Malinda Winkle

Need Help Choosing Candidates for the Election? Quick and Easy Ways to Choose the Best Candidates

2014-10-17T20:41:00.000-04:00

It pays for voters to be knowledgeable. Yet, we have all stood in the voting booth and wished we knew how to make better choices. Now, no matter where you live, you can access enough information online to help you decide which candidate will make the best official.

I will never vote in a booth again. For the first time, I voted by mail. After mailing my ballot this afternoon, I just had to share what I learned.

From the comfort of my favorite recliner, I chose the governor quite easily. I even knew who I wanted for senate and house. Then, things got a little more foggy--ok, very foggy. My ballot had a long list of judges, a school board member, a local municipal commissioner and more. I am sure I looked like a deer in the headlights as I gazed at all these unfamiliar names. But, because I wasn't standing in a booth, I pulled out my cell phone and started looking up the candidates.

First of all, there is always google.com. From there, I found a couple of very helpful sites that clarified every other choice I faced. But, I don't recommend the candidates' re-election sites. Read facts--not marketing hype to make your decision.

I went to judgepedia.org and was able to compare all judge choices. As long as you note whether its federal or state court and which type of court before searching the judge's name in the search box in the upper right-hand corner, you will sail through this. All the information you need is right there on your ballot. In most cases I could see the candidates education, experience and usually some special causes they support. If religious persuasion matters to you, you can find indicators by noting their college or what causes they care about.

For other open positions, I went to ballotpedia.com. It works just like the above site but covers positions other than judges. Just get into the proper section: federal, state or local. Then find the various positions on your ballot. Typically they had the ballot items listed with a link to both candidates you are choosing between. They had all but one of the commissioners running for election in my small town. I thought that was really good because they cover elections for the entire USA.

Return to google if you hit any dead ends. There are other sites you can explore if needed. But, these two are particularly easy to navigate and were almost completely comprehensive in my case.

With a cell phone, you can do this standing in the booth. If you take the time, you can vote with confidence while choosing the candidates who support the values closest to your heart.

Happy voting, America! May the best candidates win.

If you have other favorite sites, feel free to post them in the comments.

Malinda Winkle
Business Blogger

The New 1099K Small Business Tax Form

2012-09-23T16:14:00.000-04:00

This is not the first time I have broached the subject of the new 1099K tax form for small business. Take a look at the following infographic provided courtesy of outright.com.

Malinda Winkle

Brought To By Outright.com

The Financial Aid Process

2012-05-20T10:59:00.001-04:00

by Malinda Winkle

If you or a family member has tried to navigate the waters of financial aid for post-high school education, you know how important it is to understand all your options. With that understanding you will make the best choices for funding your college education--choices that have the potential of affecting your financial life for decades. Take a look at the following infographic provided by Southern New Hampshire University that explains many of the factors you should consider before returning to college.

Brought to You by SNHU.EDU Online College Programs

The New 1099K Tax Form

2012-05-14T21:20:00.001-04:00

Small businesses who sell above a certain level will now receive a 1099K that reports to the IRS their gross earnings. This new form especially applies to small business online sellers on marketplaces such as eBay.com and Amazon.com. An interesting infographic below, created by Outright.com, explains some of the ins and out of this new tax form so you can better understand whether this change will affect your own small business taxes.

Brought To By Outright.com

Chemical Mergers & Acquisitions

2012-05-14T21:06:00.002-04:00

by Malinda Winkle

Sometimes the corporate world prefers to buy their way into the marketplace of a given business sector. Using this strategy, chemical corporation executives wisely search for a chemical investment bank to assist them in merging with or acquiring another corporation that complements the long-term goals of the corporation.

In considering chemical merger or acquisitions, choose experts with vast experience in the chemicals sector. For example, The Valence Group is an international chemical investment bank with the expertise required to create and execute successful chemical mergers and acquisitions. Because they have locations on three continents, they have experts in the field who know the very market you have chosen to target.

As all corporate executives know, every sector has its own special needs, considerations, difficulties and complexities. Having an international chemical advisory team, such as The Valence Group, on hand during decision-making and negotiations provides an obvious edge against your competition. Maximize the likelihood of a merger or acquisition succeeding by finding advisors who specialize in your particular sector.

