(Politico) -- Politico.com reports on the publication's unsuccessful attempt to get an answer to a simple question from a farmer. The story was written after an ag producer in Illinois told President Obama recently when he visited Illinois that he was concerned about, "more rules and regulations — including those concerning dust, noise and water runoff — that he heard would negatively affect his business."
According to the story, the president, on day three of his Midwest bus tour, replied: "Contact USDA. Talk to them directly....my suspicion is, a lot of times, they're going to be able to answer your questions and it will turn out that some of your fears are unfounded." MJ Lee, a Politico.com reporter, writes that when he "decided to take the president's advice and call the USDA for an answer to the Atkinson town hall attendee's question," he found himself "in a bureaucratic equivalent of hot potato — getting bounced from the feds to Illinois state agriculture officials to the state farm bureau." After more than four hours of phone calls spread over two days, "still no answer to the farmer's question."
Full Story
And these types of bureaucrats will soon be running our health care system.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Saturday, September 17, 2011
FEDERAL BUDGET VS. HOUSEHOLD BUDGET
This information has been running around the Internet. I thought it explains our predicament really well.
The Federal Budget
1) U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
2) Fed budget $3,820,000,000,000
3) New Debt: $1,650,000,000,000
4) National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
5) Recent Budget cut: $38,500,000,000
Now remove 8 zeros and pretend it is a….
Household Budget:
1) Annual family income: $21,700
2) Money family spent: $38,200
3) New dept on credit card: $16,500
4) Outstanding balance on credit card: $142,710
5) Total budget cuts: $385
The family is not going to make it.
Now those are some numbers I can relate to!
The Federal Budget
1) U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
2) Fed budget $3,820,000,000,000
3) New Debt: $1,650,000,000,000
4) National debt: $14,271,000,000,000
5) Recent Budget cut: $38,500,000,000
Now remove 8 zeros and pretend it is a….
Household Budget:
1) Annual family income: $21,700
2) Money family spent: $38,200
3) New dept on credit card: $16,500
4) Outstanding balance on credit card: $142,710
5) Total budget cuts: $385
The family is not going to make it.
Now those are some numbers I can relate to!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
LABOR BOARD ISSUES RULE REQUIRING EMPLOYERS TO POST NOTICES ON UNION RIGHTS
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in Washington, D.C., has just issued an advance copy of its final rule requiring nearly every U.S. employer to post a notice in the workplace about the right to organize a union. The rule will take effect in 75 days, or on November 14th. For a fact sheet, visit: http://www.nlrb.gov/
I am on the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce board of directors and earlier this year, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry signed onto comments regarding NLRB's proposed rule, arguing, among other things, that the notice requirement is unnecessary, biased and beyond the authority of the NLRB. It appears the NLRB did make some modest changes to its February draft. For example, it dropped the requirement that employers must "distribute the posting by e-mail, Twitter or other electronic means." NLRB member, Brian Hayes (R) voted against the final rule, while Chair Wilma Liebman (D) and members, Mark Pearce (D) and Craig Becker (D) voted to approve. With NLRB Chair Liebman's term expiring soon, some analysts believe that the NLRB may issue a flurry of decisions over the next few weeks.
I am on the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce board of directors and earlier this year, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry signed onto comments regarding NLRB's proposed rule, arguing, among other things, that the notice requirement is unnecessary, biased and beyond the authority of the NLRB. It appears the NLRB did make some modest changes to its February draft. For example, it dropped the requirement that employers must "distribute the posting by e-mail, Twitter or other electronic means." NLRB member, Brian Hayes (R) voted against the final rule, while Chair Wilma Liebman (D) and members, Mark Pearce (D) and Craig Becker (D) voted to approve. With NLRB Chair Liebman's term expiring soon, some analysts believe that the NLRB may issue a flurry of decisions over the next few weeks.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
ACCOUNTANTS IN THE MOVIES
In Hollywood, accounting can seem like a pretty glamorous profession, or not.Cher won an Academy Award playing accountant Loretta Castorini in the 1987 romantic comedy "Moonstruck." She works as an accountant for several Brooklyn businesses, including her uncle's deli, and is engaged to be married to Danny Aiello, until she falls for his younger brother, played by Nicolas Cage. When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore!
