The 2014 AVMA Legislative Fly-In was held on February 10-11 in Washington DC. Amber Futrell and Elizabeth Johnson were the representatives from the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Participants heard from the AVMA Governmental Relations Division Director and Assistant Directors regarding current legislation affecting the veterinary profession. Legislation reviewed included S. 518 The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Enhancement Act; H.R. 1528/S. 1171 the Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act; S. 1459 the Horse Transportation Act; and H.R. 1518/S. 1406 Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act. 

After learning about the legislation and presentations on Capitol Hill visits, students, practitioners, and AVMA Executive Board members met with their respective legislators or legislative assistants. Amber and Elizabeth met with members of Senator Corker and Alexander's office as well as their Congressional representatives. Amber met with members of Rep. Fincher's office and Elizabeth with Rep. Fleischmann's office. The Fly-In was a wonderful and unique opportunity as students were able to advocate for issues that will impact them in the present and future as veterinarians.

Elizabeth Johnson is from Newport, Tennessee, a part of the UTCVM Class of 2016, and serves as the Tennessee SAVMA Senior Delegate.  Amber Futrell is from Gadsden, Tennessee, a part of the UTCVM Class of 2017, and serves as the Tennessee SAVMA Junior Delegate.

Certain Taxes Must Be E-filed

It's tax time, and the Department of Revenue wants to remind you that certain Tennessee taxes must be electronically filed. A 2012 state law gave the Commissioner of Revenue the authority to require that any tax return and related payment be submitted electronically. Currently, the Commissioner requires the following taxes to be filed and paid electronically:

• the Hall income tax (if prepared using a software vendor certified by the Department) 
• business tax
• franchise and excise taxes
• sales and use tax
• professional privilege tax

For general questions regarding electronic filing, please contact the Electronic Commerce Unit at(866) 368-6374 for in-state calls or (615) 253-0704 for Nashville area or out-of-state calls. You can find more information about electronic filing requirements here, and visit our frequently asked questions about electronic payments here.   For business and sales and use taxes,  the Department has a helpful step-by-step video on how to register for online tax filing.

Professional Privilege Tax Due June 1

All professional privilege tax returns, due June 1, 2014, must be filed electronically.  Taxable professionals holding an active license in Tennessee must pay the $400 tax.  The Department will only be mailing newly licensed taxpayers (licensed after June 1, 2013) a Professional Privilege Tax Return.

Click here for more information or visit the website.