H&R Block Presents – CHOOSING A TAX PROFESSIONAL
This week we will enter a new year! As a new tax filing season begins you may be thinking about how you will have your 2021 tax return prepared. There are many 2021 tax changes and IRS payments that will affect your return. You may want to consider having your tax return prepared by a professional even if you haven’t in the past. IRS provides a list of tips to help taxpayers choose a reputable tax return preparer. Here are some items you should consider.
1. Check the IRS Directory of Preparers. It includes tax preparers who are Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and those who participate in the Annual Filing Season Program which registers preparers who have successfully completed IRS training. These important designations mean your preparer has completed training on all the tax updates for the new filing season.
2. Avoid tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund or who offer to deposit all or part of your refund into the preparer’s account.
3. Be wary of tax return preparers who claim they can get you a larger refund than others.
4. Ensure the preparer signs the return and includes their preparer tax identification number. This number is required by IRS for all tax return professionals who receive pay for their service.
5. It is wise to choose a tax return preparer who participates in IRS E-file. Electronic filing is a more secure, accurate, and quicker way to file your tax return.
6. Consider whether or not your tax preparation service will be accessible after filing your return. Should you receive an IRS letter regarding your return, will your preparer be available to help you respond? Some tax preparers close their office after the filing deadline and don’t reopen until the next filing season.
7. Check the person’s credentials. Only Enrolled Agents, Attorneys, and CPAs can represent taxpayers before the IRS in tax matters.
If you are looking for a tax professional to prepare your 2021 individual or business income tax return, we hope you will trust the tax professionals at H&R Block in Manchester. Our office is open year-round to provide you with knowledgeable, friendly, and professional service. An Enrolled Agent is present in the office year-round to help you with any IRS issues you may have.
Thank you to all of our clients who trust H&R Block in Manchester for their tax preparation needs. We appreciate your business and value your referrals.
If you have questions about filing your 2021 tax return, please call H&R Block in Manchester TN at 931-728-9462. H&R Block Has Your Back!
Multiple scams hitting Coffee County area, sheriff says
Multiple phone scams are hitting Coffee County residents and area business, according to the Coffee County Sheriff’s Department.
According to CCSD, reports have been made of local businesses receiving calls from someone claiming to be a member of the sheriff’s department and asking for information on clients in reference to an investigation.
If you receive these calls and have any questions, request their name, rank and badge number. Then lookup the number to the agency and call to speak with that individual.
Also, the sheriff’s department says citizens are getting phone calls from an individual identifying himself as a Coffee County Deputy. This subject then states to his intended victim that they have fines or fees associated with missing court, having warrants or other activities that need to be paid or an arrest warrant will be issued.
This is not legitimate. Credible calls from law enforcement will never solicit payment over the phone. These phone calls can sound legitimate and come from phone numbers with a 931 area code. If you receive these calls, hang up and contact local law enforcement.
Foster care instability continues to impact Tennessee children
Report by Nadia Ramligan, TN Public News Service
Last year, approximately one in three children in state custody remained in foster care for more than a year, according to a new report by the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth.
The report also found widespread instability in the state’s foster system, with kids typically placed in three or more homes within a year.
Communications and Policy Specialist with the Commission Kylie Graves said bouncing from home to home can further traumatize a child already experiencing disruption from being taken away from their parents.
“And then,” said Graves, “being placed in three other spots over the course of a year – that’s three more times that you’re having to learn a new home, learn a new family, potentially siblings, potentially a new school.”
Approximately 88% of children in state custody are there due to issues related to neglect, and currently 5% of Tennessee children are in kinship care. Graves noted that during the pandemic, the state had more than 6,900 substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect.
Graves also pointed to reducing the school-to-prison pipeline as a factor in improving Tennessee kids’ safety and success.
The Commission’s Executive Director Richard Kennedy said the state should be investing in evidence-based, cost-effective and safe alternatives to youth incarceration.
“And I think that it’s kind of a clear road map,” said Kennedy, “to really look at trying to expand and increase those community programs, those safe alternatives to youth incarceration. “
According to the report, it cost Tennessee taxpayers around $180,000 a year to detain a single child in a secure facility.
Gas prices continue slow descent; prices in Coffee County higher than average
Tennessee gas prices have fallen 1.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.98/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 3,821 stations in Tennessee. Gas prices in Tennessee are 10.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 95.8 cents per gallon higher than a year ago.