Trash TV

2012-04-16T20:25:00.000-04:00

Written by my friend Judson Kelly

I went to http://www.tvbydirect.com/when I moved in here because one thing I was Not going to be without was Cable! I’ve gotten so used to having all the premium channels and I didn’t want to miss an episode of Spartacus or Game of Thrones, my new favorite. Spartacus is kind of hard to watch now because they had to change the main character – the first guy who played him died in between seasons one and two which is just crazy. I like Game of Thrones because it reminds me of Lord of the Ringsand that was one of my favorite movies so it’s no wonder. I think I’m going to spend some time painting and decorating soon but for now I love watching the shows I missed while I was living in a rental house. Thank goodness for having On Demand so I can watch back episodes when I need to! I love my new place but I love my favorite shows more – is that weird!?

Free TABE Test Preparation Online

2012-04-10T19:43:00.005-04:00

by Malinda Winkle

If you want to prepare for an upcoming TABE assessment, visit one or more of the following FREE sites:

Study Guide Zone - Look for the TABE Secrets videos, download a free 49-page TABE Study Guide, and find links to free TABE Skill-building Exercises in English and Math

FCCJ.org - - for free TABE practice questions and answers

SWTC.edu - - TABE sample test questions from all sections of the assessment

Fire Academy - - for an academic refresher for both English and Math

Ridge Fire Academy - – for a list of websites that will help you prepare for the TABE assessment

FCCJ.org - - for a list by subject of the skills the TABE assessments measures

MDC.edu - - Ten sample questions from all sections of the TABE assessment

Remember, the study materials need not be specifically for TABE preparation. What you need is a thorough review of English, Language and Math. There are many forms of study materials that will assist you in this kind of review, including homemade flashcards, when appropriate.

Got any Penny Stocks in Your Portfolio?

2012-02-15T22:00:00.003-05:00

Image via Wikipedia United States penny, 2002, Obverseby Malinda Winkle

Penny stocks typically sell for less than $1.00 per share because they are extremely high-risk investments. But, if, by some stroke of luck, your stock thrives, you stand to earn incredible returns on a penny stock.

For instance, a simple $100 investment buys 200 shares of a penny stock selling at fifty cents per share. If the price rises fifty cents per share to $1.00 per share, you just doubled your investment, earning a 100% return. Your $100 investment is now worth $200. Where else could you do that?

If the stock continues to prosper, you may someday get a stock split which double the number of shares you own while cutting the price per share in half. Then, every fifty cent increase you gain on your (now) 400 shares, earn you $200 in profit rather than the $100 profit you earned on the first 200 shares. While stock splits are not a given, when they occur, they tend to increase your overall profits significantly if you continue to hold the stock you owned before the split.

The buypennystocks.com website is offering the #1 rated penny stock newsletter for a limited time. Check out their site if you want to learn more about penny stock investments. This site suggests which penny stocks it feels you should watch, names what it considers hot penny stocks and the best penny stocks.

Many people reserve ten percent of their investment portfolio for riskier investments such as penny stocks. Create a more aggressive investment approach by buying some penny stocks. The best advice in investing in penny stocks is not to invest any money you cannot afford to lose.

Educate yourself. Do your due diligence. As with any investment, proceed with caution. Understand that you risk losing your entire investment when you buy penny stocks. That is the risk you take for creating the possibility of incredibly high returns.

Disclosure: The author is not proposing any particular stocks for purchase and is not suggesting that investing in penny stocks is the right move for all investors. You and you alone are solely responsible for the choices you make when investing your portfolio. Penny stocks are just one of many options, and it falls on the extremely high risk end as investments go.

How to Get a Free "Grand Slam" Breakfast at Denny's

2012-02-15T21:25:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia A Denny's restaurant in Ontario, California

Next time you visit Denny's restaurant, hang onto your receipt. It may include instructions on how to earn a a free grand slam breakfast or take over $6.00 off another purchase on your next visit. Simply completing a five-minute online survey. To get your free meal, the survey must be completed within three days of your visit, and you must bring the receipt back to Denny's with the validation code you got after completing the survey online.

What a deal!

Fine print: No substitutions are permitted. One coupon per check per visit. Only original receipts (no photocopies, or purchased coupons allowed) will earn you this free meal. Cannot combine with other coupons or promos. No change is given if you purchase a meal less than the credit amount awarded you. Beverages are not included. So, if you want a beverage, you will have to purchase it when you cash in your validation code for the free meal.

