Susan Tompor
USA TODAY
Detroit, MI, United States
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Past articles by Susan:
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
Tax season havoc starts early in several states — not Michigan
Taxpayers in more than 20 states, according to the National Taxpayer Advocate, are asked to wait to file 2022 returns until the IRS issues guidance. → Read More
IRS in Detroit to offer taxpayers help without an appointment: 4 days you can walk in
Taxpayers dealing with ID theft or other woes may be able to use Saturday walk-in hours that the IRS has scheduled in Feburary, March, April and May. → Read More
Inflation relief checks like Michigan proposal could be taxed. IRS doesn't know yet.
Several states rolled out rebates and relief checks in 2022. Now, the IRS has to say what's taxable. Michigan is looking at its own checks in 2023. → Read More
How inflation and taxes hit giant profit-sharing checks for autoworkers
This year, the tax bite itself might be less painful when you receive a bonus or profit-sharing check, thanks to new federal tax changes. → Read More