With less than a month until the annual deadline to file federal taxes, it is time for all of us to dot our i’s and cross all the t’s to make sure our returns get processed as quickly and accurately as possible.

Every year my office receives calls for help from Arkansans whose refunds are delayed. In most cases, the delay relates to the IRS needing to verify a person’s identity. Sadly, this can happen because of an identity theft issue where someone files a return using someone else’s Social Security number. But, just as often the identity verification happens because of common errors that plague us all during this annual process. 

In an effort to reduce these and other common filing problems, officials at the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) recently shared their best tips to help ensure your return is processed smoothly and swiftly.

Among the most important is to triple-check that all the basic information is correct for you and your dependents. Many returns get delayed because of simple errors with dates of birth, misspelled names, a changed address and other identifying information that needs to match IRS records. This is equally important if someone is helping you file your taxes. It is just as easy for a tax-preparer to transpose a number, so be sure to proofread the final product for those details before you send in any tax return.

Another common slowdown can happen when filers try to use their pay stubs to verify their income. TAS officials say it is much better to use a year-end income tax statement such as a W-2 or 1099. In addition, be sure to complete all the necessary worksheets and include all the attachments to back up any credits and deductions you are claiming. Missing information could trigger a review and require you to do significant follow up with the IRS.

Over the years, E-filing has become the most efficient way to file. But even people comfortable with this process sometimes rely too much on the technology and end up suffering through a delay. Mostly importantly, make sure you are using data from the correct tax year. If you’ve used the same software before, it will likely import the prior year’s data automatically. You will need to make sure the numbers are correct for tax year 2024.

Another unfortunately common problem occurs because of the rash of identity theft. If the IRS has issued you an Identity Protection PIN for this reason, be sure to use it. Identity theft victims may receive a new IP PIN each year from the IRS and your return won’t go smoothly without the proper one.

If you need help with this process, the IRS has interactive tools and links to the IRS Free File, IRS Direct File and organizations that help through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at IRS.gov/help.

With the start of the 119^th Congress, there have already been multiple opportunities to support policies that defend the unborn and affirm the sanctity of every life. Babies in the womb and their mothers deserve our advocacy and I am proud to join my colleagues in backing pro-life legislation that recognizes their value and dignity.  

Here are some of the latest measures I’ve joined to protect and defend life:

• The Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, to protect newborns who survive abortions by requiring they receive care from health care practitioners.
• The Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act, to ban discriminatory abortions that result from a Down syndrome diagnosis.
• The Protecting Life on College Campus Act, to prohibit federal funds from going to any college or university with campus health clinics or sites that provide abortions or abortion drugs to students and employees.
• The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, to make permanent the Hyde Amendment that prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to fund abortions.

Further, I am proud to continue my efforts on the Pro-Life Caucus and have joined over 140 other Members of Congress to encourage President Trump to both reinstate and broaden life-affirming, pro-life policies in his new administration.

Finally, I am pleased the Susan B. Anthony List has awarded me an A+ rating on its National Pro-Life Scorecard because of my consistent pro-life voting record.

It is not only a tremendous responsibility, but an honor, to serve as a voice for vulnerable children in the womb and their mothers. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues and advocates across our nation on this vital issue.  

The August in-state work period allows me more time to spend in the state. I appreciated having many productive visits with Arkansans to hear about issues and priorities that I can take back to Washington to help shape better policies. Here’s a roundup of local coverage of some of our meetings across Arkansas.

 

I was pleased to join Senator Cotton to promote workforce development and investment:

KJNB – A-State thanks Senators Boozman, Cotton and Rep. Crawford for Campus Visit

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Business Leaders Joined Senators Boozman and Cotton to Discuss regulatory climate, inflation and worker shortages

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman, Cotton, Crawford hold listening session with Steel industry figures.

