Newslink Archives
The Newslink is our monthly Web newsletter. You can sign up at the right to receive a free email at the beginning of every month announcing the newest Newslink.
January 2009
Americans with Disabilities Act - 2008 Amendments
2008 Tax Changes for Family Child Care Provider
December 2008
Strategies for Coping with the Recession
Strategies for Coping in a Recession
Retirement Quiz
Retirement Quiz
Tax Quiz
Tax quiz
November 2008
New Report Highlights Efforts to Bring Health Insurance and Other Services to Providers
A new report discusses nationwide efforts to offer affordable health care to child care providers
How to Promote Your Business During a Recession
How to market your program when the need for child care decreases
Form 3115 and "Fair Market Value"
How to depreciate items you used in your business and have not yet claimed
October 2008
Developing a Business Start-up Plan
A list of all the information that should be included in any child care business plan
15th Annual Family Child Care Business Seminar Scheduled for November 8
Tom Copeland shares his knowledge of family child care business practices at this annual seminar
September 2008
New Bonus Depreciation Rule Will Help Providers in 2008
New depreciation rule applies to items bought in 2008
Transportation Issues for Parents and Providers
A checklist of questions providers and parents should ask before a provider agrees to transport children
When Hiring Your Own Children, Don't Count Chores
Wages paid for "personal chores" performed by a provider's children cannot be deducted
Redleaf National Institute Incorporated Into Resources for Child Caring
Redleaf National Institute now functions as the Business of Child Care division of Resources for Child Caring
August 2008
2008-2009 Food Program Reimbursement Rates
Rate increases for providers reimbursed by the Food Program increased by 5.5%
How Much Do I Need in Retirement?
Resources for calculating how much money you need to save for retirement
July 2008
Unregulated Provider Wins US Tax Court Case
Tax Court supports unregulated provider's business deduction claims
IRS Standard Mileage Rate Increases July 1
2008 mileage rates go up to 58.5 cents per mile in July
Federal Minimum Wage Rises Again
New federal minimum wage applies to providers with more than one employee
June 2008
Closing for the Summer
How reduced summer hours can impact your finances and tax deductions
Upcoming Special Trainings
Upcoming provider trainings in Chicago and Costa Rica
May 2008
2008 Provider Appreciation Day is May 9th
Celebrate child care professionals on May 9 this year!
Three Key Money Management Tips for Family Child Care Providers
Three ways to improve your financial security as a child care professional
Hiring Employees: It's Not the Taxes, It's the Paperwork
A list of rules child care providers must follow when they hire an employee
Deadline for Associations to File Form 990N is May 15, 2008
How to file informational form 990N with the IRS
Three Key Legal and Insurance Tips for Family Child Care Providers
Three tips providers can take to reduce the risks of running their business
April 2008
Four Key Tips on Contracts and Policies for Family Child Care Providers
Important information to consider when constructing your child care business' contract and policies
Three Key Record Keeping Tips for Family Child Care Providers
Why it's important to follow these three record keeping rules
How to File Form 990N
What associations need to know before filing Form 990N
Four Key Tips on Marketing for Family Child Care Providers
Important information to consider when considering marketing strategies
IRS To Revise Family Child Care Audit Guide
Tom Copeland's suggestions for the revised Audit Guide
March 2008
Family Child Care Associations Can Now File Form 990-N
All providers should file an annual information form with the IRS
Get Free Tax Help from the IRS
Ways in which the IRS can help you prepare your taxes
February 2008
Child Care Providers Ratify Union Contract in Michigan
How a union in Michigan is working to help family child care providers
Estimated Taxes
What providers need to know about paying estimated taxes
Online Tax Resources
Places to visit on the Internet for tax help
January 2008
Your Social Security Number and Privacy
How to procure and use an employer identification number (EIN)
Calculating Food Reimbursements for Provider's Own Children
New Tax Law Changes for 2007
Changes that providers should be aware of as they file their 2007 tax return
IRS Article on Choosing a Tax Preparer
What to look for in a tax preparer
Help Yourself and Families Get the Credit They Deserve This Tax Filing Season
A list of child care-related tax credits available to providers and parents
Minnesota Tax Credits
Tax credits available to Minnesota-based providers and parents
Protecting a Provider's Privacy in Family Child Care
What kinds of privacy rights do family child care providers have?
