These fake scams are out there. I have even received a supposed communication from the IRS. These crooks are good. The communication looks real. Be careful, don't let this happen to you.
The IRS receives thousands of reports each year from taxpayers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls, faxes or notices claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Many of these scams fraudulently use the Internal Revenue Service name or logo as a lure to make the communication more authentic and enticing. The goal of these scams – known as phishing – is to trick you into revealing personal and financial information. The scammers can then use that information – like your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers – to commit identity theft or steal your money.
Here are five things you need to know about phishing scams:
1. The IRS doesn’t ask for detailed personal and financial information like PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for credit card, bank or other financial accounts.
2. The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through e-mail and won’t send a message about your tax account. If you receive an e-mail from someone claiming to be the IRS or directing you to an IRS site:
• Do not reply to the message.
• Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain malicious code that will infect your computer.
• Do not click on any links. If you clicked on links in a suspicious e-mail or phishing website and entered confidential information, visit the IRS website and enter the search term 'identity theft' for more information and resources to help.
3. The address of the official IRS website is http://www.irs.gov. Do not be confused or misled by sites claiming to be the IRS but ending in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. If you discover a website that claims to be the IRS but you suspect it is bogus, do not provide any personal information on the suspicious site and report it to the IRS.
4. If you receive a phone call, fax or letter in the mail from an individual claiming to be from the IRS but you suspect they are not an IRS employee, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to determine if the IRS has a legitimate need to contact you. Report any bogus correspondence.
5. You can help shut down these schemes and prevent others from being victimized. Details on how to report specific types of scams and what to do if you’ve been victimized are available at http://www.irs.gov, keyword “phishing.”
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Brazilian Blowout drops lawsuit in formaldehyde fiasco
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced that the makers of the Brazilian Blowout hair straightening treatment, has dropped the lawsuit against the Oregon agency.
Spokesperson Melanie Mesaros informed CosmeticsDesign.com USA that OSHA had received a notice of dismissal from GIB’s lawyers and that the case had been dropped.
Mesaros also explained that OSHA were currently unaware as to the reason of this action, and CosmeticsDesign.com USA is currently awaiting response from Brazilian Blowout.
Incorrect and misleading results
GIB were originally suing OSHA as it claimed it was producing incorrect and misleading results that were misleading the public and damaging sales of the Brazilian Blowout keratin hair smoothing treatment.
The test results released last year, stated that the hair treatment omitted unsafe levels of harmful gas formaldehyde, which threatened the health of the salon professional who may have to use it throughout the day.
The uproar in the beauty industry that followed led to GIB filing a complaint against OSHA for misrepresentation of Brazilian Blowout's products.
The complaint stated that Oregon OSHA had done irreparable harm to the company and the professional beauty industry, by distributing inaccurate product testing results and using improper testing protocol.
Confusion over substances tested
According to the complaint, the health and safety agency wrongfully issued alerts after claiming to have measured high levels of formaldehyde in product testing of Brazilian Blowout solution, although, according to GIB, they were measuring and reporting concentrations of a different substance, methylene glycol.
“Leading chemists agree that methylene glycol and formaldehyde are very different, both chemically and physically. Methylene glycol is a liquid; formaldehyde is a gas that can be inhaled,” said Mike Brady, CEO of Brazilian Blowout, said in December 2010.
“Yet Oregon OSHA has inaccurately declared that these are 'synonyms' even though these two substances have very different chemical compositions and belong to different chemical families.”
Spokesperson Melanie Mesaros informed CosmeticsDesign.com USA that OSHA had received a notice of dismissal from GIB’s lawyers and that the case had been dropped.
Mesaros also explained that OSHA were currently unaware as to the reason of this action, and CosmeticsDesign.com USA is currently awaiting response from Brazilian Blowout.
Incorrect and misleading results
GIB were originally suing OSHA as it claimed it was producing incorrect and misleading results that were misleading the public and damaging sales of the Brazilian Blowout keratin hair smoothing treatment.
The test results released last year, stated that the hair treatment omitted unsafe levels of harmful gas formaldehyde, which threatened the health of the salon professional who may have to use it throughout the day.
The uproar in the beauty industry that followed led to GIB filing a complaint against OSHA for misrepresentation of Brazilian Blowout's products.
