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Taxes, Notary, Seminars, Publications, SBA, and Security
The Office of Tax and Revenue is strongly urging taxpayers in the District to file their taxes electronically, either online or by e-file. Both methods have grown dramatically in popularity over the last three years. Filing online can be done through the District's Electronic Taxpayer Service Center (ETSC), where taxpayers can follow easy step-by-step instructions to file their returns over the Internet. E-file can be done by using tax software either from your computer or with the assistance of professional tax preparers. Both methods are fast, efficient and very accurate. The share of electronically filed returns grew from 9 percent in 1999 to 23 percent in 2002. First offered to District businesses to file and pay business taxes, ETSC initially collected business taxes such as withholding and sales. Since 2001, use of ETSC for business tax collection has grown from less than $500,000 being filed monthly to collections of over $43 million a single month! OTR has high expectations for the electronic filing of individual taxes this filing season. For more information about e-file, talk with your tax preparer. For more information about Internet tax filing, visit the ETSC. Or, call OTR at (202) 727-4TAX.
2. Employers Urged to Publicize Earned Income Tax Credit Help your employees put extra cash in their pockets at tax time by encouraging them to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Both federal tax credits provide an important income boost to low—and moderate—income workers at no cost to your business. The EITC is a tax credit that allows workers to reduce their taxes or even obtain a refund. Depending on family size and total income, the EITC can boost a worker's annual income by as much as 40 percent! Even better, eligible DC workers can receive an extra 25 percent of the federal credit. In 2003, the federal and DC EITCs put $101 million in the pockets of your workers and clients, fueling local economic development. Maryland also offers a credit to their residents. In addition, workers who earned more than $10,500 in 2003 can receive a CTC of up to $1,000 for each dependent child under the age of 17. For more information on how your business can promote the EITC and to order envelope stuffers, posters, fliers, and other outreach materials, please contact the DC EITC Campaign via the DC Fiscal Policy Institute at (202) 408-1080 and ask for Ann Pierre. Materials also can be viewed and downloaded from DCFPI.
3. Eligible Individuals Invited to Apply for Notary Public Commission The Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia invites individuals to apply for a commission as a District of Columbia notary public. A notary public is a public officer who notarizes documents by administering oaths and attestations and witnessing the signature of the person(s) personally appearing before him or her. A notary public is appointed for a five year term. To qualify for appointment as a notary public, an individual must: (1) be at least 18 years of age and (2) be a resident of the District. A nonresident may qualify if: (1) he/she is employed by a business physically located in the District of Columbia and (2) the business address is within the District. Information packages are available to individuals interested in applying to become a notary public. The package includes an application and the District of Columbia Notary Public and Authentication Handbook. Applicants must send a self-addressed 9" x 12" envelope with $1.77 postage affixed along with a written request for an information package to: Secretary of the District of Columbia If you have any questions about the notary commissioning process, please contact the Notary Commissions and Authentications Section by telephone at (202) 727-3117 or (202) 727-3118 or by email. Visit the Office of the Secretary.
4. Marketing Center Launches Business Initiatives Breakfast Series The Washington, DC Marketing Center is kicking off its first session of Business Initiatives Breakfasts for 2004 on February 19, 2004, on "Office Condos: Owning Office Space in DC for Less than the Cost of Leasing." The Business Initiatives Breakfast is a quarterly forum designed to bring together the District's real estate and business communities and provide information related to economic development in the District of Columbia. The 2004 series is sponsored by HQ Global Workplaces and co-hosted by District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA) and Reed Smith, LLP. If you would like more information about the Business Initiatives Breakfast 2004 Series, please contact Angie de la Ronde at (202) 638-7333 or by email. To learn more about economic development in the District of Columbia, please visit the Washington, DC Marketing Center.
5. Employment Services Publications Available Online The Department of Employment Services (DOES) offers several of its most commonly requested documents online. Visit DOES Documents to download these and other useful publications in Adobe PDF format:
For further information regarding posters and forms contact the DOES Office of Public Affairs at (202) 671-2100.
6. e-BIC Events Target LSDBEs and Prospective 504 Borrowers On February 25, 2004 and March 24, 2004 from 1:30-3:30 pm, the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) will provide one-on-one consulting to certified Local, Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (LSDBEs). Charles Onwuche, OCP Business Development and Compliance Officer, will help businesses target their marketing resources and ultimately save time and money when selling products or services to the District of Columbia. On February 19, 2004, and March 18, 2004, from 6-7:30 pm, the e-BIC will introduce small businesses to the SBA's 504 loan program. The 504 loan helps small businesses finance the acquisition and/or renovation of capital assets including land, buildings, and equipment. By using 504 loans, small businesses can access the same low-cost, fixed-rate, long-term financing that large businesses access through bond markets. Sign up for these and future sessions by calling (202) 727-2241. Walk-in clients will be accepted, space permitting. The Enhanced Business Information Center (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 two blocks from Metro Center. Read about the e-BIC and other training events.
7. Small Business Development Center Schedules Classes The Washington, DC Small Business Development Center Network (DC SBDC) has scheduled several classes for February 2004. Upcoming classes include:
DCSBDC trains small businesses at its lead center located at Howard University School of Business, four service centers at convenient locations throughout the District, and the Department of Employment Services. Many sessions are free, while others charge a nominal fee. DC SBDC strongly recommends that attendees RSVP for sessions. Download the course schedule or call (202) 806-1550 for more information. Visit DC SBDC for more information.
8. New SBA Rule Extends Opportunities for High-Tech Companies The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has established a new industry category and size standard of 150 employees for Information Technology Value Added Resellers. SBA size standards determine what firms are allowed to benefit from SBA's programs and services. This industry category and size standard were established to better apply small business eligibility requirements under Federal contracts that combine substantial services with the acquisition of computer hardware and software. The new rule took effect on January 28, 2004. Read the press release* or information regarding SBA size standards. Visit the SBA.
9. Computer Security Initiative Reaches Small Businesses and Home Users The National Cyber Security Division of the US Department of Homeland Security unveiled the National Cyber Alert System to deliver timely and actionable information so Americans can better secure their computer systems. Homeland Security is making available information targeted for home users and technical experts in businesses and government agencies. These email newsletters provide timely information on computer security vulnerabilities, potential impact, and action required to mitigate threats, as well as PC security "best practices" and "how to" guidance. An Awareness for Home Users and Small Businesses Task Force intends to develop a plan for additional outreach and education programs. Visit Cyber Security to sign up for Cyber Security Tips, Bulletins, and Alerts. View the press release*.
10. Online Resources Consolidate IRS Information for Small Businesses Small businesses can access many federal tax-related topics relevant to starting, operating, or closing a business. Three sections on the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website direct businesses to dozens of articles including:
View these topics. Access all IRS resources for small businesses and self-employed. The DC Business Resource Center features a consolidated Start a Business checklist and guide with DC and federal requirements.
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@dc.gov
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