Dahl Financial Services

04/07/2024

Class Act II Big Band is playing at Knights Rivers Edge in Ottawa Il Next Sunday, April 14th. The City of Ottawa Park and Recreation service sponsors this event. While it’s focus is for the senior citizens of Ottawa for dancing and entertainment, the public is invited.

If you like great Big Band Music to dance to or simply relax and enjoy live musicians, come for 2 pm. The gig runs from 2-4.

401 W Main Street, Ottawa, Il. See you there!

09/10/2022

An honor to wish Jacob Schumacher a happy birthday! He is intelligent, creative, and good natured. The Air Force is getting a fantastic recruit!

12/04/2018

Phishing not fishing. Yes, the IRS knows the lure of phishing and warns "Don't take the bait" Here are some helpful suggestions to protect against phishing and other email scams from a recent IRS tax tip:
• Be vigilant and skeptical. Never open a link or attachment from an unknown or suspicious source. Even if the email is from a known source, the recipient should approach with caution. Cybercrooks are good at acting like trusted businesses, friends and family. This even includes the IRS and others in the tax business.
• Double check the email address. Thieves may have compromised a friend’s email address. They might also be spoofing the address with a slight change in text. For example, using [email protected] instead of [email protected]. Merely changing the “m” to an “r” and “n” can trick people.
• Remember that the IRS doesn't initiate spontaneous contact with taxpayers by email to ask for personal or financial information. This includes asking for information via text messages and social media channels. The IRS does not call taxpayers with aggressive threats of lawsuits or arrests.
• Not click on hyperlinks in suspicious emails. When in doubt, users should not use hyperlinks and go directly to the source’s main web page. They should also remember that no legitimate business or organization will ask for sensitive financial information by email.
• Use security software to protect against malware and viruses found in phishing emails. Some security software can help identity suspicious websites that are used by cybercriminals.
• Use strong passwords to protect online accounts. Experts recommend the use of a passphrase, instead of a password, use a minimum of 10 digits, including letters, numbers and special characters.
• Use multi-factor authentication when offered. Two-factor authentication means that in addition to entering a username and password, the user must enter a security code This code is usually sent as a text to the user’s mobile phone. Even if a thief manages to steal usernames and passwords, it’s unlikely the crook would also have a victim’s phone.
• Report phishing scams. Taxpayers can forward suspicious emails to [email protected].

12/03/2018

The IRS is concerned about Cybercrime. Not only regarding tax information and social security numbers, but online shopping that can put your data at risk. Here are seven tips to help you protect your accounts and money:

Here are seven steps taxpayers can follow to help protect their accounts and their money:
• Avoid unprotected Wi-Fi. Unprotected public Wi-Fi hotspots may allow thieves to view transactions.
• Shop at familiar online retailers. Generally, sites using the “s” designation in “https” at the start of the URL are secure. User can also look for the “lock” icon in the browser’s URL bar. That said, some thieves can get a security certificate, so the “s” may not always vouch for the site’s legitimacy. Beware of purchases at unfamiliar sites or clicks on links from pop-up ads.
• Learn to recognize and avoid phishing emails. Thieves send these emails, posing as a trusted source, such a financial institution. or the IRS. The criminal’s goal is to entice users to open a link or attachment. The link may take users to a fake website that will steal usernames and passwords. An attachment may download malware that tracks keystrokes.
• Keep a clean machine. This applies to computers, phones and tablets. Taxpayers should use security software to protect against malware that may steal data and viruses that may damage files.
• Use passwords that are strong, long and unique. Experts suggest a minimum of 10 characters but longer is better. People should also avoid using a specific word in the password. They should also use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.
• Use multi-factor authentication when available. This means users may need a security code, usually sent as a text from a financial institution or email provider to a mobile phone. People use this code in addition to usernames and passwords.
• Encrypt and password-protect sensitive data. If keeping financial records, tax returns or any personally identifiable information on computers, this data should be encrypted and protected by a strong password.

11/02/2018

The IRS has a helpful video on "Paycheck Checkup". With the tax changes, you should verify if your tax withholding is enough to cover the expected income tax. This will avoid a tax "surprise". If you have two wager earners in the household, one wage earner with more than 1 job, or some other highlighted situations in the video, please watch this IRS produced video.

Find out why you should do a paycheck checkup after a tax law changed how much tax is taken out of your paychecks. For more information, go to https://www.ir...

09/01/2018

With the new tax rates for 2018, this is a great time to review quarterly estimated tax payments that will be due September 15th.