Published: November 04, 2009 07:05 pm      

11-5 Business: in brief

EDMOND — Changes in tax laws are great for some, problems for others

A new year with a new administration has brought more tax changes than any year since 1986. Between new laws passed and dozens of court cases, if a taxpayer is buying a house, planning for college, making home renovations, buying items that have sales tax, is a real estate agent or has a job change there is probably a change that could help them out through tax credits and deductions, or give them headaches because of new IRS rules and guidelines. To help both taxpayers and tax preparers understand the new laws and be aware of potential traps, and to provide tips and hints for filing 2009 federal income tax returns, the Oklahoma Society of Accountants will sponsor a two-day, in-depth tax seminar in Oklahoma City and Tulsa in November.

“This year there are 4 tax bills affecting 2009 and dozens of court cases and IRS rulings that impact both individuals and businesses,” said Jim Nolen, OSA president. “In this time of economic uncertainty, knowledge is power. The new laws can provide benefits for taxpayers whose preparers know how to take advantage of the provisions. OSA has been proud to sponsor tax seminars for the past several years,” Nolen said, “but this year we see particular importance in providing up-to-date tax information for practitioners and the taxpayers we serve.”

The 1040 Tax in Depth seminar will be Nov. 9-10 in Tulsa and repeated in Oklahoma City Nov. 16-17. The seminar will be taught by Bob Jennings, CPA. The founding partner of a regional CPA firm in Indiana, Jennings has spoken to more than 100,000 professionals in the past 15 years. Registration or information on the seminar may be obtained by contacting the OSA at 800-530-6772. Registration fee is $279 (or $259 for members of the OSA), and may be paid by cash, check, money order or credit card.

“These seminars are geared toward professional tax preparers,” Nolen said, “but we also encourage attendance for anyone who either prepares their own tax returns or who wishes to stay on top of tax issues in order to tax plan throughout the year.”

More information can be found at www.OSPA.org or by calling 800-530-677



Boulevard Plaza shops plan open house

The shops at Boulevard Plaza (33rd and Boulevard) have scheduled an open house for today. The center includes Paper Lion, FrameMaster, the new Cellars Wine and Spirits (formerly Randy’s M&M’s) and many others. The open house will feature light appetizers, discounted items and give a ways including a drawing for a $100 gift certificate from FrameMaster. Open house hours are 5-8 p.m. The stores are at 3226 S. Boulevard.



Mayor to give State of City address at chamber luncheon

The Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon will feature Mayor Patrice Douglas, who will give the State of the City address. The luncheon will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Oklahoma Christian University’s University Center.

The cost is $20 for members and $22.50 for non-members. Cost at the door is $28. Please make reservations online at www.edmondchamber.com.

The chamber’s Membership Luncheons are open to chamber members and their guests. The luncheons feature a program to provide useful information for area businesses.



Youth Leadership Oklahoma accepting applications for Class X

Leadership Oklahoma, a statewide leadership program, is now accepting applications for its 2010 Youth Leadership Oklahoma class, which will be June 13-18. Applicants must be high school juniors or home schooled equivalent with at least a 3.25 grade point average on a 4.0 scale

The organization accepts a class of 50 members each year. Criteria for selection include demonstrated leadership ability in activities such as student council, athletics and service clubs in their schools and communities as well as an exhibited commitment to community service and extra-curricular activities. Participants also are considered on the basis of geographic, racial and cultural diversity.

In 2001 Leadership Oklahoma conducted extensive research to create a model youth program unlike any other in the country. It was important that the program be designed to be educational and inspiring and to instill in young leaders a hope, pride and responsibility for Oklahoma’s future. The result was YLOK and a week-long journey each summer across the state that introduces high school students between their junior and senior years to the leaders, issues, resources and cultural treasures of Oklahoma. To date, 450 students from 187 schools have participated in the program.

Applications may be downloaded from the Leadership Oklahoma Web site at www.leadershipoklahoma.com or requested by calling the office at 848-0001.

Completed applications must be received in the Leadership Oklahoma office, at 5500 N. Western, Suite 142, Oklahoma City, OK 73118, no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 1.



Remington Park unveils program to benefit local economy

Remington Park, along with a coalition of businesses, recently launched a program to give the local economy a shot in the arm. The Community Partners Program gives shoppers who are members of the Remington Park Lucky Circle Club exclusive deals with local businesses involved with the program.

The program’s goal is to aid local businesses and allow Oklahomans to receive discounted prices and other offers.

“Even though Oklahoma has one of the nation’s best economies, the Community Partners Program will give local businesses an extra jolt to help them succeed,” said Scott Wells, president and general manager of Remington Park. “This program will continue far after economic recovery, but we believe this is the best possible time to unveil it.”