Chicago Chapter - APA |
March, 2009 Volume 3, Issue 3
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Newsletter of the Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association |
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2009 Calendar
January No Meeting February 7– CPP Review Class 19--Chapter Meeting A Strong Career 21– CPP Review Class
March 7– CPP & FPC Review Class 21--CPP & FPC Review Class
April 4– CPP & FPC Review Class 11-CPP Review Class 22- Payroll Frequency Changes & direct Deposit
May 19-23 – 27th Annual Congress, Long Beach. CA June 19 – Chapter Meeting Garnishments 27-28-Relay for Life Westchester July No Meeting
August 20 – Chapter Meeting Tax Day All Day Meeting Officer Elections September 6-11 National Payroll Week Celebration 16th Annual Illinois Statewide
October 29—Chapter Meeting Preparing For Year End November 7-- Holiday Party
Official newsletter of the Chicago Chapter |
Building on a Solid Foundation
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The New Stimulus Law means changes for Payroll
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed H.R. 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," into law. The centerpiece of this law, which is aimed at jump-starting the economy, is a $400 individual "Making Work Pay" income tax credit ($800 for joint filers) for 2009 and 2010 that will be distributed via reduced withholding from workers' paychecks. A COBRA premium subsidy funded from payroll taxes is also established.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 affects payroll in a variety of aspects. Attached is a copy of APA’s Volume 17, Issue 4 Payroll Currently that nicely outlines these changes. Information found in this bulletin: · Making Work Pay income tax credit · New tables with extra reduced withholding – Effective no later than April 1, 2009 · COBRA premium subsidies · Reimbursements of group health plans · Parity for Mass Transit fringe benefits · Child Support matching funds for states · Earned Income Tax Credit · AEIC Tables to change · Delay of withholding tax on government contractors · Suspension of tax on UC · WOTC expansion
An additional resource has been provided by Gwenella Blackshire from the IRS. The attachment provides the revised tax tables due to the signing of ARRA into law. The new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is the subject of many conversations and is generating many questions. Many of these questions center on how will this affect taxpayers this filing season and next. |
We have placed information to help answer that question, and others, on a special website: TaxProvisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 If the link does not work visit www.irs.gov and you can enter the site from their main page. If your curiosity about the contents of the law HR1 is still be unsatisfied , a copy can be viewed by visiting the newly developed website www.recovery.gov
CPP AND FPC CLASSES
Welcome to the fifty-five attendees of the CPP Review course, which commenced on February 7, 2009. Within the midst of these attendees there are eleven utilizing the course for continuing education credit and ensuring the stay well informed of latest professional changes. To the other forty four, know that we are all here to support and assist you on your journey toward certification.
The chapter will also be hosting a review course for anyone seeking the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). The classes are set to begin on March 7, 2009 at ADP in Elk Grove Village. The review sessions will be held on March 7th and 21st, and April 4th. Space is limited and only a few spots remain. To register visit www.chicagopayroll.com today. You will find all the course details in the education section.
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2009 Chapter Officers
President Mary Kazmierczak, CPP
Vice President Paula Black, CPP
Recording Secretary Kathy Mizejewski. CPP
Treasurer Hank Mazik, CPP
Gov. Liaison Carolyn Kerkman CPP
Correspondence Secretary Mary Weiner, CPP
Education Director Katie Staffeldt, CPP
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Ronald McDonald House
Thank you one and all that saved the pop tops over the last year! The great honor and privilege of touring the Ronald McDonald House in Maywood was shared by Chapter members on Sunday February 15, 2009. Among the attendees were Leatita Jedras, CPP, Kim Childress, CPP, Chris O’Hara, CPP. The great works and history of the house was a heart warming experience none will soon forget. Due to the wonderful support of our members through pop top collections the chapter presented the house with a large quantity of pop tops. We also purchased household items, such as sanitizing soap, fabric softener and individual snacks for the families staying at the house. The Ronald McDonald house provides a home-like place where families can remain close to a seriously ill or injured family member The Ronald McDonald house is a non-profit organization that provides a home away from home, while alleviating the stress of traveling times when critical health situations presents itself.
The chapter will continue to support the RMH through pop top collections in 2009. Keep saving the pop tabs and bring them to any of our chapter events. We will share the progress of the collections in the newsletter. Let’s see if we cannot break our last year’s efforts! To get more information on the good works of the Ronald McDonald House organization visit the chapter website for details and a link to the organizations website.
