1)The IRS called me saying I owe money, what do I do??

A: The IRS will NEVER call you!!! It is a SCAM! Do NOT give them any information. The IRS is not after you and will not threaten you over the phone. Hang up and report the call to: www.tigta.gov

2) How long should I keep my tax records?

A: Per a recent visit to the good ol’ local IRS office, you should keep your tax returns with all records/receipts for 3 years, and all tax returns for 7 years.

Even though this is what the IRS recommends, I would say keep all receipts for at least 5 years, and tax returns for 10 years if you have the storage space. Feel free to shred any receipts and returns that are more than 10 years old, EXCEPT for escrows for property purchases and refi’s.

3) Where’s my refund?!?

A: The IRS and most states have this information online. You can check here: http://www.irs.gov/Refunds for Federal refunds

and here: https://www.ftb.ca.gov/refund/index.asp for California.

Other state websites can be found by searching here: www.google.com/