It Pay$ To Know

 

July, 2006

Chicago Chapter

American Payroll Association

P. O. Box 836 – Chicago, IL  60690 – (773) 631-8480

www.chicagopayroll.com

 

Notes from

two chapter members who attended the 2006 Congress:

 

Congress 2006 from a frequent attendee’s viewpoint:

 

The APA Congress was held in sunny Orlando Florida, May 21-25, 2006

This was my 5th opportunity to attend the APA Conference.  I arrived in Florida full of enthusiasm and anticipation. Attending Congress for me is a chance to have my mind and spirit re-energized. As the APA song states, Educated, Dedicated and Motivated!   Whether it is my first or fifth attendance—WOW!!

 

Dan Maddux and the APA Staff, always provide exceptional workshops, enabling us to be proficient in our positions. The pride the APA exudes for the payroll profession is truly contagious!! The conference provides the perfect balance of learning, networking and entertainment. 

 

As I mentioned the networking is amazing!  There were 2300 + attendees from all over the country and abroad! Over the years many friendships have been forged.  I knew Congress was going to be great, when on the very first day, I met up with Stephanie!  She and I have always looked for each other.  We were newbie’s to Congress at the same time.  Meeting her this year held special meaning.  She was a victim of Katrina’s wrath.  Seeing her walk down the hall and having the chance to personally know she as alright had made Congress a success, even before it really began.

 

Congress to me is like a homecoming.  You are welcomed with bright grins and open arms.   Being surrounded by experts in the fast paced, ever changing industry is invigorating. The knowledge is astounding and freely shared.   Imagine an entire week of being surrounded by caring, compassionate people who understand your work challenges.  Everyone speaks the same language, and the challenges facing you are being faced by others.  The accomplishments are recognized!  The atmosphere promotes growth for you, your career, and your Chapter. 

 

Congress . . . it is adductive!! I am home only a couple days and cannot wait for next year!  Attending Congress is rejuvenation for the mind and spirit.  There is so much more to our profession than just paychecks created from the confines of the payroll department. 

 

Whatever words I choose, can never fully depict the long lasting benefits of attending Congress!

I would recommend that everyone attend the phenomenal conference.

 

Hope to see you in Las Vegas next May. It will truly be a taste of Payroll Heaven in 2007!

 

Mary Kazmierczak, CPP

 

 

 

 

 

 Congress 2006 from a first-timer’s viewpoint

 

Wow, what a great experience!  This was my first time going to Congress – I was a virgin… again.  The presenters make you feel very welcomed. The workshops were eye opening and educational as well as fun.  The theme of the conference was “Pay Hard – Play Hard” and that we did. From the workshops to comedians, a pajama party and hypnotists, a great time was had by all.  If you are thinking about going – Just do it.  You will not be disappointed.

 

Katie Staffeldt, CPP

 

 

 

 

August Meeting

August 17th Meeting- " Surviving and Winning an Audit"

IRS, Worker’s Compensation and DOL:

Ever wonder what would happen if your company was ever audited.  Ever wonder what practices you need to implement now for a future audit?   Wonder No More!!! 

 

Be sure to attend our August 17th meeting on three very good topics by four leading experts in their fields.   We are honored to have as our guest speakers: 

 

1)       Preparing for an IRS Payroll Audit, Kathy Weber, Director in the Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Washington National Tax Services’ IRS Team, Frank Rodjius, Director,
Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP Washington National Tax Services Team


2)  Preparing for a Department of Labor Audit, Connie Knutti, Consultant

3)  Preparing for a Workers' Compensation Audit, Robert Frenzer, President, VISTA Resources.  His presentation at APA’s 2006 Congress was very informative. 

 

Along with these excellent topics we will be providing lunch and cake in preparation for NPW..  We will also have a split the pot raffle to benefit a charity from our members.  Cost $20.

 

A special Thank You to Hewitt Associates for hosting this meeting.    The meeting will be held at

                                  Hewitt & Associates
                                  120 South Riverside, 17th Floor
                                  Chicago, IL 60606

From 8:30-1:30- including lunch, officer elections, and National Payroll Week (NPW) pre-celebration.

