Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/250522
4C Daily News – Wednesday, January 29, 2014 Got airline miles? Think fast If you willingly pay an annual fee for a credit card that earns air miles (most reward cards do come with a hefty price), you might want to re-think that decision. The problem is airlines are changing the rules to shorten the time before miles expire. Several years ago I learned this the hard way. It looked like junk mail, but for some reason, I opened the envelope from United Airlines. Turns out it wasn't junk, but I have a sneaky suspicion whoever designed this mailer hoped I'd toss it in the shredder. It was notification that my 38,000 MileagePlus miles would expire on New Year's Eve if I didn't activate my account by adding more miles to it before the stroke of midnight. Quite frankly, in the hustle and bustle of the season, booking a flight just so I could log a few more miles wasn't exactly on my Christmas list. It's not easy to rack up 38,000 air miles. Either you have to actually put $38,000 on a qualifying credit card or fly a lot on that airline, which is how I earn miles. Thankfully, I wasn't so loyal that I'd purposely book a Delta flight at a higher price, just to earn the miles. Having enough miles in my account to actually book a free trip someday was like a trophy to me. But know- ing the miles were about to evapo- frequent flyer miles these days. And rate got me thinking in a new I'm checking my accounts often. Darius Dubash, on his blog, Milway. I did manage to "spend" lion Mile Secrets (millionmilese25,000 miles, but not with- crets.com), says that sometimes all you need to do to keep out a big hassle. your miles active without That's because so flying is to earn or redeem few seats on even 1 mile to reset the mile fewer flights actually expiration clock. He says qualify for "reward" tickwe can easily do this by ets. And just try to put buying a $.99 download, together a workable itinmaking a $1 donation from erary that costs fewer the airline's online shopthan 38,000 miles. I must ping mall or downloading have spent three hours the airline's shopping tooltrying one tactic after bar and making a few another to book a trip as a Mary searches. With more than gift for my newly wid3,000,000 airline miles in owed father-in-law. And I his current stash, I'd say prevailed! I sure did. And this is a guy who knows he was surprised and very what he's talking about. pleased with the gift. Thanks, Darius. Still, I lost 13,000 precious air miles, and that Would you like to send a stings. I meant to donate tip to Mary? You can email them to a charity on the United at website, but in the crush of the sea- her mary@everydaycheapskate.com, son it just slipped my mind. Miles expire in most U.S.-based or write to Everyday Cheapskate, airline programs after 18 months of P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. no earning or redemption activity. Include your first and last name and Award Wallet (awardwallet.com) is state. Mary Hunt is the founder of and a good tool to track your miles and www.DebtProofLiving.com points balances, and expiration author of 24 books, including her 2013 release "The Smart Woman's dates. I'm thinking differently about Guide to Planning for Retirement." Hunt Everyday Cheapskate Child abuse reporting workshop The Tehama County Child Abuse Prevention Council will be presenting its third annual Child Abuse Reporting Workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Red Bluff Community Center. In order to meet the needs of the community there will be two identical sessions. The first will be 2-4 p.m. The evening session will be 68 p.m. These workshops are open to all community members especially those working with children in their professional capacities and/or in their volunteer programs. While volunteers are not required to attend mandated trainings, the council hopes that anyone aware of or identifying physical, emotional, sexual or neglectful child abuse would be willing to report to the proper authorities. The workshops will be led by professionals in the legal and social services fields and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the presentations. Those in attendance will also learn about the legal aspects of child abuse, the procedures practiced in Tehama County by those resources and what services are available for those children and families affected by this behavior. Because of limited seating registration is required, however there is no cost to those attending the workshop. For registration and/or more information contact: Mike Lindsey at 530 5291500 ex. 114 or register on line at http://goo.gl/4XGcqc. State contacting income tax nonfilers SACRAMENTO – More than one million people who did not file a 2012 state income tax return are receiving letters seeking those returns or to verify that they do not have a tax filing requirement, according to the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). Since the 1950s, FTB has contacted people who have California income, but did not file a tax return. Last year, FTB collected more than $727 million through these efforts. Each year FTB receives more than 400 million income records from third parties such as