January 2021: Unemployment Benefit Claim Fraud

By

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT CLAIM FRAUD:

WHAT TO DO IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU

Employers across the country, including several of our clients, are receiving fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits. According to USA Today, at least $36 billion in fraudulent unemployment payments have been siphoned from the system since the pandemic began. Policy factors accelerating benefits for those in need and the expanded $600 in benefits provided by the CARES Act have served as increased motivation for scammers. Many organizations, including the DOL, FBI, and state agencies are working together to identify fraud and increase cybersecurity measures.

If you are an employer and receive a “Request for Facts About a Former Employee’s Employment” or a “Notice of Unemployment Insurance Claim, Wages Reported, and Possible Charges” for a current employee, the following steps should be followed:
  1. Notify the employee to file a Fraud Report online at cdle.colorado.gov/fraud-prevention
  2. The employer should, on the Request for Facts notice, mark “Other Reasons” in box 9 and write on the face of the notice, “This is a fraudulent claim, verified with the employee,” sign it, date it and mail it to Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Unemployment Insurance Operations, PO Box 400, Denver CO 80201? 0400
  3. Retain a copy for your records
If you receive unemployment paperwork or a debit card without a claim, a fraud report should be filed with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). The form can be found here. Additionally, the CDLE recommends completing the five steps illustrated below:
To protect yourself against fraud, never give out personally identifiable information over the phone. The CDLE will never contact you and ask for your social security number, bank account information, passwords, or other personally identifiable information.
We understand that falling victim to unemployment fraud and identity theft is alarming. If you are the victim of unemployment fraud, we highly encourage you to use the resources above provided by the CDLE. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions, and we will do our best to provide financial peace of mind.

2021 SOUKUP BUSH DEADLINES

FEBRUARY 22, 2021 – Please provide all documents and required information for partnership and S-corporation tax returns by February 22, 2021. In order to provide our best service, your tax return will be extended and completed after April 15, 2021, if there is still outstanding information needed by February 22, 2021.
Please Note: extended business returns will be prepared after the individual filing deadline, April 15, 2021. Thus, we will also be filing an extension for your individual return if we extend your business return.
MARCH 22, 2021 – Please provide all documents and required information for individual and C-corporation tax returns by March 22, 2021. In order to provide our best service, your tax return will be extended and completed after April 15, 2021, if there is still outstanding information needed by March 22, 2021.

FILING DEADLINES
FEBRUARY 1, 2021 – Form 1099 NEC must be filed with the IRS for any non-employee compensation paid
MARCH 1, 2021 – Forms 1099 and 1096 must be filed with the IRS if filing by mail
MARCH 15, 2021 – Federal and state income tax returns are due for flow-through entities, including partnerships and S-Corporations
MARCH 31, 2021 – Forms 1099 and 1096 must be filed with the IRS if filing electronically
APRIL 15, 2021 – Federal and state income tax returns are due for individual taxpayers, C-Corporations, and Estates and Trusts
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 – Federal and state income tax returns are due for flow-through entities, including partnerships and S-Corporations if extended
SEPTEMBER 30, 2021 – Federal and state income tax returns are due for trusts if extended
OCTOBER 15, 2021 – Federal and state income tax returns are due for individual taxpayers, and C-Corporations if extended
2021 ESTIMATED PAYMENT DEADLINES
JANUARY 15, 2021 – 4th quarter estimated payments for 2020 are due to the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue
APRIL 15, 2021 – 1st quarter estimated payments for 2021 are due to the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue
JUNE 15, 2021 – 2nd quarter estimated payments for 2021 are due to the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021 – 3rd quarter estimated payments for 2021 are due to the IRS and Colorado Department of Revenue