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Two Michiganders Among Top
CPA Exam Scorers
Two of the ten AICPA 2006
Elijah Watt
Sells Award winners are Michigan residents. The award is presented
annually to the 10 candidates earning the highest cumulative scores on the
four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. Keith A. Piwko graduated from
Michigan State University and is working for Plante & Moran, PLLC in Auburn
Hills. Kurt B. Piwko is also a graduate of Michigan State University and is
employed by Plante & Moran, PLLC in Clinton Township.
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Work Opportunity Tax
Credits Expanded
Recent legislation provides immediate increases in
tax incentives for employers in Renewal Communities, Empowerment Zones,
and rural renewal counties. Eligible employers can claim up to $2,400 in tax
credits by employing 18-39 year-old residents of renewal communities,
empowerment zones, and rural renewal counties. Verify a particular location
is
eligible for the tax incentives and review IRS
instructions for Form 8850.
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GAO Launches Web Site
Improvements To Enhance Visibility, Impact
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today unveiled its newly
redesigned web site,
www.gao.gov. The updated site makes the agency’s work easier to find,
and it better explains what GAO is and what it does. New features on the
homepage include a prominent dynamic display of GAO’s latest products, a
streamlined “In the Spotlight” section, and a new “Key References” section
with links for site visitors. GAO products, including reports and
testimonies, will continue to be posted daily, usually by noon of the day
they are released.
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Treasury, IRS Issue
Guidance on Transactions of Interest
The Treasury Department and the IRS issued two notices that identify certain
transactions as
transactions of interest involving “toggling”
grantor trusts and certain transactions involving contributions of a
successor member interest in a limited liability company.
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303 Projects Make Up
Guidance Priorities for 2007-2008
If you’d like a preview of what the IRS and Treasury will focus on in the
coming year, read the
2007-2008 Priority Guidance Plan containing 303 projects to be completed
from July 2007 through June 2008. The Treasury Department and the IRS
have developed the plan in order to focus resources on guidance items that are most
important to taxpayers and tax administration. In addition to the items on
this year's plan, an Appendix lists the more routine guidance that is
published each year.
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Peru Earthquake: FTC
Tells Consumers Ways to Give Wisely
As many people generously open their hearts and wallets to help those
affected by the earthquake in Peru, the Federal Trade Commission advises
that the best way to help immediately is to donate money directly to
established international relief organizations. In a consumer alert,
“Helping Earthquake Victims: Your Guide to Giving Wisely,” the FTC
offers tips to those who want to help. These six tips, also relevant to
other disaster relief efforts, will help to prevent you from becoming a
victim of fraudulent and deceptive fundraising practices.
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State Launches Highway
Bridge Safety Web Site
State Transportation Director Kirk Steudle announced that the Michigan
Department of Transportation (MDOT) has posted information about the safety
of 4,402 state highway bridges to the MDOT web site. Steudle said the
information was being made available to emphasize the safety of travel on
state highway bridges and to assure the public that MDOT is actively
inspecting and maintaining bridges in Michigan. Bridge ratings, which can be
downloaded by route number and/or county, are current as of Aug. 15 and will
be updated regularly.
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Bursting the Mobile
Productivity Bubble
Critics warn that providing workers with mobile technology will not
automatically turn them into more productive workers. Experts indicate
employers not only need to train workers in the use of the technology, but
also in efficient time management. To read this article in its entirety and
much more about developments in technology, access
Technology and Productivity Weeklyy, the MACPA's electronic technology
newsletter for industry professionals, sponsored by Information, Inc.
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