banks, employers, state departments, the IRS, and other sources. FTB match- es these income records against its records of tax returns filed. While this program mainly identifies wage earners and self-employed individuals who have not filed, it also detects other nonfilers through information sources such as occupational licenses and mortgage interest payments. Those contacted have 30 days to file a state tax return or show why one is not due. For people who do not respond, FTB issues a tax assessment using income records to estimate the amount of state tax due. The assessment includes interest, fees, and penalties that can total up to 50 percent of the tax. FTB provides more information for those receiving a letter at ftb.ca.gov. Taxpayers can search for: Respond to request/demand for tax return. Using this online service, individuals can request more time to reply, retrieve information that can assist in filing a tax return, request tax forms, learn about payment options, sign up to receive an email reminder to file, and access other services. They can also call FTB at 866.204.7902 for help. The extended deadline to file a 2012 state tax return was Oct. 15, 2013. Last year, California taxpayers filed more than 16 million tax returns. Questions to ask when hiring tax professional Although you may not have received all of your tax documents yet, it's not too early to start looking for someone to prepare your tax return. Remember, not all tax preparers are created equal. So, when shopping around, ask yourself a few important questions: 1. What kind of tax preparer should I look for? Enrolled agents (EAs), certified public accountants (CPAs), attorneys, commercial firms, and seasonal tax preparers are popular choices for tax preparation. However, only EAs, CPAs and attorneys can represent a taxpayer before the IRS. It is imporRubes tant for taxpayers to find a qualified tax professional to prepare and file their return. The money you may save using an unqualified preparer could be overshadowed by the tax you may pay if the unqualified preparer is unfamiliar with current, legitimate tax deductions and credits. Enrolled agents are qualified tax professionals. Many states have no special licensing laws for tax preparers, but enrolled agents receive their authority from the federal government. "Enrolled" refers to the fact that the federal government licenses these professionals. They are "agents" because they are By Leigh Ruben authorized to appear in place of a taxpayer in dealing with IRS audits, collections, or appeals. Enrolled agents earn their credential by passing a comprehensive exam administered by the IRS that covers individual, business, estate and trust taxation, representation and more. 2. Is the tax preparer knowledgeable and up-todate? Members of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) are required to complete 30 hours of continuing professional education each year to maintain membership. This surpasses the IRS licensing requirement of 24 hours per year. Continuing education ensures that EAs keep abreast of constantly changing tax laws and regulations. EAs are also experienced in areas such as tax and financial planning, estate and trust services, small business consultation and more. 3. Is the tax preparer bound by any ethical standards? Enrolled agents are required to abide by U.S. Treasury Department Circular 230 that details the standards of professional conduct. EAs that violate the provisions of Circular 230 may be suspended or disbarred from practice. EAs are also subject to vigorous background checks before they receive their license. 4. What are your needs? Are you sure that you are getting all of the eligible deductions or tax credits? Perhaps it's been awhile since you filed a tax return. Maybe you are one of the millions of Americans who started their own businesses and this is the first time you are filing a business return. Enrolled agents prepare millions of tax returns each year and are an excellent resource for anyone seeking up-todate information on all tax related issues. Visit the "Find an EA" directory on www.naea.org to find a qualified enrolled agent in your area who can assist you with tax planning, preparing tax returns, or resolving a problem with the IRS. Local Calendar Submit calendar items clerk@redbluffdailynews.com. to P .O. Box 220, Red Bluff, 96080 or WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29 Red Bluff Adult Carving Class, 10 a.m. to noon, Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Jackson and Oak streets, 527-0768 Al-Anon, noon to 1 p.m., Presbyterian Church, Jefferson and Hickory Alcohol, Anger and Abuse Group, Call for group time and location, 528-0226 Emblem club spaghetti dinner for Society for Crippled Children and Adults, 5:30 p.m., Elks Lodge Nurturing Parenting Dads Program, 10 a.m. to noon, 1860 Walnut St. #D, Shasta Room, call Keith at 527-8491, ext. 3012 Nurturing Skills for Teen Parents, 9 to 10 a.m., 1900 Walnut St., 527-8491, ext. 3012 PAL Martial Arts Women's Self Defense, 5:30-6:30 p.m., 1005 Vista Way, Ste. C, 840-0345 Penny Bingo, 10 a.m., Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Red Bluff Kiwanis, noon, Elks Lodge Red Bluff Derby Girls open tryouts and