Five Signs to Know if Your Tax Preparer is a Fraud
SACRAMENTO, California, March 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — It is a typical scenario. Your neighbor refers a tax preparer who helped him get a big tax refund. You go to the tax preparer. You tell him you’re not great at keeping records. The tax preparer says not to worry, he’ll estimate.
You get a big refund. You’re thrilled. The tax preparer says because he helped you get such a big refund, he’ll take 15 percent of it as part of his fee. You sign the return. You look at his signature line that only includes a business label. At least it’s not blank, right? Wrong. Below are common signs your tax preparer is a fraud.
Claims they are endorsed by the IRS – The Internal Revenue Service does not endorse tax preparers. It only recognizes certain credentials – certified public accountants (CPAs), enrolled agents or attorneys. They have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. Some states have additional standards for other tax preparers. For example, California requires unlicensed tax preparers to complete tax courses and register with California Tax Education Council (CTEC).
Doesn’t have a PTIN — Anyone who prepares federal tax returns for a fee is required by the IRS to have an individual Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and include it on federal returns.
Signs with a label or as “self prepared” — Paid tax preparers are required to sign your returns. Beware it they sign it “self prepared” or use a business label.
Takes a percentage of your refund as payment — Beware of tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or claim they can obtain larger refunds than competitors. The fee should be based on the complexity of your return, not your refund.
Suggests you direct deposit your refund to an outside account — Questionable tax preparers may tell you it is more convenient; however, it is one of the most common ways scammers steal refunds. Your refund should always go directly to you.
CTEC is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1997 by the California State Legislature to protect taxpayers against fraud. Visit ctec.org.
Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1123430/California_Tax_Education_Council_Tips.mp4
SOURCE California Tax Education Council (CTEC)
Moms Unite Through App To Help COVID-19 Childcare Crisis
LEHI, Utah, March 17, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — While school districts across the nation continue to close, many parents still need to work in order to provide for their families. With more than 26 million children now home during regular school hours, the need for safe childcare is at an all-time high.
The Momni App offers a timely solution to the current childcare crisis caused by the impact of coronavirus closures. By helping parents get in contact with local families to offer or receive childcare services, parents are able to find childcare that will not expose children to large groups typically seen at traditional daycares and schools. In addition, Momni also provides work from home opportunities for those hourly and contracted employees who may be without work during coronavirus related closures.
Due to the seriousness of this issue, Momni will be waiving fees on the platform through April 30, 2020. They hope this will help parents find the childcare needed at an affordable price.
Those that sign up as hosts have the opportunity to earn income by providing childcare to users registered as guests. Those that sign up as guests can locate hosts, request childcare, and make payments directly through the Momni app. Both guests and hosts are required to go through an in-depth verification process and have the option to leave reviews after every booking.
Founded in Utah, by mother and entrepreneur Karmel Larson, Momni is a caresharing app that allows users to sign up as guests, hosts or both. “We hope that this situation will bring our communities together,” says Larson, “This is something we can do to help support one another and ensure childcare needs are met.”
To learn more and become a registered user, visit momni.com
You may access our press kit here.
For media inquiries, email us at [email protected].
Video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVLzGteY_Cs
SOURCE Momni
Kanal D Drama Tops Among Female Viewers Since Its Launch In The U.S.
MIAMI, March 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — THEMA América, a Canal+ group company, announced today that since its launch last November, Kanal D Drama’s Turkish series have achieved high viewership. Kanal D Drama is the product of a strategic alliance between THEMA and Kanal D International, world leaders in exporting Turkish productions. Kanal D Drama is the first and only channel that broadcasts the most renowned Turkish dramas worldwide.
Kanal D Drama was launched for the first time in the U.S. Hispanic market through Comcast’s Xfinity Latino TV package, reaching one million subscribers. In just a few months, Kanal D Drama ranks 8th in VOD views within all Hispanic networks which offer VOD content via Xfinity. Series such as ‘Mi último Deseo (Bidding Farewell), Hulya, y ¿Qué culpa tiene Fatmagul? (What Is Fatmagul’s Fault?) ranked top three amogst Kanal D Drama’s VOD offering on Xfinity.
