Tax Tips:

Shop Maryland Energy Weekend

The Maryland Comptroller's Office has announced that the sales tax holiday for energy efficient equipment designated as "Shop Maryland Energy Weekend" is scheduled for February 18, 2012 through February 20, 2012. During the Shop Maryland Energy Weekend, the following Energy Star products are exempt from sales and use tax: air conditioners, clothes washers and dryers, furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, solar water heaters, standard size refrigerators, dehumidifiers, programmable thermostats, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.Click here for a list of FAQ,

Safeguard Your Refund - Choose Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the fastest, safest way to receive your tax refund. When a taxpayer combines e-file and direct deposit, the IRS will likely issue your refund in as few as 10 days.

Here are some reasons more than 79 million taxpayers chose direct deposit in 2011.

Don't be Scammed by Cyber Criminals

The Internal Revenue Service receives thousands of reports each year from taxpayers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls, faxes or notices claiming to be from the IRS. Many of these scams fraudulently use the IRS name or logo as a lure to make the communication appear more authentic and enticing. The goal of these scams - known as phishing - is to trick you into revealing your personal and financial information. The scammers can then use your information - like your Social Security number, bank account or credit card numbers - to commit identity theft or steal your money.

Here are five things the IRS wants you to know about phishing scams.

How to Prepare Before a Disaster Strikes

A home disaster can be stressful enough without reconstructing important records and accounting for belongings. The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to safeguard their financial and tax records before disaster strikes. Listed here are four simple tips for individuals on preparing for a disaster.