Friendzone

2012-02-15T21:13:00.000-05:00

Author: Rory Reilly

Have y’all seen that show on MTV called Friendzone? It’s all about people who have crushes on their friends but then tell them so they can see if it will turn into a relationship. I don’t know if it’s a new show or not but I just recently went to http://www.satellite911.com/directv-deals.html where I got some additional channels (Including MTV) so I am not really up to date on what the kids are watching nowadays. Anyway, I think the reason I like this show is because my husband and I were friends for a long time before we started to date so I can really relate to the people on this show and how weird it is to tell your very best friend that you like them. I know it sounds silly but you know, at the end of the day you have to put yourself out there and risk rejection like I did. Here we are now married and we’re happier than we’ve ever been and it all started out with a friendship!

Inside a Radical Polygamist Cult.

2012-02-15T21:08:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipedia Temple of the FLDS in El Dorado, Texas
by Malinda Winkle

Carolyn Jessop (with Laura Palmer) wrote a book I highly recommend called "Escape". Read an astoundingly-candid account of life in a polygamist cult. At just 18 years old, she became the fourth wife of a 50-year old man--a total stranger--by an arranged marriage. She bore eight children for him during the next fifteen years. She worked as a school teacher and gave all her paychecks to her husband.

With just $20 in her pocket, Carolyn fought a courageous fight to gain freedom for herself and all eight of her children. This is something which had never been done by any woman in the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church (FLDS Church), a split off the Mormon Church. Some wives have left the FLDS, but none have ever managed to get all their children out with them, until Carolyn overcame all the odds.

This true story tells the vivid details of everyday life while sharing her husband with her "sister wives" and attempting to parent her eight children in a home where her husband eventually fathered over 150 children by over 10 wives.

Carolyn's valor led her out of a life of deprivation and subservience. In spite of the horrendous psychological abuse she endured, in spite of have two very sick children at the time of her escape and despite living in great fear of her dictatorial spouse, she made her extraordinary escape. And, yes! There is a happy ending. Highly recommended reading.

Disclosure: The author of this review gets no profit if you choose to purchase this book. Link provided as a convenience to the reader.

Something Small

2012-01-13T20:50:00.000-05:00

Post contributed by Hilton Miranda

It seems that my grandmother was right all along. I remember every Christmas, she would always remind us that, “The best things come in small packages.” She couldn’t be more correct whether you are talking about Wild Blue deals or a physical gift. About four years ago, my husband and I took a vacation to Las Vegas. My youngest daughter was nearly nine months old, and for as much as I loved her, her colic and digestive issues had left me battered, beaten, and worn. Despite trying many medications, she was inconsolable most days and refused to sleep most nights. She would scream to eat, but as soon as she would suck down a few ounces of formula, she would scream and writhe in pain. After nine months of this agony, my husband and I were in desperate need of a vacation. While we were in Vegas, we didn’t do much but relax, lie around the pool, and SLEEP! We did find some time for shopping and gambling. While we were in a jewelry store in the Venetian Hotel, I spotted the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was a 3-carat, pink tourmaline stone surrounded by small diamonds. It was simple and classic. When I saw the price, I knew that it was more than we could afford, so I sadly slipped it off my finger and back it went in the case. Three months later, I had only one small, gift under the Christmas tree. Gram was right- small packages ARE the best!

A Brief History of U.S. Employment System

2011-11-13T11:30:00.001-05:00

Image via Wikipediaby Malinda Winkle

Prior to the Workforce Investment Act, the U.S. operated under the The Wagner-Peyser Act of 1933 which created a nationwide system of employment service offices.

In 1998, the Workforce Investmant Act (WIA) was enacted in President Clinton's second term in office. At that time, the nation had historically low unemployment rates. Local Workforce Investment Boards, manned by members of each local community, oversaw the services of each area's one-stop systems, customizing them to the needs of each geographic area.

This legislation was created to assist employers in finding the staff they need and, by training and equipping the workforce, to allow job seekers to obtain the jobs they desire. The innovation this Act instituted was the system of neighborhood One-Stop centers where all types of workers, including adults, the disabled, dislocated workers, veterans and youth, could obtain job search and placement assistance, training, education and employment services and unemployment services. Unlike WIA's predecessor, however, the Job Training Partnership Act introduced business services to the local delivery of workforce development, incorporating the needs of employers as well as employees.

The WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program strives to meet the needs of employees and employers. It provides employment and training services for eligible individuals so they may locate and obtain meaningful employment. It assists employers in finding the workers needed to reach their business goals and objectives.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 serves up the most recent changes to America's employment system. For instance, according to the U.S. Department of Labor website, the Recovery Act prohibits state and local governments and private business from utilizing "stimulus funds for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, or swimming pool." It also loosens the restriction previously in place regarding the contracting of local community colleges. Local investment boards are no longer required to use the Eligible Training Provider List or an Individual Training Account in making contract awards. Can anyone see how either of these changes could possibly improve or enhance the present job delivery system in this nation?

References:

Area 7 Workforce Investment Board
U.S. Department of Labor: "Implementing the Workforce Investment Act of 1998"
U.S. Department of Labor: "Workforce Investment Act -- Adults and Dislocated Workers Program"
U.S. Department of Labor: "Wagner-Peyser/Labor Exchange"
U.S. Department of Labor: "Implementing Workforce Investment Act and Wagner-Peyser Funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009"

Never Guessed

2011-11-02T20:40:00.000-04:00

Guest post by Jewel Cole

Man, I would never have guessed a few years back that I’d be writing a blog post from my sunroom but here I am, ready and waiting to finally finish this house project! The only room left is the kitchen and it’s nearly done but it’s been a long road from buying this place to making it livable like it is now. But it’s beautiful, that’s the good news! I went to http://www.satelliteinternetbroadband.com/hughesnet/Oregon/M/Mitchell/ when I first moved in to get internet so I could keep in touch with all the contractors and it’s been good because I’ve had to order some specialty products and pieces to keep the construction going. I know it will all be worth it in the end but boy was the whole renovation process stressful those first few weeks! I couldn’t believe I’d gotten myself so deep into this project and was thinking how to get out. I love this house and I can’t wait to see how it finally turns out in the end.

Inspired Style: Nancy Shevell's Wedding Dress

2011-10-22T12:32:00.000-04:00

by Catherine Cassidy of U Styled

Some things just never go out of style. Some things should never come BACK into style.

Style itself, however, is a bit tricky to define. What makes something stylish?

Is style INNATE? An ESSENCE? Or LEARNED?
Ultimately, it's all of that and more. it's not the dress, but the woman in the dress. Not what you wear, but how YOU wear it.
THAT is why the simple beauty of Nancy Shevell's wedding dress, designed by her now stepdaughter, Stella McCartney, is so perfect.

Clean lines, elegant details and a beautiful silhouette highlight her natural beauty and radiance. There are no bells and whistles; no statements. Simply style.

Fitting that the dress was inspired by none other than Style Icon Wallis Simpson's wedding dress when she became the Duchess of Windsor:

Discover the new designer: http://ustyled.com/your-closet/inspired-style-nancy-shevells-wedding-dress/

Catherine Cassidy founded U*styled to empower women to fully live a life in STYLE! She works with women transitioning and upleveling in their lives to define their Personal Style. The Power of Style newsletter is published once a week to share hints and tips, fashion trends and inspire women with the tools to live in Style. Sign up for your subscription today! www.ustyled.com

How to Start a Business for Party Rentals

2011-09-11T16:47:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipedia
by Malinda Winkle

Starting a party toy rental business involves finding customers and then providing for their needs with quality products and excellent service. Word of mouth works well because every family at every party will find out about your fine business. Operate it hands-on. Or, if you prefer, hire employees for the delivery and operation of the products. Employees can also help with set up and tear downs of the rental equipment. Whether you run the business as an individual or make it a family affair, you will have lots of fun in this business.

Things You'll Need

Business License
Calendar software or an appointment book
Party toys for rental
Financial software

Skill

Moderately Challenging

Step 1

Get some hands-on experience setting up and tearing down bounce toys by working for a party toy business for a few years. Know what the business requires of you before you invest.

Step 2

Obtain a business or occupational license as required by your state and local officials. Requirements vary by state, county and city. Visit your county courthouse and you can determine the requirements and secure the license.

Step 3

Find a prime location with excellent visibility from the road, and you maximize walk-in traffic. The best location should have adequate storage space for your rental equipment, office space, a showroom for your walk-in customers and enough room to inflate, clean and deflate your rentals outside. Office/warehouse spaces serve these sorts of needs well and sometimes are located on a highway.