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
WATCH OUT, THE IRS MAY WANT YOUR QUICKBOOKS FILE
Recently, the courts have given the IRS the right to demand your software files. The IRS has gotten very aggressive in demanding the actual accounting software file, especially Quickbooks and other common software accounting programs. Before the advent of these software programs, providing a print out of the actual accounting data was usually sufficient for the IRS during an exam.
Now, with most agents being able to utilize these accounting software packages on their computers, they are demanding a backup of the whole accounting software, even if there are years in the accounting software that are not under exam. Also, any comments, memo or notes section of your software would be available for review by the IRS.
Just be careful what you write in your accounting software comments section. And remember, an IRS agent may be reading it in the future.
Now, with most agents being able to utilize these accounting software packages on their computers, they are demanding a backup of the whole accounting software, even if there are years in the accounting software that are not under exam. Also, any comments, memo or notes section of your software would be available for review by the IRS.
Just be careful what you write in your accounting software comments section. And remember, an IRS agent may be reading it in the future.
Monday, September 12, 2011
MY THOUGHTS ON THE PAYROLL TAX CUT IN OBAMAS NEW PLAN
President Obama will send his new jobs creation plan to Congress on Monday September 12th. He pitched it first in the Rose Garden surrounded by the kinds of folks that make for good press (vets and teachers, for example) and then send it to Congress for consideration.
I am not going to comment on all of the details of the plan at this time. First of all the press has given the details plenty of coverage and more importantly the specifics of the plan change and it goes through the legislative process. Outlining it early seems to confuse people when provisions that started out in the plan change. Once we see what the final bill, if any, looks like we will let you know.
I do want to give you my thoughts on the payroll break that is in the plan. Obama wants to extend the holiday and make the cut even deeper. The extension is a no-brainer.
Impact on Individuals
Making the cuts a bit larger is an interesting suggestion. Clearly, taxpayers like it when taxes get cut. But let’s keep this in perspective. It’s not a huge benefit for most taxpayers (a family making $40,000 would keep an extra $440 over the span of the year – or about $8/week). But most concerning, these are cuts to payroll taxes which are out of the Social Security fund. The Social Security fund is in enough trouble already and now they are putting less money in. That is hard for me to understand. How are we going to make that up later? Oh I know… Thanks kids and grandkids. Constantly banking on the idea that we’ll make up extra funds later is how we’ve gotten ourselves into the pickle we’re in now.
Impact on Business
Obama also wants to cut payroll taxes for businesses by 50%, to 3.1%, on the first $5 million in wages. As a business owner, I love this idea. But as a tax professional, I worry about it – for the same reasons articulated above. And I will say that while the cuts might make me happy because it’s less money out of my pocket, it wouldn’t make my business likely to hire new employees. Temporary fixes like that rarely benefit small businesses, in my opinion, because the long term consequences of a new hire are so uncertain. With the added responsibilities under the new health care law, for example, a temporary cut in payroll taxes won’t encourage small businesses to hire. I think they’re still going to be looking to cut employees – and take on cheaper, benefit-free independent contractors – rather than make new hires for employers. But maybe that’s just me.
In contrast, another business tax break in Obama’s plan that I do think has legs is the tax credit for hiring workers who have been out of a job for at least six months. The break is a $4,000 tax credit – not bad. Remember that tax credits are a dollar for dollar reduction in taxes which can be fairly significant, depending on your tax rate.
In terms of comparison of the two employer-side tax breaks, the tax credit for new hires is equal to the suggested “payroll tax cut” for employers paying nearly $130,000 in wages. In other words, you would pay $130,000 in wages as an employer under the new scheme before you would “save” as much as the amount of the credit. However, the payroll tax cut puts more in your pocket as you go while a tax credit generally gives you more of a benefit come tax time.
I am not going to comment on all of the details of the plan at this time. First of all the press has given the details plenty of coverage and more importantly the specifics of the plan change and it goes through the legislative process. Outlining it early seems to confuse people when provisions that started out in the plan change. Once we see what the final bill, if any, looks like we will let you know.
I do want to give you my thoughts on the payroll break that is in the plan. Obama wants to extend the holiday and make the cut even deeper. The extension is a no-brainer.