See below registration form.  Or call the Chapter Helpline at: (773) 631-8480 to register.

 

After the meeting is completed we will be holding officer elections.  Please see the following for additional information.

 

 

Officer Elections

Officer Elections follow the August Meeting

The positions of President, Vice-President, and Secretary are up for election.  We are also looking for volunteers to assist with the Secretary position.  Officers must be members of APA National and must maintain their APA National membership.

If you would like to become more involved with the chapter and help our members gain additional knowledge in Payroll, please volunteer.   It is a great way to meet people.

To submit your name for one of these positions please send a self nomination letter to the Chicago Chapter; PO Box 836, Chicago, IL  60690 no later than Wednesday, July 17th.  Your nomination letter should include: the office you are interested in, reason you feel you would be right for the position, any other affiliations and/or leadership experience, and confirmation that you are both a National Member and Chapter Member in good standing.

The positions are as follows:

 

President

  • The President will set the goals for the Chapter during his/her term.

 

  • He/she will lead, direct, and plan Chapter activities.

 

  • The President will be responsible for the adherence to Chapter Bylaws, Standards, as well as requirements dictated by the National Organization (APA).

 

  • The President will preside over all Chapter and Officer's meetings or provide a replacement.  The President will be an ex‑officio member of all committees.

 

  • The President will function as Chapter Coordinator with APA National and other APA Chapters.

 

  • The President will act as Program Chairperson.

 

  • The President has full power to nominate appointees.

 

  • The President has one vote in the ratification of appointees.

 

  • The President's voting power on all other Chapter business is limited to tie breaking circumstances.

 

Vice-President

  • His/her duties will be to assist the President in all functions and assume presidential responsibilities in the event of the President’s absence or inability to complete the term of Office.

 

  • The Vice President has one vote in all Chapter business unless acting in the place of the President; the vote will be based on the voting rights established in Article V, Section I of the Bylaws.

 

  • The Vice President will act as membership chairperson.

The Vice President will assist the Education Director in assuring that programs hosted by the Chapter are of value and appropriate for the continuing education requirements of the members.

Secretary

  • The Secretary will be responsible for maintaining the official membership rooster of the Chapter.

 

  • The Secretary will have one vote on all Chapter business.

 

  • The Secretary will be responsible for securing the signature card from the financial institution and having the new officer sign same following election.  The signed forms will then be returned to the financial institution within five days along with a copy of the meeting minutes containing the results of the election of Officers.

 

  • The Secretary will be responsible for the newsletter and out side correspondence.

 

 

Recording Secretary

  • The Recording Secretary is responsible for recording minutes of all meetings, resolutions, votes and other note worthy events.

 

  • The Secretary will be responsible for distribution of documents as requested by the Officers and/or the APA National.

 

  • The Secretary will maintain custody of all minutes and other documents of the Chapter.

 

 

 

13th Annual Illinois Statewide Payroll Conference

13th Annual Illinois Statewide Payroll Conference - Sept 20th thru Sept 22nd, 2006

                               Join us In the Payroll Winners’ Circle!!

Want that winning feeling and that extra edge?   Want to hear the ‘Roar’ of the crowd saying ’Good Job, Good Job?   Be sure to sign up for the 13th Annual Illinois Statewide Payroll Conference hosted by the Chicago Chapter American Payroll Association.  It will be held at the Chicago/Hoffman Estates Marriott Northwest
(Located at I-90 and Route 59)

 

Brochures have been mailed.  Plans are finalized.  Reservations are being accepted.    Need more details please check out our web site for speakers, times, and reservations?

By clicking on the below listed Marriott link you will be directed to Marriott's reservation page with the discounted rate and with the code already entered in the appropriate field.  By entering your arrival date you can begin the reservation process at the discounted room rate of $105.00 per night  (single or double occupancy) as a conference participant if reserved by August 28, 2006:
 http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/chinw?groupCode=apaapaa&app=resvlink

Plan on joining us in the Payroll Winners’ Circle!    

