SAN ANSELMO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & MEMBER UPDATES 


SAVE THE DATE 
STATE OF THE TOWN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Dinner Celebration

6:p.m., January 26, 2016

Celebrate the Town's accomplishments and honor the Business of the Year
Bradley Real Estate

$65 per person ~ Hosted Bar (Beer & Wine)
$500 Reserved seating for SIX
COMMUNITY PARTNER Sponsor: Includes 6 reserved seats, logo on all printed material, recognition in weekly E-News. Reserved seating with logo placard (Deadline: January 9, 2017)
$750 Reserved seating for EIGHT
PREMIER Sponsor: Includes 8 reserved seats, 2-minute presentation, logo recognition on Chamber website, recognition in weekly E-News, event program, Facebook, podium banner (sponsor-supplied). Reserved seating table logo placard (Deadline: January 9, 2017).  

State of the Town ~ Mayor Kay Coleman
Emcee ~ Chamber Chair 2016 Greg Davison

RSVP: www.sananselmochamber.org~ Register for Event   | (415) 454-2510  | info@sananselmochamber.org 

This will also serve to notify you that the Annual Meeting of San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce Incorporated will be held at 6:00 PM on January 26, 2017, at the American Legion Log Cabin, 20 Veterans Place, San Anselmo CA. 




Upcoming Events

Block Advisors Reception
January 12, 2017 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
805 Sir Francis Drake Blvd D
San Anselmo, CA 94960
415-259-2700



Marin Women's Hall of Fame Gala!
The Marin Women's Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to honor the achievements and con- tributions made by pivotal and powerful women in Marin who have ensured the progress and well-being of citizens and the community, both locally and globally. Marin County would not be the thriving region it is without the many exceptional women who have called it home over the years. This year, we are thrilled to celebrate the 30 th Anniversary of celebrating Marin women. 
Nomination Tips                        How to Nominate Your Candidate


U.S. Immigration Agency Publishes New Form I-9

 6
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)  published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (rev. 11/14/2016 N).
By  January 22, 2017, employers must use only this new version. Until then, they can continue to use either the version dated 03/08/2013 N or the new version.
According to the USCIS, there are several changes in the new version to help reduce technical errors, including:
  • Section 1 asks for "other last names used" rather than "other names used," and streamlines certification for certain foreign nationals.
  • The addition of prompts to ensure information is entered correctly.
  • The ability to enter multiple preparers and translators.
  • A dedicated area for including additional information rather than having to add it in the margins.
  • A supplemental page for the preparer/translator.
In addition,  the instructions for completing the Form I-9 are now separate from the form and include specific instructions for completing each field.
According to the USCIS, the revised  Form I-9 is easier to complete on a computer. Enhancements include drop-down lists and calendars for filling in dates, on-screen instructions for each field, easy access to the full instructions and an option to clear the form and start over. When the employer prints the completed form, a quick response (QR) code is automatically generated, which can be read by most QR readers.

New Workers' Comp Law Changes Definitions of Excluded Employees; May Affect Existing Policies

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has  notified workers' compensation insurers  of upcoming changes to the definition of "employee" and to who is an excluded employee. The changes are a result of recently signed legislation,  Assembly Bill 2883 .
Beginning  January 1, 2017, all business workers' compensation insurance policies, including in-force policies, will be required to cover, among others, certain officers and directors of private corporations and working members of partnerships and limited liability companies that may be excluded from coverage under current law.
Under the law as it exists today, officers, directors and working partners generally  are not required to be covered under a company's workers' compensation policy, unless they elected to be covered.
Under AB 2883, the presumption is changed:
  • Officers, directors, and partners generally are required to be covered under the employer's workers' compensation policy.
  • There is a narrower definition of excluded officers, directors and partners who can still opt out.
  • For those who still meet the narrow exclusion, a waiver of rights must be signed under penalty of perjury stating that the person is a qualifying officer or director. The waiver must be filed with the employer's insurer.
"We have issued a notice today to workers' compensation insurers so that they know what the new law requires of them and we directed insurers to provide notice to employers so they are made aware of the new law,"  said Commissioner Dave Jones.
Insurance companies must identify and provide notice to each employer that may have employees who were previously excluded from coverage and are affected by the new law. Insurers also are required to determine and report the premium and loss experience associated with those who have not chosen to opt into the coverage.
It is important to note that the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has indicated that this change in law applies to in-force policies as of January 1, 2017. Per the notice from the Insurance Commissioner:
Unless a duly executed waiver is received and accepted by the insurance carrier on or before January 1, 2017, any individual that had been exempted from coverage under the workers' compensation policy, including but not limited to, an officer or member of the board of directors of a corporation, or an individual who is a general partner of a partnership or a managing member of a limited liability company, will need to be added to the coverage provided by the insurer until such time as a duly executed waiver is received and accepted by the insurer.
Employers who believe they may be affected by this change in law are encouraged to contact their workers' compensation insurer or their workers' compensation agent or broker.


