Chicago Chapter Newsletters

 

Payroll news and views from the Chicago Chapter

 

  

It Pay$ To Know

 

June, 2005

Chicago Chapter

American Payroll Association

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

www.chicagopayroll.com

 

 

 

 

Notes from

our Members

Notes from some of our Members

During 2004 the names of all members were added to a raffle each time they attended a Chicago Chapter function.  At the 2004 Holiday Party, a drawing was held for $1,500 to be applied to the registration fee for the American Payroll Association’s annual Congress, which was held at the San Diego Convention Center.  Bertha Peters’, CPP name was drawn.

Here are some kind words from Bertha regarding her trip . . .

“After being in payroll for 25 years, attending Congress for the first time was an exceptional experience.  The networking was incredible.  I met people with the same issues and concerns.  They had advice and suggestions that opened up many possibilities back at the office.  The seminars and the professionals teaching them were informative and eye opening.  And the entertainment was fantastic.

     Thank you to the Chapter for providing me with the opportunity to attend one of the most rewarding experiences that I have had in my career.”

- Bertha Peters, CPP

Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

In 2004, the Chicago Chapter won First Prize for the Chapter Promotion Contest during National Payroll Week.  The prize was one free registration to attend the 23rd Annual Congress in San Diego.  The Chapter held a raffle of all members who paid their dues by a specific date in February.  The lucky winner of this raffle was Patricia Casey.    

Here is a thank you from Patricia . . .

 

“Just wanted to again thank you for the opportunity to attend the APA Congress!  It was a great learning experience mixed along with many opportunities to have a little fun!  The speakers were very informative - it was very hard to choose which seminars to attend due to the great variety of topics that were offered.  From Sarbanes-Oxley to Best Practices in Payroll, I enjoyed it all.  San Diego is a great place to have a conference!  I want to let you know how much I appreciated the opportunity to attend Congress!  This was a wonderful benefit offered by the Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association! ”

 

- Patricia Casey, CPC, CTS 
 Arlington Resources, Inc.

 

 

June Meeting Update

June 2nd Meeting

 

The feedback from the June meeting has been outstanding.  We would like to once again express our “thanks” to Hewitt & Associates for agreeing to host the event.

 

All the speakers were exciting and informative.  Chuck Ferguson, from E&Y, presented information on Sarbanes-Oxley, Julie Gilroy, with Deloitte & Touche, educated us on the 401k Roth and Meena Ahmadzai, the Outreach Coordinator for the Illinois Department of Public Aid's Division of Child Support Enforcement helped us to better understand New Hire Reporting and Illinois Child Supports.

 

Thanks to all our speakers for taking the time to share your knowledge with us!

 

We’d also like to recognize our raffle winners:

-          The names of all the meeting attendees were included in a raffle for a 1-day, APA Class of the winner’s choice.  The winner was Linda Lowe, CPP

-          The names of all members who brought a buddy to the meeting were included in a drawing for a $75.00 American Express Gift Check.  Mary Weiner, CPP was the lucky recipient of that prize.

 
 
August Meeting

August 25th All Day Meeting

 

Our next meeting will be the All Day Tax Issues Conference.  The meeting will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2005 from 8:30am – 4:30pm at the Fountain Blue Conference Center.  The Fountain Blue is located at the intersection of Mannheim and Touhy in Des Plaines.

 

Topics and speakers are still being confirmed, so check the website often for updates!!

                                 www.chicagopayroll.com
 
Additional Events

ADP Vendor Fair

 

The Chapter participated in the ADP Vendor Fair on May 12, 2005.   Mary Kazmierczak and Chris O’Hara worked the Chapter’s booth.  They met and networked with as many people as they could and had the opportunity to share information regarding the Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association with many of the attendees.  

 

Kronos Customer Conference

 

The Chapter was invited to participate in the Kronos Customer Conference on May 24, 2005.   The turnout was good and the chapter would like to thank Pat Bradberry and Greg Seemuth for working the booth and sharing information regarding the Chicago Chapter of the American Payroll Association with the attendees.  

 

 

National Updates

Payroll Best Practices, APA's Leadership Forum

 

Make your resources go further with cutting-edge technology, innovative practices and proven leadership techniques.

 

August 10 – 12, 2005

MGM Grand

Las Vegas, Nevada

 
 
Helpful Websites

 

Here are some websites that you might find helpful.  If you would like to share others, please send an email to chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com

 

·         For up-to-date training and information on all area of payroll

           http://www.americanpayroll.org

·         For pre-designed spreadsheets on various topics

           http://www.exinfm.com/free_spreadsheets.html

·         For links to all the state websites

                        http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99021,00.html

·         For various links to many other helpful sites

           http://www.taxsites.com/  

 
 
Payroll Source Tips

BUT WAGES MUST BE PAID BY PAYDAY

 

“While the FLSA does not require that wages be paid within a certain amount of time after services are performed, federal courts have ruled that wages are “unpaid” unless they are paid on the employees’ regular payday. Payment beyond that date violates the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime pay requirements, the courts said, although overtime pay may lawfully be delayed until it can be correctly calculated.”

