DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am hoping you can help me. I would like to contact the woman in Lovell who just sold her inn with an essay. I had this idea a few years ago to sell my house, but don’t know where to start. I appreciate any help you can give me. — No Name, No Town.
ANSWER: Sun Spots was unable to find any contact information for Janice Sage that is shared with the public. Sage was the inn’s owner during the essay contest. However, the inn owner before Sage was Bil Mosca who hosted a similar essay contest for the inn which was won by Sage. Mosca has written a book titled, “Passing Along a Dream” which outlines the essay contest idea. You may find his book in bookstores, online or at the library. He also helps others host similar essay contests. His website is www.passingalongadream.com and email is bilandsusie@passingalongadream.com.
GREETINGS SUN SPOTS: I love reading your column daily! Could you please find the mailing address for Gene Wilder? I would love to send a “Season’s Greetings” to him with remembrance of his wife Gilda. Thanks. — Ellen in Auburn.
ANSWER: Public sources list his production company address as: Gene Wilder, Pal-Mel Productions, Inc., 10100 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 1050, Los Angeles, CA 90067; and his home address as: 476 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford, CT 06903. Let Sun Spots know if you are successful in sending your greeting card to Gene.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: I do enjoy your column and the help you provide. My husband and I are two of over 100,000 people whose identity was stolen through the IRS website. Our tax preparer notified us after she filed our returns that someone had filed under one of our social security numbers. We are expecting a refund.
We called the number to confirm who we were. This was over four months ago and we have not recieved our refund nor are we able to speak to a human at the IRS office. We have gone online as the recording says to when selecting “Where’s my refund” only to see the same message day after day: “Your refund is still being processed.”
We are so frustrated as we can’t get any information. Our tax preparer is not able to help either. Do you know where we can get an answer? Thank you for any help. — L.C., Auburn.
ANSWER: CNN’s Money segment has reported on the subject of tax fraud: “If you’re a tax fraud victim, the IRS freezes your refunds. Investigations are so backed up, the government says the average wait time to clear up the matter is 120 days. But more than a dozen tax fraud victims spoke to CNNMoney and said the IRS is telling them the wait is 180 days. Some have waited far longer than that.”
In its identity theft information for victims, the IRS states: “If you previously contacted the IRS and did not have a resolution, contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. If you are unable to get your issue resolved and are experiencing financial difficulties, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service toll-free at 877-777-4778.” In Maine, the Taxpayer Advocate phone number is 207-622-8528. Sun Spots would like to know if these numbers are helpful for you.
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