New Update: Healthcare Costs Increasing by Over 60% in Some States. Will you be impacted?

The Reason Nordson Employees Need to be Aware of Common Tax Scams

Healthcare Provider Update: Nordson offers a comprehensive benefits package to its U.S. employees, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. The company supports employee wellness through HSAs, FSAs, and a wellbeing program. Retirement benefits include both traditional and Roth 401(k) options, life insurance, and disability coverage. Nordson also provides paid time off, adoption reimbursement, and tuition assistance5. Healthcare costs in the United States are projected to continue rising through 2026, with insurers proposing significant premium increases for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. A recent analysis found that ACA insurers are seeking a median premium increase of 15% for 2026, marking the largest hike since 2018. This surge is attributed to factors such as the anticipated expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, rising medical costsincluding expensive medications and increased hospital staysand a shift in the risk pool towards higher-cost enrollees. Without the renewal of enhanced subsidies, out-of-pocket premiums for ACA marketplace enrollees could increase by more than 75% on average. Click here to learn more

As for the Nordson employees and retirees, one must always be careful during tax time and throughout the year as well when it comes to tax scams,' says Tyson Mavar of The Retirement Group at Wealth Enhancement Group. 'This article provides a general overview of the most common types of scams and how to avoid them with the help of the IRS's recommendations.'

'The increase in tax scams during peak seasons calls for more caution among the Nordson employees and retirees,' says Wesley Boudreaux, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group. 'Knowing your tax responsibilities and using the IRS's recommended procedures are important steps in the protection of one's personal and financial information.'

In this article, we will discuss:

1. Types of Tax Scams: Different schemes including phishing, phone scams, and tax preparer fraud that target personal and financial information.

2. Preventive Measures: Tips to prevent scams such as checking the source and using protective measures such as the IRS Identity Protection PIN.

3. Consequences and Reporting: Discusses the effects of these scams and how to report them to the proper channels to minimize the effects.

These scams, as reported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), are more likely to occur during tax season and other times of economic uncertainty. As we are now in the middle of tax season, the Internal Revenue Service is sharing important information with taxpayers and urging them to be on the lookout for scam artists who may attempt to steal their identities.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), financial scams are most common among older people, and con artists often pose as trustworthy entities such as government agencies, charities, or healthcare providers. The FTC has reported that more than $1 billion was lost to fraud by consumers 60 years of age and over, with the median loss being $600. It is crucial for Nordson employees and retirees to know the following common tax scams that are likely to be encountered in order to avoid becoming a victim of them.

Phishing and text message scams

The first con that Nordson employees and retirees should be on the lookout for is phishing. Phishing and text message scams are unsolicited emails or text messages that appear to be from official IRS websites in an attempt to get you to share personal or financial info. When con artists get their hands on this information, they immediately use it to steal people's identities or their money. The Internal Revenue Service does not contact taxpayers through email, text messages, or any other form of social media communication requesting personal or financial information.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) most typically initiates communication with taxpayers through the regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service. This information is very important and we would like all the Nordson workers and retired employees to be aware of it.

Phone scams

This means that Nordson employees and retirees need to be wary of fraudulent phone calls. The scammers will usually tell their victims that they owe the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) money, or that they are due a large refund from the IRS. The calls can show up on your Caller ID as coming from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), they may be accompanied by phony emails that appear to be sent from the IRS, or they may be followed by calls from people claiming to be from the police.

These cons will often target more vulnerable populations, such as immigrants and the elderly, and will often use scare tactics like threatening to arrest you, revoke your license, or deport you.

Tax-related identity theft

Tax-related identity theft occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a fraudulent tax return and claim a refund. It is possible that you will not even notice that your identity has been stolen until you attempt to file your taxes and discover that someone else has already used your Social Security number to file a return. You may also receive a letter from the Internal Revenue Service informing you that it has detected a suspicious return that uses your Social Security number. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recently put into place a program called the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to help combat identity theft related to taxes. The Identity Protection PIN is a six-digit code that only you and the IRS know when you file your tax return.

This code assists the IRS in verifying your identity and helps reduce the chances of your return being accepted by a fraudulent filing. This preventative measure is something that Nordson employees and retirees can take in order to protect themselves against the possibility of their identity being stolen.

Tax preparer fraud

There are times when con artists will pretend to be a legitimate tax preparer in order to commit identity theft or fraud with your taxes and your refund. Nordson employees and retirees should be cautious of any tax preparer who: Refuses to sign the tax return (also called a ghost preparer), Accepts a cash-only payment, Claims unfounded deductions or tax credits, Has the refunds deposited into his or her account, or Promises a bigger or inflated refund than what is due.

