Society Highlights
By Shiuwan Cheung
Tax Deductions
As tax time is coming closer, we'd like to remind you that your STC dues are tax deductible. You can claim dues as a deduction with a charitable expense, business expense, or miscellaneous expense.
Charitable Expense
All STC members who pay taxes in the United States can deduct at least a portion of their STC dues if they claim this portion as a charitable donation. IRS publication 526 (rev. 2000) defines this option as follows:
"You may be able to deduct membership fees or dues you pay to a qualified organization. However, you can deduct only the amount that is more than the value of the benefits you receive."
As a 501(c)(3) organization, STC is a qualified organization. The only determination that you must make is the amount that is more than the value of the benefits that you receive. STC's tangible benefits can be estimated at $30 ($15 for the Society's quarterly journal, Technical Communication, and $15 for the magazine, Intercom). The difference between the cost of membership ($110 for the year 2001) and tangible benefits ($30) is $80, so you may claim that amount as charitable contribution.
Business Expense
Employees and self-employed consultants may claim the full amount of dues as a business expense.
Miscellaneous Expense
Those who do not fall into either of the previous categories may claim the amount of the dues as a miscellaneous deduction. (For miscellaneous deductions that can affect your taxes, the total amount of miscellaneous deductions must exceed 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.) If you deduct dues as a charitable expense, business expense, or miscellaneous expense, you must deduct them from the tax return for the year in which they were paid. In other words, if you paid dues in 2001, you can deduct them only on your 2001 tax returns. If you have any questions, contact your local IRS representative or an accountant.
Money, Not Time
In the past, the STC office has received questions concerning the deduction of time or services donated to STC. Please be aware that, while dues, contributions, and out-of-pocket expenses may be deducted, personal services cannot.
Society Dues: Pay Now, Vote Early
The annual STC election will open in mid-February and close April 15. Only those members who have paid their dues by the February 28, 2002 deadline are eligible to vote. Ballots for the STC election are sent out in two phases. For those who have paid their dues early, ballots will be mailed around February 20. Those who pay their dues between February 15 and February 28 will have their ballots mailed to them around March 10. The election closes April 15, so renew early and vote early!
Online Voting in STC's 2002 Election
For this year's Society election, members can vote online and by mail. The online voting site will become active when the election opens. Members wishing to vote online must use the Web address and Election Validation Number printed on the ballot, along with their member number, to log in to election Web site at https://vote.election.com. (Find the 5-digit member number on your membership card, issues of Intercom, and on most of your STC mailings.) After logging in, follow the online voting instructions to cast your votes. Online voting ends at 12:00 noon EST on April 15, 2002.
Whether voting online or by mail, all members will receive an STC ballot by post. Members wishing to vote by mail must check the appropriate box on the ballot to indicate their choice of candidates then mail the ballot to:
election.com
P.O. Box 9213
Garden City, NY 11530
Ballots must be postmarked by April 15, 2002.
Membership at a Glance:
As of January 31, 2002:
- Total members: 24,600
- Members residing in the United States: 21,415
- Members residing in Canada: 2,131
- Members residing elsewhere: 1,054
- Total chapters*: 151
*Includes 32 student chapters
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