“It is very gratifying to see the acceptance that this channel has had on different platforms in just a few months since its launch in the U.S.,” said Francheska León de la Barra, Marketing Director for THEMA America and responsible for the Kanal D Drama brand in the U.S. and LatAm. She added, “For Kanal D Drama’s launch in the U.S., we made a well curated selection of the most successful Kanal D International series, among which was the great audience success ¿Qué Culpa tiene Fatmagul? (What Is Fatmagul’s Fault?), and our Spanish-speaking audience quickly embraced it. People are tuning into this channel on more and more platforms and social networks, with a combined total of over 12 million impressions and engagement of almost three million.”
As of last January a report shows that 87% of the captive audience for Kanal D Drama in the U.S. are women, 26.1% between 35 to 44 years old, and 22.5% between 45 and 54. This is the same phenomenal in audience acceptance that Kanal D Drama has experienced in Latin America and throughout the world.
Currently, Kanal D Drama offers over 1,500 hours of entertainment, including among others, the successful Kanal D International series ¿Qué Culpa Tiene Fatmagul?, (What Is Fatmagul’s Fault?), Hulya, Chicas del Sol (Sunshine Girls), Guerra de las Rosas (War of the Roses), Kuzey Guney, Amanecer (Waiting for the Sun) which premieres on March 18, and Mi Último Deseo (Bidding Farewell), which has excellent audience metrics so far this year.
Kanal D Drama was launched in 2018 in Latin America, and since then has continued to experience the same rapid growth in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Panama, Chile, and Argentina, among others. For example, the channel’s flagship series, ¿Qué Culpa Tiene Fatmagul?, became Chile’s most successful Turkish series, averaging 30 points per broadcast, and even reaching 35 points, according to IBOPE, a major media research firm. In Peru, the series outperformed stellar Peruvian programs that had never had any primetime competition.
¿Qué Culpa Tiene Fatmagul?, a series based on a real event, is also very popular also in other countries of the Arab world, where it even had such an impact that it caused an increase in tourism in Istanbul, as many tourists traveled to Turkey to visit some of the locations where it was shot, such as the restaurant where Fatmagul worked. In addition, in countries such as Spain, ¿Qué Culpa Tiene Fatmagul? has greatly increased its audience since its release, and its global hegemony continues.
¿Qué Culpa Tiene Fatmagul? airs Monday through Friday at 8:20 p.m. Eastern / 5:20 pm Pacific. The premiere of Amanecer airs on March 18, at 10:00 pm ET/ 7:00 pm PT on Kanal D Drama, Xfinity, and Xfinity On Demand.
About Thema America:
THEMA, a Canal+ group company, is a leading distributor of thematic and multicultural content on all platforms for MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributors). It has a varied portfolio of more than 180 channels worldwide. Its portfolio includes, among others, Kanal D Drama, in association with Kanal D International; CincoMAS, an international offering of Mediaset Spain; MEZZO Live HD, Canal+ International, Canal+’s first offering for the French-speaking community in the Americas; and serving Hispanic communities in the U.S., it offers Mexico’s leading channels, Once Mexico and Canal 22 International, and the Dominican Republic’s Telemicro Internacional, among others.
About Kanal D International:
Kanal D is the leading national TV channel of Turkey broadcasting under Demirören Media, Turkey’s leading and Europe’s fourth largest media organization, operating at television, newspaper, internet and magazine publishing and distribution industries. Kanal D is creating world class premium content as one of the top content providers in the world for 26 years. Kanal D International is the global distribution company of Kanal D, reaching to a wide profile of audience in more than 154 countries and territories, including Africa, Asia, the Balkans, Europe, Latam, MENA and the Far East, by providing award winning content including series and programs.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1134642/Thema.jpg
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SOURCE Thema
March of Dimes Welcomes Ariel Gonzalez as Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Relations
ARLINGTON, Va., March 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — March of Dimes, the leading organization fighting for the health of moms and babies, announced today the appointment of Ariel Gonzalez, Esq. as Senior Vice President of Policy and Government Relations. Gonzalez will lead the development and implementation of March of Dimes’ federal and state government affairs and public policy agenda. The Government and Policy Relations team is responsible for advancing March of Dimes’ legislative priorities that would improve health equity, reduce prematurity, preventable maternal mortality and make measurable strides for the health of moms and babies.
“The U.S. is in the midst of a maternal and infant health crisis and our Policy and Government Relations team is instrumental in expanding much-needed protections for moms and babies,” said March of Dimes President and CEO Stacey D. Stewart. “I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Ariel Gonzalez to lead the team and look forward to leaning on him and his years of experience as we advocate for commonsense policies.”
