Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Tax Man Cometh!

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At the CBD we spend a great amount of time on business planning, market studies and helping you get your business started.

But it is very important not to forget the basic steps when starting a business – for example, registering with the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

The tax man always gets his money!

Some Oklahoma college students learned this lesson the hard way when they were confronted with a $320,000 tax bill from the Tax Commission. The students had a ‘party business’ that rented space in local restaurants and bars, hired DJ’s and then marketed the events. Of course, they did not collect any sales tax on those events and due to their web site, the state noticed them.

See article in Daily Oklahoman

The person interviewed said “they never really thought about Kegheadz as a business, so they never filed any paperwork with tax officials”.

Guess what? They were, and their error will cost them.

A smaller point easily missed is that one of the businessmen who rented space to the Kegheadz group is himself being included in the tax trouble. So if you are a business owner and contract with another organization – you’d better be careful to ask to see their tax registration form (non-profits have their own form that shows their status).

Good news is that the Oklahoma Tax Commission runs free classes regularly throughout the state – and really makes it easy for you to do the basic paperwork (of course LLC’s and corporations require a bit more work).

And we at the CBD are hosting a workshop by the Oklahoma Tax Commission on October 16th from 9-12 (registration required).

Monday, September 15, 2008

Now linked to the Web site

This blog can also be accessed from the Meridian Web site
meridian-technology.com

New Superintendent Named

Dr. Doug Major has been selected as the new Superintendent/Chief Executive Officer for Meridian Technology Center by the school’s Board of Education.

Major will assume the role on Nov. 1, filling the position left vacant by Dr. Andrea Kelly’s resignation in June.

“The appointment of Dr. Major ensures a continued commitment to excellence,” said Randy Kellogg, president of the Board of Education for Meridian Technology Center. “He is a well-respected member of both the state and national career and technology communities and we are pleased he has accepted the position. Doug’s progressive spirit and forward-thinking philosophy have been evidenced by his many accomplishments at Pioneer Technology Center while superintendent for the last eight years and we are eager to have his leadership at Meridian.”

Major is currently superintendent/CEO of Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City, a position he has held since 2000. Prior to that, he was Assistant Superintendent for instructional programs at Meridian Technology Center. Major joined Meridian in 1987 and served in numerous roles including: Student Services Director; Adult Short-Term Programs Director; and Business and Industry Services Director.

Major has an extensive background in education, having started his career as an agriculture education instructor at Anadarko Public Schools. He holds doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Oklahoma State University.

Major has been actively involved in the Ponca City community, with current and past positions including: member of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; and founding trustee of the Ponca City Development Authority. He is a member of the Governor’s Task Force on Campus Life and Safety and Security. He also represents Oklahoma on the National Leadership Institute and is a member of Leadership Oklahoma Class XXII.

A native of Kingfisher, Okla., Major is the son of Charolette Major of Kingfisher. He and his wife, Sandy, a teacher at Blackwell Middle School, have four children: Phillip, a junior at OSU; Sarah, a senior at Blackwell High School; Marc, a seventh-grader; and Austin, who is in the fifth grade. They currently reside in Blackwell.