December 2007
Giving Identification Numbers to Parents
2008 Standard Mileage Rate
Mileage rates increase slightly for 2008
Learning New Habits about Spending
An excerpt from a soon-to-be-released book from Redleaf Press about money management and retirement
October 2007
How to Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
The Importance of Record Keeping in an Audit
How careful record keeping can help you avoid audit difficulties
Government Loses Billions as Sole Proprietors Underreport Their Income
How the results of a new study on sole proprietor tax noncompliance may affect providers
September 2007
Where to Get a Loan
Advice for finding and procuring a loan
IRS Deadlines - Estimated Taxes and SIMPLE IRAs for September
When and how to file 3rd quarter estimated taxes and establish a SIMPLE IRA
August 2007
Clarification on Minimum Wage Law
New law applies only to providers who hire more than one employee
Family Child Care Associations Face New IRS Filing Requirements
IRS rules that all tax-exempt organizations must file annual information return
Food Program Handouts Updated
Handouts edited to reflect new meal rates
Upcoming Special Redleaf National Institute Trainings
Highlights of upcoming RNI workshops
Food Program Income Eligibility Guidelines for 2006-2007
How to know if you qualify to receive Food Program reimbursements for your own children
Will The State Pay For Your Registration Fee?
Not all states reimburse registration fees
July 2007
Setting Financial Goals
Suggestions for ways to start (or continue) saving money
Is It Income If I Don't Report It?
Why money you receive from parents is always considered taxable income
2007-2008 Food Program Reimbursement Rates
Rate increases for providers reimbursed by the Food Program increased by 4%
June 2007
Questions about Unions Answered
Responses from family child care unions to questions providers sent to us
New Minimum Wage Law Affects Providers
What providers need to know about the upcoming increase in federal minimum wages
May 2007
Electronic Payments for Child Care Now Available with C-K Kids
An easy and convenient way to handle parent payments
New Report Reviews Recent Family Child Care Research
A new report contains information about the family child care industry
April 2007
A Plan to Eliminate Illegal Child Care
What to do about providers who operate illegally
Case Study: How to Fight the IRS and Win
How a provider successfully challenged her auditor's claims
Report on Family Child Care Unionizing Published
Description of the legal basis for the unionization of family child care providers around the country
Redleaf National Institute Director Wins Award
Tom Copeland receives 2007 Advocate of the Year Award from the Nebraska Family Child Care Association
March 2007
Professional Development: When Education Costs Are Deductible and When They Are Not
How to determine whether you can deduct your education costs
Using Tax Preparation Software
February 2007
Family Child Care Unions Sign Contracts with Three States
How unions are beginning to organize family child care providers
Illinois: Site of Nation's First Union Contract with Family Child Care Providers
How a new union contract affects providers in Illinois
Oregon: Two Unions Reach Agreement on State Contracts
How a new union contract affects providers in Oregon
Washington State Reaches Agreement with Child Care Union
How a new union contract affects providers in Washington
January 2007
Will You Owe Estimated Taxes for 2007?
How to determine whether or not you should pay estimated taxes
December 2006
What You Don't Know About Homeowner's Insurance Can Hurt You
How to avoid financial disasters that may befall providers who run child care businesses out of their homes
Family Child Care Tax Companion
New book to help providers and their tax preparers navigate complicated tax forms
How to Prepare for an Investigation
Questions to consider before an interview with an investigator
Making the Most of Dependent Care Plans
How parents and providers can take advantage of new dependent care assistance program deadlines
October 2006
You're Being Investigated...Now What?
What to do if a child gets injured while in your care
Finding a Lawyer
Resources for finding an attorney
Web Survey Winners
Three women each won a $20 Redleaf Press gift certificate in our recent survey
September 2006
2006 Family Child Care Business Seminar
Information about the upcoming 2006 Business Seminar in Maplewood, MN
National Association for Family Child Care Issues Guidelines for Union Organizing
Comments and recommendations from NAFCC for unions working with family child care providers
SEIU Response to NAFCC Position Paper
One union's response to NAFCC's guidelines
The Importance of the Child and Adult Care Food Program
How the Food Program benefits providers financially and professionally
Searchable Database of Activities and Recipes Now Available Online
Redleaf Press launches new Web site feature
IRA Tax Credit Extended Beyond 2006
How to save on your taxes by contributing to your retirement account
Redleaf Institute Director Receives National Recognition
NAFCC honors Tom Copeland at conference
Take a Class from Tom Copeland in Your Own Home!
Information about the online classes offered by Redleaf National Institute
August 2006
Food Program Income Eligibility Guidelines
How to know if you qualify to receive Food Program reimbursements for your own children
Will The State Pay For Your Registration Fee?
2006-2007 Food Program Reimbursement Rates
Small rate increases for providers reimbursed by the Food Program
July 2006
Redleaf Wins Attorney's Fees in Tax Court Case
Tom Copeland wins $6,800 in audit case
Unions and Family Child Care: A Primer
How union representation affects family child care providers
C-K Kids Video Tour Now Available
Live online "tour" of C-K Kids now available
June 2006
The Business Side of Kith and Kin
Business requirements and tips for unlicensed women and men who care for children in their homes. The difference between legal unlicensed and illegal providers.
Redleaf Saves Provider Thousands of Dollars in IRS Audit
Redleaf Saves Provider Thousands of Dollars in IRS Audit
Tom Copeland saves provider $8,000 in taxes
Where Should I Invest My Money for Retirement?
