Chapter Overview

The Mid-Willamette Valley Chapter covers a rectangle on the west side of the state from Depoe Bay east to Detroit, south to McKenzie Bridge, and west to Waldport. We have two opportunities to meet with OATC collegues during the upcoming tax season. First, our regular evening meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month at the Cascade Grill in Albany. Second, on Jan 28th we started up non-CE credit, round-table 7:00 am morning meetings at Novak's (Albany) on the 4th Thursday of the month through March. As always, you should check our Meeting/Education Schedule for variances.

Contact Information

Tribute to Denny Purkey

Submitted by Eric Arnoldus

Cathy Johnson has agreed to devote the next OATC newsletter to Denny Purkey. She is taking articles from anybody who wants to share how Denny made an impact on our lives and the world. Bev and Linda, as usual, have already gotten ahead of the game by writing something, which Cathy can use as is, or expanded.

If you would like to write something about Denny, please send it to Cathy at newsletter@oatc-oregon.org. We'd like to have this be a very special issue, dedicated to our friend who did so much for all of us. I believe a few pictures would be okay, although I haven't asked Cathy yet. I'm sure she'll tell us if she can't use pictures.

Haiti Relief Donations Qualify for Immediate Tax Relief

Submitted by KayDel Marshall, Sr. Stakeholder Liaison Small Business & Self-Employed C/L/D

People who give to charities providing earthquake relief in Haiti can claim these donations on the tax return they are completing this season. Taxpayers who itemize deductions on their 2009 return qualify for this special tax relief provision, enacted Jan. 22. Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card. The new law only applies to cash (as opposed to property) contributions. The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti. Taxpayers have the option of deducting these contributions on either their 2009 or 2010 returns, but not both.

• CLICK HERE to read the full article on Haiti Relief Donations.
• Taxpayers should be sure their contributions go to qualified charities. CLICK HERE to review one list of charities accepting donations for their relief efforts., as well as good advise on how to donate wisely.

Update on the IRS Return Preparer Review

Submitted by Brian Wozniak IRS SB/SE CLD,

Today (Jan. 4, 2010) the IRS announced the findings of the Return Preparer Review launched in the summer. The findings included proposed recommendations for increasing oversight of return preparers.

These findings and recommendations are the result of an open and transparent discussion of the issues with the tax return preparer community, the associated industry, consumer advocacy groups, and the American public.

After careful consideration of the input provided, the IRS believes that taxpayers, tax administration and the tax professional industry and related service providers will be better served through the implementation of a number of changes.

The recommendations are addressed in detail in the following documents, available online:

• IRS News Release IR-2010-1
• IRS Fact Sheet FS-2010-1
• IRS Fact Sheet FS-2010-2
• IRS Return Preparer Review Final Report

Please note that none of the changes are effective for the immediate filing season beginning January 2010.

We will publish extensive guidance on the new requirements in the months ahead. We are committed to helping the taxpayer community understand the new requirements and assisting return preparers comply with these new requirements. Additional information and guidance about the proposed regulations will be centralized on the IRS.gov Tax Professionals page throughout this effort.

The IRS thanks the hundreds of individuals and organizations who took part in this review and looks forward to a continuing productive relationship to implement the proposed recommendations.

2010 OATC CONVENTION: "A Whale of a Time" (up to 22 hours CPE)

The 2010 OATC Convention committee invites you to join us for the 38th Annual OATC Convention in Newport, Oregon, "The COAST YOU REMEMBER!" on June 23rd – June 26th, 2010 at the Hallmark Inn and Resort.

The Hallmark Inn and Resort is located oceanfront at 744 SW Elizabeth in Newport. It overlooks the expansive Pacific Ocean with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse to the north and the mouth of Yaquina Bay to the South. The Resort is a full-service facility with the Oceanfront Georgie’s Beachside Grill, an indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness room. They also have a gift shop for your shopping pleasure. Nearby activities include the Undersea Gardens, Ripley’s "Believe It or Not" and the Wax Museum. There are shopping opportunities at Gift Shops, Art Galleries, Gift Boutiques and more. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuits, kites, shovels and pails to play on the beach.

We will be getting great education this year as we focus on several tax issues, such as, Estates and Gift Taxes, Investment Planning, 1031 Exchanges, Clergy & Missionary issues, IRS collections and offers, and our State Board will fill us in on licensing and regulations. And of course we won’t forget our education on Ethics.

For fun and recreation we have planned, a S'MORES party on the beach, a Karaoke evening for singers and just listeners, pinochle and bingo. Please come and join us for great education, great activities and just great people.

• For Room Reservations call the Hallmark Inn and Resort at 1-888-448-4449
• Need a hand keeping convention expenses down? Email Convention Chair Lee Reams at with requests for assistance with ride or room sharing.
• CLICK HERE to download the latest Convention Schedule of Events
• CLICK HERE to download the 2010 OATC Convention registration form or call the OATC office at 503-726-0100 or 1-800-478-4943
• CLICK HERE for Convention t-shirt and OATC jacket ordering information.

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Education on the High Seas 2010 (18-21 hours CPE)

The Portland Chapter of the OATC is hosting another education cruise. Holland America’s Mexican Riviera is a seven-day cruise from San Diego, California, which docks in Mazatlan, Puerta Vallarta, and the beautiful Cabo San Lucas. You will spend three full says at sea, allowing us 18 to 21 hours of education. (There will be no education on days while in port.)

The ship will leave San Diego at 5:00 pm on November 6, make port in Mazatlan, Puerta Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas and then return to San Diego at 7:00 am on November 13.

The prices quoted at this time by Holland America are from:

• Inside Stateroom: 699.00 + 88.59 = 787.59
• Ocean veiw Stateroom: 849.00 + 88.59 =937.59
• Verandah Stateroom: 1,049.00 + 88.59 =1,137.59
• Superior Verandah Suite: 1,599.00 + 88.59 = 1,687.59
• Deluxe Verandah Suite: 2,149.00 + 88.59 = 2,237.59

Airlines will be done by the individual. Currently United Air Lines is listing round trip fare from Portland to San Diego at $323.00. There will also be an education charge of $180.00 for members and $290.00 for non-members.

We are also still asking for volunteers to provide the education. Those providing education will not be required to pay the education fee. If you have questions contact Neil Gibson at 503-232-9050.

To make a reservation or to receive more information regarding fares, travel insurance or cancelation policies call Bradlee Haley, Holland America at 800-355-3017 ext. 29300. Our group number is TP5 and our group name is OATC Group. You will be asked for the space you wish to reserve, a deposit, and any insurance you wish to include. Call today – Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure.

CLICK HERE to download an information flyer for the November 2010 Education on the High Seas cruise.

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FROM THE OATC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

1. OATC Tax Preparer Scholarship Available – Do you know someone who wants to be a Tax Preparer, but may not have the necessary financial resources? There is a scholarship offered by the Oregon Association of Tax Consultants to help someone in financial need prepare for and take the state licensing test. For more information, call Linda Musson at the OATC office 503-726-0100.

Do You Speak A Language Other Than English?

from an email sent by the Board of Tax Practitioners

Dear Licensees,

The Board of Tax Practitioners often receives calls from consumers asking if we know of a tax preparation business that offers services in languages other than English. The Agency is developing a list of tax preparation businesses that offer such services.
If your business offers tax preparation services in other languages, and you would like to be included on this list, please provide the following information:

• Name of the business
• City the business is located
• Contact person
• Telephone number of business

What? Some of these fields are out-of-date?

An authorized chapter member who knows the chapter-specific password can click on the Administer Chapter Info link in the menu on the left to go to a maintenance screen.