North Central News, April 2013 – Page 21

MONEY MATTERS

Tax breaks inthe new law

By Harvey Amwake, C.P.A.

It seems that we all survived the“fiscal cliff ” legislation that was final-ized early in 2013. Small businessessurvived especially well, with many ofthe “prior” beneficial tax provisionsextended into 2013 and beyond. Hereare a few of those business provisionsthat you should be aware of as a busi-ness owner.

Asset expensing. This provisionallows businesses to fully expense thepurchase of many assets (such as equip-ment, furnishing, technology, etc.) injust one year, rather than beingrequired to depreciate (deduct) theircost over a number of years. Up to$500,000 of these purchases can beimmediately expensed in the year ofpurchase.

Bonus depreciation. If you hityour expensing limit, you can alwaysfall back on bonus depreciation, whichallows you to deduct 50 percent (andsometimes more) of certain types ofassets in the first year of purchase. Thisprovision was set to expire at the end of2012, but has now been extendedthrough 2014.

Work opportunity tax credits.These are tax credits (which are muchmore valuable than tax deductions) avail-able to employers who hire certain indi-viduals. They include military veterans,people receiving government assistance,or those living in distressed areas. Thesecredits were set to expire, but have nowbeen extended through 2013.

Qualified improvement deprecia-tion. Under these provisions, restau-rant, retail, and other rental propertyimprovements can qualify for 15-yeardepreciation, rather than the required39-year depreciation rate. But note thatthese provisions are set to expire at theend of 2013.

Health care tax credit. If you paymedical insurance premiums for youremployees, you could be allowed a taxcredit for a portion of premiums paid.

For a complete review of tax breaksnow available for your business, talkwith your financial adviser or contactour office.

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

This article is for general information only and doesnot constitute financial advice. If you have any ques-tions about financial matters, consult a professionaltax adviser. Harvey Amwake, CPA, is a tax andsmall business consultant with the accounting firm ofHarvey E. Amwake, PLLC., at 6232 N. 7th St.,Suite 105. He can be reached at 602-753-0377 orby e-mail at Harvey@AmwakeCPA.com.

Where you’ll find a distinctive blend of exceptional

service, supportive health and well-being programs and

spacious residences all designed to fit your lifestyle. Add

to that extraordinary amenities such as the Grand Canal

restaurant, fully equipped fitness center, heated pool &

spa and Venetian Theater room and you’ll discover that La

Siena is the perfect retirement choice for you.

Call to schedule your personal tour and lunch today!

6 02 .814 .0506

Your lifestyle continues here.

A N S R G S E N I O RL I V I N G C O M M U N I T Y

Ask how you can benefit from a CARF accredited retirement community!

Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

INDEPENDENT & ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES

909 East Northern Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85020

SRGseniorliving.com

Business BriefsBinder named atop financial advisor

North Central resident Steven M.Binder, an independent financial advi-sor with Retirement Wealth StrategiesLLC, recently was recognized as a topfinancial advisorand named to theLPL FinancialFreedom Club.This distinctionis based on anannual produc-tion ranking ofthe approximate-ly 13,100 regis-tered advisors nationwide who are sup-ported by LPL Financial LLC, one ofthe nation’s largest independent bro-ker-dealers.

In his spare time, Binder volunteerswith the Phoenix Police Department’sC.O.P.S. program and serves on thesteering committee for this program, aswell as on the Phoenix PoliceFoundation board.Binder is affiliated with LPL Financialand provides independent financialplanning services, investment adviceand asset management services out ofhis home office near 20th Street andMissouri Avenue, working with clientsin the Phoenix area as well as the statesof California, Colorado, Florida andOhio. For more information, call 602-955-7200.

Erfle talks aboutimmigration policies

YWCA Maricopa County on April9 will host Julie Erfle, creator of thewebsite PoliticsUNCUFFEDD, as sheshares her experiences of self-growthafter the death of her husband, PhoenixPolice Officer Nick Erfle, at the handsof an undocumented immigrant. Theevent takes place 5:30-7:30 p.m. atVincent on Camelback, 3930 E.Camelback Road.

