wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |Consumer advocates advise care in tax preparation

Consumer advocates advise care in tax preparation

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By Tim Pulliam - email

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  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 10:32 AM EDT2012-05-23 14:32:55 GMT
    After getting a call from his elderly neighbor about a "small" snake in his yard, Heathwood resident Andrew Philson took a look around when he got home and was surprised to see a 15-20 foot long intruder
    Andrew Philson and his 3-year-old son will sleep a little on edge knowing that the alleged 15 to 20 foot long snake spotted in their backyard on Tuesday has remained elusive.

  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 3:17 PM EDT2012-05-23 19:17:53 GMT
    (Source: TheTandD.com)
    An Orangeburg Department of Public Safety officer is doing better after being hospitalized when he was hit head-on by a man who was driving naked last Friday.ODPS Spokesperson Capt. Mike Adams says Officer
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  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 5:37 PM EDT2012-05-23 21:37:01 GMT
    These two unidentified people were taken into custody near Main Street. (Source: Jen Ashley)
    COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – Police officers are on the scene of bank robbery in downtown Columbia.  Deputy Chief Ruben Santiago tells WIS News 10 the robbery happened around 1:45 at the Palmetto Citizens Credit
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  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 6:21 PM EDT2012-05-23 22:21:37 GMT
    It's the talk of at least one part of Columbia and it all started Tuesday with a phone call from a concerned neighbor. Heathwood resident Andrew Philson got a call about a snake in his backyard and thought
    It's the talk of at least one part of Columbia and it all started Tuesday with a phone call from a concerned neighbor.

  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 11:42 AM EDT2012-05-23 15:42:54 GMT
    Tornadoes in Kansas certainly are no rarity and one during a special day like a wedding can be devastating. But for one central Kansas couple, a tornado last Saturday is one they will never forget and
    Tornadoes in Kansas certainly are no rarity and one during a special day like a wedding can be devastating. But for one central Kansas couple, a tornado last Saturday is one they will never forget and they've got the pictures to prove it.

  • Thursday, May 24 2012 8:03 AM EDT2012-05-24 12:03:19 GMT
    A coach at Ridgeview High School has been arrested and accused of carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old female student.According to the Richland County Sheriff's Department, 45-year-old
    A coach at Ridge View High School has been arrested and accused of carrying on an inappropriate relationship with a 15-year-old female student.

  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 5:52 PM EDT2012-05-23 21:52:41 GMT
    A drug investigation lasting several months in Kershaw County wrapped up with 14 arrests. The Kershaw County Sheriff's Office said after undercover narcotics officers bought drugs from suspected dealers
    A drug investigation lasting several months in Kershaw County wrapped up with 14 arrests.

  • Wednesday, May 23 2012 12:24 PM EDT2012-05-23 16:24:05 GMT
    The South Carolina Department of Social Services has custody of an infant that was delivered at a midlands hospital Monday.DSS officials said a mother delivered the child at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital
    The South Carolina Department of Social Services has custody of an infant that was delivered at a midlands hospital Monday.

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Now that it's tax season, it's important to make sure you are getting help on your income tax returns without getting scammed.

Just this week, Carlotta Watson was arrested and accused of preparing false tax returns at her business, Jonathan & Watson tax service in Columbia.

Experts say the best way to see if a tax preparer is legitimate is to go to the Better Business Bureau's web site and type in their information to check their rating.  If it's an "F", stay away.

Experts say be careful about filing your tax returns through refund anticipation loan stores as they can charge fees and high interest rates.

A cheaper option is free tax filing. The Department of Revenue, United Way of the Midlands, and AARP are just a few sites that offer the service.

"When you come to an AARP tax site you need to make sure you have your W-2," said Patrick Cobb with AARP. "Any type of investment forms, 1099's, your SSA 1099 form that shows your social security income, 1099 R if you receive a pension or annuity, and a blank check or deposit statement in case you anticipate a refund so our preparers can e-file it for you can get your money as soon as possible."

Paper filing could take up to three weeks compared to 10 days through e-file.

The deadline to file is April 17th. If you e-file, the deadline is May 1st.

Click here for links to free tax preparation services

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