Gonzalez has more than 20 years of experience in government relations, advocacy and public health policy for membership associations and Fortune 500 companies. He has served in senior roles for major health advocacy groups like the American Psychiatric Association (APA), AARP, and the American College of Radiology. At APA, Gonzalez helped lead the passage of mental health and substance use disorder reform. Earlier at AARP, he served as chief Capitol Hill lobbyist and expert on Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act among other issues. He holds a Juris Doctorate from The Catholic University of America and a Master of Arts in Legislative Affairs from The George Washington University.
“I’m excited to join March of Dimes at this pivotal moment, as Congress and state houses across the country consider critical legislation that promotes the health of women in their reproductive years, as well as their babies,” said Gonzalez. “Time is of the essence, and I look forward to working with advocates, volunteers and partner organizations across the country to make a positive difference in the lives of moms and babies.”
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.
Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513643/March_of_Dimes_Foundation_Logo.jpg
SOURCE March of Dimes
Goya Foods Donates 18,225 Meals To New York City Students And Families
JERSEY CITY, N.J., March 16, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Goya Foods, America’s largest Hispanic owned food company, has a longstanding history of donating millions of pounds of food in times of disaster and desperate need through the company’s global program Goya Gives. In anticipation of the financial impact caused by the Coronavirus epidemic, Goya donated 18,225 meals to students of six New York City high schools including Food and Finance High School, High School of Hospitality Management, Facing History High School, Urban Assembly School of Design and Construction, Manhattan Bridges High School, and P.S. 138 District 75 School.
As city schools begin to take precautions, New York City families are already starting to feel the burden at home. “We understand that this is going to be a tough few weeks for many and we wanted to help support families and students during this time, who often only eat a healthy meal while attending school,” said Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods. “We’re prepared to do our part and help in any way we can.”
Each student at all six high schools will receive a bag filled with a 5-pound bag of Goya rice, a 1-pound bag of Goya black beans, a 1-pound bag of Goya pink beans, and two 16.9-ounce tetra of Goya coconut water. “Goya is providing comfort and sustenance in a time of great uncertainty for our students and their families. Goya’s generosity reminds us that in a time of crisis, we all have a role to play to address the needs of at-risk families,” said Nan Shipley, Board Chair of the Food Education Fund.
Goya executives donated the first round of donations to all students at the Food and Finance High School on Friday, May 13, 2020. The remainder of the food donation will be distributed over the next week to students.
For more information about Goya Gives, please visit, www.goya.com
About GOYA
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures, packages, and distributes over 2,500 high-quality food products from Spain, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world. The combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation makes Goya products ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit www.goya.com.
For more information & photos:
Natalie J. Maniscalco
Mobile: 845.659.6506
[email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1134358/Goya_Foods_Donates.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/143145/goya_foods_logo.jpg
SOURCE Goya Foods, Inc.
Royal Caribbean Announces Global Suspension Of Cruising
MIAMI, March 14, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Given global public health circumstances, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has decided to suspend the sailings of our fleet globally at midnight tonight.
We will conclude all current sailings as scheduled and assist our guests with their safe return home.
As with our announcement yesterday regarding U.S. sailings, we expect to return to service on April 11, 2020.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
/A D D E N D U M — Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd./
In the news release, Royal Caribbean Announces Voluntary Suspension of Cruising, issued 13-Mar-2020 by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company that the following addendum should be added to the release after the third paragraph: “Cruises that depart U.S. ports before midnight tonight and international cruises will operate their scheduled itineraries. U.S. ships already at sea will finish their itineraries as planned.” The complete, corrected release follows:
Royal Caribbean Announces Voluntary Suspension of Cruising
MIAMI, March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced that it is suspending cruising in the United States for 30 days.
We understand the gravity of the public health crisis confronting the country. And this is our part to play. So, beginning at midnight tonight, we are pausing the fleet’s US sailings for 30 days.
We are reaching out to our guests to help them work through this disruption to their vacations, and we are truly sorry for their inconvenience. We are also communicating with our crew to work out the issues this decision presents for them. We know this adds great stress to our guests, employees and crew, and we are working to minimize the disruption.