Steven M. Binder

please see POLICIES on page 22

Page 22 – North Central News, April 2013

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

www.northcentralnews.net

POLICIES continued from page 23

AAnndd SShhee WWaaAAnndd SShhee WWaass .. ..ss .. .. .. .. BBoouuttiiqquueeBBoouuttiiqquuee

HHiipp,, UUppssccaallee,, RRoocckk && RRoollll IInnssppiirreedd CCllootthhiinngg

www.AndSheWasBoutique.com6825 N. 16th St., Suite A-4, Phoenix, Arizona 85016

602-277-5140

Come check out the Coolest New Fashions byWildfox, Jens’ Pirate Booty, Sky, Gypsy 05 . . .and more.

NOW ROCKING YOUR NEIGHBORHOODSquaw Peak Plaza - Just West of the 51 at Glendale

16th St. & Glendale (Right behind Babbo’s)

FALL IN LOVE WITH SOME KICK-ASSCLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES!

I’m looking for cool vintage cowboy boots.Email me pictures at

andshewasboutique@gmail.com

In 2008, AZ Magazine named Erfleone of Arizona’s most fascinating peoplefor her work with politicians, policegroups and coalitions in the push for anational immigration reform policy. Shecontinues to work with state and nation-al organizations to change the dialogueon immigration and find solutionsthrough legislative policies.

Tickets are $35 for general admis-sion and $20 for students. Visitwww.ywcaAZ.org or call 602-258-0990 to get more information and reg-ister. Space is limited.

Haircut, mani & pediin time for spring events

Whether you are going to the prom,a wedding, quinceañera or just want tolook and feel great for less, InternationalAcademy of Hair Design, 9617 N.Metro Parkway W., Space 2112, offers a$35 Prom Package through April 30.

The package includes: haircut,shampoo and deep conditioner, stylewith plain manicure and pedicure, aswell as a relaxing facial including make-

up. For an additional $10 clients canadd tip overlay for their manicure.

Students perform the services underthe supervision of a licensed instructor.No appointment is necessary, howevercustomers should call 602-944-0001 toallow enough time for all services to beperformed. For more information visitwww.intlacademyaz.com.

O’Connell moves upat Phoenix law firm

Katherine A. O’Connell was namedas the new managing partner of lawfirm of Morris, Hall & Kinghorn,P.L.L.C (MHK), the largest estate plan-ning law firm in Arizona, located at3300 N. Central Ave., Ste. 900.

O’Connell’s new role requires herto balance the heavy demands of herprofessional life with the needs of hergrowing family. She is the mother of atoddler, is expecting her second child inAugust, and her husband is also a prac-ticing attorney in the Phoenix area.

O’Connell, who has been an attor-ney since 2006, was named managingpartner in January. She has attorneyaccreditation through the USDepartment of Veteran’s Affairs, whichenables her to help clients to qualify,apply and receive benefits for their ser-vice in our country’s Armed Forces. Sheis also a member of the Central ArizonaEstate Planning Council. She enjoyshelping individuals plan for their ownfuture, as well as the futures of theirloved ones.

For more information, call 888-804-5340 or visit http://morristrust.com/.

Powell to discussleadership at event

Colin Powell, 65th U.S. secretary ofstate and retired four-star general, willdiscuss “Leadership: Taking Charge,”11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23 in thePhoenix Convention Center NorthBallroom, 100 N. 3rd St.

Soldier. Diplomat. Patriot.Inspiration. Powell has proven to be allof these things during a career of pub-lic service spanning more than fivedecades. A senior military official andcabinet member through four presiden-tial administrations, Powell is an inspi-rational speaker whose commitment toleadership, freedom and country makehim an American icon.

The event is hosted by O’ConnorHouse Distinguished Speaker Series andthe Greater Phoenix Chamber ofCommerce. Check in begins at 11 a.m.;

North Central News, April 2013 – Page 23

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

www.northcentralnews.net

For more than 114 years, the Phoenix Country Club has

been creating enduring family memories in the heart of

the city. Here in this spectacular refuge from the every day,

golf and the good life have been enjoyed for generations.

