment strategy moving forward.

Save for retirement: No matter your age or stage in life, a tax refund offers a great opportunity to give your retirement account a boost. Thanks to compounding, the money you set aside today in an investment account, such as a 401(k) or Roth IRA, will exponentially grow between now and when it’s time to tap your nest egg.

Set financial goals: From planning a vacation or wedding to becoming a homeowner, your goals are worth investing in. Put your tax refund toward something that matters to you.

The best thing you can do may be avoiding future refunds. While it feels great to receive a big check during tax time, a tax refund is effectively an interest-free loan you have made to the government. You’re much better off keeping more of your money throughout the year so you can invest it or use it on things you need. Consult a professional on how to adjust your withholdings to get closer to breaking even next year.

With an actionable plan and the help of a qualified financial professional, you can ensure your tax refund is put to good use. (StatePoint)

 

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By Michael Christodoulou

Michael Christodoulou

As you may know, some businesses pass along part of their profits to investors in the form of dividends. If you own shares of these companies, either directly in stocks or more indirectly through mutual funds, you may have a choice: Should you take the dividends as cash or reinvest them into the stocks or funds?

There’s no one correct answer for everyone. So, let’s look at some reasons for both choices — reinvesting or cashing out.

Reinvesting dividends offers at least two related benefits. First, reinvested dividends make up part of a stock’s total return, along with price appreciation. And second, when you reinvest dividends, you are buying more shares of the investment — and share ownership is a key to building wealth. Keep in mind that dividends can be increased, decreased or eliminated without notice.

It’s also easy to reinvest dividends. Through a dividend reinvestment plan, or DRIP, your dividends are automatically used to buy more shares of a company. And these new shares will generate more dividends that can be reinvested. 

Consequently, it’s fair to say that dividend reinvesting is an economical way to grow your portfolio. However, a DRIP does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss, so you’ll need to consider your willingness to keep investing when share prices are declining.

If you’re mainly investing for long-term growth, you may well want to reinvest your dividends. But under what circumstances wouldn’t you want to reinvest them?

For starters, of course, you may simply need the dividends to help support your cash flow. This may be especially true in your retirement years. 

But there may be other reasons to cash out dividends, rather than reinvesting them. You might already own a considerable number of shares in a stock, mutual fund or exchange traded fund and you don’t want to buy more of the same. By not reinvesting these dividends, you can use the money to help broaden your investment mix. 

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You also might want to consider taking the cash, rather than reinvesting, if the company that pays the dividends appears to be struggling or has an uncertain future. Again, you could then use the money to fill gaps in your portfolio. 

Regardless of whether you reinvest your dividends, you’ll pay taxes on them if your investments are held in a taxable account. Ordinary dividends are taxed at your ordinary income tax rates, while qualified dividends are taxed at the capital gains rate, which is 0%, 18%, or 20%, depending on your income. (A dividend is considered qualified if you’ve held the stock for a certain length of time.) 

If your dividend-paying investments are held in a traditional IRA or a 401(k), you won’t have to pay taxes on the dividends until you begin taking withdrawals from these accounts, typically at retirement. And if you have a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k), you may not pay taxes on the dividends at all, provided you’ve had the account at least five years and you don’t take withdrawals until you’re at least 59½. 

In any case, you may find that dividends, whether reinvested or taken in cash, can play a role in your overall financial strategy. So, follow your dividend payments carefully — and make the most of them. 

Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook, Member SIPC.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

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Issues around money can put a strain on any couple. However, financial experts say that a strong relationship can be cultivated with financial habits that prioritize communication and shared values.

To help you and your partner get a handle on your financial health and happiness, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are sharing their best money tips for couples.

Be open, honest and respectful: Whether discussing debt or other financial commitments, credit scores or shared goals for the future, being transparent with one another is absolutely essential to building trust. At the same time, it’s important that conversations are conducted with respect and empathy. Understanding each other’s financial histories, starting with lessons taught in childhood, can lead to more productive discussions.

Communicate regularly: Having one conversation about money is not enough. Keeping the dialogue open helps ensure you remain on the same page over time. You may find it helpful to schedule a weekly appointment to touch base on issues such as cash flow, savings and goal setting.

