USA Government News

IRS Reminds Car Shoppers about 2009 Tax Break

2009-12-22T10:20:00.001-08:00

The Internal Revenue Service today reminds individual taxpayers who are considering buying a new car that they have until Dec. 31 to take advantage of a tax break that may not be around in 2010. IRS Reminds Car Shoppers about 2009 Tax Break

Money Making Scam: FTC Seeks Scam Marketer's Assets in Bankruptcy Court to Repay Money Owed to Consumers

2009-12-22T10:06:00.001-08:00

The Federal Trade Commission has filed a complaint in bankruptcy court seeking assets from the operator of a defunct money-making scam, so that those assets can be used to help pay more than $17 million that he owes consumers as a result of a court judgment against him. Money Making Scam: FTC Seeks Scam Marketer's Assets in Bankruptcy Court to Repay Money Owed to Consumers

OSHA safety tips for ski resort workers to stay safe on the job

2009-12-11T11:43:00.001-08:00

In March, a ski patroller died after a fall while on duty in the backcountry of a mountain resort. She was not wearing a helmet. Ski season is here, so OSHA is encouraging ski resort employers and workers, especially ski patrollers, to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from severe injury while on the job. OSHA safety tips for ski resort workers to stay safe on the job

IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

2009-12-09T18:21:00.001-08:00

The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2010 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. IRS Announces 2010 Standard Mileage Rates

IRS: First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify

2009-11-24T22:06:00.001-08:00

A new law that went into effect Nov. 6 extends the first-time homebuyer credit five months and expands the eligibility requirements for purchasers. IRS: First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; Some Current Homeowners Now Also Qualify

Quit Smoking during the Great American Smokeout

2009-11-13T08:22:00.001-08:00

Although the United States has made great strides toward reducing the prevalence of smoking, approximately 46 million adults (20.6% of the population) still smoke , and every day, another 1,000 young persons become new smokers. Quit Smoking during the Great American Smokeout

BlueHippo: FTC Lodges Contempt Charge Against BlueHippo

2009-11-13T08:08:00.001-08:00

The Federal Trade Commission has asked a federal court to issue a contempt order against BlueHippo, a company that collected more than $15 million from consumers based on claims that it would finance their purchases of new computers, but delivered neither the financing nor the financed computers, in violation of a 2008 court order. BlueHippo: FTC Lodges Contempt Charge Against BlueHippo

Expanded Recovery Act Tax Credits Help Homeowners

2009-11-10T09:56:00.001-08:00

People can now weatherize their homes and be rewarded for their efforts. According to the Internal Revenue Service, homeowners making energy-saving improvements this fall can cut their winter heating bills and lower their 2009 tax bill as well.

Expanded Recovery Act Tax Credits Help Homeowners

Disaster Preparedness Costs Little, Saves A Lot

2009-10-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. And being prepared doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Disaster Preparedness Costs Little, Saves A Lot

Toyota Issues Vehicle Safety Advisory for Various Models

2009-10-23T11:57:00.001-07:00

Recent events have prompted Toyota to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. Toyota Issues Vehicle Safety Advisory for Various Models

Sexual Harassment: Private Prison Settles Retaliation Claims for Women

2009-10-20T06:24:00.001-07:00

EEOC Says Male Managers Demanded Sexual Favors From Female Subordinates, Sexual Harassment: Private Prison Settles Retaliation Claims for Women

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Adults

2009-10-20T06:01:00.001-07:00

In 2008, an estimated 8.3 million adults aged 18 or older (3.7 percent of the adult population) had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year; 2.3 million (1.0 percent) made a suicide plan; and, 1.1 million (0.5 percent) attempted suicide. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Adults

Free College Money for Foster Youth

2009-10-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don't have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you're in school. Free College Money for Foster Youth

IRS: Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

2009-10-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

Many taxpayers who purchase a home this year will qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. The refundable first-time homebuyer credit is a major tax provision in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. But time is running out to qualify for this credit. IRS: Ten Facts about the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Free Nursing CEUs: Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetic Testing

