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It’s time again to start thinking about doing your taxes. And the schemes to separate you from your tax refund are already gearing up. Some are perfectly legal. Commercial tax preparers offer loans in advance of your tax refund, but they might come with high interest rates or steep fees. Most people are eligible for free online tax programs, but ProPublica found the companies often steer customers toward premium services that cost money. Other schemes are illegal. The Federal Trade Commission warns this time of year criminals step up efforts to get personal information they can use to steal peoples’ money. The FTC designated February 3rd through the 7th Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week. We’ll talk about ways to avoid getting taken for a ride this tax season.
Guests:
Paul Kiel – covers business and consumer finance for ProPublica
Brenda Anderson (Navajo, Gila River, Hopi) – managing attorney for DNA Peoples Legal Services in Window Rock
Michael Roberts (Tlingit) – president & CEO of the First Nations Development Institute
Seena Gressin – attorney with the Federal Trade Commission
Break 1 Music: Eagle Dance REMIX (single) Jason Brown/Decontie & Brown (artist)
Break 2 music: Siku (song) Pamyua (album) Caught In The Act (album)