Cruises that depart U.S. ports before midnight tonight and international cruises will operate their scheduled itineraries. U.S. ships already at sea will finish their itineraries as planned.
Our business is providing great vacations and creating great memories. We look forward to getting back to work as soon as we can.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677715/RCL_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
March of Dimes Launches Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund
ARLINGTON, Va., March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, March of Dimes launched the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to help protect moms and babies from COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease. As the public grapples with the spread of the disease, March of Dimes is serving as a resource for moms and providing them with the information and resources they need to protect their families.
“Mothers across the nation are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and the risk it poses to themselves and their infants,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. “We’re launching the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to support expecting mothers as they try to protect themselves and their infants from this coronavirus. We believe in leveraging our extensive network of advocates, donors, volunteers and other supporters to help protect moms and babies in this time of need.”
March of Dimes will use funds raised from the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to support research for necessary interventions to prevent or treat COVID-19, advocate on behalf of moms and babies on this issue and educate the public about precautionary measures. This initiative will support, for example:
- Research for COVID-19 Interventions for Moms and Moms-to-Be: The $8.3 billion appropriated by Congress to address COVID-19 does not specifically allocate funds for research of interventions that pregnant or lactating women may be able to use. March of Dimes will support research to learn how moms and babies are impacted by COVID-19 and help fast track the development of interventions, such as a vaccine, for COVID-19 that are safe for pregnant and lactating women.
- Advocacy in Response to COVID-19 and Improvements in Access to Care for Moms and Babies: March of Dimes will call on government officials to include pregnant and lactating women in clinical trials for COVID-19 interventions. March of Dimes will work to ensure the most vulnerable populations across the nation have access to these vaccines and/or therapeutics once they are developed.
- Education for Parents about COVID-19: March of Dimes will leverage its vast network to inform parents about how best to protect their families from COVID-19. March of Dimes will elevate awareness and educate families across the country with the latest information about COVID-19 and ensure they stay informed about COVID-19 countermeasures in development and distribution. March of Dimes will work closely with hospital partners and other healthcare systems to ensure their workforce and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and women in pregnancy care programs are receiving the resources and information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.
“March of Dimes is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 around the U.S. and world,” added Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes. “Currently, we have little evidence that explains how COVID-19 will impact moms and babies. Through this fund, we will work to gather those important answers so that we can best serve moms and babies now and in the future. Today, we are here to support you and your family with the information you need to know during this global pandemic.”
March of Dimes has a proven track record of stepping up to help moms and babies in times of need. During the most recent federal government shutdown, March of Dimes collected and distributed unused diapers to local shelters. In the aftermath of natural disasters, March of Dimes raised funds to support expectant mothers, infants and families with essential resources like formula and breastfeeding support, and NICU assistance.
Once the goal of the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund has been satisfied, March of Dimes will distribute donations where the need is greatest to support the health of all moms and babies. For more information about the fund and how you can support this initiative, visit marchofdimes.org/covid19fund.
About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/513643/March_of_Dimes_Foundation_Logo.jpg
SOURCE March of Dimes
COVID-19 Update: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library And Museum Will Close To The Public Until Further Notice
SIMI VALLEY, Calif., March 12, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Due to the announcement of the National Archives and Records Administration made today, effective Friday, March 13, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum will close to the public. The Reagan Museum will be open to the public on Friday, March 13 as its last day of operation until further notice. All Presidential Libraries will be closing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. With public safety in mind, the Reagan Foundation will continue to reassess the situation and will work to re-open its facilities as soon as possible. The closing of the Reagan Museum includes the cancellation of any events scheduled at the Reagan Library until at least March 31, 2020. Please continue to check our website at www.reaganlibrary.com for updates.
THE REAGAN FOUNDATION AND LIBRARY:
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is the nonprofit organization created by President Reagan himself and specifically charged by him with continuing his legacy and sharing his principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, global democracy and national pride. The Foundation is a non-partisan organization which sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA, the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, the Presidential Learning Center, The Air Force One Pavilion and the award-winning Discovery Center, as well as the Reagan Institute, which carries out the Foundation’s work in Washington, D.C.
The Reagan Library houses over 55 million pages of Gubernatorial, Presidential and personal papers and over 60,000 gifts and artifacts chronicling the lives of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It also serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and his First Lady.
www.reaganfoundation.org
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SOURCE The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute