The Courier
NEWS
Protect Yourself against Dishonest Tax Preparers
Ahead of the tax filing season, the Idaho State Tax Commission is giving advice on how to watch out for tax fraud. Many college students file tax returns for the first time without any knowledge of income taxes. They can protect against dishonest preparers who promise large refunds or push tax credits they might not qualify for. If you're a college student using a tax preparer, guard yourself by doing the following: Discuss details of and ask questions about credits you think you qualify for. Get copies of both your federal and state returns, and review them before signing. Is the bank account on the return yours? Is the refund larger than you expected? Did the preparer list their contact information on the return? Are there items that don't make sense, like a business on the return, or credits you don't understand? Get clarification for items you don't understand, and... don't sign the return if you believe it's incorrect. What can happen if you submit a false tax return? You'll be audited for the discrepancies in the return. This can include penalties and interest. If you can't pay the extra money you owe, the Tax Commission will find other avenues to collect. False tax returns can affect your credit score if a lien is filed against you for the extra money you owe. It's considered a felony if you intentionally seek out a preparer to inflate and file your refund. If you suspect you've fallen victim to a dishonest preparer, call the Tax Commission's fraud unit at (208) 332-4060, and contact the IRS.
Comments Sought on IDPR Grant Proposals
The Sawtooth National Forest seeks public comments on several proposed projects for which the forest is seeking grant money from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Each year, the State of Idaho awards funds raised through the sale of a variety of boating, recreation, and off-road vehicle stickers to public land agencies through a grant application process. Public support of these projects is a consideration of funding. The following Sawtooth National Forest projects are up for grant funding consideration:
Bear Creek Transfer Camp Improvements – This Recreation Vehicle Fund grant request would allow staff to replace fire rings, picnic tables, site markers and to add new metal utility tables to each campsite. A new information board, directional signage, road maintenance and a graveled-surface parking area would improve the camping experience and improve recreational vehicle access. Contact for this project is Steve Frost, who can be reached at 208-764-3202, via e-mail at steven.frost@usda.gov or by mail sent to Frost’s attention at Fairfield Ranger District, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, ID, 83327. Fairfield Ranger District Motorized Trails – This grant request would allow staff to conduct continued on page 3...
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
January 11, 2023
Idaho State Groomer of the Year
Vol 47 Num 2
Steve Waugh of Gooding, Idaho, was recently named 2023 Idaho State Groomer of the Year. He was presented the award at the January meeting of the Northside Snowmobile Club Meeting by Jamie Guthrie, Idaho State Snowmobile Association Board Member. Steve has been active in snowmobiling since the age of 3 when he first drove his own snowmobile, an Elan. His family was actively involved in the snowmobile club of which he attended meetings as a young child. He is currently the Coordinating Operator of the Grooming program in Camas County. He has been involved in the grooming program for over 40 years. When the grooming program first started, trails were groomed with a snowmobile pulling a small groomer behind and all work was done on a volunteer basis. It would take most of the day to get to Wells Summit. Over time,the grooming operations have changed and grooming the trails is now much more comfortable in an enclosed cab and with much better equipment allowing a smoother, better trail. Steve loves the outdoors and working with people and organizations to keep snowmobiling and now snow bike riding safe for families. Safety has always been Steve's number 1 concern. He is constantly checking avalanche danger and snow conditions before sending his operators out to groom. He attributes this award to the many dedicated operators he has worked with and trained to keep this program fun and safe for families to enjoy. An acknowledgment and special thanks needs to be made to John Peterson, who has spent many years along side Steve as the main mechanic keeping the groomer serviced and operating properly. Thanks, Steve, for making winter fun!