Business Glance 1-6-13

‘Good Morning Yuma!'

Health care reform and its potential impact on small businesses will be the subject of this month's “Good Morning Yuma!” from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Thursday at the Pivot Point Conference Center.

Making the presentation will be Ruthann Laswick, president of Blue Water Benefits Consulting in Scottsdale, who has more than 35 years' experience consulting employers.

The event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Cost is $15 at the door. For more information, call the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce at 782-2567.

Chamber banquet

The Yuma County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 18th annual installation and awards banquet at 6 p.m. Jan. 11 at the Pivot Point Conference Center. Cost is $45 per person.

The banquet's highlights are announcements of the recipients of the Small Business Person of the Year, Athena and Chamber Member of the Year awards.

For more information, reserve a seat, call the chamber at 782-2567.

Volunteer tax preparers sought

The AARP Volunteer Tax Office will open Feb. 4 at the Kachina Medical Plaza, 2451 S. Avenue A, Suite B (don't call the pharmacy). The officer will provide free tax service to seniors and low to moderate income earners who have uncomplicated tax returns. Office hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays though April 15.

In preparation for the opening, volunteer tax preparers are needed. Free training classes and materials are offered, including computer training. Training will be Jan. 8-11 and Jan. 14-18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Yuma Regional Medical Center Corporate Center. Requirements are willing and able, some computer skills and a friendly personality.

For more information, call Gloria Godley at 726-8101 and leave a message or come to the first class.

IRS releases new mileage rates

The Internal Revenue Service recently issued the 2013 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car will be:

• 56.5 cents per mile for business miles driven.

• 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes.

• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

The rate for business miles driven during 2013 increases 1 cent from the 2012 rate. The medical and moving rate is also up 1 cent per mile from the 2012 rate. The charitable rate remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile. The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Decisions for pre-retirees

Those approaching retirement are invited to attend a presentation on decisions to make regarding their investments. Sponsored by Yuma Investment Group, the program will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Yuma Main Library, 2951 S. 21st Drive. Seating is limited and reservations are encouraged by calling 329-1700.

The presentation will cover the three primary distribution options available to retirees, the pros and cons of each, how these decisions might play out over the coming years and the mistakes to avoid.