 

                                                                         - 2005 APA’s Payroll Source

 

 

Government Updates

 

 

 Wisconsin Raises Minimum Wage to $5.70 per Hour Effective June 1, 2005

Wisconsin has joined with 15 other states in passing legislation that raises the minimum wage above the federal minimum wage level of $5.15/hour. Effective June 1, 2005 Wisconsin's general minimum wage will increase to $5.70 per hour. Effective June 1, 2006 it will increase again to $6.50 per hour. Additionally, both the minor minimum wage rate and the opportunity minimum wage rate will increase to $5.30 per hour from lower levels.

Specific minimum wage changes information can be found here: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/default.htm

Illinois raised their minimum wage on January 1, 2005, to $6.50 per hour. Iowa's current minimum wage remains at the same level as federal rate at $5.15.

*****

The Taxpayer Advocate Service Can Help

 

Tax Tip 2005-75, April 15, 2005

Have you tried everything to resolve a tax problem with the IRS but are still experiencing delays? Are you facing what you consider to be an economic burden or hardship due to IRS collection or other actions? If so, you can seek the assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

You may request the assistance of the Taxpayer Advocate if you find that you can no longer provide for basic necessities such as housing, transportation or food because of IRS actions. You can also seek help from the Taxpayer Advocate Service if you own a business and are unable to meet basic expenses such as payroll because of IRS actions. A delay of more than 30 days to resolve a tax related problem or no response by the date promised might also qualify you for assistance.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS and can help clear up problems that resulted from previous contacts with the IRS. Taxpayer Advocates will ensure that your case is given a complete and impartial review. What’s more, if your problem affects other taxpayers, the Taxpayer Advocate Service can work to change the system.

You can gain quick access to the Taxpayer Advocate Service by calling toll-free 1-877-777-4778. The hearing-impaired may call the toll-free TTY/TTD line at 1-800-829-4059.

Or, you can call or write to your local Taxpayer Advocate, whose address and phone number is listed in your local telephone directory and in IRS Publication 1546, The Taxpayer Advocate Service of the IRS. If you write, please be sure to include your Social Security or employer identification number, your return address, and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day and copies of any correspondence you have received from the IRS. 

To learn more, visit the Taxpayer Advocate Service page on this Web site. You can also download Publication 1546 or order a free copy by calling toll-free 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

 

 

 

www.chicagopayroll.com

The website always has the most up-to-date information about meeting times, dates, places, speakers, etc. 

 

Check it often for the latest news and information.

 


I

   


 Committees:  Please Volunteer

Chicago Chapter Hotline – (Christine O’Hara) The hotline committee will be responsible for accessing and answering the calls made to the Chapter’s voice mailbox. We are looking for volunteers that can agree to check voice mail at least once a day for a month and respond to the calls. This may include answering questions, recording attendees for meetings and forwarding messages to the Board as appropriate.

Meeting Planning – (Pat Bradberry) We are looking for volunteers that can help with planning the meetings including choosing topics and finding speakers, as well as finding locations for next years meetings.

National Payroll Week – (Christine O'Hara) We are looking for volunteers that can help with obtaining proclamations from the various cities and the State. We also have the privilege of talking with radio stations, newspapers and educational institutions to promote National Payroll Week. I have a great idea for next year’s Chapter activity. How about an Oberweis road show?

Audit Committee – (To be assigned) This group will audit the financial records of the Chapter.

Nomination committee – (To be assigned) This group of volunteers will verify the membership and credentials of those members wishing to run for election in August 2002.

Membership – (Lisa Dunn) This group will help promote membership in the Chicago Chapter.

Vendor Sponsorship – (Jenny Provenzano/Dennis Washington) This group will help solicit donations from organizations to help provide quality programming to you, our members.

Holiday Party – (Christine O'Hara) Volunteers will help plan this special event including entertainment, soliciting door prizes and location for next year.

Chapter Dues  

Remember, the $35.00 fee for Chapter dues should be paid by January 31 of each year.  This insures you will continue receiving the Newsletter and updates on the happenings in the Chapter.  

 

Annual Membership Dues - $35.00 Due 1/31/2005 - 

 Membership Application, Chicago Chapter, American Payroll Association

 

  1. Type/write in the required information on this form or register via our website by clicking the "join us" button: www.chicagopayroll.com.
  2. $35.00 check payable to Chicago Chapter, American Payroll Association
  3. Mail to:

Chicago Chapter, American Payroll Association

P.O. Box 836

Chicago, IL 60690-0836

 

New Member ¡ Renewal ¡
APA Member ID# ________________

Today’s Date____________________ CPP: Yes No

Name: First_____________________

Last _______________________

Title: __________________________

Company:________________________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________________________

City:____________________________ State:___________ Zip:________

Work Phone:______________________________________

If you missed the deadline of 1/31/2005 that's okay - we'd love to have you as a member - so fill out this form and send it in.


We'd love to hear from you - e-mail us: chicago_chapter_apa@hotmail.com with your suggestions for meeting topics, locations, and speakers!


 

Web Page created by Steve Mazik Updated 6/20/05