In general, a legitimate tax preparer will also: Review your income and credits and deductions and request evidence of such; sign the return as the preparer; include his or her valid preparer tax identification number; and provide you with a copy of your return. In addition, they must be permitted to prepare tax returns. It is especially important for current and former Nordson workers and retirees to be careful when choosing a tax preparer. You are still going to be responsible for everything that is on your return even if your return was done by another person.

False offer in compromise

This type of scam is usually conducted by fraudsters whose goal is to steal the victim’s personal details and claim unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you notice an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for you should report it to your state’s unemployment insurance office.

Unemployment insurance fraud

As has been stated earlier, these cases are usually reported by con artists. Their goal is to use your personal information to file for unemployment benefits. If you receive an unexpected prepaid card for unemployment benefits, if you observe an unexpected payment from your state in your bank account, or if you receive an IRS Form 1099-G for unemployment compensation that you did not apply for, you should report it as quickly as possible to the state unemployment insurance office in your area.

Fake charities

Charity scammers pose as real charitable organizations in order to con money from people who are not aware they are being scammed. Most of the schemes are made to look realistic and timely, for instance, natural disasters, storms, or the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important that Nordson workers and retirees should be aware of the charitable groups whose names are similar to those of more known or national companies or organizations. It is always important for any form of donation in any form whether it be cash, gift cards, or electronic funds transfer to try and verify the charity and do not send physical cash. The IRS has a tool on its website at irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits that can help you determine if an organization is a charity.

Articles you may find interesting:

Protecting yourself from scams

Luckily, there are some measures that Nordson workers and retirees can take to avoid different types of scams, including those aimed at taxpayers, in order to protect their financial well-being.

Do not click on links in emails, text messages, or instant messaging that are unfamiliar or look suspicious and always get information directly from the government websites.
If you don’t know the number of the person calling you, do not answer the phone; instead, let the call go to voicemail and check who it was later.
Never click on the download button in an email unless you know the source of the email.
Make sure that your hardware and security software are up to date and use strong passwords whenever possible, and where possible, enable multi-factor authentication.
Never send your personal or financial information through email, text message, or telephone in its natural form.

Sources:

1. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayers Should Hang Up If Tax Season Scammers Come Calling.' IRS , 2023. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayers-should-hang-up-if-tax-season-scammers-come-calling .

2. Internal Revenue Service. 'IRS Warns of Holiday Scams, Encourages Protecting Sensitive Personal Information as 9th Annual National Tax Security Awareness Week Starts.' IRS , 2 Dec. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-warns-of-holiday-scams-encourages-protecting-sensitive-personal-information .

3. Internal Revenue Service. 'Dirty Dozen: IRS Urges Taxpayers to Not Fall Prey to Untrustworthy Tax Preparers; 'Ghost Preparers' Can Disappear with Taxpayer Cash, Information.' IRS , 5 Apr. 2024. www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-irs-urges-taxpayers-to-not-fall-prey-to-untrustworthy-tax-preparers .

4. Internal Revenue Service. 'Taxpayer Alert as Holidays, Tax Season Approach: Watch Out for Scams, Protect Financial Information; National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 1 Highlights Important Tips.' IRS , 29 Nov. 2021. www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-alert-as-holidays-tax-season-approach .

5. Internal Revenue Service. 'Recognize Tax Scams and Fraud.' IRS. www.irs.gov/newsroom/recognize-tax-scams-and-fraud.

How does the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan calculate an employee's Accrued Benefit, and what factors need to be considered to ensure accurate pension benefits at retirement? Understanding the components that contribute to the calculation is crucial for employees planning their retirement through Nordson Corporation.

Accrued Benefit Calculation: Nordson Corporation calculates an employee’s Accrued Benefit based on the Final Average Monthly Pay, the number of Years of Benefit Service, and an estimate of the employee’s Social Security benefit. The formula used includes a reduction if an employee has less than 30 Years of Benefit Service(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What are the eligibility criteria for joining the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan, and how can employees determine their vesting status as they approach retirement? It is essential for employees to be aware of the timelines and requirements necessary to fully benefit from the retirement plan offered by Nordson Corporation.

Eligibility Criteria: Employees become eligible for the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan after completing a Year of Eligibility Service, which requires at least 1,000 hours of work annually. Vesting occurs after completing 5 Years of Vesting Service, ensuring full entitlement to benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what ways can employees at Nordson Corporation access information about their pension plan benefits, and what steps should they follow if they believe their claims for benefits were denied? Knowing the appropriate channels for receiving information can help employees navigate any discrepancies with their pension benefits.