Step 4

Register for state sales tax so your business can buy tax-free. Your state's department of revenue assist you with registration and provides the necessary forms you will need to file sale tax returns.

Step 5

Visit your insurance representative, and determine the coverages for your business. Business liability insurance requirements vary from state to state. Know whether any specific toys increase your business liability insurance premiums before you invest in rental inventory.

Step 6

Buy the rental equipment you believe will be the most in-demand toy items for party rentals in your area. Learn your options from toy vendors. One large order from a single vendor may be less expensive than several smaller orders from different vendors, for instance. Have a pickup truck or trailer for transporting this equipment to and from events.

Step 7

Know your competition and your best prospective customers well.

Step 8

Advertise for a quick start. Target communities having block parties, event planners (especially schools) and homeowners throwing backyard parties. Some of them may become regular customers. Let word-of-mouth work for you. Over time, your advertising budget may actually shrink if customers begin to search for you when they need your rentals.

Step 9

Purchase calendar software or a quality appointment book for keeping track of each event you book. Note the customer contact information, where the event will be held, what rentals are required and the time frame it will be needed.

Step 10

Allow ample time for setting up and taking down your equipment. Also allow plenty of time for travel to and from one event to the next if they are booked back-to-back.

Step 11

Monitor your finances, and determine whether profits exist. Adjust your plan accordingly.

Tips:

Assure that your equipment remains clean and well-maintained.It helps if you enjoy spending time with kids.

Warnings:

Arriving late for an event you have booked creates bad press for your business.
The weather might not always cooperate.

Reference:

Resources:

Balancing the Budget

2011-08-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Roman May

My wife and I recently decided to start living on a cash budget. She cut back to working part-time when our first child was born two years ago, and it cut our income in half. She said that she would be willing to make financial sacrifices in order to stay home with our two kids, and I supported her in that decision. Our budgeting had gone pretty smoothly until last week when our house was broken into. We weren’t home when it happened, and our cash budget envelope was taken. We called the police, and after filing their report, they let us know that we really need to get a security system. We decided that with the strict cash budget we’re living on, it would be more than worth it to invest in a security system for our home. We asked around the neighborhood and found out that many neighbors used the system they found at http://AllHomeSecurity.com. With my wife being home with the kids all day, I would feel better knowing they feel safe.

California State Laws & Statute of Limitations for Credit Card Collections

2011-08-21T17:59:00.000-04:00

by Malinda Winkle
Image via Wikipedia
Once a credit card account goes past due, applicable fees mount quickly. By the time the account has been turned over to a collection agency, the late fees and over-limit fees often account for a considerable amount of the debt owed.

In California, under state law, Statute 337 provides a four-year statute of limitations on the collection of credit card accounts that are considered written agreements. Once the statute of limitations is reached, collectors may continue to attempt collections, but they may not bring suit to collect or even threaten to sue the debtor.

In the event your credit card agreement is an oral agreement, the statute of limitations is only two years.

Consider both the state where you lived at the time you took the credit card and the state where the credit card company is located. Depending on the fine print, the statute of limitation laws of either or both states may apply to the rules for collection.

References:
Credit Cards; State Statutes of Limitation for Credit Card Debt; Connie Prater; April 2011

The End of Federal Grants for Antique Yacht Restorations

2011-08-11T21:35:00.004-04:00

Image via Wikipediaby Malinda Winkle
Photo: The "Coronet" yacht at sail in 1894

Antique yachts with exceptional historical significance, such as the famous "Coronet," used to win government grant money to fund yacht restoration projects through the National Park Service, an arm of the U.S. Department of the Interior. It funded important yacht restorations through its Save America's Treasures program. This grant program helped make the conservation and preservation of nationally significant artifacts a reality.

The Coronet

The Coronet, a 133 foot yacht first launched in 1885, is an invaluable historical artifact. In October 2002, The Save America’s Treasures program awarded a $350,000 grant to the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) where the Coronet is being restored. The school's advanced students and its master shipwrights embarked on a multi-year project of restoring the yacht to its original splendor. The work was conducted on the school's waterfront campus, 2.5 acres in Newport, Rhode Island. The Coronet gained further attention in 2004, when it was named to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Closing of Save America's Treasures

Sadly, due to budget constraints, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced the closing of the Save America’s Treasures office. These two organizations have worked together to save many important historic projects all across America. According to the Preservation Nation website, our U.S. Congress allocated no funding for Save America’s Treasures programs for 2011 or 2012. No future funding of planned.