Off the Street Club – Education Assistance Award
Through the generosity of our attendees at the February 19th chapter meeting, our EAA fund collected $62.00 for a 50/ 50 raffle. The raffle winner was our guest speaker Marilyn Fettner, who presented on the topic of Resumes, cover letters and interviewing tips. Marilyn, kindly “Paid it Forward” requesting the winning portion remain in the chapters fund. Thank you Marilyn! The fund now has a great start with $62.00. The EAA will be presented to the Off the Street Club at our annual Holiday event on November 7, 2009. Thank you to all who participated. We will have the 50/ 50 raffle at all of this year’s chapter meetings.
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Outreach for Children with Special Needs
The Chapter participated in a Bunko party fundraiser for children with special needs on February 6th. The chapter provided three raffle prizes: a$25.00 gift card for Walgreen, a $10.00 gift card to Panera Bread and a Starbucks gift basket. The members at the event shared an evening of fun while reaching out in support for our community.
Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby is coming!!
In 2008, the chapter began supporting the Illinois Special Olympics through volunteer efforts in selling Rubber ducks for the annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby. Splashdown is set for the 1:00 p.m., at the Columbus Drive Bridge in downtown Chicago on August 14th. In the upcoming months chapter volunteer opportunities will be shared as we support the Special Olympics.
Do you have an organization held dear in your heart that you would like the chapter to support? E-mail us at chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com
Team CAPA—Supporting the fight against Cancer!
Join our team for the Relay for Life – overnight event held in Westchester June 27th. Information on becoming a team member and ways to volunteer and support this event can be found on the chapter website or by contacting our Team Captain, Katie Staffeldt, CPP at 708-883-8585.
Upcoming Events:
The next chapter meeting is scheduled for Earth Day, Wednesday April 22, 2009. Hosted at Northern Trust, 50 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago Illinois 60603. The meeting will be from 8:30 – noon. Presentations will be on “Pay Frequency changes and the mysterious 53rd payroll” and “Preparing for Direct Deposit Success”. Receive tips on promoting direct deposit campaigns just in time to celebrate National Direct Deposit month in May! All meeting attendees will be given ideas on ways to be green and share in “Earth Day” as well as the latest legislative updates impacting payroll Mark your calendars and watch the chapter website and your e-mail for all the details!
Chapter members networking event at Congress! If you are attending Congress let us know! We are planning a networking event for Friday, May 22, 2009.
It is never too early to start planning your NPW activities! In keeping with the Chapter theme of “Building on a Solid Foundation”, we have starting planning a fun filled Chapter event for Thursday, September 10, 2009 at Legoland! Save the date for you and your future “little’ payroll professionals. Details will be shared in upcoming newsletters and communications! Page 2 |
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Upcoming Chapter Meetings
February 19 9:00 am to 1:00 pm A Strong Career ADP 100 Northwest Point Blvd Elk Grove, IL Continental Breakfast 8:30 am
April 22 9 am to 12:00 pm Pay frequency Changes & Direct Deposit Norther Trust 50 S LaSalle Street Chicago Il 60603 Continental Breakfast 8:30 am
June 19 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Garnishments TBD Continental Breakfast 8:30 am
June 27-28 6:00 pm-6:00 am Relay for Life American Cancer Society Westchester
August 20 9:00 am-4:00 pm Tax Day Officer Elections Continental Breakfast 8:30 am White Eagle Banquet
October 29 9:00-12:30 pm Preparing For Year End TBD
November 7 Holiday Party Wellington Elk Grove Village
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GOVERNMENT CORNER
The Standard Industry Fare Level (SIFL) rates and the terminal charge for the period January 1, 2009 – June 30, 2009, have been issued. SIFL rates and the terminal charge are factors used to calculate the value of personal flights on employer-provided or commercial aircraft for purposes of federal income, FICA, and FUTA taxes.
For the first half of 2009, the terminal charge has increased to $45.41 (from $42.26). The SIFL rates have also increased to: $0.2484 (from $0.2312) per mile for the first 500 miles; $0.1894 (from $0.1763) per mile for miles 501 to 1,500; and $0.1821 (from $0.1695) per mile for miles over 1,500.
2009 Nationwide Tax Forum
Registration for the 2009 Nationwide Tax Forum is now open. The link below will provide you with more information.
http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=173843,00.html
Here are the locations and the costs:
Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Hotel July 7-9 San Diego, CA Town & Country July 14-16 Orlando, FL Caribe Royale August 4-6 New York, NY Hilton New York August 25-27 Dallas, TX Hilton Anatole September 8-10 Atlanta, GA Hilton Atlanta September 22-24
$206
by the pre-registration date There are no group discounts.
