IVSComm Monthly Newsletter April 2019

Spring has Sprung!

Now is a good time to revisit your technology replacement policy. Tech assets like PCs and phones will lose value and performance over time. The right time to replace them is before their performance makes them frustrating to use every day. A PC’s average useful life is estimated at 3 to 5 years and is influenced by original quality, care, environment, and other factors. Desk phones can last indefinitely, but like all electronics, have an average useful life of their components - typically 5 to 8 years. Often, even if current equipment is still functioning well, it is a good idea to plan replacement of tech assets due to the enhanced features of the new versions.

IRS warns not to fall for scams this tax season

We don’t like to think about the taxes due this month, but we need to be aware of scams. The IRS listed their top twelve scams this tax season, with references to the relevant publications.

• Falsifying income and creating bogus documents (IR-2019-35) • Inflating deductions and/or credits by unscrupulous return preparers or taxpayers (IR-2019-36)
• Promises of inflated refunds by unscrupulous tax preparers (IR-2019-33)
• Tax return preparer fraud (IR-2019-32) • Identity theft by unscrupulous return preparers (IR-2019-30)
• Phone scams - the IRS will never call a taxpayer (IR-2019-28)
• Phishing - the IRS will never send email (IR-2019-26)
• Charitable contribution scams by fake charities (IR-2019-39)
• Improper claims for business credits like research and fuel tax credits (IR-2019- 42)
• Failure to report offshore funds (IR-2019-43)
• Frivolous tax arguments (IR-2019-45)
• Abusive tax shelters, trusts, and conservation easements (IR-2019-47)

Have you cleaned your phone recently?

Also on the topic of cleaning, your home or office phone may be dirtier than you think. Let’s not think about how it got that way, and just focus on how to clean it. First, unplug your phone cable(s). Use mild detergent and a cloth to gently clean the main body of the phone and the cord that connects to the handset. On the handset itself, use a cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol since that’s where the majority of the germs live. Remember to apply the cleanser to the cloth before using—do not spray or pour on the phone itself. After cleaning, let the phone dry completely before plugging the cables back in.

Quote of the Month 

“Behold, my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!”
—Sitting Bull