May 2006
Using Your Contract Effectively
Excerpt from Contracts and Policies
April 2006
One Provider's Goal: Earn $100,000 This Year
How one provider runs her profitable business
March 2006
Redleaf Wins US Tax Court Victory for Provider
Tom Copeland saves provider $2,000 in taxes
February 2006
Money Saving Tips
Creative ways to save money
January 2006
Form 944 Rule
Information on IRS Form 944 for claiming payroll taxes only once a year. Deadline reminder for providers who owe less than $1,000 in payroll taxes.
When a Provider Pays 100% of Payroll Taxes
Why paying payroll taxes yourself can be easier than taking them out of your employees' paychecks
Redleaf National Institute on National Public Radio
NPR interview with Tom Copeland on efforts to unionize family child care providers
December 2005
Custody Disputes: Married and Unmarried Couples
How to work with unmarried parents of a child in your care
Star Tribune Publishes Article Featuring Tom Copeland
Recent article in Star Tribune about one family child care provider's audit experience
Lessons from Recent IRS Audits
Record-keeping tips to consider before you're audited
November 2005
Early Drop-Off and Late Pick-Up
How to handle parents who drop off their children too early or pick them up too late
October 2005
Iowa Food Program Policy Overturned
How one provider--with RNI's help--changed Iowa's Food Program rules
Making the Best of a Natural Disaster
How to handle the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters
September 2005
Credit Reports
How to get three free credit reports every year
The Impact of High Gas Prices
How to lower your gas expenses
August 2005
The Space Percentage
How to calculate the Space part of the Time-Space Percentage
July 2005
The Time Percentage
How to calculate the Time part of the Time-Space Percentage
June 2005
Redleaf Offers Help with IRS Audits
May 2005
Family Child Care Providers Must Claim Allowable Deductions
Why you should claim deductions
April 2005
Hiring Family Members
What records to keep when you hire your own children
February 2005
The Importance of Attendance Records
Why attendance logs in your child care program may be your most important records
Record Keeping for New Family Child Care Providers
January 2005
AFSCME Organizes Family Child Care
How AFSCME's Child Care Providers Together program is helping providers across the country
Getting Started in the New Year
Financial Resources for the New Year
Social Security and Family Child Care
What role Social Security will play after family child care providers retire
December 2004
Do You Have a Bonus Coming?
How parents can pass on any unspent money in their flexible spending accounts
November 2004
back to topOctober 2004
What Are Your Policies When a Natural Disaster Strikes?
How to handle unexpected closures or business property damage due to bad weather
September 2004
The Many Business Responsibilities of Hiring an Employee
August 2004
Shared Expenses
What to claim for household expenses
July 2004
Should You Provide Care In Your Home?
What to consider if you choose to buy another home to separate your child care business from your family
The Three Choices of Life: How to Resolve Conflicts with Parents
How to deal with stress in your business
June 2004
Child Care Financing Available in Five States
Low-interest loans for child care providers
Holding Fees
How to handle requests to hold an opening in your program
May 2004
Advice for Beginning Child Care Providers
An experienced child care provider shares a few tips on running a successful business.
April 2004
When It's Not Your Choice to Say Goodbye
Cindy Clark tells about her experience with families quitting her daycare without warning.
March 2004
Protecting Your Business Name
When and how to register your business name
February 2004
back to topJanuary 2004
back to topDecember 2003
back to topNovember 2003
Is Now the Time to Buy an SUV?
Turning a Loss into a Gain: Deducting Casualty Losses
October 2003
Legal and Illegal Discrimination
September 2003
back to topAugust 2003
IRS Proposes New Form to Qualify to Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit
July 2003
New IRS Proposed Rules on Earned Income Tax Credit May Impact Providers
The Institute and the IRS, Live!
June 2003
back to topApril 2003
back to topMarch 2003
Study Says Providers File Inaccurate Tax Returns
IRS Reduces Burden for Family Child Care Providers
February 2003
back to topJanuary 2003
IRS Tax Rules on Sale of Home Aid Providers
December 2002
Protecting Yourself When a Parent Leaves
October 2002
back to topAugust 2002
Homeowner's Insurance Coverage
July 2002
What Should I Do with My Savings?
IRS Will Allow Family Child Care Providers to Use a Standard Meal Allowance Rate
June 2002
Insurance Carriers Canceling Homeowner's Insurance Policies
What Welfare Reform Means for Family Child Care
February 2002
Discounted Health Insurance Opportunity
Providers Are Becoming More Web Savvy
January 2002
Undocumented Workers and Family Child Care
November 2001
back to topOctober 2001
The Case of the Fading Receipts
September 2001
Just What is Adequate Liability Coverage?
August 2001
back to topJuly 2001
back to topMay 2001
back to topFebruary 2001
back to topJune 2000
back to topMarch 2000
IRS Clarifies Tax Consequences of Military Housing Allowances
February 2000
Is Your Property Covered By Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy?