References:

"Rhode Island Roads": Restoring A Legend: The IYRS Is Restoring the Classic Schooner Coronet
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior: Save America's Treasures Grant Program

National Trust for Historic Preservation; Important Update About Save America's Treasures

Related articles

Tax Advantages of Agricultural Exemption in Texas

2011-08-09T13:54:00.000-04:00

by Malinda Winkle

Image by Ken Lund via FlickrJohn Benda owns and operates Fuel City No. 2, a truck stop at the intersection of Interstate 30 and Interstate 35E in Dallas, Texas. Due to the longhorn cattle grazing on the acreage behind the truck stop, Benda estimates that he saves about $30,000 a year. The presence of the cattle gives the property an agricultural exemption, providing a hefty savings when figuring its annual property tax bill.

In the 1950s, land values began increasing in response to the post-war boom. As residents began buying and building in what was previously agricultural areas, the increased property values hurt the remaining farm and ranching operations. Agricultural use exemptions were born. Having an agricultural exemption in Texas lowered ad valorem taxes and shielded farmers and ranchers from the threat of rising property taxes. But, farmers and ranchers are not the only beneficiaries today.

Whether you are a cattle farmer of a Fortune 500 company, land you own may qualify for the lucrative agricultural exemption as long as you use it for either agricultural purposes or wildlife management.
In Texas, unlike other states, the agricultural exemption transfers from one owner to the next. No reference is made to a minimum amount of acreage. Instead, qualification is based on the use of the land.

References:

The Land Report; Cut Your Taxes With An Agricultural Exemption; Trey Garrison; April 2007

Missouri Bus Driver License for 14 Passengers or Less

2011-08-08T11:35:00.002-04:00

Image via Wikipediaby Malinda Winkle

In Missouri, if you drive a shuttle bus or other vehicle for work and it carries 14 or fewer passengers, you must obtain a Class E or for-hire license. The Class E license enables the driver to operate any bus that weighs 26,000 pounds or less in gross vehicle weight as long as no hazardous materials placard is required.

At the time you apply for Class E license, you must be at least 18 years old and must meet the under-21 requirement for obtaining a full license. Obtain the Class E by passing a road sign test, a vision screening and a written exam. The driving test is only required of applicants who do not already have a valid Missouri driver's license.

References:

DMV.org: Special Licenses in Missouri

IRS Code 6039(a): Incentive Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans

2011-08-06T15:48:00.001-04:00

by Malinda Winkle

Image via WikipediaBusinesses that administer an incentive stock option program or an employee stock purchase program (ESPP), sometimes called Section 423 plans, must comply with Internal Revenue regulations in Code 6039(a), first enacted in 1986. It has been repeatedly revised regarding the plan administrators' requirements related to reporting to both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to affected employees.

2004 Revisions

In the 2004 amendment, when the employee exercised an incentive stock option or the employee transfers stocks in an ESPP, the new regulations mandated that corporations provide a written statement to each employee about these transfers by January 31 of the following calendar year. At that time, the requirements did not require a filing of information returns to the IRS.

2006 Revisions

Code 6039(a) was amended again by Section 403 of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, modifying the reporting requirements again. This time, it required employers to file an information return with the Internal Revenue Service. It also required plan administrators to track exercised options as described in Section 422 of IRS Code and employee stock transfers as described in Section 423 of IRS Code. Since that time, the IRS waived these 2006 requirements for years 2007, 2008 and 2009 only.

Current Requirements

Under the current Internal Revenue Code 6039(a), effective January 2009, plan administrators must report all transfers to the IRS on Form 3922, either on paper or electronically. They must also provide participants the option of receiving electronic statements. (See References 1) In the last amendment, while reporting requirements on incentive stock options plans remained unchanged, there were some changes in requirements for ESPP transfers. Section 6039(a)(2) clearly requires plan administrators to file an information return on ESPP transfers. For each such transfer reported, an employee statement is also required. Only the initial transfer is recorded. When the employee sells or transfers a stock previous purchased under an ESPP, the reporting requirements does not apply.

