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Whether a taxpayer who recovers amounts lost in a fraudulent investment scheme is required to include the recovery in income depends on whether the taxpayer claimed a tax deduction for the theft loss in any prior year.
A taxpayer who has not yet claimed a tax deduction for the theft loss is not required to include in income a recovery from the trustee or receiver. Instead, the recovery will reduce the amount a taxpayer may eventually claim as a loss.
A taxpayer who claimed a tax deduction for the theft loss, however, may be required to include the recovery in income, depending on the extent to which the theft loss deduction created a “tax benefit” for the taxpayer.

Revenue Procedure 2009-20 simplifies compliance for taxpayers by providing a safe-harbor means of determining the year in which the loss is deemed to occur and a simplified means of computing the amount of the loss.
Go to IRS Website to access Ruling. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Help-for-Victims-of-Ponzi-Investment-Schemes

Revenue Ruling 2009-9 provides guidance on determining the amount and timing of losses from these schemes, which is difficult and dependent on the prospect of recovering the lost money (which may not become known for several years).
Go to IRS Website to access Ruling. http://www.irs.gov/uac/Help-for-Victims-of-Ponzi-Investment-Schemes

The IRS has expanded the number of Identity Protection Personal Identification Numbers (IP PINs) being issued to Identity Theft victims. The IP PIN is a unique identifier (6 numbers) that shows that a particular taxpayer is the rightful filer of the return.
In 2015, the IRS has issued IP PINs to more than 600,000 taxpayers who have been victimized by identity theft. That’s more than twice as many as the previous year.
The IP PIN will allow these individuals to avoid delays in filing returns and receiving refunds.

If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft, but you believe you may be at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490, extension 245 (Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. local time; Alaska & Hawaii follow Pacific Time).

Don’t carry your Social Security card or any documents with your SSN or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) on it.
Don’t give a business your SSN or ITIN just because they ask. Give it only when required.
Protect your financial information. Check your credit report every 12 months.
Secure personal information in your home.
Protect your personal computers by using firewalls, anti-spam/virus software, update security patches and change passwords for Internet accounts.
Don’t give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you have initiated the contact or you are sure you know who you are dealing with.

The student must be enrolled at least half time for atleast one academic period beginning during the year. The tution statement, Form 1098-T will have a checkbox checked if the sudent met the half of time requirement.

None of the Lifetime Learning credit is refundable. 40% of the American Opportunity Credit may be refundable and the balance is nonrefundable.

40% of the American Opportunity Credit may be refundable and the balance is nonrefundable. None of the Lifetime Learning credit is refundable.

The limit on employee elective deferrals is $17,500 for 2013. ($17,000 for 2012) and $23,000 if age 50 or older ($22,500 in 2012)
The catch up contribution limit for employees 50 and over remains unchanged at $5,500.
Generally, all elective deferrals made to all plans in which you participate are aggregated to determine if you have exceeded these limits.