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Financing, Computers, Maps, e-BIC, Taxes, Safety, Guides, & Car Sharing
1. Tax-Exempt Financing Promoted for Healthcare and Higher Education The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development announced a free seminar for healthcare organizations and institutions of higher education on below-market interest financing opportunities through Enterprise Zone Bonds. The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2003. During the free seminar, administrators, facilities managers, and finance officials can develop an understanding of the principles, mechanics and financial benefits of tax-exempt bond financing. December's program is the fifth in a series. Previous programs focused on organizations and associations, arts and cultural institutions, K-12 schools, and commercial developers. Since 1998, the Revenue Bond Program has helped some 30 healthcare, higher education, and/or scientific institutions obtain more than $2.3 billion in tax-exempt bonds to acquire, renovate, equip, and expand their facilities. Interested parties can RSVP by email.
2. New DC Website Seeks Companies with Free Computer Resources The District of Columbia has launched the City of Access website to publicize free Internet access locations. If your business or organization has computers available with free Internet access, or offers low-cost computer training, then help us get the word out about your resources. Many DC businesses and citizens can benefit from having access to computer technology. This new website lists more than 150 free Internet access locations and free or low-cost training courses across the District. City of Access has mapping features so users can find locations in their neighborhoods. If your company has a computer lab visit City of Access or go online to add or update your program information. For further information about this website contact Aggie Nteta at (202) 727-8761 or by email. Or, visit City of Access.
3. DC Guide Provides Customized Maps and Information The recently launched DC Guide consolidates large amounts of geographic data about the District of Columbia. Information can be easily searched and plotted onto online maps. Much of the information was previously only available in paper format. DC Guide features the following online tools:
4. Enhanced Business Information Center Schedule Announced The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and the Office of Local Business Development (OLBD) will hold monthly office hours at the Enhanced Business Information Center (e-BIC), giving small business entrepreneurs an opportunity to obtain expert answers on District government services and regulations from knowledgeable staff at one very convenient location. The e-BIC is located in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G Street, NW across the street from the Gallery Place Metro and a two block walk from Metro Center. DCRA representatives will hold monthly office hours at the e-BIC on the first Tuesday of every month. OLBD will hold monthly office hours about applying for LSDBE (Local, Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification on the second Wednesday of every month. If you are interested in speaking with representatives from either of these offices, please call (202) 727-2241 to sign up for a 15 minute time slot. Walk-in clients will be accepted time permitting.
5. EITC Helps Businesses Boost Employee Paychecks Businesses can help low- and moderate-income families put extra cash in their pockets at tax time by distributing information about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a tax provision that allows workers earning below $33,692 (or $34,692 for married workers) to reduce their taxes to reduce their taxes or even obtain a refund. Families with two or more children can receive over $5,000! The EITC provides an important income boost to low- and moderate-income workers, and it adds millions of dollars to the local economy. EITC outreach for the upcoming tax season begins now and continues through April 15. DC and Maryland residents can claim the EITC on both their federal return and their Maryland or DC tax return. Virginia residents can claim the EITC on their federal return only. Businesses can promote the EITC by sharing information with their employees and, if appropriate, with their customers. The DC EITC Campaign has prepared fliers, posters, and other materials that businesses can include with paychecks or when W-2s are distributed. These materials can be accessed at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute or by contacting Idara Umoh-Nickelson by email or (202) 408-1080.
6. Automatic Penalty for Underpaying Estimated Tax to Begin in 2005 The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) is issuing an early warning to taxpayers that starting January 1, 2005, OTR will begin automatically charging a penalty for underpayment of estimated tax by any person, financial institution or business. The change will apply to returns filed for tax year 2004. OTR will charge 10 percent on any underpayment. The charge is compounded daily from the due date to the last day of the month when payment is made or a return is due, whichever is sooner. In the past, auditors manually added this charge, but OTR's new Integrated Tax System allows the agency to find all underpayments of estimated taxes and automatically charge penalties. Persons with questions about estimated tax requirements should call OTR Customer Service at (202) 727-4TAX (727-4829). View the press release containing additional information.
7. IRS Tax Workshop Educates Small Businesses Lesson topics include:
Begin the workshop. View other online IRS courses for small businesses and self employed in the Online Classroom. Small businesses and self employed can also order several free CDs and brochures including a Small Business Tax Calendar and Small Business Resource Guide CD.
8. Businesses Invited to Request Fire Safety Presentation The Fire Prevention Bureau of the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department offers fire safety and fire prevention presentations by appointment at no cost. The programs are offered throughout the community and are available for community groups, nursery schools, day care centers, schools (pre-k to 12th grade), office buildings, and senior citizens. Some of the topics discussed are:
The programs are adapted to fit the needs of the audience. Fire inspectors are available to assist in the formulation of fire evacuation plans and public assembly setup. On occasion, firefighters assist in fire safety presentations. Call (202) 727-1614 for an appointment. Visit Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department.
9. 60-Second Guides Ready for Entrepreneurs SCORE--Counselors to America's Small Business--released two dozen 60-Second Guides about topics relevant to current or aspiring entrepreneurs. The brief guides are intended to help address some of the most challenging issues that small businesses typically face. Topics covered in the free guides include:
View the guides. For business counseling, visit the SCORE Washington, DC Chapter or call (800) 634-0245. SCORE is a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration. A national nonprofit organization, SCORE has over 11,500 volunteer members in 389 chapters across the United States. It is dedicated to providing free help to men and women starting small businesses and to those already in business. The Washington, DC Chapter has over 46 members experienced in owning and operating both small and large businesses in almost every field.
10. Online Reservations Enhance Metro's Car Sharing Program Employees of local businesses and nonprofits have another transportation option that does not require driving to work. Metro's car sharing partner has launched a web-based reservation system that allows its members to reserve a car online, 24 hours a day. Riders at 17 Metrorail stations in the District and over 20 additional stations in Maryland and Virginia can benefit from car sharing. Commuters can ride Metrorail and then pick up a car--just steps from the train--to run errands, shop or reach any other business or social event not easily accessible via transit. Read about car sharing. Read the press release.
11. DC Business Tools Available
12. View the BRC Alert Archives Previous editions of the BRC Alert newsletter feature articles for small businesses and nonprofits regarding incentives, training, licenses, procurement, commuting, emergency preparedness, and other topics. View the BRC Alert Archives.
Submit Feedback to brc.alert@dc.gov
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