Equity Compliance Software

If manually managing incentive stock option and/or employee stock ownership plans becomes cumbersome, consider some equity compliance software. From every stage, from enrollment through options, purchases, statements and reporting requirements, the use of software may minimize your compliance problems and streamline the complex tracking requirements the plan administrators face. The software has built-in options for employees wishing to opt for electronic rather than paper statements, for instance. Software solutions can simplify an otherwise intricate process, saving required compliance data and with an auditing option.

References:

Option Ease; OptionEase Delivers First End-to-end Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP) Solution; December 2010

Cooley; Special Reporting Requirements Regarding Incentive Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plans; January 2009

Internal Revenue Service; Information Reporting Requirements Under Internal Revenue Code Section 6039; December 2009

The Importance of Role Delineation in Co-Leadership Models

2011-08-03T12:14:00.000-04:00

Co-leadership models allow two individuals to share a leadership roll. The co-leaders may be co-CEOs, co-directors, co-teachers, co-principals, co-managers or a nurse-physician co-leadership, for instance.

Regardless of what businesses utilize the co-leadership model, clearly delineating each co-leader's role and responsibilities allows them to function confidently and allows their staff to interact with them efficiently. Without the staff having a clear understanding of which co-leader to approach for what problem, confusion can surface, diminishing efficiency. Further, the staff may attempt to play one co-leader off against the other in much the same way a child plays mom off against dad or vice versa.

References:

IT Business Edge; Co-CEOs Not Common, but Leadership Model Works for Some; Ann All; February 2009

Related articles

Student Recruitment Via Virtual Reality

2011-07-31T23:10:00.000-04:00

Colleges and other educational institutions use virtual tours when recuiting students. Being able to actually see the campus, sometimes even in real time, allays the parents' fears about the neighborhood and engages their student prospects. Further, from a business perspective, it gives them an advantage over institutions without virtual tours. Using the school's website in this way, allows the school to put itself in the best possible light when prospective students begin searching for possible schools. The more students you engage, and ultimately enroll, the more income for the school.

References

Nu Cloud; The Benefits of Virtual Tours for Student Recruitment; May 2011

How Can I Obtain an EPA License to Sell Weed Killer?

2011-07-24T13:55:00.004-04:00

Image by akeg via FlickrSome states or Indian tribes, not the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), require the licensing of dealers who sell weed killers within their jurisdiction. The EPA regulates the distribution, sale and use of weed killers according to the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The EPA requires licensing or registration of the weed killer product. It does not license the sellers of weed killers. To sell weed killers, known as pesticides, you must know and adhere to federal and state or tribal regulations.

Step 1

Know the difference between legal and illegal weed killers in the U.S. Under FIFRA, this would include canceled, misbranded, suspended or unlicensed weed killers, also know as unregistered weed killers.

Step 2

Find out whether the EPA has reviewed and licensed a weed killer before you advertise or attempt to sell them. The EPA must determine that a weed killer poses no unreasonable risks to the environment or to human health. Once the determination has been made, each weed killer will be licensed for distribution, sale, or use as the label directs.

Step 3

Visit the EPA's "What is a Pesticide?" website for clarification if necessary. For regulatory purposes, weed killers are classified as pesticides.

Step 4

Check the labels of all weed killers before offering them for sale. When referring to labels, this includes brochures or flyers included with the product, the label on the package and any other information added by the manufacturer. The EPA's approves the language on the label. The label explains how the product must be used. If the EPA does not approve the label language, you may not sell the weed killer.

Step 5

Check the label to determine whether the EPA registered the herbicide for general use or whether use is restricted. This tells the seller whether the purchaser must have a certification to buy and use the product.

Step 6

Comply with state or tribal laws, if any, in addition to EPA regulations. State's laws differ. States sometimes require that all dealers selling weed killers in their state be licensed, even if they sell only online. The National Pesticide Information Center website provides links to the proper regulatory agency for all 50 states.

Tips

Read the label every time you receive new weed killer products for sale, because labels change.

Check the labels of all natural products being sold for use as a weed killer. These are subject to the same stringent EPA label approvals at chemical weed killers.

Warnings

Those who sell unlicensed weed killers violate federal regulations and could be fined and/or charged with both civil or criminal penalties.

DuPont was fined $15,000 for allowing the repackaging of pesticides, a federal violation.

References

Resources