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Chapter Meeting Minutes


Meeting Minutes - January 16, 2008

In Attendance:

Members:
Mary Adkins
William Barbour
Rebecca Donehew
Gunther Greimel
Michael Harrison
Nancy Lynch
Benny Montgomery
Mary Moore
Grace Robelen
Charles Spencer
David Tanner
Sharon Tabor Warren

Guests:
Gail Abbott
Paul Donahue
Ryan Richardson

The January meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents was held on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008, at Famous Anthony’s, Williamson Road, Roanoke.

President Rebecca Donehew called the meeting to order at 12:35.

David Tanner gave us the end of year balance and noted the reports would be sent to VASEA within days.

Becky noted that VASEA needs volunteers for federally declared disasters. IRS will provide training to those who volunteer and will call on those people if there is a disaster in our area (which could include West Virginia, North Carolina and possibly Maryland) to assist people with tax issues.

Becky also noted that NCPE will have their Corporation and Partnership course available in the Roanoke area this year. It will probably be held at Holiday Inn Tanglewood.

Sharon Tabor Warren confirmed that our next meeting will be held April 16th, 2008. Becky will arrange for a speaker and select a location. Information will be posted on the website when it becomes available.

Benny Montgomery began his presentation on Circular 230 at 12:45. According to the Kiplinger letter, IRS has eased the stringent requirements on preparers inasmuch as preparers will not be penalized if clients are advised they have to have substantial authority. Benny also noted that the IRS would like to restrict the marketing of RALs effective the end of 2008.

He covered other issues that have arisen and provided a Due Diligence Compliance Checklist which he said his firm will include with work papers for every client and recommended we adopt the same process. Benny noted further that clients who come to him without adequate records will be turned away.

There was some discussion regarding the language in Circular 230: We regulate EAs and attorneys and CPAs who practice before the IRS. Benny questioned if that limits the regulation to those EAs who practice before the IRS. No conclusion was reached.

Benny’s presentation ended at 1:55; the meeting adjourned at 2:05. CPE of 1.25 hours will be given.

Sharon Tabor Warren, EA
Secretary


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Meeting Minutes - April 16, 2008

In Attendance:

Members:
William Barbour
Rebecca Donehew
Gunther Greimel
Don Houck
Benny Montgomery
Charles Spencer
David Tanner
Sharon Tabor Warren

Guests:
Paul Donehew Ginger Sawyer

The April meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents was held on Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, at Szechuan Restaurant in Roanoke.

There was no formal business meeting. Rebecca announced that in deference to Benny Montgomery, the March meeting would be held in Lynchburg. Sharon Tabor Warren agreed to contact Michael Harrison to arrange for the room at Super China Buffet. No topic for CPE has been determined.

There was informal discussion of various issues that arose during tax season. Most was divided between the upper and lower ends of the table but at some point, the discussion included everyone. Issues presented were the fact the Virginia Retirement System issued some unusual 1099’s. In addition to the fact that nowhere is the year 2007 on the forms, amounts were questionable.

It was also been determined that Forms 1098-T (Tuition Statement) are almost useless and taxpayers need to provide statements from the college financial office if we’re to be certain of the amount to claim as tuition credit.

The question was raised that when a 1099-R has a gross distribution amount and a lesser taxable amount, which is used for the state distribution? Some thought it should be the lesser amount but it was pointed out that when the provider of the 10A99-R included a state distribution it was the gross. It doesn’t make a difference in Virginia but can in states that don’t tax, or allow credit, for retirement earnings. There was no substantiated answer.

The last question raised was regarding bartering, because it’s much more prevalent today and is included on the Due Diligence list. The matter was tabled with the thought it might be the topic of a future CPE presentation.

The gathering disbursed at 1:45. No CPE will be given.

Sharon Tabor Warren, EA
Secretary


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Meeting Minutes - May 21, 2008

In Attendance:

Members:
James Dishman
Michael Harrison
Rebecca Donehew
Nancy Lynch
Benny Montgomery
Grace Robelen
Charles Spencer
David Tanner
Sharon Tabor Warren

Guests:
Paul Donehew Gail Abbott

The May meeting of the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents was held on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008, at Super China Buffet in Lynchburg.

The business meeting was called to order by Rebecca Donehew at 12:50. She announced the resignation of Sharon Tabor Warren, Secretary, effective May 30th, due to personal conflicts and her inability to attend meetings on a regular basis. Rebecca asked for a volunteer to fill the post and thanked Sharon for her service.

She reminded everyone of the upcoming Annual Meeting of VASEA held in conjunction with up to 22 hours of CPE to be held in Fredericksburg June 12-14, 2008. She called for a Treasurer's Report and David informed the group that our bank balance was low and that annual dues (due July 1, 2008) barely cover the expense of maintaining our website. Discussion ensued with the possibility of holding tax classes again to raise money. Nancy Lynch, Benny Montgomery and Gail Abbott will brainstorm the idea and bring suggestions to a future meeting. Sharon Tabor Warren moved, and Benny Montgomery seconded that dues will be increased to $25 per year effective July 1, 2008. The motion carried. Gail also noted we are lax in collecting the $5 fee from non-members who attend any meeting that includes CPE. An effort will be made to comply.

It was noted that the IRS has cut back on EIC audits. Rebecca covered the subject of bartering transaction and the form required (1099-B) to report same. There was informal discussion of various issues that arise in day-to-day practice,

The June meeting will be held June 18th at the Red Clay Restaurant in Rocky Mount. Nancy Lynch will be responsible for obtaining the restaurant and confirming that with Charles Spencer. Gail Abbott will present CPE; no topic as yet.

The gathering disbursed at 1:35. No CPE will be given.

Sharon Tabor Warren, EA
Secretary


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Tax laws are subject to change at any time. Consult your local Enrolled Agent for the latest information.

Please Note: This information is provided to you by the Blue Ridge Chapter of the Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents for use as general guidance. The Chapter is not engaged in rendering specific legal, tax, or accounting advice. Only a qualified tax professional with all the facts at his or her disposal can determine the appropriateness of the application of any law to a given set of facts.



Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents Virginia Society of Enrolled Agents
P. O. Box 2873
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Phone: (804) 723-5888
E-mail: admin@vasea.org
Web site: www.vasea.org
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E-mail: info@naea.org
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