The complaint stated that Oregon OSHA had done irreparable harm to the company and the professional beauty industry, by distributing inaccurate product testing results and using improper testing protocol.
Confusion over substances tested
According to the complaint, the health and safety agency wrongfully issued alerts after claiming to have measured high levels of formaldehyde in product testing of Brazilian Blowout solution, although, according to GIB, they were measuring and reporting concentrations of a different substance, methylene glycol.
“Leading chemists agree that methylene glycol and formaldehyde are very different, both chemically and physically. Methylene glycol is a liquid; formaldehyde is a gas that can be inhaled,” said Mike Brady, CEO of Brazilian Blowout, said in December 2010.
“Yet Oregon OSHA has inaccurately declared that these are 'synonyms' even though these two substances have very different chemical compositions and belong to different chemical families.”
Home based keratin hair straightening product debuts on HSN
Boca Cosmetics has attempted to bring the salon to the home by launching Zelo, its keratin hair-straightening product designed for home use.
The ‘do it yourself’ sprayable straightener is the first of its kind according to Boca, and is designed to achieve salon results with no harsh smells or irritants.
"Our goal was to develop a quality product that women can do at home and achieve the same results they would get in a salon and save money" said Gisela Basilio, co-founder.
Market currently scrutinized for formaldehyde
The product will be launched through US television’s Home Shopping Network (HSN), and comes at a time when keratin product manufacturers are being heavily scrutinized for the use of formaldehyde.
The dangers have been highlighted recently in both the US and Europe, with criticisms over the release of the potentially harmful gas and the effects it can have on clients and salon professionals.
Boca says that because of this it was imperative for it to provide a solution for women needing a product that helps them manage their hair without formaldehyde.
The Keratin Straightening kit, includes a DVD and written instructions in English, Spanish and French as well as attached gloves, hair claws and comb, all designed to simplify the application process.
The kit itself contains a shampoo and conditioner, and Zelo's contains keratin, replacing the keratin protein that is lost between shampoos and other treatments.
The makers of the hair product insist that it will not interfere with other hair applications and can be washed the same day it is applied without losing its affect.
Adding ‘hair back to hair’
According to Zelo, hair is made up of 75 percent keratin protein but as it is exposed to the elements, treatments, hair color, and so on, the Keratin is stripped out.
Basilio said "Zelo is like "adding hair back into the hair," this is truly a miracle product for women that have to use an iron everyday to manage their hair.”
“When you can tell a woman it reduces styling time in half every morning, still look beautiful and save money, then we know we are making a huge difference," She added.
The ‘do it yourself’ sprayable straightener is the first of its kind according to Boca, and is designed to achieve salon results with no harsh smells or irritants.
"Our goal was to develop a quality product that women can do at home and achieve the same results they would get in a salon and save money" said Gisela Basilio, co-founder.
Market currently scrutinized for formaldehyde
The product will be launched through US television’s Home Shopping Network (HSN), and comes at a time when keratin product manufacturers are being heavily scrutinized for the use of formaldehyde.
The dangers have been highlighted recently in both the US and Europe, with criticisms over the release of the potentially harmful gas and the effects it can have on clients and salon professionals.
Boca says that because of this it was imperative for it to provide a solution for women needing a product that helps them manage their hair without formaldehyde.
The Keratin Straightening kit, includes a DVD and written instructions in English, Spanish and French as well as attached gloves, hair claws and comb, all designed to simplify the application process.
The kit itself contains a shampoo and conditioner, and Zelo's contains keratin, replacing the keratin protein that is lost between shampoos and other treatments.
The makers of the hair product insist that it will not interfere with other hair applications and can be washed the same day it is applied without losing its affect.
Adding ‘hair back to hair’
According to Zelo, hair is made up of 75 percent keratin protein but as it is exposed to the elements, treatments, hair color, and so on, the Keratin is stripped out.
Basilio said "Zelo is like "adding hair back into the hair," this is truly a miracle product for women that have to use an iron everyday to manage their hair.”
“When you can tell a woman it reduces styling time in half every morning, still look beautiful and save money, then we know we are making a huge difference," She added.