Accessing Pension Information and Claiming: Employees can access their pension plan details through John Hancock’s website or phone service. If a benefit claim is denied, employees can follow the claims procedure outlined by Nordson, which includes submitting a written request and appealing decisions(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What options does Nordson Corporation provide for early retirement, and how can employees assess whether an early retirement is financially feasible for them? Understanding the implications of early retirement can significantly impact an employee's long-term financial security.

Early Retirement Options: Nordson Corporation offers early retirement options starting at age 55, with at least 5 years of vesting service. Benefits are reduced by 6% per year for each year that early retirement is taken before the Normal Retirement Date(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does Nordson Corporation's pension plan ensure that employees receive monthly benefits post-retirement, and what are the different forms of payment available to retirees? Grasping the payment structures may help employees make informed decisions regarding their retirement income.

Monthly Benefit Payments: Employees retiring from Nordson Corporation can choose various payment methods, including a Life Annuity or a 50% Joint & Survivor Annuity for married participants. Payments start after the Normal Retirement Date or early retirement, depending on the selected option(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What rights do participants have under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) concerning their Nordson Corporation pension plan, and what should they do to enforce these rights effectively? Employees should be aware of their rights to protect themselves during the benefit claiming process.

ERISA Rights: Under ERISA, participants have the right to receive information about their benefits, file claims, and sue if benefits are denied. Plan fiduciaries must act in the best interest of employees, and participants are protected from retaliation for asserting their rights(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How does the termination or amendment of the Nordson Corporation Salaried Employees Pension Plan affect employees' accrued benefits, and what protections are in place? Awareness of these scenarios can help employees better plan their financial futures in relation to their pensions.

Plan Termination or Amendment: If the plan is terminated or amended, accrued benefits cannot be reduced, and employees’ benefits become 100% vested. This ensures that employees retain the benefits they have earned up to the point of the change(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

In what situations might employees at Nordson Corporation lose their pension benefits, and what preventative actions can they take to ensure they remain eligible for these benefits? Understanding the risks involved in pension plans can aid employees in maintaining their retirement security.

Loss of Pension Benefits: Employees may lose pension benefits if they leave Nordson Corporation before vesting or fail to select appropriate survivor options. Keeping the Plan Administrator informed of current contact information is crucial to avoid losing benefits(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

How can employees at Nordson Corporation address questions or concerns related to their retirement planning, and what resources are available for personalized assistance? Access to proper resources is vital for employees needing guidance throughout their retirement journey.

Retirement Planning Resources: Employees can contact the Plan Administrator or use John Hancock’s automated services to address questions about retirement planning. Personalized assistance is available for any specific pension-related inquiries(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

What steps should employees take to contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator to get detailed information about their pension plan, and what should they include in their inquiries to ensure a comprehensive response? Effective communication techniques can significantly enhance employees' understanding of their benefits. These questions have been designed to help employees of Nordson Corporation navigate their pension plan and retirement effectively.

Contacting the Plan Administrator: Employees can contact Nordson Corporation or the Plan Administrator by calling the number listed in the Summary Plan Description. It’s advisable to provide detailed questions regarding benefit amounts, vesting status, or payment options to receive a thorough response(Nordson Corporation_Feb…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Pension Plan Name: Nordson Corporation Retirement Plan Qualification Criteria: Years of Service: Generally requires a minimum of 5 years. Age Qualification: Typically eligible at age 65. Pension Formula: Formula is based on a percentage of final average salary and years of service. 401(k) Plan Name: Nordson Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan Qualification Criteria: Employees are eligible to participate after completing 30 days of service. Company Contribution: Nordson matches employee contributions up to a certain percentage.

News: In early 2024, Nordson Corporation announced a significant restructuring plan, including a reduction of approximately 5% of its global workforce. This move was part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and improve overall efficiency. The company also updated its employee benefits package, including modifications to its pension and 401k plans. Specific changes included adjusting the company’s matching contributions and modifying pension benefit accrual rates.

Nordson Corporation (NDSN) provides stock options and RSUs to employees as part of their compensation packages. Stock options at Nordson Corporation (NDSN) are generally granted to senior executives and key employees based on performance and tenure. RSUs are also awarded to employees as a form of long-term incentive, typically vesting over a period of time.

Benefits Overview: Nordson's official site provides information on various health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Employees have access to comprehensive health coverage, which typically includes options for health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Recent Updates: The company has updated its benefits plans over the years. Specific changes for 2022, 2023, and 2024 can be found in their annual benefits summaries or employee communications.