I had money invested in a company a few years ago and separated from them on very poor terms.
Last week I got a really big 1099-INT from them. I had no money with them last year, and they certainly never paid me any interest in 2008. I have called them, but they refuse to tell me what it represents.
All I can think is that it represents a correction of an error a few years ago; I don't think there were any errors, but have no other explanation for how it might be correct. So I have a few questions...
1) It is a 2008 1099-INT. Does that mean it is for interest paid me in 2008, or could it also be interest paid in 2006 that they failed to send out a notice on; or just became aware of? (I don't know of any such interest, but it is possible.)2) Since I believe it to be bogus, if I ignore it and it turns out to be real, do I have any problems other than paying appropriate taxes and penalties when audited?
3) If it is bogus and I run into problems with the IRS over it, would they be responsible for my expenses?4) Do they have any obligation to tell me why it was issued?
5) Any ideas what it could be, assuming it is correct?