Arkansas Business – Boozman and Cotton Talk Labor Shortages, Regulatory Challenges and more in Little Rock 

Paragould Daily Press – NEA steel industry has worldwide impact, lawmakers told 

El Dorado News – Senator Boozman and Representative Westerman talk about economic development and the defense industry

KAIT – Lawmakers talk Natural State meat and steel industries in Jonesboro

KNWA – Boozman, Cotton tour Compass Cold Storage

 

I continued the conversation about improving maternal health in Arkansas during a roundtable in Bentonville:

Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Improving Arkansas’ maternal health outcomes require collaboration and better access, panelists agree 

Talk Business – Collaboration, non-traditional solutions part of better maternal health

Axios NWA – How to improve maternal health in Arkansas

Arkansas Advocate – Panelists say telemedicine, doulas could improve Arkansas’ poor maternal health outcomes

40/29 TV – Arkansas is one of the riskiest places to have a baby

KFSM – Lawmakers, health professionals say lack of resources in rural Arkansas contribute to state’s high maternal mortality rates

UAMS – UAMS’s Pearl McElfish, Ph.D., Joins Panel of Experts to Discuss Maternal Health Issues  

 

I also celebrated the rollout of Poland’s new F-35 that will soon arrive at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith – a critical step in advancing Arkansas’s role in the defense of our nation and allies – and I also spoke at the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Summit:

The Heber Springs Sun Times – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

Batesville Daily Guard – Poland F-35s bound for Arkansas Skies

ED88Radio – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 rollout 

KATV – Poland to Train on New F-35 Jets in Arkansas Under US Foreign Military Sales Program

Southwest Arkansas Today – Boozman Celebrates Poland F-35 Rollout Marks Critical Step Before Aircraft Arrival in Fort Smith

Siloam Springs Herald-Leader – Arkansas Ranks High as a Growth Site for Defense

 

I was proud to honor Staff Sergeant Gregory Smith with the Purple Heart at a memorable ceremony in Fort Smith:

KARK – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KNWA – Sen. Boozman Honors Fort Smith Veteran with Purple Heart

KFSM – Senator John Boozman presents Purple Heart to Arkansas Vet Injured in Iraq

Batesville Tribune – Fort Smith Community Honors Local Hero with Purple Heart 

Heber Springs Sun Times – Trooper Receives Purple Heart for injuries sustained during 2020 attack Iraq

Van Buren County Democrat – Trooper Awarded Purple Heart

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently proposed a rule that has the potential to negatively impact volunteer fire departments with burdensome regulations. I met with Arkansas firefighters to hear their input and concerns:

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette – Boozman Meets with Firefighters in Sebastian County About Proposed OSHA Rule 

KNWA – Sen. John Boozman Talks Proposed OSHA rules at Fort Smith Volunteer Fire Department

KFSM – Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters Raise Concerns Over Proposed Changes to OSHA Regulations

40/29 TV– Firefighters Fear OSHA Regulations Could Impact Rural Departments in Arkansas  

Resident News Network – Senator Boozman Discuss Proposed OSHA Rule with Sebastian County Volunteer Firefighters

America’s National Parks continue to see a record number of visitors. Last year alone, the National Park Service reported a four percent increase with more than 325 million visits. If you are taking a summer road trip, plan ahead to make sure you aren’t left outside the gates.

As a result of the increasing demand, more locations require reservations for timed entry. At some parks, this is only for the most popular sites and peak times. However, many of our busiest parks require reservations for all park-goers as officials try to better manage resources and make sure visitors get to experience the full beauty and history of these important places.

Before you take off, be sure to do a few things: 

First, check out the reservation system used by many of our parks, campgrounds and historic sites across the country at Recreation.gov. This site handles everything from a day pass at Rocky Mountain National Park to tour reservations at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Arkansas. Available dates are rolled out at different times, so check back frequently. In addition, some parks and campgrounds still handle their own booking, so be sure to check both Recreation.gov and the specific website for your destination to make sure you have the passes and information you need. 

Second, consider getting an annual or lifetime pass to our National Park system. These range in price, but are less expensive if you are over 62.  They are free for active military and their dependents, Americans with permanent disabilities and fourth graders nationwide. 

Finally, don’t forget about Arkansas! We are blessed with beautiful state and federal parks, forests and historic sites – many of which are free to visit. The National Historic Site in Fort Smith recently announced it is now fee-free so families can enjoy the museum and walk around the grounds on the banks of the Arkansas River at no cost. In addition, the National Park Service offers several free entrance days during the year for all National Park visitors. The remaining days this year are June 19, August 4, September 28 and November 11.