It has come to our attention the IRS has sent letters to many people associated with the Great Falls Public Schools indicating that they received a retirement distribution in 2017 (1099-R) from the District. People receiving this letter range from retired, current, and student workers, those contributing to TRS, PERS and those never contributing to a retirement system such as the student workers. The District does not do retirement distributions, so these letters are clearly incorrect. To date the District has been in contact with the IRS fraud department, TRS, PERS, Department of Revenue and their auditors. Unfortunately, at this time, there is not a clear answer as to why these letters were sent.
If you received one of these letters, the IRS has asked that you send a letter written on District letterhead stating that you did not receive a retirement distribution from GFPS in 2017. GFPS has a form letter they are sharing for you to send. If you need a copy of this letter you can contact Katie Allen, GFPS lead payroll technician, at either 268-6063 or 268-6064.
You can also contact me for assistance.
We appreciate your understanding and kindness to those attempting to investigate and resolve this issue.
Shelli Lavinder Schwalk
NC1 Field Consultant