You can walk right onto the course whenever it suits your

busy schedule because there are no tee times. Everything

about the Phoenix Country Club is completely fl exible and

transparent. You’ll fi nd that unlike most country clubs,

there are no hidden or mandatory monthly fees beyond

the dues, creating a convenient and affordable family

membership. Phoenix Country Club is a private club and

membership is accepted through sponsorship by current

members. Please contact Colette Bunch to inquire about

introductions and the membership committee process.

PHOENIX COUNTRY CLUBSEVENTH STREET & THOMAS ROAD

SUMMER CAMPSCALL NOW FOR DETAILS ON OUR AMAZING

SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM.

602.636.9823 or cbunch@phoenixcc.orgfor more information: phoenixcc.org/request

Cost is $75 per person. For more infor-mation or to register, call 602-495-2195or visit www.phoenixchamber.com andlook for Featured Events.A special separately ticketed VIP

reception with Powell will take place1:30-2:30 p.m. For more informationabout the reception, contact SarahSuggs, O’Connor House, at 602-730-3300 or sarah@oconnorhouse.org.

Workshops offer tipsto help businessesThe Greater Phoenix SCORE offers

workshops to help small business own-ers operate more efficiently and effec-tively, even in a down economy.Upcoming workshops include:• The Buzz About Your Business, 10

a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at theBurton Barr Central Library, 1221 N.Central Ave. This free seminar isdesigned for those who want the insidescoop about what is going on in today’smarketplace when you are looking tostart a new business. How do you com-pete? The workshop will be in theFourth Floor Lecture Room.• Paper vs. Plastic, 3-5 p.m.

Tuesday, April 23, NMBA/SSC BoringBuilding, 1951 W. North Lane. Mostall merchants take plastic for payment,but many have no idea how that reallyworks, so they overpay for it. This sem-inar details how the system works toenable a merchant to ask informedquestions to separate real answers fromthe bogus answers. Bringing processingstatements is encouraged. Find out thetrue costs of accepting payment bycredit cards. Cost for this workshop is$25, or $20 for NMBA members.For more information or to RSVP

for either program, call 602-745-7250or visit www.greaterphoenixscore.org.

Stanton honoredfor civic volunteerismNorth Central resident and

Phoenix First Lady Nicole FranceStanton, a partner with law firmQuarles & Brady LLP, has been recog-nized and honored by two local busi-ness and civic organizations for herwork in the Arizona community.In February, Stanton was honored at

the 12th Annual Dynamic Women inBusiness Event by the Phoenix BusinessJournal. Dynamic Women in Businessare recommended by members of thecommunity and chosen for their leader-ship, professional accomplishments andpersonal achievements.

In March, Stanton received the2013 Judge Learned Hand EmergingLeader Award from the AmericanJewish Committee, Arizona Chapter.Stanton was hon-ored for out-standing leader-ship in the legalprofession andher dedication top h i l a n t h r o p i cand communityendeavors. Theaward was estab-lished in 1964 and pays tribute to anattorney who epitomizes Judge Hand’sguiding belief that liberty under thelaw forms the foundation of thisnation’s way of life.Stanton is a member of the firm’s

commercial litigation group. Herexperience includes defense of localand national law firms in legal mal-practice actions and other business lit-igation disputes. She is a member ofCharter 100 Women, serves as afounding board member and pastpresident of the Women’sMetropolitan Arts Council of thePhoenix Art Museum, and is anadjunct professor at Arizona StateUniversity Sandra Day O’ConnorCollege of Law teaching professionalresponsibility. She was selected by herpeers in 2011 and 2012 for inclusionin The Best Lawyers in America.A graduate of Valley Leadership

Class XXIX, Stanton was the YWCA ofMaricopa County’s 2011 Tribute toWomen honoree.

Gagnon electedto legal boardNorth Central resident Hillary

Gagnon, a partner with Jennings, Haug& Cunningham, was elected to serve aone-year term for 2013 as chair of theboard for the Maricopa County BarAssociation’s Estate Planning, Probateand Trust section.The estate planning, probate and

trust section of the Maricopa CountyBar Association’s mission is to informits members about developments inestate, probate and trust case law, rules,and legislation through educationalseminars and workshops.Gagnon’s practice is focused in

estate planning and probate law, as wellas commercial litigation. She is a mem-ber of the Maricopa County BarAssociation, the State Bar of Arizonaand the American Bar Association.

Nicole Stanton