As you can see, the Nationwide Tax Forum will not be held in Chicago this year. We do encourage you to attend as you can obtain a wealth of information. Attendance at the Nationwide Tax Forum seminars qualifies for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit for Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and California Tax Education Council (CTEC) participants. This year's seminar schedule allows for a maximum of 18 credits that can be earned at each Forum location.
If you plan to attend, register early as the hotel room’s book up very fast.
Gwenella H. Blackshire Senior Stakeholder Liaison Internal Revenue Service 2001 Butterfield Road Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-493-5046 office 913-375-4368 cell 630-493-5370 fax
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Submit Your Payroll Puzzlers for the 2009 Federal Forum Answers Will Be Provided at Congress and in Payroll Currently One of the most popular and well-attended events at APA’s Annual Congress is always the Forum on Federal Payroll Issues workshop. During this session, APA members do their best to stump top experts with some of the trickiest payroll questions possible. The answers are provided by a panel of high-level representatives from federal agencies. The questions come from you, our members. So, send us your most difficult payroll question. This is your chance to solve that payroll mystery that’s been nagging you for months. Or maybe there’s a topic that seems to be explained a different way every time you read up on it, and you’d like to get an authoritative answer. The questions are provided to panelists about one month in advance to allow time for research and to ensure a complete answer. You can pose a payroll problem to any of the following agencies. * Internal Revenue Service * Social Security Administration * Citizenship and Immigration Services * Immigration and Customs Enforcement * Office of Child Support Enforcement * Department of Labor
Send your question by Thursday, March 12th to the chapter email at Chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com and we will forward them to Bill Dunn and Scott Mezistrano of APA to have addressed at Congress. But even if you can’t come to Congress this year, you may still be able to get your answer since some of the questions and answers are written up for our Payroll Currently newsletter. Check out the links below to read last year’s Q & A. Payroll Currently, Issue No. 12, Vol. 16 Payroll Currently, Issue No. 13, Vol. 16 (page 2)
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Come Join in the Building of our Chapter!
“Teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.” ~Author Unknown
If you would like to join our extended board family, as a committee member, we welcome your energy and vision! Committees are being formed in the following areas:
COG- Chapter Outreach Group - members will work on community and charitable outreach events Educational Committee- Arrange and/or present at schools, youth and adult organizations on the importance of education and providing knowledge and clear expectations about their paycheck. As well as seeking and recommending creditable speakers for meetings. Hospitality Committee- handling registration at meetings, responsible for gathering and distributing communications provided from members at meetings to the board for follow up, Welcoming members at Chapter events. Membership Committee—Making wellness calls to our members, working to increase membership and communications to our members National Payroll Week- Assist in mailing requests for proclamations, planning of Chapter contest and celebration for membership Nomination Committee- Verify officer nominations for valid APA membership, and act as election officials for Chapter Officer Elections Statewide Committee- Assist with the planning and preparations for the annual Illinois Statewide Conference. Vendor Support Committee- Contact vendors and prospective vendors for support of our organization.
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping tog-ether is progress. Working together is success.”
Kudos Korner
The chapter welcomes the newest membership committee member, Laurel White, FPC! Our membership committee has been instrumental in registering and welcoming our members and guests at chapter classes and meetings. Thank you Pat Gaughan, CPP and Laurel White, FPC for your dedication and support!
Special Thanks to Sue Darring, CPP for her email stating “Thank you for a great newsletter” after the delivery of the February 2009 edition
The chapter could not flourish without the support of companies in our community. Special thanks to ADP for currently providing meeting space and continental breakfast for the CPP and FPC Review courses and our chapter meeting held this past February 19th.
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Kudo’s Korner cont.
Congratulations to our raffle winners from these events: 1st day CPP Review
Orjuanna Johnson – Payroll Source Book 2008 Michele Kudela—Stress reliever Cone” Genius at Work” Joanna Sanfelice—National Payroll Week Travel Mug
Chapter Meeting- 2-19-09 Paula Spaniol- Picture frame Trio Michele Kudela- Golden Candle grouping Michele Noonan- Travelers Toolkit
APA Access Corner
Have you booked your Cruise to Compliance. . . May 19- 23, 2009? There is still time to get in on the Captain’s Special and save $100 on the registration fee, available until March 17, 2009. The APA’s annual Congress provides invaluable education and networking opportunities! The 27th annual Congress features over 190 focused workshops, essential regulatory updates and the largest payroll and AP exhibit hall in the world. Whether your position is currently in AP, HR or Payroll, this conference is a must to attend! One of the most cost effective opportunities an employer can provide to its associates is Congress. Within four days associates receive, professional and personal development opportunities covered in thirteen workshops, which are chosen from over 190 topics. The program is tailored to your specific needs. Throughout the conference endless opportunities present themselves for networking with peers from across the country. A one stop chance to meet and learn about vendor offerings is found in exhibit hall.
