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Kentucky taxpayers should be aware of federal changes coming April 1

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The Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet is alerting Kentuckians to the possible impact federal changes could have for anybody who files their taxes between April 1 and April 15.

Governor Andy Beshear said during Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update that federal changes at the United States Postal Service mean the postmark on your mailed tax return may no longer match the day you dropped it off at your post office. As the postmark date is used to determine timely filing, the delayed postmarking could trigger penalties or interest for taxpayers.

Beshear said there are a few options available to avoid issues.

“You can file electronically to avoid any concern about it at all,” Beshear said. “In general, we encourage electronic filing because you’ll get your refunds faster. You can also mail early, at least a few days before the deadline. You can request a manual postmark at the post office, or you can use certified or registered mail for proof of mailing.”

Beshear also said new national requirements for fraud prevention will go into effect on April 1, and to receive your refund by direct deposit the name on your tax return must exactly match the name on your bank account.

“Otherwise, a paper check will be mailed,” Beshear said. “So if Andrew is on one of mine, but Andy is on the other, they could not, under this new tool for fraud prevention which is a requirement from the federal government, do a direct deposit.”

Visit the Kentucky Department of Revenue’s website for more information and taxpayer resources.

Watch out for scams concerning America 250 coins, tax season

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Local and state officials are reminding Kentuckians to be wary of several ongoing scam attempts.

In their latest newsletter, the Kentucky Stop Scams team says with the United States semiquincentennial coming up this summer, the U.S. Mint is unveiling new designs for the dime, quarter, and half dollar, along with special collectible coins and medals. On the heels of this, scammers are attempting to take advantage and are putting phony items on the market.

The Stop Scams team says if you plan on purchasing commemorative coins or medals, buy directly from the U.S. Mint. via their website. The Mint is the only authorized seller of 250th anniversary coins. Avoid purchasing products from resellers such as Facebook Marketplace, as deals that are “too good to be true” probably are just that. Check products before purchase, as coins from the Mint will be clearly labeled for their contents.

The Stop Scams team says another commonly reported scam right now involves tax season. Scammers are posing as IRS agents or tax professionals, advertising too good to be true refund offers, and sending out emails that contain phishing or malicious links. Never click a suspicious link, and never give out your personal information without verifying who you are giving it to. 

Visit www.irs.gov for more information on tax scams and fraud, and visit stopscams.ky.gov for more information or to sign up for alerts on ongoing scams.

March is time for agriculture tag renewal and chance to support future Kentucky farmers

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March is “Ag Tag Month” in Kentucky, as unlike standard passenger vehicles all farm vehicle license registrations in the commonwealth are renewed annually during March.

In addition to ensuring farm equipment and vehicles are up to date on their registration, Ag Tag Month also represents a major fundraiser for Kentucky agriculture students. The Hardin County Clerk’s Office says when renewing farm tags, residents have the option to donate $10. Those donations are equally split between Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s educational programs and scholarships.

Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith says county residents have consistently shown their support, as the county has historically ranked in the top five for Ag Tag donations.

“Our goal this year is to keep the momentum strong,” Smith said. “These donations stay right here in Kentucky and are invested in Hardin County to support our area Ag students, providing them with the resources and leadership skills they need to thrive.”

Smith says it is easy to support the next generation of Kentucky farmers.

“You can renew and donate in person by visiting us at the Hardin County Clerk’s Office, either in the Hardin County Government Building in Elizabethtown or at our Radcliff location during the month of March,” Smith said. “If you wish to donate, you can inform the clerk to add a $10 voluntary donation to your renewal fee. Renewals can also be processed online at drive.ky.gov, and the $10 donation can be made there as well.”

Contact the clerk’s office (270-765-2171) for more information or assistance.

Take steps to prepare for severe weather before it arrives

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Severe Weather Awareness Week continues in Kentucky through this Saturday, and with the wide range of conditions Kentucky can be subjected to it is best to make sure you are prepared for severe weather before it arrives.

Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says severe storms may leave you without power or other utilities for a few days, so have supplies on hand.

“Think about having some canned food and a canned opener, if you need that,” Crane said. “Bottled water, at least a gallon per person per day, and don’t forget about your pets either. They need water as well. Batteries, and if you’ve got rechargeable devices, try to keep your phones charged up a decent amount, at least half or more, and invest in maybe a battery pack that you can charge your phone with. There’s some really good ones out there.”

Crane says flashlights and lanterns, battery operated or rechargeable, will likely come in handy.

“We kind of discourage candles just because of the open flame, and things like that can get knocked over easily, but if you use candles, just like we talk about during the holiday seasons, make sure it’s on a nice flat surface, away from where pets or children can knock it down, and at least about three feet away from anything that could catch fire,” Crane said.

When you are out collecting supplies ahead of the storm, don’t forget to stop by the pharmacy.

“Try to keep your medicines a few days ahead, that way if you are stuck at your house or there is a loss of power, you should have a few days of your medicine so you don’t get behind on those,” Crane said.

Visit the National Weather Service in Louisville’s website for more information on Severe Weather Awareness Week, and for more tips.