Impact on Individuals
Making the cuts a bit larger is an interesting suggestion. Clearly, taxpayers like it when taxes get cut. But let’s keep this in perspective. It’s not a huge benefit for most taxpayers (a family making $40,000 would keep an extra $440 over the span of the year – or about $8/week). But most concerning, these are cuts to payroll taxes which are out of the Social Security fund. The Social Security fund is in enough trouble already and now they are putting less money in. That is hard for me to understand. How are we going to make that up later? Oh I know… Thanks kids and grandkids. Constantly banking on the idea that we’ll make up extra funds later is how we’ve gotten ourselves into the pickle we’re in now.
Impact on Business
Obama also wants to cut payroll taxes for businesses by 50%, to 3.1%, on the first $5 million in wages. As a business owner, I love this idea. But as a tax professional, I worry about it – for the same reasons articulated above. And I will say that while the cuts might make me happy because it’s less money out of my pocket, it wouldn’t make my business likely to hire new employees. Temporary fixes like that rarely benefit small businesses, in my opinion, because the long term consequences of a new hire are so uncertain. With the added responsibilities under the new health care law, for example, a temporary cut in payroll taxes won’t encourage small businesses to hire. I think they’re still going to be looking to cut employees – and take on cheaper, benefit-free independent contractors – rather than make new hires for employers. But maybe that’s just me.
In contrast, another business tax break in Obama’s plan that I do think has legs is the tax credit for hiring workers who have been out of a job for at least six months. The break is a $4,000 tax credit – not bad. Remember that tax credits are a dollar for dollar reduction in taxes which can be fairly significant, depending on your tax rate.
In terms of comparison of the two employer-side tax breaks, the tax credit for new hires is equal to the suggested “payroll tax cut” for employers paying nearly $130,000 in wages. In other words, you would pay $130,000 in wages as an employer under the new scheme before you would “save” as much as the amount of the credit. However, the payroll tax cut puts more in your pocket as you go while a tax credit generally gives you more of a benefit come tax time.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
“Back to School” Tax Planning Beats an Apple for the Teacher!
September is halfway over , and school is back in session. If you have kids, you’ve probably already met the teachers. You may have even watched a football game or two.
It’s probably been a long time since you’ve sat in a classroom yourself. But school is never out if you’re looking to make the most of your money in today’s challenging economy.
What classes would you take to keep more of your income in your pocket? Try these:
• Math 1040: Where are tax rates headed?
• History 2008: Lessons from last year’s mistakes?
• Social Studies 463: Write off meals and entertainment
• Chemistry 162: Is there a “secret formula” for paying less?
• Anatomy 213: What’s the best strategy for healthcare benefits?
If you want to keep the most of what you make, you can’t wait ‘til finals for answers. You need to study now. Putting tax-wise ideas and strategies in place today could help avoid an ugly surprise when “Report Cards” come due April 15!
Email us today for your free tax analysis. We’ll find the mistakes and missed opportunities that may be costing you thousands today, and show you how “back to school” tax planning can save thousands more tomorrow. We guarantee you’ll leave with valuable new lessons, or we’ll donate $50 to your local school. Email now to schedule your Analysis.
It’s probably been a long time since you’ve sat in a classroom yourself. But school is never out if you’re looking to make the most of your money in today’s challenging economy.
What classes would you take to keep more of your income in your pocket? Try these:
• Math 1040: Where are tax rates headed?
• History 2008: Lessons from last year’s mistakes?
• Social Studies 463: Write off meals and entertainment
• Chemistry 162: Is there a “secret formula” for paying less?
• Anatomy 213: What’s the best strategy for healthcare benefits?
If you want to keep the most of what you make, you can’t wait ‘til finals for answers. You need to study now. Putting tax-wise ideas and strategies in place today could help avoid an ugly surprise when “Report Cards” come due April 15!
Email us today for your free tax analysis. We’ll find the mistakes and missed opportunities that may be costing you thousands today, and show you how “back to school” tax planning can save thousands more tomorrow. We guarantee you’ll leave with valuable new lessons, or we’ll donate $50 to your local school. Email now to schedule your Analysis.
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