Police in Creston report the arrest on Saturday, of a Creston woman on a charge of 5th degree theft. 33-year old Bobbie Sue Flynn was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center and later released on a Citation to Appear in court.

The Creston P-D is also investigating a couple of break-ins that took place over the weekend. The owner of Reflections Salon in Creston reported to police that sometime from 3-pm Saturday and 8-a.m Monday, someone broke into the business, but nothing was reported missing. The damage was estimated at $500.

And, a Creston resident told police that sometime between Dec. 25th and Jan. 4th, someone entered his home and took an iPod case, a Toshiba Notebook, iPod, Notary seal and $150 in cash. The loss was estimated at $665.

As the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins processing tax returns Tuesday, the agency offers a word of caution for those who will seek help from a paid professional. IRS spokesman Mark Hanson says most preparers are knowledgeable and trustworthy, but sometimes taxpayers can be misled by those who don’t understand complex tax situations – or who mislead people into taking credits or deductions they aren’t entitled to, in order to increase their own fee.

“Each year, it’s not uncommon to find stories around the country where a tax preparer has done something that may not necessarily be right,” says Hanson. “You want to make sure you have somebody who represents your best interests, and does so legally.” Hanson says a reliable tax professional will have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number. He also advises taxpayers to investigate the individual’s professional credentials, review the return before signing, and make sure any refund is sent directly to you, never to the tax preparer.

Hanson also recommends checking the service fees for a professional tax service upfront. “A tax preparer should not be charging you a fee based upon the amount of refund you’re expected to get,” he says. “This could be a red flag, right up front.” Hanson notes you’re still legally responsible for what’s on your return, even if you don’t prepare it yourself.

“If the IRS questions the accuracy of any information, we’re going to ask you the taxpayer – not necessarily your tax preparer,” says Hanson. “So once you sign that return, you’re telling the IRS, ‘This is a complete and accurate return,’ to the best of your knowledge. Once you sign it, you own it.”

Tuesday is the first day taxpayers can file electronically, and also the first day for IRS processing of paper returns.

(Iowa News Service)

A man from Lenox was arrested Sunday afternoon. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports 40-year old Matthew Rayhons was taken into custody at around 4-p.m., on a charge of Public Intoxication. His bond was set at $1,000.