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Issue Date
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Articles
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| June 2010 issue |
- If you are a tenant with a bed bug problem, it is important to know your rights, and to protect yourself from being blamed for a problem that you didn’t cause.
- You have rights as a parent if you do not agree with something the early intervention system has done, wants to do, or will not do.
- The Green Card has been redesigned to improve security and discourage fraud.
- It is legal for the IRS to take and sell your property if you do not pay your taxes, but there are things you can do to prevent this from happening.
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| May 2010 issue |
- If you have been recently released from jail or prison, beware of false information about Social Security benefits.
- If your child is developmentally delayed, there are services that can help.
- How do I request early intervention services?
- How is my child evaluated?
- Do I have to pay for early intervention services?
- What is palimony and when is it awarded?
- There are tax penalties for taking early distributions from your retirement plan.
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| April 2010 issue |
- Several laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, protect the rights of people with disabilities to have access to transportation.
- The law about expunging (clearing) criminal records in New Jersey recently changed. Will these changes affect you?
- IRS AUDIT RED FLAGS:
- How does the IRS decide which returns to audit?
- What are the top reasons a tax return will be audited?
- How much of your donation may you claim as a deduction?
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| March 2010 issue |
- The 2010 Census is about to begin.
- The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a federal law that provides special legal protections and help to members of the Armed Forces who are on active duty.
- The DYFS Adoption Registry allows children who were adopted to contact their birth family members when they become adults.
- In December, Puerto Rico’s legislature passed a new law that will make all birth certificates issued in Puerto Rico before July 1, 2010, invalid.
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| January-February 2010 issue |
This annual income tax issue of Looking Out provides important information about filing 2009 federal income taxes.
- Filing requirements: Who must file and what income is taxable?
- Filing status: There are five filling statuses.
- Exemptions: Exemptions reduce your taxable income.
- Deductions: Deductions reduce your taxable income and reduce the tax you must pay.
- Credits: Credits may increase your tax refund and lower the amount of tax you owe the IRS.
- Tax changes for 2009.
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| December 2009 issue |
- When you disagree with a decision Medicare makes about your health care, you have the right to appeal Medicare’s decision.
- If you are a low-income taxpayer, there are many ways to get your tax return prepared at no cost to you.
- The rule ending HIV as a basis for denying immigration status or barring travel to the United States will take effect on January 4, 2010. How will this affect you if you are a non-citizen and HIV-positive?
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| November 2009 issue |
- The last of three articles about parents and children who live in different states looks at child support issues.
- Census counts happen every 10 years, and the next census will take place in 2010.
- The IRS may levy (collect taxes) on the assets or income of all taxpayers owing taxes, including Social Security benefits.
- What are managed care plans and what are your rights?
- Do you have a complaint about a hospital in New Jersey?
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| October 2009 issue |
- If you have lost your job, you should know that this may create new tax issues for you. This article covers some of those issues.
- New Jersey law requires the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS) to keep records of the names of people who have been found to have abused or neglected children.
- Cancellation of removal for non-legal permanent residents is a way for a non-legal permanent resident to get a green card.
- Can you be denied health insurance coverage in New Jersey for a pre-existing condition?
- October is Domestic Violence Month.
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| September 2009 issue |
- If you do not have insurance coverage for all of your hospital bills—and you do not have Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare—you may be eligible for the New Jersey Charity Care program to pay all or some of your hospital bills.
- If you are you enrolling your child in school this September, there are some important things you should know about school enrollment and your child’s right to attend school.
- A new federal law allows some workers who have been laid off or fired due to no fault of their own to keep their health insurance benefits at a reduced premium.
- The disability tax credit may lower or eliminate any taxes you owe to the Internal Revenue Service.
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| July-August 2009 issue |
- The second in a series of three articles about parents who currently live in or hope to live in different states discusses visitation issues and long-distance parenting.
- If you have received a ticket for a municipal violation, this article will explain your rights and responsibilities in municipal court.
- Many people sell goods or products at garage sales or on the Internet. Before you consider doing this, it is good to know the tax consequences of any sale.
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| June 2009 issue |
- If your child is receiving special education, it is important for you to know about certain rules that schools must follow if they want to discipline your child.
- Getting a divorce can be a painful experience and the tax treatment of your children is often overlooked. The tips in this article, when used correctly, can save you money and time.
- There are many excellent resources in New Jersey for people whose native language is Spanish. This article lists agencies that offer bilingual assistance and programs geared towards helping Spanish- speaking people.
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| May 2009 issue |
- How will the 2009 stimulus bill affect you?
- This article, the first of three, describes the New Jersey laws that apply when one parent wants to move with a child or children out of New Jersey.
- In New Jersey, an executive pardon, if granted, may “erase” convictions from a criminal record.
- If you or someone you know will age out of DYFS foster care, this article will help you to understand what services you may qualify for and how to get them.
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| April 2009 issue |
- Government food programs—Food Stamps and WIC—and private food pantries and soup kitchens may be able to help you if you cannot afford to buy food. Two helpful Web sites may point you in the right direction.
- If you do not speak or understand English well, you may be entitled to a free interpreter and translated materials when you visit certain agencies.