FDA urged to work with OSHA to determine safe levels of formaldehyde
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been urged to work together with the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to establish if hair smoothing treatments emit unsafe levels of formaldehyde, given the industry outcry over the last six months.
Following the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel’s preliminary findings on the safety of formaldehyde and methylene glycol in these products, John Bailey, chief scientist Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), released a statement explaining there must be an understanding of ingredients and conditions of use.
The non-profit scientific panel reached the conclusion that formaldehyde and methylene glycol are safe in cosmetics products when formulated to ensure use at the minimal effective concentration and reiterated that amounts used in formulations should not exceed 0.2 percent.
Unsafe in aerosolized products
However, the Panel said it could not conclude "that formaldehyde/methylene glycol is safe in cosmetic products intended to be aerosolized or in which formaldehyde/methylene glycol vapor or gas will be produced under conditions of use."
Bailey explained that PCPC joined FDA and consumer groups several months ago in requesting that CIR review the safety of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as they are used in professional hair straightening and smoothing products, and that it supports the findings.
“We urge FDA to work expeditiously with OSHA and appropriate state and local organizations to objectively determine if salon hair smoothing products emit levels of formaldehyde gas that are unsafe for consumers or salon workers under their intended conditions of use and taking into consideration salon ventilation practices,” he said.
Dependent on ventilation levels
Safe and proper use depends largely on the ventilation in the salon and the application procedure.
Bailey advised that consumers do not use these products at home and to check with salon professionals that the environment is properly ventilated to meet OSHA guidelines before receiving the treatment.
“Until the review is completed and regulatory authorities have had the opportunity to assess it and come to their own conclusions, we urge consumers to exercise caution in using these products” said Bailey.
OSHA is responsible for regulating workplace safety and has established limits as to the safe levels of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde gas.
Heating products is a cause for concern
When hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or methylene glycol are heated, they can release low levels of formaldehyde gas.
These ingredients are sensitizing agents, and consumers or salon workers may experience allergic reactions if they become sensitized.
The Oregon arm of OSHA recently hit the headlines having been sued by Brazilian Blowout, a manufacturer of hair smoothing products.
The lawsuit has since been dropped for an, as yet, unknown reason. A spokesperson from OSHA told CosmeticsDesign.com USA that OSHA was unaware of the reason, and we are yet to hear back from Brazilian Blowout.
Following the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel’s preliminary findings on the safety of formaldehyde and methylene glycol in these products, John Bailey, chief scientist Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), released a statement explaining there must be an understanding of ingredients and conditions of use.
The non-profit scientific panel reached the conclusion that formaldehyde and methylene glycol are safe in cosmetics products when formulated to ensure use at the minimal effective concentration and reiterated that amounts used in formulations should not exceed 0.2 percent.
Unsafe in aerosolized products
However, the Panel said it could not conclude "that formaldehyde/methylene glycol is safe in cosmetic products intended to be aerosolized or in which formaldehyde/methylene glycol vapor or gas will be produced under conditions of use."
Bailey explained that PCPC joined FDA and consumer groups several months ago in requesting that CIR review the safety of formaldehyde and methylene glycol as they are used in professional hair straightening and smoothing products, and that it supports the findings.
“We urge FDA to work expeditiously with OSHA and appropriate state and local organizations to objectively determine if salon hair smoothing products emit levels of formaldehyde gas that are unsafe for consumers or salon workers under their intended conditions of use and taking into consideration salon ventilation practices,” he said.
Dependent on ventilation levels
Safe and proper use depends largely on the ventilation in the salon and the application procedure.
Bailey advised that consumers do not use these products at home and to check with salon professionals that the environment is properly ventilated to meet OSHA guidelines before receiving the treatment.
“Until the review is completed and regulatory authorities have had the opportunity to assess it and come to their own conclusions, we urge consumers to exercise caution in using these products” said Bailey.
OSHA is responsible for regulating workplace safety and has established limits as to the safe levels of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde gas.
Heating products is a cause for concern
When hair smoothing products that contain formaldehyde or methylene glycol are heated, they can release low levels of formaldehyde gas.
These ingredients are sensitizing agents, and consumers or salon workers may experience allergic reactions if they become sensitized.
The Oregon arm of OSHA recently hit the headlines having been sued by Brazilian Blowout, a manufacturer of hair smoothing products.