practice, 6:30 p.m., Tyler Jelly building at Tehama District Fairgrounds Senior Dance, 7 p.m., Westside Grange, Walnut Street Team Kid, 5:30 p.m., First Southern Baptist Church, 585 Kimball Road, 527-5083. TeenScreen Mental Health Appointments, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.., free, by appointment only, Youth Empowerment Services, 1900 Walnut St., 527-8491, Ext. 3012 Waterbirth Class, 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Community Hospital Columba Room, 529-8026 Weight Watchers meeting, 5:30 p.m., 485 Antelope Blvd., #N, 1800-651-6000 Widowed Persons Breakfast, 8 a.m., call 384-2471 for location Y-FI Middle and High School Youth Group, 6:30-8 p.m., North Valley Baptist Church, 345 David Ave., 527-0543 Corning Corning Rotary, noon, Rolling Hills Casino: Timbers Steak House, 2655 Barham Ave., corningrotary.org Nutrition Classes, 12:30-2 p.m., West Street FRC, 824-7670 School Readiness Play Group, 10-11:30 a.m., up to 5 years, free, Family Resource Center, 1480 South St., 824-4111 Spanish Adult Education, 5 p.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 Strategies for Success, Life Skill classes, 1:30 p.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 VFW Charity Bingo, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial Hall, 1620 Solano St., 824-5957 Los Molinos Bible Study, 1 p.m., Sherwood Manor, 7975 Sherwood Blvd.All welcome., Pastor Clyde Brant, 347-1330 Chamber of Commerce, 6:30 p.m., 7904 Highway 99E Take Off Pounds Sensibly — TOPS, 8:30 a.m., 25160 Josephine St., 385-1068 Cottonwood Cottonwood Library Story Time, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Cottonwood Library, 3427 Main St., 347-4818 THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 Red Bluff California HEAT Chorus - Sweet Adelines, 7 p.m., Meteer School Room 26, 695 Kimball Road, 895-0139 Childbirth Class, 6:30 p.m., St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, Columba room, Anita 529-8377 Fun Senior Aerobics, 8-9 a.m., $1, Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. 527-8177 Good Morning Red Bluff, 7:50 a.m., Job Training Center, 817 Main St. Grief Support Group, 3 p.m., St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, Coyne Center, 528-4207 Imagination Train storyhour, 4 p.m., Tehama County Library Kelly-Griggs House Museum, 1-3 p.m., 311 Washington St., Group Tours by appointment,527-1129 or 527-5895. Live country music, 5-7 p.m., with dinner, Veterans Hall Painting session, Red Bluff Art Association, 10 a.m., Tehama District Fairground, 529-1603 PAL Martial Arts, ages 5-18, 3-5 p.m., 1005 Vista Way, Ste. C, free, 529-7950 Penny Bingo, 10 a.m., Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Phoenix Community Support Group for those getting over chemical dependency, 11:30 a.m., Presbyterian Church, 838 Jefferson St., 945-2349 Pinochle for Seniors, 12:30-3:30 p.m., 1500 S. Jackson St., free, 527-8177 Red Bluff Exchange Club, noon, M&M Ranch House, 645 Antelope Blvd. #1 Red Bluff Lions Club, 6 p.m., Veterans Memorial, 527-8452 Rock Choir, 4 p.m., 601 Monroe St., free, all welcome Senior Chair Volleyball, 1 p.m. Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. Sunrise Speakers Toastmasters, noon, Rabobank, 500 Luther Road, 529-3556 Swinging Squares Square Dance Club, 7 p.m., Community Center, 1500 S. Jackson St., beginner or review classes, 529-1615 Widowed Persons Dinner, 5 p.m., call 384-2471 for location Women's Domestic Violence Information and Support Group, call for group time and location, 528-0226 Corning Cal-Fresh and Healthy Family Appointments, 1-3 p.m., Family Resource Center, 1488 South St., 824-7670 Dance with Juana, noon to 1 p.m., Family Resource Center, 1488 South St., 824-7670 Domestic Violence Information and Support Group, Call for group time and location, 528-0226 Dual Diagnosis Group, 1:30-3 p.m., 1600 Solano St., 527-8491, Ext. 3309 Sewing group, 9 a.m., Family Resource Center, West and South Streets, 824-7670 Soccer training, 4-6 p.m., except for holidays and rain, Woodson School Soccer Field, 150 N Toomes, 824-7680 Women's Support Group, 6 p.m., Family Resource Center, West and South streets, 824-7670 FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 Red Bluff Celebrate Recovery, 7 p.m., Bethel Assembly of God, 625 Luther Road, 527-0445 or 366-6298 Hospice Second Hand Store half price sale, all day, Riverside Shopping Center Nutrition Classes, 12:30-2 p.m, Northern Valley Catholic Social Service, 220 Sycamore #101, 528-7947 Red Bluff Rotary Club Sunrise, 7 a.m., M&M Ranch Corning Oh Snap! The Daily News wants your photos: Cute kids, Adorable pets, Inspirational sights, Any shot you think readers would enjoy You might just see it in the Daily News Send pictures to editor@redbluffdailynews.com or drop off at 545 Diamond Ave. in Red Bluff. Include a caption. Car Show, 5-9 p.m., Bartels Giant Burger, 22355 Corning Road, local car clubs welcome, 824-2788 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Red Bluff Frontier Village Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 645 Antelope Blvd. EBT accepted Weight Watchers meeting, 8 a.m., 485 Antelope Blvd. #N, 1-800651-6000 Los Molinos Senior Dance, 7 p.m., Senior Center, Josephine Street, 384-2100