BNR Blog

Website Design, Domain Name Registration and Website Hosting Services

johnl — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:58:00 GMT

Westmoreland Communications - Inexpensive, High Quality Domain Name Registration and Website Hosting Packages

Domains from $1.99 - Hosting Packages from $3.99/mo

Website Design Services also!

info@westmorelandcommunications.com

Rick Tucek, CPA to speak January 17, 2008 - Bella Lunna Restaurant - 2007 Income Taxes

rickt — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:48:00 GMT

These are two of the topics for the day plus many more.

Contact Rick Tucek at 724-325-4474 or on the web @ www.statcpa.com

Tuition And Fees Deduction

You may be able to deduct qualified tuition and related expenses that you pay for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent, as a tuition and fees deduction. To determine whether your expenses are qualified, refer to Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education. You do not have to itemize to take this deduction. You can claim qualified tuition and fees as either: (1) an adjustment to income, as directed above; or (2) a Hope or Lifetime Learning credit, or (3) if applicable, as business expenses.

You cannot take the tuition and fees deduction on your income tax return if your filling status is married filing separately, or if you are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return. The deduction is reduced or eliminated if your modified adjusted gross income exceeds certain limits, based on your filing status. You cannot claim the tuition and fees deduction and a Hope or Lifetime Learning credit for the same student. If the educational expenses are also allowable as a business expense, the tuition and fees deduction may be claimed in conjunction with a business expense deduction, but the same expenses cannot be deducted twice.

You cannot claim a deduction or credit based on expenses paid with tax-free scholarship, fellowship, grant, or education savings account funds such as a Coverdell education savings account, tax-free savings bond interest or employer-provided education assistance. The same rule applies to expenses you pay with a tax-exempt distribution from a qualified tuition plan, except that you can deduct qualified expenses you pay only with that part of the distribution that is a return of your contribution to the plan.

Qualified charitable distributions directly from your IRA.

A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is a nontaxable distribution made directly by the trustee of your IRA (other than a SEP or SIMPLE IRA) to an organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. You must have been at least age 70½ when the distribution was made. Also, you must have the same type of acknowledgement of your contribution that you would need to claim a deduction for a charitable contribution. See Records To Keep in Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. Your total QCDs for the year cannot be more than $100,000. If you file a joint return, your spouse can also have a QCD of up to $100,000. However, the amount of the QCD is limited to the amount of the distribution that would otherwise be included in income. If your IRA includes nondeductible contributions, the distribution is first considered to be paid out of otherwise taxable income.

A qualified charitable distribution will count towards your minimum required distribution.

Example. On November 1, 2007, Jeff, age 75, directed the trustee of his IRA to make a distribution of $25,000 directly to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization (a charitable organization eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions). The total value of Jeff's IRA is $30,000 and consists of $20,000 of deductible contributions and earnings and $10,000 of nondeductible contributions (basis). Since Jeff is at least age 70½ and the distribution is made directly by the trustee to a qualified organization, the part of the distribution that would otherwise be includible in Jeff's income ($20,000) is a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). In this case, Jeff has made a QCD of $20,000 (his deductible contributions and earnings). Because Jeff made a distribution of nondeductible contributions from his IRA, he must file Form 8606, Nondeductible IRAs, with his return. Jeff includes the total distribution ($25,000) on line 15a of Form 1040. He completes Form 8606 to determine the amount to enter on line 15b of Form 1040 and the remaining basis in his IRA. Jeff enters -0- on line 15b. He also enters “QCD” next to line 15b to indicate a qualified charitable distribution. After the distribution, his basis in his IRA is $5,000. If Jeff itemizes his deductions and files Schedule A with Form 1040, the $5,000 portion of the distribution attributable to the nondeductible contributions can be deducted as a charitable contribution, subject to AGI limits. He cannot take a charitable contribution deduction for the $20,000 portion of the distribution that was not included in his income.

You cannot claim a charitable contribution deduction for any QCD not included in your income.

