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This is your chance to share your thoughts on women in business, networking, etc. Start your own post or comment on a member's thoughts. This is a great forum for sharing and learning from one another.
  • 02/11/2013 9:33 AM | Deleted user

    Dealing with Tax Filing and Payment Problems

    Tax season is just around the corner. Few people look forward to it, but those who are concerned they may owe taxes approach this time with particular apprehension. The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) advises that there are options for those who need more time to file their returns or who are having trouble paying what they owe.

    Getting an Extension
    If you don’t have the information you need to file by the tax deadline, or will be delayed for some other reason, it’s possible to receive an automatic six-month extension for filing your return. That means that you will have until October to get your documentation to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, the IRS will still want you to pay the taxes you owe by the April 15 deadline, even if you receive the filing extension. In other words, although you are not required to make a payment of the tax you estimate as due, filing the appropriate forms for an extension does not extend the time to pay taxes. If you do not pay the amount due by the regular due date, you will owe interest and may be subject to penalties. Your CPA can help you determine whether an extension is a good step for you and what payment amount you may owe in the meantime.

    Don’t Fail to Pay
    What happens if you just can’t pay the taxes you owe? The IRS may be willing to work with you in this situation, so it’s important to get in touch with them and discuss your options. Your CPA can explain the choices to you and work with you and the IRS to resolve the problem. Be aware that failure to file a return at all will, at a minimum, subject you to penalties, so this is never your best course of action.

    Your Payment Options
    If you just need a little more time to pay, you can ask the IRS for up to 120 extra days through an Online Payment Agreement available at www.irs.gov. You generally don’t have to pay a fee for this arrangement, although you will owe penalties and interest for the late payment. If you need an extended time to catch up, then you may need an installment agreement. Under the agreement, you make monthly minimum payments of $25. Any future refunds for which you qualify will be used to pay off the outstanding debt. There are fees associated with an installment agreement that vary based on your income level and how the fees are paid. You can avoid the fee if you are able to pay your total outstanding taxes within 120 days. You will still be expected to file your tax returns on time and pay all future taxes in full and on time. The IRS generally doesn’t take enforcement collection actions if you are applying for an installment agreement or have one.

    Get a Fresh Start
    The IRS’ expanded Fresh Start initiative is aimed at people who have lost their jobs and are having trouble paying their taxes as a result. The program offers a grace period on penalties for some taxpayers who have been unemployed 30 consecutive days or longer. Self-employed people whose business income fell 25 percent or more in 2011 also may qualify. In addition, the IRS has recently begun offering more flexible terms to its Offer in Compromise program, with new penalty relief, a widened pool of people eligible to use streamlined installment agreements to pay back taxes and changed lien practices. Ask your CPA for more details if you believe you may qualify.

    Your CPA Can Help
    If you are facing challenges in filing your tax return or paying your taxes due, be sure to turn to your local CPA. He or she can offer advice on all your pressing financial questions. If you don’t have a CPA, you can easily locate one online using the NJSCPA’s free, online Find-A-CPA service. Just go to www.findacpa.org, and in a few clicks you can locate a highly qualified professional who can assist you.



    Copyright 2013 The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

  • 01/28/2013 7:40 PM | Deleted user

    The other day, Janelle Razzino, an executive recruiter from Westwood, gave a motivating speech about the importance of positive thinking, following your passions, and other things to be successful in business.  She was the featured speaker at BCPWN's monthly breakfast held last Tuesday at Panera Breads. 

    There was positive energy and humor in Janelle's delivery, important attributes for an 8 AM meeting of women business owners and executives. At one point during her talk, she addressed the audience: “If you could accomplish one thing this year, what would it be?” The answers were predictable, as attendees offered their goals: get more cash flow, expand client base, etc. 

    Janelle took it all in before she offered hers:  “My wish is to have a good hair day for the next 365 days,” she shared. Of course, that got a few laughs, but you know, most women would agree. 

    For most of us, having a good hair day makes us look good and feel good. It boosts our confidence, and gives us the push we sometimes need to make that a business call, walk up to a stranger, or give a board room presentation.  