EDD Updates
E-file and E-pay Mandate (AB 1245) will soon affect all California Employers!
Partner today with the Employment Development Department's (EDD) outreach campaign to promote awareness of the upcoming e-file and e-pay mandate. Employers will soon be required to electronically submit employment tax returns, wage reports, and payroll tax deposits to the EDD.
  • Beginning January 1, 2017, employers with 10 or more employees will be required to electronically file and pay.
  • Beginning January 1, 2018, all remaining employers will be required.
Employers can use  e-Services for Business  to comply with the e-file and e-pay mandate. e-Services for Business is a fast, easy, and secure way for employers to manage their payroll tax accounts online. Additional online resources are available, such as tutorials  and  FAQs . Help your members enroll today!
The EDD can provide the following ready-to-use marketing materials and resources to your members at no-cost:
  • Printed marketing materials (tip card, info sheet, brochure).
  • Digital marketing materials (suggested verbiage to use in emails, social media postings, and newsletter articles).
  • Online resources (webpage links, tutorials, FAQs).
  • PowerPoint presentations (in-person presenters, webinars via Adobe Connect).
If you are interested in any of the above ready-to-use marketing materials and resources, please contact us at (916) 255-1948 or EfileAndPayMandate@edd.ca.gov
 
For your convenience, please see the following attachments to share with your members: Information Sheet: E-file and E-pay Mandate for Employers (DE 231EM) and association article. We look forward to hearing from you.
 
E-file and E-pay Mandate Team
Employment Development Department
(916) 255-1948
EfileAndPayMandate@edd.ca.gov


Sales and Use Tax Rate Decreases 0.25 Percent
Effective January 1, 2017

The statewide sales and use tax rate will decrease one quarter of one percent (0.25%) from 7.50 percent to 7.25 percent on  January 1, 2017. The decrease in the statewide rate is effective for all cities and counties in California; however, the actual sales and use tax rate may still be higher than the statewide rate in many jurisdictions in California due to the addition of district taxes.
Why is the sales and use tax rate decreasing?
Proposition 30,  The Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act of 2012, was approved by California voters in November 2012 to temporarily increase the sales and use tax by 0.25 percent. The sales and use tax imposed by Proposition 30 expires  December 31, 2016.
Where can I find more information? 
Guidance on how the tax rate decrease affects partial exemptions, fixed-price contracts, returned merchandise, fuel rates, and return filing can be found on the Board of Equalization (BOE) webpage   Sales and Use Tax Rate Decreases January 1, 2017. You may also call the BOE's Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (TTY:711) where customer service representatives are available to assist you weekdays 
from  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except holidays.

*A range of business loans profiles for consumers to compare
*Which features matter most in a loan
*Which companies actually meet entrepreneurs needs


News from our Members
https:/
Energizing news:
 
Kim is ready to motivate you to reach new work out levels - and results with her ADVANCED classes - Mondays 10:00 a.m., Wednesdays 8:45 a.m. & 10:00 a.m., and Thursdays at 10 a.m. 

Expect higher cardio rate work as well as more demanding moves. The overall higher intensity will ultimately provide a higher level of coaching resulting in a higher level workout!



Kids Eat Free!

Kid s eat FREE every  Tuesday

Yes, that's correct! Beginning this Tuesday (December 20th) and continuing into 2017, kids get one free menu item off the kid's menu when you order at least one regular entree at your table. We couldn't let the Holiday Season pass without a gift to our fantastic customers. 

115 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo
(415) 925-4370
WEDNESDAYS:
Wine tasting mini classes 
A flight of three whites and three reds representative of their varietal characteristics and growing regions:  $30








The Final Wrap.

Just a quick holiday note to say thank you for allowing me into your life!  It has been an honor and always my intention to bring you healthful knowledge that is of value to your good health.  I have received so much positive feedback this past year and am forever grateful to my network of patients and acquaintances. My deepest gratitude to all of you.   

