2011 Job Sector Survey: Attention Kitsap Businesses...We need your valuable input. Take our quick, 10-minute survey and help us collect the information we need to guide elected officials, policymakers and community leaders when making decisions that impact local economy. Those who complete the survey will have their names entered into a drawing for two Southwest Sirlines Green LUV Tickets! Take the survey today. The survey closes August 10th.
Gregoire to push for business tax simplification: Gov. Chris Gregoire announced today that she would develop a proposal to simplify state and local business tax administration, registration and licensing. She expects to unveil the proposal later this year.
"Small businesses create two out of every three jobs," Gregoire said. "The current tax system requires small businesses to file tax returns with both cities and the state, often with different classifications, definitions and deductions. This is confusing and takes time away from small business owners' top priority, running their businesses. Simplifying tax collection and licensing will ease a regulatory hurdle and help companies in this tough economy."
In a recent report to the governor, DOR's director, Suzan DelBene, recommended the state centralize all business tax administration, registration and licensing, based on extensive input from business owners, tax professionals, cities and other stakeholders. Tax centralization was the top request of small businesses.
Currently, about 200 cities have registration and licensing requirements that generate revenues, and 39 cities administer their own local business and occupation taxes. DOR administers the state B&O tax and all state and local sales taxes.
Gregoire also directed DOR to evaluate ways to reduce the number of state B&O tax classifications to further reduce the complexity of the tax structure, while keeping in mind the goal of revenue neutrality.
See DOR's report here: http://dor.wa.gov/docs/reports/TaxSimplificationReport.pdf.
ExporTech:
An Export Acceleration System for Achieving Profitable Growth designed specifically for small and mid-sized companies that need innovative ways to grow. Find out more here .
How important is improving US exports for our economy?
See attached report from the National Association of Manufacturers.
Exports = American Jobs: U.S. exports supported an estimated 9.2 million jobs in 2010, up from 8.7 million in 2009, according to a report issued by the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration. For every billion dollars of exports, over 5,000 jobs are supported. Report (PDF)
Seattle Trade Alliance: The world in 2020; Foresight India 2031
Sharpen your skills, or learn new ones with Olympic College instructor facilitated online courses. Online Continuing Education courses run for six-weeks (with a 10-day extension period available at the end). Courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands-on assignments, discussion areas, supplementary links, and more. You can complete any course entirely from your home or office. Any time of the day or night.
Sample offerings include:
- Introduction to QuickBooks 2010
- Marketing Your Business on the Internet
- Performing Payroll in QuickBooks
- Accounting Fundamentals
For more information, please contact ContinuingEd@olympic.edu or visit our web page at www.ed2go.com/occe.
Free IRS July 27 webinar will cover who is a direct seller, business income and expenses including travel, transportation, meals and entertainment.