Pledge: Pres. Paul Moore
Prayer: Gerri Lewis
Song: Andy Anderson (Jingle Bells)
Brents Card Game Winner: Bob Antoniac
Sergeants Report: Rick Beck
Raffle Winners: Heather Gagnon, Andy Anderson, Ed Pinn
Happy Bucks: There were happy bucks to see Gerri in attendance and bucks in memory of Ron Scott
Treasurers Report: David Wight
There wasn't much activity in eith the club or foundation. A check was returned by one of the colleges due to a scholarship recipient not attending.
Program: Margaret Shepard, Enrolled Agent and Fanchisee for H&R Block in Old Saybrook
Margaret represents people in IRS audits. She has been doing taxes for 30 years. The IRS has been tracking money more agressively hiring extra agents and creating a burden on the average taxpayer. There were many changes in the state and federal tax laws which is unsettling for many. The $200 capital gain exemption was taken away and tax rates went up. Payroll taxes went up retroactive to January 1 and many people were under witheld. A new federal law for businesses that take credit cards requires a separate filing from cash sales if you do more than 200 transactions per year. Any capital gains from the sale of stocks and bonds must be reported on a separate form (schedule D). If you sold at a loss, you cannot take a deduction. After July 1, allowance for mileage goes to 55 cents a mile. Driving for charitable causes is reimbursed at 14.5 cents a mile. For 2012, big changes are coming, many things are expiring. We now have the lowest tax rates in history. Democrats are trying to extend the payroll tax holiday and are meeting resistance from the republicans. You can contact Margaret Shepard by calling 860-388-0360, Email: mshepard@hrblock.com.
Announcements:
Marty & Gerri got kicked off the Wine Tasting & Silent Auction. Marty distributed the tickets along with an informational sheet to club members in attendance. Posters are available to distribute around town. The date of the event is February 10, 2012 at the Saybrook Point Inn. This is one of the club's 2 top fundraisers and its important the club come together to sell tickets, gain auction items and work to make this fundraiser a success. Contact Marty if you'd like to serve on the committee.
md
