Spring is in the air as we watch the trees start to bud, flowers begin to bloom and the robins return to start nesting.

Spring is also the time for Transient Contractors to return in their attempts to take advantage of unwary or vulnerable consumers.

The standard attempt is a knock on your door and a person standing there trying to sell you a service.  

Typical scams are repaving or sealing driveways, roof repairs or house painting.   

The IRS has some advice for taxpayers who missed the tax filing deadline.

• File as soon as possible. If you owe federal income tax, you should file and pay as soon as you can to minimize any penalty and interest charges. There is no penalty for filing a late return if you are due a refund.
• Penalties and interest may be due. If you missed the April 15 deadline, you may have to pay penalties and interest. The IRS may charge penalties for late filing and for late payment. The law generally does not allow a waiver of interest charges. However, the IRS will consider a reduction of these penalties if you can show a reasonable cause for being late.
• E-file is your best option. IRS e-file programs are available through Oct. 15. E-file is the easiest, safest and most accurate way to file. With e-file, you will receive confirmation that the IRS has received your tax return.

SALISBURY - The W.G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury will host an educational fair on Friday, April 19, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Social Room of Building 6.  

The focus of the education fair will be our Veterans, retired military, family members, and VA staff.  Information on all VA education benefits will be available. The purpose of the event is to inform Veterans and family members of educational opportunities available to them in the community and online, where they can use their GI benefits for education that will assist in acquiring new skills, and will prepare them for the future changing job market.