The lawsuit has since been dropped for an, as yet, unknown reason. A spokesperson from OSHA told CosmeticsDesign.com USA that OSHA was unaware of the reason, and we are yet to hear back from Brazilian Blowout.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
IRS TO HOST FREE WEBINAR FOR SMALL BUSINESS
I thought that you might be interested that the IRS is going to host a Webinar on March 29 at 2 p.m. (E.T.) entitled “Business Taxes for the Self-Employed: The Basics.” It will be presented by three senior analysts from the agency. According to IRS, participants will learn about reporting profit or loss from a business or profession, self-employment tax and estimated tax payments, Schedule C and C-EZ, deducting business expenses, husband and wife businesses, and recordkeeping.
Registration can be completed at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/77024/reg.asp?id=77024 .
Registration can be completed at http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/77024/reg.asp?id=77024 .
Friday, March 18, 2011
ARE YOU GETTING ALL OF YOUR TAX CREDITS
If you’re like most business owners, you qualify for all sorts of valuable tax credits. Lately I have been speaking at several Salon Shows and I am amazed by the number of owners that are not aware of some of the new credits. If they are missing the credits they are overpaying their tax.
If your accountant isn’t looking out for you, you may be losing your share! Has your accountant talked to you about credits like these?
• New Hire Credit: If you hired new employees between February 4 and December 31 of 2010, you may qualify for a credit of up to $1,000 against your employer share of that employee’s payroll tax.
• Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: Do you pay at least half your employees’ health care premiums? If you have less than 25 fulltime equivalent employees and pay average wages under $50,000, you may qualify for credits up to 35% of your premium costs.
If you want to make the most of these tax credits and more, you can’t settle for an accountant who just records history. You need someone proactive to help you write it!
Email us if you would like more free information on these credits. Or better yet, sign up for a Second Opinion and we will find the mistakes and missed opportunities that may be costing you thousands today, and discover where you may be vulnerable to higher taxes tomorrow.
We guarantee you’ll leave with new information, or we’ll donate $50 to your favorite charity. So contact Amanda at ahaumont@kopsaotte.com now to schedule your Tax Analysis, and make sure you’re getting all the credits you deserve!
If your accountant isn’t looking out for you, you may be losing your share! Has your accountant talked to you about credits like these?
• New Hire Credit: If you hired new employees between February 4 and December 31 of 2010, you may qualify for a credit of up to $1,000 against your employer share of that employee’s payroll tax.
• Small Business Health Care Tax Credit: Do you pay at least half your employees’ health care premiums? If you have less than 25 fulltime equivalent employees and pay average wages under $50,000, you may qualify for credits up to 35% of your premium costs.
If you want to make the most of these tax credits and more, you can’t settle for an accountant who just records history. You need someone proactive to help you write it!
Email us if you would like more free information on these credits. Or better yet, sign up for a Second Opinion and we will find the mistakes and missed opportunities that may be costing you thousands today, and discover where you may be vulnerable to higher taxes tomorrow.
We guarantee you’ll leave with new information, or we’ll donate $50 to your favorite charity. So contact Amanda at ahaumont@kopsaotte.com now to schedule your Tax Analysis, and make sure you’re getting all the credits you deserve!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
HOW LONG DO I NEED TO KEEP THESE RECORDS?
One of the questions I get asked a lot this time of year is "how long do I need to keep these records?" Below is a link to our Record Retention Guide. I hope that this is helpful.
I can guarantee that if the IRS comes around you will be glad that you kept good records. We have an audit going on right now where the IRS is asking for some information back to 1993. If the client had used our guide we would have the records. As it is we are having to depend on the mercy of the auditor. That is a scary thought.
Using our record retention guide will help "audit proof" your return.
http://www.kopsaotte.com/salon/files/file/RecordRetentionGuide_SalonSpa(1).pdf
I can guarantee that if the IRS comes around you will be glad that you kept good records. We have an audit going on right now where the IRS is asking for some information back to 1993. If the client had used our guide we would have the records. As it is we are having to depend on the mercy of the auditor. That is a scary thought.
Using our record retention guide will help "audit proof" your return.
http://www.kopsaotte.com/salon/files/file/RecordRetentionGuide_SalonSpa(1).pdf
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