DUMONT, N.J. — Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) sat with Fifth District residents Charlie and Betty Crasten to discuss how a bureaucratic error in Charles’ income information led the IRS to erroneously demand $15,558 from the couple, and how the Crastens were able to turn to Gottheimer for help.

When Charles and Betty Crasten, who have lived in their Dumont home since 1959, sold a stock certificate, their profits were misreported to the IRS by a third-party clearinghouse, causing the IRS to demand $15,558 — a common error among seniors selling paper securities. When the IRS contacted the couple looking for the payment, the couple thought that they were destined for jail.

Instead, the Crastens called Congressman Josh Gottheimer, whose office identified the error almost immediately and then worked with the IRS to clear the issue. Within one month, the IRS had lowered the amount owed from nearly $16,000 to about $1,850, saving the couple $14,000.

“I’m thrilled, relieved that Congressman Gottheimer was able to end this IRS issue that caused me months of sleep and worry. The IRS kept me awake for a couple of years, and almost cost me $15,000. Now I’m $15,000 richer and know to call my Congressman whenever I need help,” said Charles Crasten.

“It’s been a wonderful experience working with the Congressman, and I was so impressed by how quickly he was able to help resolve our issue with the IRS. I’m so happy the whole thing is over,” said Betty Crasten.

“The Crasten’s have worked hard and played by the rules their whole lives — they didn’t deserve to be terrorized by the IRS. I take great pride in the work my office has done to cut through red tape and get the taxpayers of New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District the money they have earned — in this case a total of $14,000. Taxes are simply too high and you should never pay more than you owe. My team is here to help New Jersey families get what they have earned and cut through the bureaucracy. I want anyone in the Fifth District facing problems with the IRS to contact my office. We are here to help and solve problems for you — and help claw back your hard-earned dollars,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5).

Tax season can be difficult enough for seniors and New Jersey residents who face uncertainty or even higher taxes after the recently passed Tax Hike Bill. Gottheimer has senior caseworkers at the ready to help constituents resolve issues with the IRS, as well as issues with IRS impersonation scams. Just last week, Gottheimer visited Atrium Senior Living in Park Ridge to announce his Stop Senior Scams Plan and Senior Scam Hotline, which aim to protect North Jersey seniors from scammers posing as IRS employees.

If you know of any New Jersey seniors struggling with the IRS, please contact Congressman Gottheimer’s Senior Scam Hotline at (800) 974-1301 or SeniorsHotline@mail.house.gov, or go online at Gottheimer.House.Gov.