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The biggest compliment that you can give us is to forward our newsletter to your friends, collegues, or someone you know who might find the material of interest. Please click the "Forward" button at the bottom so that we know. If that person or company becomes a Loggins & Associates client, then you will get the credit for the referral.
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New Tax Break - Haiti Contributions |
 A new tax law allows people who contributed in 2010 to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti to take a tax deduction for the contribution on their 2009 tax return instead of their 2010 return. You do not have to wait; you can receive an immediate tax benefit.
Certain requirement apply. Call our office or visit www.irs.gov for more information. |
| Unemployment Taxes - Increase in 2010 |
Employers should anticipate increases in their unemployment taxes in 2010 and possibly beyond, whether or not their business has had any claims. State unemployment trust funds have fallen to such a low level that rate increases may be required to rebuild their balances even when employment improves. Some states have had to borrow money from the federal government under the Federal Umemployment Trust Act (FUTA) to cover their current obligations will need to pay this money back with interest.
November 2009 Georgia's unemployment rate rose to 10.2% even during a seasonal employment period. Also in November, the number of Georgians receiving umemployment benefits has risen 11.5% over November 2008. Year-to-date 2009, Georgia Department of Labor has paid out $1.6 billion in umemployment benefits. Although Georgia has received authorization to receive federal funds, they had not done so as of November. Georgia estimates that approximately 15% of employers will see a "modest" increase in their 2010 premiums.
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| Employee or Independent Contractor? |
 The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee for federal income and employment tax purposes is a complex one. It is intensely factual, and the stakes can be very high. If a worker is an employee, the comany must withhold federal income and payroll taxes, pay the employer's share of FICA taxes on the wages plus FUTA tax, and often provide the worker with fringe benefits it makes available to other employees. There may be state tax obligations as well. These obligations don't apply for a worker who is an independent contractor. The business sends the independent contractor a Form 1099-MISC for the year showing what he or she was paid (if it amounts to $600 or more), and that's it.
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| Employee Spotlight - Sheila Rickard |
 Sheila Rickard joined Loggins & Associates in October 2000. She is a Para Pro Accountant and supports Gina McCombs, Miranda Kern & Josh Wilson. Sheila also serves as a supervisor for the other Para Professionals responsible for the status and delegation of downstairs workflow. Sheila is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is currently completing certification as an Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor.
Before joining Loggins, Sheila worked for Fox Distributing for 18 years. Sheila says that she "loves puzzles and every new account is like a puzzle to figure out". Sheila is a valued member of the Loggins staff!
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| Tax Tips |
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While the tax filing deadline is more than three months away, it always seems to be here before you know it. Here are some tips that will help your tax filing process run smoother than ever this year:
Start gathering your records. Find a designated folder or envelope to keep all your tax-related documents. Then round up documents or forms you'll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support an item of income or a deduction you're taking on your return. When you receive your Loggins tax organzer, put it in this folder or envelope as well!
Be on the lookout! W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon from your employer. You will need these to file your tax return. As soon as these items come in, put in your designated folder or envelope.
Try e-File! When you file electronically, your refund can be direct deposited in about half the time it takes when you file a paper return.
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| Is Loggins SPAM? |
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Well apparently Bellsouth / AT&T thinks so. For some reason when we send emails to someone with an att.net or bellsouth.net email address, it is sent to their Spam folder. If you have one of these email accounts, you will need to go into the web-based version of your email and check your Spam folder for any emails from us and mark them as "Not Spam". Even if you use a PC-based email program such as Outlook or Microsoft Mail, you will have to go to att.net website and log into your email account to see the SPAM folder.
If you have any problems, please call our office and talk to Cindy Dyes. She can walk you through how to make the change. |
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QuickBooks |
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Remember to update your 2010 SUTA rates in your QuickBooks before your first payroll of 2010. New rates sheets were mailed December 31st. Also please fax Loggins a copy of this notice for your file.
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