by Nancy Hopkins | Mar 2, 2022 | News
Some employees have been wondering how to provide assistance to Ukraine. Our own Bohdan Smolyak, of the Punch Press Department, is from Ukraine. He has worked for Dudek & Bock for twelve years. His mother and other relatives are in Ukraine.
The National Bank of Ukraine https://bank.gov.ua/en/ has opened special accounts for donations to the Ukrainian Army and for donations for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Donations are accepted by credit card or bank transfer, but please be aware that there may be foreign transaction fees or wire transfer fees taken from your donation. Alternatively, funds can be given to Bohdan to be aggregated and made in a single donation, which would reduce the percent taken out in fees.
There are also many organizations providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, such as the International Red Cross https://www.icrc.org/en and World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/, as well as churches and other NGOs.
by Nancy Hopkins | Feb 21, 2022 | News
With tax season approaching, we are seeing more reports of scammers posing as the IRS – by phone, by e-mail and by text message.
The IRS doesn’t use text messages, e-mail or phone to discuss personal tax issues, bills or refunds! The agency only uses IRS Secure Access. If the IRS needs personal info, they will initiate most contact through regular US Postal Service hand-delivered “snail mail.”
Never click on links or open attachments that are unsolicited text messages from any local, state or federal tax agency.
If, however, you do receive unsolicited email or text that looks like it’s from the IRS or a program linked to the IRS, it’s fraud and you should report it. Send a screenshot of a text, or a copy of the email as an attachment to phishing@irs.gov. You can go to https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/report-phishing for more information
Phone scammers often leave a message that says the taxpayer will be arrested if they don’t call back. These clever thieves can also make it appear that they’re calling from the IRS office or other local law enforcement office, or anywhere in the U.S.
If you get one of these calls, never, ever give out personal or financial info via the phone and hang up immediately.
Important facts to know about the IRS. The agency will never:
• ask for a payment via the phone and does not use prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers for tax payments
• bring in local law enforcement to arrest a taxpayer
• demand payment without giving taxpayers the chance to question or appeal, and
• request credit or debit card info via the phone.
If you do owe the IRS, you will get a bill in the mail requesting payment be made by check to “U.S. Treasury” and no one else. The IRS doesn’t use third parties.
by Nancy Hopkins | Jan 17, 2022 | News
You can now get over-the-counter COVID tests through UHC insurance. If you purchase them at a Walmart Pharmacy they will bill insurance directly. You can buy them other places, but you would need to file a claim for reimbursement. More information: OTC COVID tests.
by Nancy Hopkins | Jan 10, 2022 | News
The CDC has changed the guidelines for how long to stay off work with a COVID infection. Dudek & Bock’s COVID policy will follow the CDC recommendations as they are updated.
In addition to the guidelines listed below, you must notify your supervisor if you have tested positive for COVID, or if you have been exposed to COVID. If you are able to return to work after five days you will be required to wear a mask at all times for another five days. Employees who have not been vaccinated are required to wear masks.
The full guidelines, including quarantine guidelines if you have been exposed to COVID, are available at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
The summary is:
by Nancy Hopkins | Dec 11, 2021 | News
Booster Vaccine Events Sunday, December 12
The State of Illinois and Cook County Health are hosting three community vaccination events on Sunday, December 12.
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson booster shots will be available for all eligible individuals. A person is eligible for a booster 6 months after they received their second dose of Pfizer/Moderna, or 2 months after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson. Adults age 18+ may receive any vaccine as a booster. The Pfizer booster vaccine has been approved for children ages 16 and 17.
First and second shots will also be available for individuals age 12+.
No appointment is necessary. Just walk in!
Arlington Heights Health Center
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 300, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
North Riverside Health Center
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1800 S. Harlem Ave., Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546
Blue Island Health Center
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
12757 S. Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 60406
You are not required to show a photo ID or insurance card to get vaccinated.
With the new omicron variant circulating, booster shots are more important than ever before to increase your body’s ability to prevent a COVID-19 infection. Getting vaccinated can help protect your health and the health of your family, friends and community.