The average price per gallon in Coffee County is $3.04, which is 6 cents higher than the state average. The price in Coffee County is significantly higher than neighboring Rutherford County, which comes in at $2.84, and Bedford County at $2.74, a full 30 cents below the price in Coffee County. Cannon County is also cheaper at $2.98 and Warren County at $2.97 per gallon. In fact, prices in Coffee County are the highest among all neighboring counties.
The national average is at $3.28. According to AAA, the most expensive gas in the nation remains in California, at $4.66 per gallon.
Grant to provide therapy for children at Coffee County CAC
The Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center has received a $6,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The funds will be used to provide therapy for children who have experienced abuse to help them begin the healing process.
“We will help children heal from trauma, thanks to the support of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee,” said Joyce Prusak, executive director of the Coffee County CAC. “The funds are from the Lillian Ashley Fund, and that makes receiving the award even more special. Lillian was born in Manchester and wanted to give back to her community. Lillian wanted her estate to be used, in part, to support children of Coffee County.”
A licensed therapist, who is trained specifically to work with children and families who have experienced trauma, will work to support children and address results of trauma. With the help of the therapist, children will recognize the abuse is not their fault, and that only the abuser is to blame. Therapy helps children develop effective coping skills, which are beneficial for the healing process and can be used throughout life.
“Our therapist teaches children to manage their emotions and behaviors better,” Prusak said. “They learn to use coping skills to manage negative emotions in an effective and positive way. And one of the most essential aspects of therapy is allowing children to tell their story, which is an integral part of the healing process.”
Additionally, therapy services help the child throughout the process of investigation and prosecution.
“The work of our nonprofit partners has never been more important as we watch needs emerge and evolve in this community,” said Ellen Lehman, president of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. “The Community Foundation is honored to connect generosity with need through these annual grants and other avenues throughout the year, but we couldn’t have an impact without the array of quality nonprofits offering solutions to our community’s needs and vital services to our neighbors.”
The Community Foundation awards discretionary grants annually from its unrestricted and field-of-interest funds through an open application process to Middle Tennessee nonprofits addressing community needs and benefiting the well-being of citizens through valuable programs and innovative services.
To learn more about child abuse prevention, follow Coffee County Children’s Advocacy Center on social media and visit coffeecountycac.org.
TDH releases reconciled COVID-19 data for the year
Last week, the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) released year-end, reconciled COVID-19 data, process improvements and previewed 2022 operational priorities.
“Year-end data reconciliation is an important step to ensure the public has an accurate view of how COVID-19 has affected our state this year and also identify areas where the department can improve services,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Data reporting for COVID-19 is unique, as it is the only infectious disease where real-time progression is tracked from positive test to death, compared to typical monthly or annual reports.”
TDH anticipates changes to national COVID-19 reporting standards in early 2022 based on recommendations from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and has reconciled data to comply with upcoming standards. This data update will be completed the week of January 4. “This enhanced review is a valuable process, and I’ve encouraged my colleagues in other states to do the same,” said Piercey. “Trust in public health data is key to our response and data accuracy is a top priority for TDH.”
2021 Key COVID-19 Data Points*
• Total tests processed this year: 5,394,058 • Total cases reported this year: 762,964 • Total vaccines administered this year: 8,280,246
The TDH Office of State Chief Medical Examiner reconciled outstanding death certificates with COVID-19 as an underlying cause of death, bringing COVID-19 fatalities spanning spring 2020-December 2021 to 20,644.
The lag in death reporting data can be contributed to many factors including the manual process most providers and facilities undertake, the increase in at-home deaths, and the strain on the public health infrastructure during case surges. On average, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that approximately 75 percent of mortality data is complete by eight weeks, given the time it takes to determine the cause of death in some cases.
“COVID-19 death certificate processing is complex, and the department is committed to continuously improving information flow,” said Piercey. “As we continue to analyze Tennessee death data, we have seen a year-over-year increase in COVID deaths occurring at home. This is a trend we will further examine and assess how the department can respond.”
Process Improvements and Data Integrity
TDH is pursuing process improvements for COVID-19 death reporting to ensure data accuracy, including automation and additional verification around cause of death. Providers in Tennessee received the following memo to encourage electronic reporting and emphasize best practices for data submission to the department, to improve the timely reporting of death data.
In the new year, COVID-19 data will be reported on a weekly basis consistent with other infectious diseases.
