The Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act proposes to extend several individual, business and energy incentive for up to two years. Those incentives include:

Summary of the “Tax Reform Act of 2014” discussion draft.

Founder of Gardiner Thomsen CPAs, Dan Gardiner, was inducted into the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives Hall of Fame on November 26th, 2013. Presenting the award for Dan was long-time client, Jim Carlson, General Manager of First Coop Association of Cherokee, Iowa. His sons, Daniel “Mark” Gardiner and Dennis Gardiner, accepted the award on his behalf and really appreciate all of the kind words their colleagues and friends wrote about Dan to help make him a nominee for this award.

• Sales mainly lower, some steady with increased average prices. • Significant reduction in grain volumes: up to 45% decrease compared to 2012. • Lower revenues, primarily grain related. • Overall, most clients were more profitable in 2013 compared to 2012. Local savings were down, offset by significant increases in regional earnings.

More mergers of cooperatives due to retiring managers, smaller struggling cooperatives, and smart combinations to gain critical mass. Increased consideration in returning more earnings to the patron-owners than what has been done in the past few years – revisiting the question: “How much retained savings is enough?” Continued capital investments in grain, agronomy and feed facilities; particularly with the strength of many of the cooperative’s balance sheets.

Now would be an excellent time to review your policy regarding W-9 forms. To be fully compliant with IRS regulations, a W-9 form should be on file for any non-employee who receives a check from the cooperative. This form should be legible such that the name, address, EIN, and SSN can be easily read. It should also be signed.