The IRS urges people to use care and caution when choosing a tax preparer.  Remember, you are legally responsible for what's on your tax return even if it was prepared by an another individual or firm.

Most tax return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. However, unscrupulous tax return preparers do exist and can cause considerable financial and legal problems for their clients.  Therefore, it's important to find a qualified tax professional.

The following tips will help you choose a preparer who will offer the best service for your tax preparation needs.

1. Check the person's qualifications Ask if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.
2. Check on the preparer's history Check to see if the preparer has any questionable history with the Better Business Bureau, the state's board of accountancy for CPAs or the state's bar association for attorneys.
3. Find out about their service fees Avoid preparers that base their fee on a percentage of the amount of your refund or those who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.
4. Make sure the tax preparer is accessible  Make sure you will be able to contact the tax preparer after the return has been filed, even after April 15, in case questions arise.
5. Provide all records and receipts needed to prepare your return Most reputable preparers will request to see your records and receipts and will ask you multiple questions to determine your total income and your qualifications for expenses, deductions and other items.
6. Never sign a blank return Avoid tax preparers that ask you to sign a blank tax form.
7. Review the entire return before signing it  Before you sign your tax return, review it and ask questions. Make sure you understand everything and are comfortable with the accuracy of the return before you sign it.
8. Make sure the preparer signs the form  A paid preparer must sign the return as required by law. Although the preparer signs the return, you are responsible for the accuracy of every item on your return.  The preparer must also give you a copy of the return.

You can report abusive tax preparers and suspected tax fraud to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.  Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.      

Make One Million Women Stronger in 2010

Fitness franchise launches campaign to promote fitness to prevent disease,

focuses on sharing success stories with others

Oakhurst, CA (Grassroots Newswire) January 13, 2010 - Curves of Oakhurst will be joining other Curves facilities throughout the world this January in a company-wide campaign called Stronger -+ Together, an international movement to make one million women healthier in 2010. The program will rely heavily on women sharing their success stories and providing confidence and inspiration to others.

PG&E Offers Customers Special Incentives

• Keep your thermostat set at 68°F to stay comfortable and save gas.
• Close all doors and windows while your HVAC system is running.
• Regularly check all air ducts and pipe insulation for damage.
• Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F or "low."
• Perform routine HVAC maintenance.
• Turn off gas equipment and heating appliances when not in use.
• Install weather stripping around windows, pipes, and doors to reduce drafts.
• Have a contractor check your central heating/air for leaks. 20 percent of heated air can be lost through leaking ducts.
• Take advantage of PG&E rebates and incentives and invest in energy efficient gas equipment.

Oakhurst, CA. - A committee formed from the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for talented artists who can create a logo for a new signature event.

The Yosemite International Jazz Festival, currently being planned for fall of 2011, will be a big event according to organizers. "The momentum the organizing committee is building is incredible," said committee chairperson Angelo Pizelo. "This is going to be an amazing festival with a lot of exciting events that will be a tremendous draw for our community."

As the festival is still in its planning stages, the group is in need of a logo to symbolize the event. "We want something that will reflect the mountains, Yosemite and jazz," said Pizelo. "Something attractive to use in our marketing materials that will catch the eye and help create interest."

The winner of the contest will receive a $500 prize. The money is being donated by the Eastern Madera County Foundation; a philanthropic organization formed by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce for the benefit of Eastern Madera. The Chamber is also the organizing force behind the event.

The festival, which is anticipated to make a substantial impact to the community's economy, is also being organized as a fundraiser benefitting the Oakhurst Civic Center project. "This is an important vision for Oakhurst, to give residents a place to gather, a center point for our community. This festival will go a long way to making that a reality," Pizelo said.

Logo submissions can be emailed to jarrod@YosemiteThisYear.com, or mailed to the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, 41969 Highway 41, Oakhurst, CA, 93644 and marked "Jazz Festival Logo Contest." All submissions must be original works. No clip art will be accepted. All reproduction rights will remain with the Jazz Festival and its principals. No royalties outside the $500 cash prize for the winner will be paid. Only digital submissions, either emailed or mailed on a CD, will be accepted. All submissions must be received by March 1. The committee will announce a winner by April 15.