    Having a good hair day can help us when I feel sad, and make us happier when we already feel happy. With a good hair day, anything is possible. 

    Thanks to a good cut and good product, some days, I can look in the mirror and say that my goal was accomplished.  Off I go to face the world happier, confident and energized.     

    Now I know what Janelle meant about what having a good hair day can do.  I think I’ll add it to my list of wishes 2013.  

    And by the way, Janelle, your hair looked great!

       

  • 09/12/2012 9:35 AM | Mary Adams (Administrator)
    When is the last time you can remember a positive customer experience in a retail store? I'm lucky; I just had two and both were with newly launched Bergen County businesses. Maybe I am just a sucker for entrepreneurs because I am one, but I think these are the real deal... go ahead tell them I sent you - this is a networking group after all!

    Fabio & Co. Leather Interiors

    Owners Fabio & Iana greet you at the door of the beautiful leather showroom. They make you feel at home by offering you a cappuccino or water and then personally walk you through the store of fine leather goods. They are straight forward and friendly, two qualities you don't see often enough in business. Visit the showroom on E. Route 4 in Paramus and check them out on FB - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fabio-and-Co/397707853622557

    Olive Branch & Grape Vine
    This clever boutique of finely chosen domestic and imported olive oils, balsamic vinegars, skin care and gift items recently opened its doors in Westwood. Owners Chuck Adams & Paul Karoyan approach the business from the "foodie" and the "retail" sides, as complimentary as olive oil and balsamic. Once again, Olive Branch & Grape Vine offer a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and carefully chosen, quality products. I think this is a great source for corporate gifts. Here is the OBGV Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/OBAGV

    Try them out and let me know what you think!


  • 08/20/2012 12:14 PM | Mary Adams (Administrator)
    We hope everyone is enjoying a fun, productive & healthy summer. A quick note to remind everyone about some fantastic upcoming events for the Bergen County Professional Women's Network (also found at www.bcpwn.com):

    - 2nd Anniversary Party - This Wednesday, 8/22, 6 - 8 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Montvale. Join us to celebrate 2 years of of tremendous growth and networking for the BCPWN. Enjoy appetizers, cash bar - and a chance to win some amazing door prizes including a Three Month All Access Pass to Equinox, a Two Hour Wardrobe Consultation with An Eye For Detail, A Beauty Master Class from Saks Fifth Avenue, a One Night Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Montvale, NJ, A Scarf and Gift Card from Worth New York, Dinner for Two at the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern, One Hour Consultation with Healthy Organized Living, and an Iridology Reading with A New View. Some of the best networking of the year happens at this event, so you will not want to miss out. Register today at www.bcpwn.com!

    - First Friday Luncheon, Friday, 9/7, 12pm at Capital Grille. Join us for an exceptional panel who will discuss "Career Moves Made Smart: Expert Advice for Finding New & Better Jobs". Panelists include Leslie Martin, Practice Manager, IT Staffing, Gotham Technology Group and Carla Salerno, Executive Recruiter, Benchmark Search NJ, and the panel will be moderated by Amy Brinkman, Vice President - Client Manager, Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Last month's event sold out, and there are only a few spaces remaining for September, so please register ASAP at www.bcpwn.com to guarantee your seat.

    Lastly, we are at 491 members of our LinkedIn Group and 87 members of the enhanced membership program at the www.bcpwn.com site. It would be great to be at 500 and 100 respectively by the Anniversary Party - so pass on this email and share the group with other professional women in Bergen County so they can join us!

    Thanks again for all the support and see you Wednesday night to celebrate!
  • 08/09/2012 6:50 PM | Deleted user

    Hello Ladies-

    It is my pleasure to announce Transformation Tuesdays with Gina LaMorte, celebrity stylist and modivational speaker on style and following your dreams will be with us on Tuesday, August 21 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. 

    You can get all the details on what she will be discussing at the link below.  Come prepared with your biggest style and fashion dilemmas and she will be on hand to answer any questions while discussing the topic of dressing for your age, body type and personality.   

    Space is limited so get yoru tickets today! Gift with purchase for all who attend from BCPWN!