Build a shared budget: Collaborating on a budget is a great way to identify your individual and shared financial priorities and can help you avoid spending surprises down the line. A CFP® professional can review your finances and help you select a budgeting strategy that you both can live with. Once in place, consider using budgeting software to seamlessly share updates.

Prepare for rainy days: Too many Americans have zero savings, leaving them unprepared for financial emergencies such as job loss, unexpected home repairs and long-term illness. Give your relationship the gift of a robust emergency fund. This will offer you everyday peace of mind, and help you avoid some stress and heartache in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Make a holistic financial plan: Work together to create an overarching financial plan that helps you meet your short- and long-term financial goals, such as buying a home, saving for your children’s education or preparing for retirement. Specially trained to provide guidance on all aspects of financial planning, including estate planning, retirement planning, investing and insurance, a CFP® professional can take a holistic look at your overall financial picture to help you fine tune your strategy.

For a happy, healthy relationship, keep an open dialogue with your partner about money. Doing so will strengthen your bond, build trust and help you reach your goals. (StatePoint)

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The days of filing paper tax returns are gone, and criminals are taking advantage. With taxpayers managing their sensitive information online, thieves are finding new ways to scam victims. In 2023 alone, the IRS reported $5.5 billion lost to tax fraud schemes. And the increased prevalence of artificial intelligence means tax scams this year will likely be more sophisticated than ever.

Scammers have an arsenal of weapons, but no matter their tactics, the goal is the same – to have you give them money or access to it. Here are scams to look out for this tax season:

Tax avoidance scams. These scams often promise rewards too good to be true. Scammers claim to have specialized knowledge on exploiting loopholes to avoid taxes or maximize returns. High-income filers are heavily targeted through offers of seemingly legitimate annuities or tax shelters.

Refund scams. In this scam, a criminal will claim to be someone official notifying of an unclaimed or incorrectly calculated refund, prompting the victim to share information – and possibly bank account numbers – to claim it.

Violation scams. This is a fear-based scam, where the criminal poses as an IRS official threatening some punitive action, claiming the victim committed a violation and needs to contact them to resolve the situation.

Filing support scams. Similar to tech support scams, criminals offer to help create IRS accounts to assist with the online filing process. Frequently posing as tax preparers, scammers will go through the motions of gathering the victim’s personal information for tax forms they never intend to file.

Social media scams. Social media serves as a great place for criminals to find potential victims and carry out tax scams, fraudulently claiming to offer different types of services or possessing unique knowledge or access.

Recovery scams. Once a victim is scammed, criminals will try to strike again – believing the victim is gullible. Exploiting a time of vulnerability, they’ll contact the victim with promises of helping them recover their losses and will leverage this as an opening to commit additional crimes.

While it is not always easy to pick out a scam, here are indicators to watch for:

• Promise of a big pay-out. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Request for your account information. The IRS will never ask for your credit or debit account information over the phone.

• Random contact. The IRS contacts taxpayers by mail first and will never contact via random phone calls or digital means. The IRS will not leave prerecorded, urgent, or threatening voicemails.

• Demands or threats. The IRS can’t revoke your driver’s license, business licenses or immigration status and cannot threaten to immediately bring in local law enforcement. Taxpayers are allowed an appeals process, so any message of “now or else” won’t come from an official channel.

• Request for you to click a weblink. Odd or misspelled web links can take you to harmful sites instead of IRS.gov.

The IRS recommends these best practices to protect against tax fraud:

• Get an early start. File early so criminals have less time to impersonate you.

• Set up a verified account. Set up your own IRS account before someone else can and use an Identity Protection PIN – a six-digit number known only to you and the IRS.

• Wait for written notice. Do not respond to any supposed communications from the IRS if you haven’t first received official notification through U.S. mail. If you get a call from someone claiming to be the IRS, hang up and call the official number on the website before engaging. Further, never click a link sent digitally as initial contact.

Apply good cyber hygiene. Do not use public Wi-Fi when filing your tax returns. Do use strong passwords, secured network connections and multi-factor authentication. Run all software updates and keep systems current.

If you fall victim to a tax scam, report it to the IRS. For more scam protection tips, visit PNC’s Security & Privacy Center at pnc.com.

One wrong click can cause tremendous damage that ends up earning bad guys a windfall. However, a little caution can go a long way in helping you avoid a costly tax scam. (StatePoint)