2009-09-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

The goal of this report is to improve the quality and usefulness of laboratory services for genetic testing to achieve better health outcomes for the public. Free Nursing CEUs: Good Laboratory Practices for Molecular Genetic Testing for Heritable Diseases and Conditions

IRS: Hidden Offshore Accounts, IRS Extends Deadline to October 15, 2009

2009-09-23T08:16:00.001-07:00

The Internal Revenue Service today announced a one-time extension of the deadline for special voluntary disclosures by taxpayers with unreported income from hidden offshore accounts. These taxpayers now have until Oct. 15, 2009. IRS: Hidden Offshore Accounts, IRS Extends Deadline to October 15, 2009

Mortgage Relief Services Scams: FTC Announces New Crackdown

2009-09-21T06:30:00.001-07:00

The Federal Trade Commission today announced two new law enforcement actions in a continuing crackdown on mortgage foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams, bringing to 22 the number of these cases the Commission has filed since the housing crisis began. The FTC also announced developments in similar pending mortgage-related action. Mortgage Relief Services Scams: FTC Announces New Crackdown

California Prescription Drug-Monitoring System Unveils Statewide

2009-09-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

The recent deaths of Anna Nicole Smith and Michael Jackson have made clear to the whole world just how dangerous prescription drug abuse can be," said Brown. "Today, my office is inaugurating a high-tech monitoring system that will enable doctors and law enforcement to identify and stop prescription-drug seekers from doctor-shopping and abusing prescription drugs. California Prescription Drug-Monitoring System

Auto Insurance Fraud Increases as Economy Worsens

2009-09-11T07:05:00.001-07:00

Financially desperate residents and scam artists may be committing more automobile insurance fraud to cash in on insurance money. Auto Insurance Fraud Increases as Economy Worsens

Uncle Sam Seeking New Artists

2009-09-04T05:06:00.001-07:00

The United States Mint is inviting artists from throughout the United States to apply for participation in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) to help enrich and invigorate the design of coins and medals. Uncle Sam Seeking New Artists

Cash for Clunkers Wraps up with Nearly 700,000 car sale

2009-08-29T01:53:00.001-07:00

T he CARS program came to a close Tuesday night with nearly 700,000 clunkers taken off the roads, replaced by far more fuel efficient vehicles. Rebate applications worth $2.877 billion were submitted by the 8 p.m. deadline, under the $3 billion provided by Congress to run the program. Cash for Clunkers Wraps up with Nearly 700,000 car sale

Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scammers Still Prey on Stressed

2009-08-28T10:29:00.001-07:00

As previously reported in FDIC Consumer News, many homeowners having difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments are being targeted by criminals who charge large upfront fees and falsely "guarantee" to rescue a home from foreclosure. Foreclosure Rescue and Loan Modification Scammers Still Prey on Stressed

IRS: Eight Things to Know If You Receive an IRS Notice

2009-08-27T11:49:00.001-07:00

Every year, the IRS sends millions of letters and notices to taxpayers. Many taxpayers will receive this correspondence during the late summer and fall. Here are eight things every taxpayer should know about IRS notices â€" just in case one shows up in your mailbox. IRS: Eight Things to Know If You Receive an IRS Notice

Mortgage Fraud: Nine Sentenced in Alaska's Largest Mortgage Fraud Investigation

2009-08-26T02:19:00.001-07:00

United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that on August 21, 2009, lead defendant was sentenced to 70 months in prison for his leadership of a large-scale mortgage fraud scheme. Mortgage Fraud: Nine Sentenced in Alaska's Largest Mortgage Fraud Investigation

White House Council on Women and Girls Invitation to discuss Women & Healthcare

2009-08-25T12:44:00.001-07:00

This Wednesday is the 89^th Anniversary of women getting the right to vote! To celebrate Women's Equality Day, we are holding a call to update you on the Council on Women and Girls and discuss health reform's impact on women.