HOW THEY VOTED IN 2009

I thought you might be interested to see how Nebraska's 49 state senators voted on eight different issues during the 2009 session of the Legislature.

Here is the link: How They Voted

FIVE TAX FACTS ABOUT SUMMERTIME CHILD CARE EXPENSES

Many of you who work must arrange for care of their children under 13 years of age during the school vacation.

Here are five facts about tax credits available for child care expenses. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is available for expenses incurred during the lazy hazy days of summer and throughout the rest of the year.

1. The cost of day camp can count as an expense towards the child and dependent care credit.

2. Expenses for overnight camps do not qualify.

3. If your childcare provider is a sitter at your home or a daycare facility outside the home, you'll get some tax benefit if you qualify for the credit.

4. The actual credit can be up to 35 percent of your qualifying expenses but normally it amounts to about 20 percent. The percent depends on your income.

5. The maximum is $3,000 of the unreimbursed expenses paid in a year for one qualifying individual, or $6,000 for two or more qualifying individuals to figure the credit.

QUESTION ON LABOR LAWS

Larry, I own a small business and I'm confused about labor laws when it comes to hiring minors. Could you tell me what I qualify for, and what I can and can't do?

Les

Les, we are not labor attorneys so the first thing I would recommend is that you talk with your attorney. I can however, give you the basic rules.

The U.S. Department of Labor says that a child's most important job is to get an education. Therefore, there are limits on the hours and times during the day that a minor can work. Here are some of the basics:

• Adolescents aged 14 & 15 can only work up to three hours on school days and eight hours a day on holidays and weekends.
• They cannot work more than 18 hours per week while school is in session.
• They cannot start work before 7am, or work past 7pm.
• During the summer, they can work until 9pm.
• There are no hour restrictions on 16 & 17 year olds because most state laws only require school attendance through the age of 16.

This is just the tip of the ice burg. There is certain equipment that children are not allowed to handle. State law may also be more rigorous than Federal law in certain areas. This is why it is important to talk with your attorney.

I hope this information is helpful.

Larry Kopsa CPA

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Enjoy the little things, for one day
you may look back and realize
they were the big things.
Robert Brault

MORE INFORMATION ON CASH FOR CLUNKERS

I read your post about getting cash for my old vehicle. Can you give me any more information on that?

Adam

Adam, I have attached the information that I have on what they call Cash for Clunkers. Normally I don’t like to post long answers, so here is a link to the whole enchilada on our website: "Cash For Clunkers" Legislation in Effect.

NATIONAL DEBT ROAD TRIP

As you know, I'm very concerned about government spending. The following YouTube video explains the National Debt in terms we all can understand.

Check it out by clicking on: National Debt Road Trip.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE

Just in case you missed it, the Federal Minimum Wage Increase to $7.25/hour went into effect on Friday, July 24th.

Here is a link to a U.S. Department of Labor article that you may want to read: Federal Minimum Wage Increase.