Susan Tompor
USA TODAY
Detroit, MI, United States
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Past articles by Susan:
You may soon get an IRS letter promising unclaimed tax refunds. It's a scam.
Scammers are sending unusual tax-related letters this summer, including one that IRS warns will boldly ask for a picture of your driver's license. → Read More
Fake savings bond scheme leads to $50M in losses and issues for legitimate savers
Savers are shocked that some banks and credit unions changed the rules when it comes to cashing savings bonds. The reason? An uptick in phony bonds. → Read More
Taylor Swift ticket scams are breaking fans' hearts: How to verify tickets are real
Watchdogs warn that scammers selling tickets to Taylor Swift concerts and other events are crafty. → Read More
That job or apartment listing may not be legitimate: How to watch for job and rental scams
Consumers who are looking for a place to live or a job are besieged by fake ads, phony texts and bad emails. Red flag: No one can meet you. → Read More
How sharing Facebook post about lost pet could put you, friends at risk of scam
Anyone who loves pets might readily share a Facebook post about a missing cat or dog. But scammers know how to pull all sorts of tricks. → Read More
IRS warns that a tax credit everyone's heard about definitely isn't for everyone
Hearing you can get a tax credit worth up to $26,000 can make anyone think twice. But the IRS is warning that some bad advice could trip you up. → Read More
IRS is trying to eliminate paper tax return backlog with digital scanning
IRS gives an update on new digital processing efforts to avoid backlog woes that hit hard during the pandemic. More limited Saturday hours announced. → Read More
Michigan property tax bills to head higher in 2023, thanks to inflation
Michigan homeowners face higher property taxes after taxable values go up by 5% — the highest level in years. → Read More
Tax refunds: When they're issued by IRS, why they're smaller, yet millions more are issued
The average size of the federal income tax refund is down 11.3% but the IRS issued 18.2% more refunds. What gives? When does money show up? → Read More
There's no secret way to get free money or a big refund, IRS warns
A new tax filing season scam encourages people to file fake returns using a fictitious number for taxes already withheld from jobs they don't hold. → Read More
Is the IRS really texting you? No, it's one of many tax scams.
Tax seasons brings out the scammers once again. Hotlines already hear complaints of 'pop-up' scams, bogus texts, bad tax preparers and more. → Read More
Detroit rapper sentenced in multimillion-dollar tax fraud scheme
Sameerah Marrell, 42, formerly of Detroit, pleaded guilty on Jan. 11 to mail fraud, wire fraud and committing an offense on bond. → Read More
What to know about the 2023 tax credit for clean vehicles if you're car shopping
Comsumers must keep up with IRS guidance in 2023 if they plan to buy an electric vehicle and get a tax credit when they file tax returns next year. → Read More
MSU tragedy brings out fake photos and Spartan Strong scams
Those wishing to support MSU after the Feb. 13 mass shooting are warned to watchout for fake merchandise and Facebook posts. → Read More
IRS processing returns faster in first 3 weeks — but average refunds down 14%
Early tax refunds aren't as generous as they were a year ago. The average refund is down 14% for the first three weeks, compared with last year. → Read More
US credit card debt soars: What to know about rising rates, balance transfers
Credit card debt is higher than before the pandemic. Some borrowers in their 20s and 30s see more financial stress, even though job market is strong. → Read More
You can buy I Bonds with your tax refund: What to know about rates, deadline
The outlook for inflation is touch and go but experts say it's a good time to buy I Bonds before the end of April. How to use your tax refund, too. → Read More
IRS tells 21 states how to handle last year's special payments
Taxpayers in 21 states faced confusion on how to handle money they received in special state refunds or payments in 2022. The IRS finally has answers. → Read More
IRS already issues nearly 8 million refunds but average refund is much smaller
The 2023 tax season kicked off with nearly 8 million refunds being issued in the first two weeks but on average, refunds are smaller. → Read More
Online savings accounts, CDs are tempting while interest rates are high
Consumers who never thought of leaving a traditional bank are being tempted by online banks with names they don't recognize. → Read More