Hotel Direct Phone:  847-747-0612
Hotel E-Brochure:  http://www.whihotels.com/ebrochures/chicago/

Vendor Information - Dennis Washington, CPP, 847/291-5750
General Information - Christine O'Hara, CPP, 312/474-3221,
Mary Kazmierczak, CPP, 847/718-2000, Ext 5315

 

 

June Meeting

June 8th Meeting Update:  " Counting Your Winnings"

We hope those that attended our June 8th meeting on Non-Discrimination Testing, the New Roth IRA, and Financial Planning found the meeting informative.  Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Company provided our excellent speakers Timothy Chisholm and Marshall Baker.  

 

Our winner for the benefit raffle was Jane Foley.  The other raffle winner was Nicole Bramm. 

 

Comments about the meeting can be sent to the chapter mailbox.

 

 

News about our Members

Member News

Congratulations to Greg Seemuth, CPP.    He has retired from All State and is enjoying retirement.  He and his wife Barbara will be moving to Arizona later this year.

 

Erica Ashley, CPP will be teaching the CPP review class at College of Dupage.   Congratulations.

 

Mary Kazmierczak,CPP has been promoted to Sr. Client Account Analyst. 

 

Pat Bradberry, CPP has gotten her office back.  Solitude and quiet are definitely job enhancements.    

 

 

Tips from our friends at Account Temps

 

Apprehensive About Networking?

 

You’ve undoubtedly heard the virtues of networking extolled throughout your career.  It’s likely you’ve been told how your contacts can help you when looking for a new job, learning about industry trends and gaining insight into business challenges.  But as important as it is to build new relationships, it’s not always easy and can sometimes be uncomfortable since it often involves approaching strangers for help.

 

If you find yourself doing all you can to avoid networking, the following tips can help you overcome your concerns and make valuable contacts:

 

·        Approach those you know first.  Speak with your friends and family members and let them know the type of help you’re seeking.  Even if they don’t have the information you need, they may know people who can assist you and possibly introduce them to you.

 

·        Rehearse.  Before attending an event, think about who will be there and what you’d like to say to them.  Prepare a brief summary of your background and objective for the discussion and formulate questions to ask others.  Role-play with a confidant and ask for candid feedback.

 

·        Start small.  When joining a professional organization such as the American Payroll Association, for example, approach your first chapter gathering with the goal of making one new contact.  The next time, try to meet two more people, and so on.  In the process, you’ll gain confidence and see your network blossom.

 

·        Focus on others.  After you introduce yourself to people, shift the attention of the conversation to them and their experiences and goals.  This will demonstrate you are a good listener and help establish rapport.

 

·        Go online.  Thanks to the Internet, you can now broaden your base of contacts from your own home.  Message boards and chat rooms hosted by professional associations, along with networking websites such as LinkedIn.com and Ryze.com, allow you to interact with others in the payroll industry whose interests are similar to yours.

 

A vital part of developing a strong network is to become a resource for your contacts.  Let people know they can come to you when they need assistance.  Forward articles related to their current needs, and refer them to others who may be able to provide additional help.

 

Accountemps is the world's first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals.  The company has more than 330 offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.  For more information, call the Chicago office at (312) 616-8367.

 

 

2006 Dues

 

Annual Membership Dues

Membership fees for the 2006 calendar year were due by January 31, 2006.  But it isn’t too late to get them in.   Don’t miss another event or newsletter.

If you have already paid your dues, thank you.  Dues for 2006 will be $40.00. 

Remember, your dues cover such items as postage, invitations, the website, telephone hotline for those tough questions, post office box, CPP and FPC pins, career development and networking with great people.

Please mail the completed attached form and your check, made payable to the Chicago Chapter APA, to the Chicago Chapter, PO Box 836, Chicago, IL 60690-0836.

A membership form is also available at our website: www.chicagopayroll.com

We are excited this year to announce a special referral program!  A “referred by” section has been added to the membership form.  Each time a new membership (anyone who was not a member in 2005) indicates that they were referred by you; your name will be added to a drawing.  The drawing will be held at our Holiday Party for a $ 50 Gift Certificate. 

 

 

Government Update from  Gwenella H.     Blackshire

Senior Stakeholder Liaison - IRS

 

 

 

 

 

New Batch Provider Software for Tax Professionals Now Available from EFTPS

 

Tax professionals who prepare and pay federal taxes for clients or multiple Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) have a secure, easy and convenient way to make up to 5,000 payments in one transmission using the newly updated Batch Provider Software from the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).

