I received this letter in the mail stating that I made an overpayment to a Texas based public agency and that I will lose my refund unless I apply before the deadline. Now I received this letter from a CPA who specializes in Asset Recovery services and according to the letter the amount owed to me is nearly $2000. I called them up and talked to a secretary. She said she had to set up an appointment w/ a CPA to talk to me for 30 minutes and that the process would take 2-3 months to get the refund. I asked how much it would cost for her services and said it would be half of what I would receive. I've never heard of this before and was wondering if there was a website I can go to to see if and where I made an overpayment so I could just recoup the money myself w/o having to pay an accountant. Is this possible? If not, what steps do I need to take to find out exactly how much refund I can get and how do I obtain it? Any advice would help! thanks!
That's what I thought. Anyways how would it be a scam if the only time I have to pay the person is when I get my refund?
Just go to https://txcpa.cpa.state.tx.us/up/Search.jsp and see if you have unclaimed funds. Sounds like this person randomly looks for unclaimed funds and for a fee will "claim" them for you. You can do it yourself for free.
Thanks, but how do I use the website? I mean, how do I search for the unclaimed funds if I don't know where I overpaid?
I didn't find anything? I'm curious why would a CPA send me a letter stating I have a refund of nearly $2000 when the website doesn't show anything?
Well, she has a good BBB rating, but this was on the BBB website: Industry Tips Unclaimed funds(Note: These tips pertain to the industry cited above and do not necessarily track our experience with the company in whose report BBB Definition: report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB Accreditation information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by BBB. they appear. In particular, industry complaints referenced below are typical of the industry as a whole, but not necessarily every company in the industry.) Individuals may have unclaimed funds available from any of several local, state, or federal agencies. Information about these unclaimed funds may be on the public record, but is not always easy to track down. Some companies research public records to obtain lists of persons who may be due unclaimed funds, and then offer, for a fee, to provide those individuals with information on how to collect the funds. If you decide to hire a company to assist you, read the contract carefully to be sure that you know how much the services will cost you and what the company will do to earn its fee. Individuals who would rather research, on their own, possible sources of unclaimed funds, are advised to contact the following common sources as a start: Tax Appraisal Offices, if you are a homeowner, to learn if you have filed all possible homestead tax exemptions, thereby reducing property taxes. Telephone your local city council representative to obtain the telephone number for the agency serving your address. Company advertisements to designate property as a homestead are required by Texas law to state prominently, "This document is an advertisement of services. It is not an official document of the state of Texas." In addition, the company cannot accept money from the homeowner or sign a contract for services without first disclosing the name of of the tax appraisal district or governmental body that owes the refund. Homeowners can designate homestead status at no charge by contacting their local tax or appraisal. district. County or District Clerk's office, if you have posted bail bonds and have not received your refund. Texas State Treasury Unclaimed Funds, 800-654-3463. Federal Housing Administration, if you are owed money on unearned premiums paid for FHA mortgage insurance, 703-235-8117. Sounds like its a littl bit of a tax scam thing and you can handle it on your own. If in doubt, call the your tax office or tax assesor.
I am, and it sounds like a scam to me. CPAs don't get to know who has overpaid to the government. The only thing that makes sense to me is they are trying to get you to pay them to file a homestead exemption.
wow. thanks so much guys! That article even dates back all the way to 2004! Anyways, new question, what's a homestead act and how can I recoup the money?
If you own a home and live in it (primary residence), you can claim a homestead exemption so that your property taxes are lower.
Crazy I just googled "karyn a ward cpa scam" as my mom is getting hit up by this "lady" and this thread was the second result. Right under my nose! Viva BBS!