Advice For Parents: Children Need Good Computer Ergonomics, Too

benc — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:16:00 GMT

Advice For Parents:
Children Need to Practice Good Computer Ergonomics, Too

At least 70 percent of America's 30 million elementary school students use computers, according to a recent New York Times article. As a result of this increased usage, doctors of chiropractic are treating more young patients suffering from the effects of working at computer stations that are either designed for adults or poorly designed for children. Many children are already suffering from repetitive motion injuries (RMI) such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic pain in the hands, back, neck and shoulders.

A recently published study conducted by a team of researchers from Cornell University found that 40 percent of the elementary school children they studied used computer workstations that put them at postural risk. The remaining 60 percent scored in a range indicating "some concern."

"Emphasis needs to be placed on teaching children how to properly use computer workstations," stated Dr. Scott Bautch, a member of the American Chiropractic Association's Council on Occupational Health. "Poor work habits and computer workstations that don't fit a child's body during the developing years can have harmful physical effects that can last a lifetime. Parents need to be just as concerned about their children's interaction with their computer workstations as they are with any activities that may affect their children's long-term health," added Dr. Bautch.

What can you do?
To reduce the possibility of your child suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries, the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and its Council on Occupational Health offer the following tips:

    * If children and adults in your home share the same computer workstation, make certain that the workstation can be modified for each child's use.

    * Position the computer monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level. This can be accomplished by taking the computer off its base or stand, or having the child sit on firm pillows or phone books to reach the desired height.

    * Make sure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. An ergonomic back cushion, pillow or a rolled-up towel can be placed in the small of the child's back for added back support. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70- to 135-degree angle to the computer keyboard.

    * Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing - not angled up or down. The mousing surface should be close to the keyboard so your child doesn't have to reach or hold the arm away from the body.

    * The child's knees should be positioned at an approximate 90- to 120-degree angle. To accomplish this angle, feet can be placed on a foot rest, box, stool or similar object.
    * Reduce eyestrain by making sure there is adequate lighting and that there is no glare on the monitor screen. Use an antiglare screen if necessary.

    * Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computing time. Stretches can include: clenching hands into fists and moving them in 10 circles inward and 10 circles outward; placing hands in a praying position and squeezing them together for 10 seconds and then pointing them downward and squeezing them together for 10 seconds; spreading fingers apart and then closing them one by one; standing and wrapping arms around the body and turning all the way to the left and then all the way to the right.

    * Your child's muscles need adequate hydration to work properly and avoid injury. Encourage your child to drink four 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Carbonated beverages, juices and other sweet drinks are not a substitute.

    * Urge your child's school or PTA officials to provide education on correct computer ergonomics and to install ergonomically correct workstations.

"If your child continues to complain of pain and strain from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic," urges Dr. Bautch. "A chiropractor can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury."

Collamer Family Chiropractic
724-733-4828

Dana Koluezez Brown - Speaker August 9

benc — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 15:01:00 GMT

Jackie Hahn - S & T Bank - Speaker at April 12th Meeting of BNR

johnl — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:48:00 GMT

Jackie Hahn of S & T Bank will be the featured speaker at the April 12th meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable(BNR). BNR meets every Thursday at Bella Luna Restaurant in Murrysville, at 11:30 AM. For more information on BNR, please visit their website at BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com.

BNR February 8th Meeting - Featured Speaker Rick Tucek - Scarano, Trump, Adelsperger & Tucek, CPAs

johnl — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 20:11:00 GMT

Rick Tucek with Scarano, Trump, Adelsperger & Tucek, CPAs will be the featured speaker at the February 8th meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable(BNR). Rick will be speaking on various tax deductions and year end contributions. BNR meets every Thursday at Bella Luna Restaurant in Murrysville, at 11:30 AM. For more information on BNR, please visit their website at BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com.

BNR January 25th Meeting - Speaker Scott Kelsey - Signs of Excellence

johnl — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:51:00 GMT

Scott Kelsey with Signs of Excellence will be the featured speaker at the January 25th meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable(BNR). Scott will be speaking on the various services that Signs of Excellence and Computing Advantage can provide. BNR meets every Thursday at Bella Luna Restaurant in Murrysville, at 11:30 AM. For more information on BNR, please visit
their website at BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com.

