GIBAC hosts successful year end
tax planning workshop

Grand Island Dispatch - December 5, 2003

The Grand Island Business Assistance Center, the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Development Center at Buffalo State College joined forces to host a free tax planning workshop Dec. 3 at the Isle Chem Building.

Presenters included "Tax Lady" Esther Gulyas of EG Tax Service, CPA Chris Learman, and John Bonora of AIG Advisor Group. The three local tax experts led a great panel discussion that had the comfortable feel of a living-room chat.

Among the topics covered were year-end tax issues, 401K, incorporation and sole proprietor issues. Gulyas explained the tax changes affecting small businesses this year, including tax rate reductions of 2-3.6%, increased bonus depreciation, and capital gains and dividend reductions.

Other tax savings that apply to individuals, including marriage penalty relief, child tax credits, child care credits, education credits, and pensions, were also discussed.

Bonora discussed traditional and Roth IRA's, in what was a highly interactive workshop. Unlike a lecture-style seminar, participants hung on every conversation.

"The workshop was very informative to help my business continue to grow," said Mark Czamara of Home Solutions of WNY on Grand Island.

A continental breakfast catered by the Village Inn was provided for everyone in attendance. A post-workshop evaluation showed tremendous reviews of the seminar. One attendee described the event as "A great seminar you would expect to pay $100 of more for, provided for free, thanks to the Grand Island Business Assistance Center."

Jerry Doane, Chairman of the Supervisor's Committee for Economic Development at the GIBAC (left), welcomes John Bonora of AIG Advisor Group, "Tax Lady" Esther Gulyas, and CPA Chris Learman to the Isle Chem Building for a year-end tax planning seminar held Dec. 3.

Pictured here from left to right are Learman, Gulyas, and Bonora presenting
informative year-end tax planning advice recently at the GIBAC.

Attendees at the tax planning seminar were riveted as local experts discussed 401K, incorporation and sole proprietor issues at the seminar held at the Isle Chem Building on Long Road, Grand Island.