This new year is the time to fill up your next year's intentions with more than an ounce of prevention.   I invite you to take a look at what acupuncture has done for you and share it with your friends, colleagues and family.   

I am always asked: "Can acupuncture help this, this, or that?" Yes!  Acupuncture brings your body to its most optimal health.  It utilizes point prescriptions, herbs, heat therapies, anti-inflammatory techniques, neural pathways, massage and nutrition to teach your body how to find balance.  This means that many things we struggle with in our health can be helped, if not completely adjusted utilizing acupuncture as one of the modalities.

Pain relief is achieved by not only enticing immediate reactions in the body, but also creating heightened range of motion and faster healing to injury sites. Digestive ease is found using points that tap into the nervous system to control digestion and stress. Insomnia and anxiety are soothed with points triggering sleep hormones and stress hormones in the body to rebalance themselves, and the list goes on..

So share your knowledge and experience with Acupuncture and share a little more health in your hearts to others this new year.
 


 




We've got 2 amazing deals for you to choose from!!

1.Enroll in a FIT 5, FIT 10 or Monthly Unlimted Autopay Membership and get your whole first month for   
$20.17!
 This works out to $12.34 per class!!

*Terms and Conditions: 4 month minimum commitment, 2nd, 3rd and 4th payments 
at the regular monthly price of $175. Still subject to Late Cancel and No Show fee policies.  Choose your start date during checkout - but must be prior 
to  January 31st, 2017. 
Space is limited.
---------------------------------------------------------------

2. Purchase the Whole Year  
of 2017 for  $2,017!
Unlimited classes, this works out to only $168 per month!!

So many wonderful things happening at Golden Gate Learning Center!
Everyone is invited to join us on Tuesday, December 20th for a family field trip to St. Mary's College, hosted by our amazing Chess Club Coach Christopher Major of Novato Chess Club and Hayward Youth Academy.

$7 per adult, $0 for children
$5 per meal

Be on campus by 3:30!
Keynote Speaker is our own Daniel Ezell: On Classical Education
Tour of campus
Dinner in the cafeteria
Basketball game at 8pm: St. Mary's Gaels vs. Stanford! (Gaels are currently ranked #12)

Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can secure your tickets.


Meet pros in 1,000 other categories
We noticed you made a Tree Trimming and Removal request. Let's see what else we can check off on your list. We've got professionals in over 1,000 different categories to help you on every project.
Visit our Site
 
TAX TIP
Tax returns are not due for several months. But for individuals or a cash basis business, your tax liability will be determined by your income and deductible expenses up to and including  12/31/16 .

Here are some common ways to reduce your tax liability for 2016:
  • Defer your income - If you expect to get a bonus, you may want to ask to have it paid in 2017. For a cash basis business, you may want to wait until the end of the year to send out invoices, which ensures you won't receive the payments until into 2017.
  • Pay deductible expenses early - If you are not subject to Alternate Minimum Tax or will not trigger it with additional deductions, make your January mortgage payment at the end of December. Pay the second installment of your property taxes in 2016. Make additional charitable contributions. For a cash basis business, pay invoices before the end of the year or order additional materials and supplies for next month and pay for them in December.
  • If you have capital gains, sell off investments with a capital loss.
  • If you expect to owe estimated taxes to the State, make the payment in December rather than waiting for the deadline in January.
  • If you have not made the maximum contribution to your 401(k) for 2016, check with your employer to see if you can have more set aside for your retirement.
  • See if you are making the maximum contribution to your Health Savings Account.
To avoid a couple of common penalties, make sure you've had enough taxes withheld. If not, make your estimated tax payment by  January 17th . If you're 70-1/2 or older, be sure the minimum required distribution is made by the end of the year (or by  4/1/17  if you turned 70-1/2 in 2016).

And last, don't forget to use the remaining balances in your Flexible Spending Accounts. These are "use it or lose it".

Larry Chu
805D Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
San Anselmo, CA 94960



Place article copy here. Be sure to make the articles short and concise as people tend not to read much more than a couple of paragraphs. Place article copy here.
San Anselmo Chamber of Commerce
LEADERS CIRCLE MEMBERS

415.454.2510 | info@sananselmochamber.org  |  w ww.sananselmochamber.org
Like us on Facebook