- A new law provides extended benefits for unemployed workers.
- The IRS offers several payment options if you are unable to pay your federal taxes.
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| March 2009 issue |
- Tenants cannot be evicted only because the property where they live is in foreclosure or has been foreclosed.
- An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number allows you to file an income tax return if you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) and cannot get one from the Social Security Administration.
- If you did not get the economic stimulus payment in 2008, you may be able to receive it in 2009.
- If your child is receiving Special Education, this article gives advice and tips on how to prepare for, become more comfortable with, and actively participate at your child’s IEP meeting.
- 2008 Looking Out Index
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| January-February 2009 issue |
- This issue of Looking Out provides important information about filing your 2008 federal income taxes.
- Filing requirements: Who must file and what income is taxable?
- Filing status: There are five filling statuses.
- Exemptions: Exemptions reduce your taxable income.
- Deductions: Deductions reduce your taxable income and reduce the tax you must pay.
- Credits: Credits may increase your tax refund and lower the amount of tax you owe the IRS.
- Tax changes for 2008.
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| December 2008 issue |
- Before tax season starts, there are some facts you should know about sources of free tax preparation help and refund anticipation loans.
- It can be difficult to find a doctor to treat your medical conditions when you are on Medicaid. This article will help you find a doctor who accepts Medicaid.
- Has your driver's license been suspended? Part two of a two-part article describes the eight most common types of suspensions and how each may be lifted.
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| November 2008 issue |
- Special Winter Energy Issue
This issue will tell you about state and private programs that can help you pay your energy bill as well as stepsyou can take to reduce your heating bill and conserve energy. It will explain how you can get more time to pay your bill and what you can do if you think your bill is wrong.
- State programs that can help.
- Private programs that can help.
- Other ways to reduce your bill and steps you can take to conserve energy.
- Get more time to pay your bill.
- Other steps you can take.
- If all else fails, file a dispute with the BPU.
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| October 2008 issue |
- If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to get protection in the form of a temporary restraining order that can later become final.
- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
- Use the information in this checklist to keep a record of abuse for legal purposes, such as for restraining orders or divorce.
- A new procedure for fingerprinting changes the way you get a copy of your criminal history record.
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| September 2008 issue |
- It is important to vote to make sure that people you believe will represent your interests are elected.
- Has your driver's license been suspended? Part one of a two-part article explains the three steps you must take to get your license back.
- Every day, schools offer healthy meals to students through the school nutrition programs. The National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are government-funded meals programs.
- If you are an able-bodied, childless adult and you need food stamps, check the chart on page 11 to see if you live in an area where time and work requirements have been waived.
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| July-August 2008 issue |
- The federal government recently passed a law that provides Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) to some long-term unemployed workers.
- Are you enrolling your child in school this September? If so, there are some important things you should know about school enrollment and your child’s right toattend school.
- When can employers investigate your criminal record?
- As a responsible pet owner, you should spay or neuter your pet and make sure you comply with state and local laws about pet ownership. Learn about low-cost options for spaying, neutering, and vaccinating your pet.
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| June 2008 issue |
- This article about consumer contracts will tell you how to protect yourself in the face of high pressure sales tactics and difficult-to-understand contracts. It will give you some basic information on how to proceed with caution on your next consumer purchase.
- The second part of this two-part article about New Jersey civil unions focuses on civil unions and taxes.
- Elderly and disabled homeowners now have until August 15, 2008, to file for their homestead rebate or the Senior Freeze program. The previous deadline was June 1.
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| May 2008 issue |
- The first part of this two-part article explains civil unions and the rights of civil union couples.
- What is a civil union?
- Do other states recognize New Jersey civil unions?
- Will entering a civil union affect public benefits?
- If you have a criminal record and are planning to apply for a job, it is a good idea to get a copy of your rap sheet (criminal record) before you apply.
- New Jersey’s Victims of Crime Compensation Agency has a fund to help with costs related to injuries suffered by innocent victims of violent crime or their families
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| April 2008 issue |
- SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY DENIALS
- What disability programs are coordinated by the Social Security Administration?
- How do I apply?
- How does the SSA decide if I am disabled?
- What do I do if I am denied disability benefits?
- Where can I go if I need more help?
- TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ALIMONY
- What are the requirements for alimony?
- What are the tax rules about alimony payments?
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| March 2008 issue |
- Who is eligible for 2008 federal stimulus rebates?
- The IRS is warning taxpayers to be aware of e-mail and telephone scams.
- The Alternative Rapid Anticipation Loan law cracks down on companies that charge too much for tax preparation and high-interest Refund Anticipation Loans.
- A new report looks at poverty in New Jersey.
- Filing a joint tax return means more than just signing your name at the bottom of the return.
- Who is authorized to help non-citizens with immigration matters?
- 2007 Looking Out index
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| January-February 2008 issue |
- This issue of Looking Out provides important information about filing your federal income taxes.
- What if I do not have the money to pay my taxes?
- Important information about filing and refund delays
- What is the New Jersey Earned Income Tax Credit?
- What income is taxable?
- How do I determine my filing status?
- What tax credits are available?
- What resources are available for low-income taxpayers?
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