NEW IRS PHONE SCAMS - IRS WILL NOT CALL YOU and ask you questions!

WASHINGTON — Aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents remain a major threat to taxpayers, but now the IRS is receiving new reports of scammers calling under the guise of verifying tax return information over the phone. The latest variation being seen in the last few weeks tries to play off the current tax season. Scam artists call saying they have your tax return, and they just need to verify a few details to process your return. The scam tries to get you to give up personal information such as a Social Security number or personal financial information, such as bank numbers or credit cards. THE IRS WILL NOT CALL YOU! They DO NOT conduct business this way! Do NOT give the caller ANY information. Contact your tax preparer or contact the IRS.

For 2009 and 2010, if you have a household employee, like a nanny or caregiver, you must declare them and pay payroll taxes on wages when they exceed $1,700 per year.

Selling online (such as via Ebay) is considered a taxable activity. If you are a 'casual seller', meaning you sell occasionally without intending to make a profit, you probably don't need to report the activity. If you are a more active seller, selling items at a profit or if you are selling collectibles, you must report the income either as a hobby or a business venture.