I am continually impressed with the Internal Revenue Services' efforts to provide timely, accurate tax information to business owners. The IRS has an e-Newsletter called E-News for Small Business that gives information on training opportunities, links to informative sites, explanations and tips, and the latest on changes in the tax law. I highly recommend you check it out!
Here's an example quoted right out of today's newsletter:
"IRS Announces:
New Materials Available to Promote Awareness of Recovery Act Tax Benefits
As part of a larger effort to increase the awareness and use of tax benefits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), the Internal Revenue Service has announced the availability of a vast array of products that help explain several tax benefits currently available to American families. With time running out to qualify for some of the recovery benefits, the IRS has unveiled new YouTube videos, radio public service announcements (PSAs) and multi-lingual informational flyers that provide basic information for taxpayers. The items are available on IRS.gov for partner groups, the media, Web sites and other organizations whose audience could benefit from the new tax changes.
These products are in addition to earlier IRS efforts on YouTube and iTunes to increase public awareness about the tax credits. The IRS.gov official Web site also contains links and complete information about ARRA. The PSAs are in English and Spanish in either 30-second or 60-second formats. The flyers and posters are in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese."
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Legal
If you are looking guidance on Washington laws relating to consumers and businesses, the Washington Attorney General website has a lot of good information. The AG's role is to safeguard consumers from fraud and unfair business practices. The section on "Safeguarding Consumers; Consumer Issues A-Z" is useful for businesses and individuals alike. Just one way to get a quick answer on a legal topic!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Disaster Planning
The Office of Minority and Women Business Enterprises is hosting a free webinar called "A Roadmap to Business Resiliency" on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Given the floods and snowstorms experienced by SW Washington in the past couple of years, we are reminded that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with. However, the webinar also covers other unexpected events like the economic downturn that has hurt many businesses in a variety of ways.
The webinar is designed to help you improve your ability to cope with the unexpected and become more resilient. Register by clicking on the link.
Given the floods and snowstorms experienced by SW Washington in the past couple of years, we are reminded that Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with. However, the webinar also covers other unexpected events like the economic downturn that has hurt many businesses in a variety of ways.
The webinar is designed to help you improve your ability to cope with the unexpected and become more resilient. Register by clicking on the link.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Human Resource Management
I attended a Clark County Chamber of Commerce event this morning and had a rare opportunity to hear from six insurance professionals about health care for small businesses. I came away with many thoughts about health care and reform but here are some to pass on to you:
* Group plans are available to business owners with an average of at least two "permanent" employees who are employed at the beginning of the health benefit year.
* Business owners who want to provide health plans have many choices--probably too many to sort out cost-effectively alone. Take advantage of expert insurance brokers who can help you meet your needs.
* One of the best ways to keep health care costs down is individual accountability. Help employees educate themselves about best health care practices and encourage them to be accountable for their behavior. This includes letting them know they can ask about health care costs and choose cost-effective treatments.
* Employers can choose from two funding options to help employees pay for and manage their health care expenses: a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Both of which shift some of the employer's cost burden.
When you want to attract and retain the best employees, benefits is a big topic of discussion. If you shop around and know the options, you may be able to offer more than you think.
* Group plans are available to business owners with an average of at least two "permanent" employees who are employed at the beginning of the health benefit year.
* Business owners who want to provide health plans have many choices--probably too many to sort out cost-effectively alone. Take advantage of expert insurance brokers who can help you meet your needs.
* One of the best ways to keep health care costs down is individual accountability. Help employees educate themselves about best health care practices and encourage them to be accountable for their behavior. This includes letting them know they can ask about health care costs and choose cost-effective treatments.
* Employers can choose from two funding options to help employees pay for and manage their health care expenses: a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Both of which shift some of the employer's cost burden.
When you want to attract and retain the best employees, benefits is a big topic of discussion. If you shop around and know the options, you may be able to offer more than you think.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Human Resource Management
On October 8, 2009, Landerholm, Memovich, Lansverk, & Whitesides, P.S. is offering a seminar from 7:30-9:30 a.m. covering an Update on Employment Law and 10 Most Valuable Habits for Supervising Effectively and Managing Legal Risk. There is a small fee. If interested, go to their website for details.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