BNR January 11th meeting - Speaker Ben Collamer - Collamer Family Chiropractic

johnl — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 01:21:00 GMT

Ben Collamer of Collamer Family Chiropractic will be the featured speaker at the January 11th meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable(BNR). Ben will be speaking about various Chiropractic services. BNR meets every Thursday at Bella Luna Restaurant in Murrysville, at 11:30 AM. For more information on BNR, please visit
their website at BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com.

Signs of Excellence Grand Opening - Computing Advantage Open House

johnl — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:13:00 GMT

Please welcome the Pittsburgh area's newest sign company, Signs of Excellence, at their Grand Opening on Friday December 8th from 4PM to 7PM, and Saturday December 9th from 11AM to 3PM. This is also an Open House event for Computing Advantage. The location is 4225 Old William Penn Highway, Murrysville, PA 15668. Stop by and find out how they can increase the visibility and image of your business with a new, state of the art, sign.

Jackie Hahn - Manager S & T Bank - November 30th Speaker

johnl — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:02:00 GMT

Jackie Hahn, Manager of the Murrysville S & T Bank, will be the featured speaker at the weekly meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable (BNR). The Business Networking Roundtable is a dedicated and structured organization consisting of business owners and professionals. Our mission is to provide new business opportunities to our fellow members. For more information, visit their website (BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com).

Carla Clark to Speak at November 9th Meeting of BNR

johnl — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 22:29:00 GMT

Carla Clark of Northwood Realty will be the featured speaker at the
November 9th meeting of the Business Networking Roundtable(BNR). Carla
will be discussing "What to do to get your house ready to sell". BNR
meets every Thursday at Bella Luna Restaurant in Murrysville, at 11:30
AM. For more information on BNR, please visit their website at
BusinessNetworkingRoundtable.com.

Remembering 9/11

johnl — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 16:33:00 GMT

We started the day in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, having returned from a week long vacation on the Florida panhandle with friends. We packed up early (around 5:00 AM) and left for our home in Murrysville, PA.

Somewhere around the Tennessee border, I heard the first report on the radio about a "small plane" hitting the World Trade Center. Most of my family was still sleeping. When I heard the second report, I woke them all up. As we continued north, the information started to solidify. Our oldest daughter, who was home at the time, called to tell us what she was hearing on the local radio and TV stations. At one point, we thought that all of the bridges and tunnels between where we were (probably Kentucky by then) and home would be closed. Fortunately, this never happened.

I remember how clear it was that day. From Alabama, all the way home to SW PA. I remember constantly looking up, and did not see the ever present contrails in the sky. It was clear that all planes had been grounded by then. It was very quite in the van for the entire trip, even with a wife and four daughters in the van. Everyone was riveted to the radio, trying to sort things out.

We pulled in to our driveway around 6:00 PM that evening. I remember telling everyone "don't turn on the TV until we unpack the van". Well, that didn't work of course. We turned on the TV, and for the first time that day, the amount of destruction that you could not imagine just listening to the radio came into our family room. We could not pull ourselves away from the images on TV. We cried, then I got mad, very mad. My "family protector" gene turned on, and has stayed on for the last five years.

I also remember how, for at least a few months afterward, the country was united. Do you remember how you treated others just after this tragedy? I do. Everyone was extremely nice to one another. People weren't honking their horns in frustration over a traffic jam, and were just being more courteous to each other. I wish we could be united in this way again, but without the event that cuased it. Everyone shared in this tragedy.

I remember wanting to drive to New York to help out, but realized I would probably just get in the way. So, I contributed financially as I could.

These are just some thoughts I wanted to get down. My way of remembering those who died, those who have suffered from their heroic rescue efforts since then, and also remembering who did this to our country and why. It does not matter which side of the political aisle you are on, if you are an American, there are those in this world who want you dead. Don't forget that!

BNR Community Server - What do you think?

admin — Sat, 20 May 2006 04:33:00 GMT

So, take a look around the Business Networking Roundtable Community Server and let us know what you think.