Power of the Future: 2019 Economic Forecast

The Troy Chamber of Commerce is hosting a panel discussion of the 2019 economic forecast at their annual meeting on Tuesday, February 12, from 8 to 9:30 am at the MSU Management Education Center. The event will also kick off the Troy Chamber’s 60th Anniversary celebration.

The theme of the panel is change as the operative word for 2019; A new Governor, workforce demands, and a variety of issues we may be facing in our economy. The panel, moderated Rod Meloni of WDIV News, will discuss these issues and share what this might mean for the business community.

The Power of the Future panel includes:

• Jennifer Llewellyn, Manager and Workforce Development/Director of Oakland County Michigan Works! Agency
• Dan Gilmartin, Executive Director and CEO of Michigan Municipal League
• Sandy Baruah, President and CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber

Tickets are $28.00 for Troy Chamber members and $34.00 for future members.

Taxes

AARP Foundation Tax Aides will be available on Fridays, from February 1 to April 12 to do free tax preparation. Trained in cooperation with the IRS, these aides will help low to moderate income taxpayers, especially those 50 and older, prepare IRS and Michigan taxes. Make an appointment at the Friends of Troy Seniors desk or by calling the FOTS office at 248.526.2608, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm.

Bring the following to your appointment:

• A Social Security card for all persons on the tax return, including deceased spouse pensioners
• Picture ID (driver’s license, passport etc.) for taxpayer and spouse
• A copy of all prepared tax returns filed for 2017
• All forms received for the 2017 tax year. Includes: W-2, SSA-1099 Social Security Benefit, 1099-INT Bank Interest, 1099-DIV Dividends, 1099-B Sale of Securities (with original purchase price of sold assets), 1099-R Income from Retirement Plans, IRA Distributions, Pensions, etc., 1099-OID and any 1095-A, 1095-B or 1095-C Health Coverage or Health Insurance Marketplace forms.
• All other income statements: 1099-MISC, 1099-G, W-2G, etc.
• Any letters from the IRS or State of Michigan Treasury that you received in 2018
• Your bill for 2018 property taxes or total rent receipts and heating bills for your residence
• Receipts for hospitalization insurance you paid including Medicare D (You do not need receipts for medicines or lists of medicines purchased unless you itemized previously or will itemize this year.)

They may not be able to complete your taxes if you do not have all of the above.

Telephone assistance is not available. If you are homebound, have someone bring your files in. In all cases, you and your spouse must be available to sign the forms.

And More Taxes!

Come learn about 2018 income tax law changes on Wednesday, February 20, from 9:30 to 11 am, in Room 302. In late 2017 Congress passed the most comprehensive and sweeping changes to our income tax laws since the mid 1980s. These changes will impact virtually every taxpayer and the changes will take place with your 2018 tax return. CPA Tom Hill will explain the changes and their impact on your tax situation. He will also talk about strategies to reduce your tax liability. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. To register, call Friends of Troy Seniors at 248.526.2608 or stop by the FOTS office hours, Monday through Friday, from 10 am to 1 pm.