Return to Pre-Pandemic Priorities in 2022
TDH will continue to support COVID-19 vaccine distribution across all 95 counties and support access to approved treatments. TDH will also resume full-time attention to ongoing, traditional public health priorities, including
• Access to preventative health services and primary care
• Improve routine immunization rates for children and adults
• Address substance misuse and drug overdoses
• Support overall family health and wellness
The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.
TDOT highway construction remains on pause through Jan. 3
Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at midnight on Thursday, December 23, 2021, through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022.
“With motorists expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, keeping traffic moving and getting motorists to their destinations safely is our top priority,” said TDOT Commissioner Joe Galbato. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”
Except for a few long-term closures that must remain for safety, all construction-related closures will be suspended during the holiday period. Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
AAA Travel expects more than 109 million Americans to travel this holiday season, with a majority of them driving. More than 2.6 million Tennesseans are forecast to travel between December 23 and January 2.
Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
2021 has been a year of big improvements at Unity Medical Center
Unity Medical Center has invested in the expansion and renovations of the hospital. These projects increased services and space for all departments of the hospital.
In addition to the recently opened ICU, the renovation projects include updates to the respiratory and emergency departments; new equipment for the imaging department; modernization of the lobby, nurses’ stations, and medical-surgical department; and exterior renovations that include the physical appearance of the hospital, landscaping and a digital board located next to Interstate 24.
To meet the growing needs of our patients we have also updated our lab, chapel, care rooms, and equipment in the surgery department. The added amenities in the cafeteria provide better nutritional options for our patients and visitors.
“This renovation project is very exciting for all of us at Unity Medical Center, and for the community at large,” said Martha McCormick, CEO of Unity Medical Center. “It is a direct result of the outstanding care our team provides. Their hard work and dedication are why people seek services at Unity and why the hospital has continued to undergo tremendous growth.”
Unity Medical Center is a 49-bed acute care hospital located at 481 Interstate Drive in Manchester that operates two rural health clinics employing over 40 medical providers. Unity Medical Center can be reached by phone at 931-728-6354.
TDOT to halt highway construction for Christmas holiday
Road construction won’t delay travelers during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The Tennessee Department of Transportation is once again halting all lane closure activity on interstates and state highways in anticipation of higher traffic volumes across the state. No temporary lane closures will be allowed for construction on Tennessee roadways beginning at midnight on Thursday, December 23, 2021, through 6:00 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2022.
“With motorists expected to travel Tennessee roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, keeping traffic moving and getting motorists to their destinations safely is our top priority,” said TDOT Commissioner Joe Galbato. “As always, please wear your seatbelt, reduce your speed, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive.”
Except for a few long-term closures that must remain for safety, all construction-related closures will be suspended during the holiday period. Workers may still be on-site in some construction zones. Drivers should obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas. Slower speeds are necessary in work zones due to the temporary layout of the roadway and will be enforced. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of $250 to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.
AAA Travel expects more than 109 million Americans to travel this holiday season, with a majority of them driving. More than 2.6 million Tennesseans are forecast to travel between December 23 and January 2.
Get the latest construction activity and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras from your desktop or mobile device at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any landline or cellular phone for travel information or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel. As always, drivers are reminded to use all motorist information tools wisely and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before leaving for your destination. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel.
Christmas music all day Friday, Saturday on Thunder Radio WMSR
In keeping with tradition, Thunder Radio WMSR will be airing your favorite Christmas hits on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The WMSR collection of Christmas hits is hundreds of songs deep. Beginning at 6 a.m. Dec. 24 through midnight Christmas night, you will be able to hear your favorite Christmas classics on your hometown, community radio station.
“Another one of the great traditions of WMSR over its decades is Christmas music on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day,” said Thunder Radio co-owner Josh Peterson. “That’s just not something you are going to find on big commercial, corporate radio conglomerates.”
Music will play mostly commercial free for the two days, with the occasional “Merry Christmas” message intertwined from area local businesses, as well as a few weather updates.
“I know at our house we like to have Christmas music on in the background for a couple of days around the holidays while the kids are opening gifts and while we cook breakfast,” said Peterson. “We hope everyone will join us for this special holiday.”
You can hear Thunder Radio WMSR at 107.9 FM, 106.7 FM, 1320 AM, streaming on the Manchester Go smartphone app and thunder1320.com.