The current economic challenges facing us all are affecting the difficult choices employers need to make on their expenditures. Congress is well worth every penny. I can speak from personal experience that the knowledge, networking and vendor relationships gained from attending Congress heighten the greatest asset a company has, its employee. The knowledge and motivation that returns with the attendee shall enforce compliance ability, as well as deepen the employees’ engagement in their profession.
So when reaching out to show the value of attending remember to mention attending has long range rewards and benefits that will definitely enhance the bottom line. For details, fees and registration visit www.americanpayroll.org and link on the Congress icon.
Hope you Jump Aboard and we see you at the 7th Annual Congress in Long Beach, California.
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Mailing Address:
Chicago Chapter APA 4740 N Cumberland #355 Chicago, IL 60656
Phone:
(773) 631-8480 {24-hr. Recording)
E-mail :
Chicago_Chapter_apa@hotmail.com
NPW Corner :
Tell us what you are planning for NPW.
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Welcome to Miscellaneous March Makings!
National Payroll Week Presidential Proclamation Quest!
The other evening while listening to the Presidential address regarding ARRA of 2009, I could not help but draw on similarities between President Obama’s “Blueprint” for our country and the call to service of all Americans to the Chicago Chapter’s “Building on a Solid Foundation” and our professional organization. The Chicago Chapter is the embodiment of many of President Obama's visions for our country. We are dedicated on the importance of education and community outreach. As payroll professionals we serve our companies greatest asset, their employees and our country through the payroll withholding system, we contribute, collect, report and deposit approximately $1.7 trillion, or 64.2%, of the annual revenue of the U.S. Treasury.
“America Works because we are Working for America!”, This year , I would like to include in our requests for proclamations for National Payroll Week to include a Presidential Proclamation from the United States of America. Our chapter has entered the NPW contests for Government outreach in past years and been awarded a number of recognitions. This past year we sent 55 Proclamation request packets and made follow up calls to State, and local municipalities. We were granted 22 proclamations. The entry won first place in the APA contest. Katie Staffeldt, CPP, the chapter Education Director won the registration to Congress in a raffle held for Board officers.
My dream of securing a Presidential Proclamation needs your assistance. As the famous quote states, If you dream it, If you believe it, you can Achieve it! Join me in reaching out to President Obama and the White House.
Please write a letter asking the President to recognize our dedication and support by granting a Presidential Proclamation for National Payroll Week. Your voices through the letters will accompany the formal request packet sent to the White House. The request needs to be mailed by the end of March. Please send your letters to the Chapter by March 26, 2009.
All participating members will be entered in a raffle drawing for the prizes we are awarded from our Chapter’s (Winning) NPW entry. This could be a chance for a free registration to Congress if we take 1st Place!
Attempts to receive a Presidential Proclamation have fallen short by the Chicago Chapter and APA in the past. This is the year of “Change” as President Obama has stated. . . so this will be our year to Achieve It. |
Chapter Member’s Survey
The Chapter would like to get the opinion of its members on many of the activities of the Chapter. The following link will take you to a survey that we have put together. Please help us by answering the survey.
Please follow this link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=uhEN1BDexixcLoqLeyHkgA_3d_3d
IRS Offers Tips to Avoid Recovery Rebate Credit Confusion
WASHINGTON –– In response to errors showing up on early tax filings, the Internal Revenue Service today urged taxpayers and tax preparers to make sure they properly determine eligibility for the recovery rebate credit before they file their 2008 federal tax returns.
Some individuals who did not get the economic stimulus payment, and a smaller number of those who did, may be eligible for the recovery rebate credit. However, most taxpayers who received the economic stimulus payment last year will not qualify for the recovery rebate credit on their 2008 federal income tax return.
An early sampling of tax returns shows about 15 percent has errors involving the recovery rebate credit. Some tax returns erroneously claim the credit, do not claim the proper amount of recovery rebate credit or mistakenly enter the amount of the stimulus payment they received on the recovery rebate credit line.
To avoid delays in tax refunds, it is critical that taxpayers know the correct amount of the stimulus payment they received last year, if any, to help determine whether they qualify for the recovery rebate credit now.
The amount of the stimulus payment will not be entered directly on the tax return. For people using a paper tax return, the stimulus payment amount will be required when completing a related worksheet. For people using tax software, the stimulus payment amount will be needed as part of the return preparation process.
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Chicago Chapter -APA 4740 N Cumberland #355 Chicago, IL 60656
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