Being "tax exempt" means that chapters do not have to pay tax on income that is related to its tax exempt purpose. The general tax exempt purpose of chapters is to protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. Tax exemption does not mean that chapters are exempt from all federal income tax. Your chapter must still pay tax on profits from "unrelated business activities" such as advertising.

The IRS requires that your chapter submit an annual report by May 15 every year. Letters and authorization forms were sent to the first and second delegates of the 42 participating chapters included in the ASDA group exemption. The letter explained the tax filing requirements of these chapters. If your chapter has $50,000 or less in annual gross receipts for the 2011 calendar year, your chapter should submit Form 990-N. ASDA can complete Form 990-N for the 2011 fiscal year for your chapter, as long as you provide written consent by completing the authorization form sent to you this month. The deadline to return your form to Ruth Kerns, accounting manager, is April 16, 2012.

If your chapter has more than $50,000 in annual gross receipts for the 2011 calendar year, your chapter should either submit Form 990 or 990-EZ to the IRS. Your chapter is responsible for completing these forms on its own.

Questions? Contact Ruth Kerns, accounting manager, at 312-440-2841 or via e-mail at Ruth@ASDAnet.org.

Information has been sent to all first and second delegates. If you have questions, contact Erin Kato, membership administrator, at Erin@ASDAnet.org.

Council on Communications

Chair: Jaclyn Rivera, Midwestern '13

Associates: Ruth Powderly, Ohio '14 and Donald "Russ" Villier, Louisville '14

Council on Education & Licensure   

Chair: Keri Jamison, Louisville '13

Associates: Reem Alhussain, Virginia '15 and Eleanor Harper, Alabama '15

Council on Membership

Chair: Kyle Beulke, Nebraska '13

Associates: James Kolstad, Marquette '15 and Alena Reich, Georgia '15

Council on Professional Issues

Chair: Andrew Hansen, Ohio '14

Associates: Victoria Duong, San Francisco '14 and Sarah McMahan, San Antonio '15

Legislative Grassroots Network

Chair: Ian Murray, Western '13

ADPAC Student Director: TBD 

Districts 1-3 Legislative Coordinator: Christina Shaw, Connecticut '14

Districts 4-5 Legislative Coordinator: Phillip Bell, Florida '14

Districts 6-7 Legislative Coordinator: Ashley Ginsberg, Illinois '14

Districts 8-9 Legislative Coordinator: Emily Tschetter, Nebraska '14

Districts 10-11 Legislative Coordinator: Spencer Armuth, Las Vegas '14

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief: Katie Divine, Minnesota '13

Contributing Editors: Kylee Ferris, Minnesota '13; Eve Lofthus, Missouri '15; Carolyn Norton, Florida '14; and Ashley Phares, Connecticut '13

Electronic Editor: Katie Sowa, Houston '15

Leadership Work Group

Chair: Tim Calnon, Buffalo '13

Chicago Administrative Externs

Megan Guthman, Alabama '14 and Elizabeth Kalliath, Alabama '14

Washington National Health Policy Externs

Michael Capp, Minnesota '15 and Taylor Koren, Baylor '15

• Smart Start for Freshmen----learn about career options, financial planning and more.
• Professional Preview for Sophomores----learn communication skills for clinic, how to assess dental technology, and ergonomics tips.
• Career strategies for Juniors----in this program, you'll learn the ropes of associateships, CVs and interviewing.
• Practice Management for Seniors----from leading the dental team, to navigating third party payment plans, get a primer in business skills in this full-day program.

The Success Dental Student Programs are available to every class every year at no charge. Contact the ADA Office of Student Affairs at 312-440-7470 or studentaffairs@ada.org to learn more.

When will I receive my membership card and number? ASDA mails out membership information, including your membership number, at the end of each month for all remittances processed during the month. ADA then mails the membership card to these members. If you need your membership number, you can contact Erin@ASDAnet.org.

When can I access the members-only section of the website? Members will be able to access the members-only section of www.ASDAnet.org utilizing their ASDA number, as soon as their membership is processed. If you need your number sooner, contact the central office at 800-621-8099, ext. 2795.

When will I start receiving publications? If the membership application or remit was received by the Nov. 24 deadline, members should have received January ASDA News and Winter Mouth. All others will begin receiving publications based on when their chapters' remittances were received and processed. Publications can also be accessed online at http://www.asdanet.org/publications.aspx. Update your address to receive your publications at: http://www.asdanet.org/update-your-address.aspx.

Who should I contact with questions or concerns? Please ask members to contact Membership@ASDAnet.org with any questions or concerns.