A client sent me a picture of this letter and a stimulus check he received today. The problem - the check is made payable to someone who passed away two years ago. In fact, the letter is even addressed to "JANE DOE, DECD" meaning their system is already aware the recipient is deceased. My client is the Successor Trustee who fully administered her estate in 2018.
If you have lost a loved one and receive an economic impact stimulus check payable to your loved one, it's unfortunately not a gift from the government. Deceased persons are not entitled to keep the stimulus money.
To avoid the Treasury Department knocking on your door to recover the money, you need to write "VOID" in the endorsement space on the back of the check, and return it to the Department of the Treasury, Fresno Refund Inquiry Unit, 5045 E Butler Avenue, Mail Stop B2007, Fresno, CA 93888 (assuming the deceased filed taxes in California. If you've already cashed the check, you'll need to write a personal check for the amount received, payable to the Department of the Treasury. For more information, check out this post on the AARP's website. https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/info-2020/stimulus-check-in-deceased-name.html
Today we remember those who've made the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. Take a moment today and give thanks for how their service has shaped this nation.
*Image Credit to my friend Tony Prince.
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION**
Good Morning - I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe! We were just informed that someone is "spoofing" our office phone number and calling people. The calls appear to originate out of China and may ask you for personal information.
IF you are not expecting a call from us, or not actively working with us right now, please hang up on any call from our number that sounds remotely fishy.
IF you are working with us currently or expecting a call, it will come from myself or one of my two team members. I am not posting their names here to prevent giving these scammers more information.
Be very wary in these difficult times as scammers appear to be taking advantage of people's fears and anxiety - fraudulent activity on phones and via the internet have skyrocketed in the past few weeks.
Stay Safe - Stay Healthy - Keep Connected! David
Sorry for yet-another COVID-19 Notice, but with the situation rapidly evolving we want to keep our clients, friends and prospective clients apprised of our response. Please stay safe and healthy during these trying times!
COUNTY-ORDERED CLOSURE NOTICE
As you may by now have read, the Orange County Health Care Agency has issued an Emergency Order requiring all businesses not deemed “essential” to close and not reopen until April 1, 2020. As written, the order does not exempt law firms from closure, except “when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities.” After carefully reviewing the order, we’ve determined that we do not fall within the exemption.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: The offices of The Gibbs Law Firm, APC will be closed until April 1, 2020, subject to further restrictions imposed by the Orange County Health Care Agency, the State or Federal government.
Going forward, the we’re taking the following steps to attempt to avoid interruption in providing legal services:
Appointments. As previously indicated, we can no longer accommodate in-person appointments until after April 1, 2020. We are, however, available to meet by phone or video conference. Please call our offices to arrange an appointment.
Phone Calls to Our Office. Because the Emergency Order forbids us from working from our offices, we may not be able to answer the phone when you call. Please leave us a message as we will be checking them throughout the day, Monday through Friday, and will return calls. Please also feel free to email us with any questions or inquiries. We ask for your patience as we work through this sudden closure under the Emergency Order.
Existing & New Matters. We are continuing to work on our clients’ legal matters, and are available, subject to the foregoing, to assist clients with new matters. Due to the Emergency Order, we are unable to provide any services which require in-person meetings but will do our very best to accommodate your needs.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and continued support during these difficult times. God bless you and your families with health, safety and comfort. Please contact us if you require any assistance.
Just a quick follow-up to our post earlier today. This afternoon the Orange County Health Care Agency issued an order closing all but essential businesses. Our office is not immune and so we will be closed beginning tomorrow morning until April 1, 2020. I will be working with my team in the morning to ensure that phones are answered, and that we're able to continue to provide services through this emergency. More detailed announcement to follow. Stay safe and stay healthy!
Unfortunately, as the COVID-19 outbreak is evolving, we've determined that it is necessary to make changes in how we work with our clients. Please take a moment to review the attached Important Update. Be safe, careful and healthy.
Good Morning and Happy Election Day! In recognition of the importance of the uniquely American institution of free and fair elections, we've given our team the day off. We decided to do so this year, and for future national elections, to allow them to vote and participate in the single most important democratic institution we have. Be patient and courteous today, and irrespective of the outcome let's hope we can heal the divides that tear at the fabric of this great Nation.
Holiday Hours & Exciting Changes in 2021!
https://www.gibbslaw.com/holiday-hours
GIBBSLAW.COM
Holiday Hours & Exciting Changes in 2021
Sadly, a colleague of mine passed on December 2, 2020 from COVID-19. His sudden, unexpected passing has put a tremendous burden on his family and if you're so inclined during this holiday season, any donation you can make would be amazing. Godspeed Sergio.
https://gf.me/u/zccx3a
GOFUNDME.COM
Sergio White : A Friend To All, organized by Sergios Angels