    Here is the link. http://saksfashionworkshopaugust.eventbrite.com/

    Light refreshments and fare will be served.

    Hope to see you there! 

  • 06/07/2012 7:32 AM | Deleted user

    What woman can say no to a makeover, a photo shoot and a night of female camaraderie?  

    At last night’s "Polish Your Profile" event at Neiman Marcus, I met some wonderful new friends at my second BCPWN outing. I was welcomed with a handshake and a smile by a group of women professionals who were interesting – and interested -- in learning more about my journey. 

    Over lemonade, I found out I had a lot in common with many of my new friends. Some, like me, are reinventing themselves with second or third careers. Others opened up my world as I learned more about exciting new career paths. Everyone there was happy to share something in a warm and friendly way.

    By the end of the night, many business cards were exchanged. I felt great with my makeover, and took home a new profile photo you’ll probably soon see on Linked In. But more importantly, I met some new BCPWN friends I know I’ll meet again soon. 

    Thanks, BCPWN  – and Neiman Marcus -- for hosting this terrific event! See you at Panera’s.  

  • 06/05/2012 11:30 AM | Mary Adams (Administrator)

    We launched the formal membership platform in February and have already reached membership of 60 women strong - and growing. We're thrilled that the grass roots effort has drawn such quality, diverse women together to help one another professional.

    A great credit to its founders, Bergen County Professional Women's Network is a very open, friendly and intelligent group who "get it". Members understand the intricacies of networking and take it seriously. We're looking forward to reaching the 100 mark. To learn more about member benefits, visit www.bcpwn.com

    Exciting new events are popping up, including our "First Friday Luncheon" series, slated to launch on August 3 at The Capital Grill. Each luncheon will feature speakers or a panel discussion on topics relevant to you. Registration is open for August 3 - check out our powerhouse panelists.

    We look forward to seeing you all soon.

  • 05/30/2012 4:46 PM | Mary Adams (Administrator)
    Bergen County Professional Women's Network Members will be treated with an evening of make-overs and professional photos, hosted by Neiman Marcus at the Garden State Plaza on June 6, 2012.

    This exclusive member only event will bring a night of networking and profile tips from the experts.

    Women of all ages, industries and professions will join in the evening's festivities. If you are not already a member of BCPWN, visit www.bcpwn.com for more information on member benefits and other events.
  • 03/05/2012 3:56 PM | Mary Adams (Administrator)
    Joe Vargas, president of MediaMix Studios in Allendale, hosted BCPWN on March 1 for an evening of learning and wow was it fun too. Attendees were able to use the teleprompter, sit in front of the camera, direct the camera and ask Joe for some of his insider secrets.

    One participant who holds live seminars asked what different presentation skills are required for on- and off-camera presentations. Although it was much better articulated in person, he summed it up like this: you take up more physical space, act more animated and waste more time in person; on camera you should be more concise and more disciplined with gestures.

    Carole De La Osa, owner, Transitions4You, asked how we could use video to promote ourselves as entrepreneurs. Joe advises that we do at least a basic video answering the question "what makes you different?". MediaMix is a great resource for accomplishing something like this - it was clear that they are true professionals.

    Carole's take on the event - "Thank you for the best networking event I've been to in a long time. It was entertaining and fun - the food was great - and the ladies phenomenal. I look forward to seeing you at a coming event." Overall, the event was a great deal of fun and allowed our group to see (and try) technology we normally would not have. Check out the photos and the video is coming soon...

    Thank you again to our sponsors Takeaway Gourmet, Worth New York (Montvale) and Ethos Fitness & Spa.
  • 02/15/2012 11:59 AM | Mary Adams (Administrator)
    BCPWN thanks Ethos Fitness & Spa for women for sponsoring the Stage Presence Skills event on March 1st. Members and non-members are encouraged to join us at this hands-on evening of networking and knowledge. Click HERE to register now.

    Visit www.ethosfitness.com for full membership offerings - they are running a February membership special, so check it out!

    Ethos Fitness & Spa

    85 Godwin Avenue (at Goffle Road)
    Midland Park Shopping Center
    Midland Park, NJ 07432

    T: 201-251-4500

                                                                                                            
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