 

The latest version of the popular free software contains many enhancements designed to make paying easier:

 

  • Send up to 1,000 enrollments and 5,000 payments in one transmission;
  • Use memorized transaction capability where the last transaction is automatically displayed for each EIN/SSN;
  • Make individual debits to a Master Account or clients’ account (or use both);
  • Send clients a Taxpayer Inquiry PIN so they can look at their accounts online;
  • Synchronize enrollments and payment history between the software and the EFTPS database in real-time;
  • Import/export enrollments and payments; and,
  • Create customized reports.

 

The EFTPS Batch Provider Software allows tax professionals to set roles and responsibilities for multiple users of the software.  If the EFTPS Batch Provider Software will be used by more than one person, levels of access for each of the users can be set, allowing central control of who can view, update, add or remove payments from the database.  There is also a calendar to help keep track of payment due dates, holidays and communications with other users of the software.  Tax professionals should have the appropriate authorizations on file to make payments for their clients; either Form 8655 for businesses, or Form 2848 Power of Attorney for individuals.

 

As part of the software upgrade, EFTPS will send e-mail notifications regarding enrollments, payments and upgrades.  In addition, a dedicated Tax Professional Customer Service Help Line (800-945-0966) is available for any problems users might have.  The User’s Manual and Quick Start Guide will help tax professionals get started with a step-by-step process.

 

Tax professionals may visit http://www.eftps.gov to download the new software, or call EFTPS Batch Provider Customer Service at 800-945-0966 to request the software on a CD.  To obtain free EFTPS marketing materials, visit http://www.fms.treas.gov/eftps/index.html

 

Taxpayers who work with tax professionals to make federal tax payments should let them know the new EFTPS Batch Provider software is available.

 

To learn more about EFTPS visit http://www.irs.gov or http://www.eftps.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006 Chapter Events

 

 

 

 

 

2006 Events

 

Monthly Meetings

 

August:

National Payroll Week Celebration Meeting

Officer Elections
IRS Payroll Audits
DOL Audits

Workers Compensation Audits

   

November:

Preparing for Year End

 

 

Special Events

 

    13th Annual Illinois Statewide

    Hosted by the Chicago Chapter

    September 20 – 22

    Marriott Northwest

    Hoffman Estates, IL

 

    Chicago Chapter Holiday Party

    November 17

    Wellington

    Arlington Heights, IL

   

 

Charity Events

 

If you have a special charity that you would like us to know about please send an e-mail to the chapter mailbox.  Your charity may win “Split the Pot” at our August 17th meeting.

 

 

www.chicagopayroll.com

Our Website

 

For the most current information on the Chapter please visit the chapter’s web site at   www.chicagopayroll.com ?   

When reviewing the website be sure to check out the “In the News" section for detail information regarding IRS topics and news.   The IRS offers phone forums on various topics.   Also, check out the Job Postings.    


Join Us
Membership Application

 

1. Complete all required information on this form

2. Print it out

3. $40.00 check payable to "Chicago Chapter, American Payroll Association"

4. Mail to:

Chicago Chapter, American Payroll Association
P.O. Box 836
Chicago, IL 60690-0836
(Please allow 5 days for mail delivery)

Questions?  (773) 631-8480
chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com

 

Top of Form

New Member Renewal

Today's Date:

Name:First

Last:

Title:

Company:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Work Phone:

Fax:

Email:

Internet URL:

 

Referred By:

APA ID #

$ Amount of check:

 

Bottom of Form


Registration Form for August Meeting

 

CPP Class Regist.

FPC Class Regist.

CAPA Meeting

Non Member

Member

Today's Date:

Name:First

Last:

Title:

Company:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

Work Phone:

Fax:

Email:

APA Membership Number

Internet URL:

 

Referred By:

$ Amount of check:

 

Attach check made payable to Chicago Chapter APA.

Send To:  Chicago Chapter APA
                        P.O. Box 836
                        Chicago, IL  60690-0836

TO REGISTER, PLEASE TYPE IN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION, PRINT OUT & MAIL WITH YOUR PAYMENT.