Beware of Scammers Impersonating the IRS
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, April 18, 2014
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently issued a statement warning taxpayers about a nationwide scam that is being carried out by telephone and email. Scammers are calling innocent taxpayers and demanding payments with a prepaid debit card or a wire transfer.
New Expedited Social Security Disability Process for Veterans
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, April 14, 2014
The Social Security Administration announced that, effective March 17, 2014, it will expedite disability claims for veterans receiving VA service-connected compensation benefits and who have a rating of 100% permanent and total disability from the VA.
Mortgage Foreclosure Crisis
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, April 11, 2014
For some Alabamians, the American dream of owning a home has become a nightmare. One in sixty Alabama homeowners is projected to experience foreclosure on their home as a result of a high-cost loan. In Alabama, foreclosure proceedings can be concluded in as few as 21 days.
Are You Responsible for a Family Member's Debt When They Die
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I am often asked this question by clients and the bottom line is this: You do not inherit debt under Alabama law. If you co-signed on a loan with them, then you would be liable for the remainder of that loan. But if they ran up $50,000 on a credit card debt in their name only before they died, then the credit card company just won’t be paid. You may have to provide a copy of the de
How Do You Disclose Assets When Filing for Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Thursday, April 3, 2014
When you seek relief through Chapter 13 personal reorganization or Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you are required to disclose your income and your assets. Disclosing your income is usually quite simple.
Can Tax Debt be Discharged in Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 31, 2014
Contrary to general belief, you can discharge tax debt in a bankruptcy if the tax debt meets certain and specific criteria. Some of the initial questions to ask are whether the tax returns are deemed filed, what constitutes a tax return, and when was the tax assessed.
Security Clearance Restrictions Announced by Department of Defense (DOD)
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 24, 2014
The Department of Defense (DOD) announced a policy on March 18, 2014 to begin tightening up access to classified information by potentially shrinking the list of 3.5 million people who currently hold active security clearances.
Beware of Solicitation Letters Received in the Mail after Filing Bankruptcy
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Friday, March 21, 2014
When filing for bankruptcy, you may occasionally receive letters from various companies offering their services because of your bankruptcy filing. Some of those letters relate to the personal financial management course that you are required to complete to receive you bankruptcy. There are a few agencies that will immediately send you solicitations after you file bankruptcy to entice you in completing the personal financial
Is It Time for You to Consider Filing For Bankruptcy?
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Many people are unable to pay their bills as they become due but clearly not all of them are candidates for bankruptcy. So when should an individual consider filing for bankruptcy? The truth is that there is no bright line to help make this determination. Each person’s situation is different. Here, however are some of the factors that should be considered in making this determ
Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA)
Submitted by the Bond & Botes Law Offices - Monday, March 17, 2014
The Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA) is a federal consumer law found among the other various federal consumer protection laws and is located at 15 U.S.C .