Please Join Us for our Tax Season Webinars!

Tax season is just around the corner and to prepare you for this exciting time we will be holding monthly informational webinars! Please see below for descriptions and to register for these upcoming webinars. Click here for more information on the webinar topics.

November 9th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Connecting Financial Aid; Emergency Savings Accounts and Savings Bonds to Tax Season: 

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/268310514

December 14th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Form 1099R, Child Tax Credit, EITC, Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit:

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/129215506

January 11th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Tax Updates: 

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/573492346

February 8th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Conversations to have with your tax client:

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/652333722

March 14th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

Incorporating Self-Serve Into Your Tax Services:

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/419745234

April 11th: (12:00 - 1:00 pm)

What Does OBB Asset Development Mean for My Clients, Staff, and Volunteers?

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/960223610

Applications due 9/30 for OBB Academy

The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Foodbanks (OASHF) is seeking applicants to participate in The Ohio Benefit Bank Academy! The OBB Academy is a year-long program designed to support and enhance the professional development of OBB counselors and/or site administrators, with the goal of enhancing the capacity and long-term sustainability of key OBB sites. Graduates of The OBB Academy will be equipped to provide local leadership for the OBB network in their communities. Travel, meals and supplies will be covered so that there is no cost to participants who complete the program.

Once a month day long workshops with experts from Ohio State University Leadership Center, Central Ohio Professional Education Council among other speakers from various specialties, working one on one with participants to hone skills in areas key to capacity building and sustainability for your agency.

Workshops include:
- How to know if your marketing is working for you?
- Grant Writing with practical exercises
- Responsible and effective budgeting for your program

This offer is for staff of Ohio Benefit Bank sites and partners only.

Click here to download the application.

Applications are due 9/30 so don't wait! Apply today!

Let's Build Something Together!

For 6 years Lowe’s has been dedicated to helping better schools and communities. Through there Charitable and Educational Foundation Lowe’s has donated 25 million dollars through the Toolbox for Education grant. This year Lowe’s will carry on this initiative and donate 5 million total to over 1,000 different schools. Applications for this grant are being accepted now through October 14 or once 1500 applications have been received. Past winners have used this grant to fund gardens, physical fitness areas and increase parent involvement. For more ideas and to apply for this grant please visit the Toolbox for Education website.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties Launch Mobile Food Pantry

Today the Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark, Champaign and Logan Counties launched their new state of the art Mobile Food Pantry at the Chakeres Cinema 10 in Springfield, OH. The Mobile Food Pantry and volunteers provided members of the Springfield community with fresh produce and shelf stable foods. The new addition will assist in aiding central Ohioans with the food and nutrition they need and deserve.

The Mobile Food Pantry will be out again this Thursday, serving elders in the Mechanicsburg and Lewisburg areas. For more information please call (937) 323-6507

A Year you Won't Forget!

OASHF is currently accepting applications for AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) members to start in November. VISTAs, who are the domestic counterparts to overseas Peace Corps volunteers, are passionate and enthusiastic individuals who dedicate a year of their lives to fighting poverty here at home.

Our SHARECorps program will be placing up to 30 VISTA members across Ohio, focusing on alleviating hunger and poverty by building the capacity of local nonprofit organizations. To search for our available positions and to apply, visit www.americorps.gov, but first, go to http://www.oashf.org/docs/programs/AmeriCorps_Application_Instructions.pdf and check out the instructions for finding OASHF positions on the AmeriCorps website.

One lucky VISTA will be based here, in the OASHF office downtown Columbus. We are seeking a Community Organizer, who will work with the Ohio Benefit Bank sites in central Ohio to increase the financial security of low-income community members by assisting them in accessing public benefits and tax credits and by increasing financial literacy. A complete description is here:
Central Ohio AmeriCorps VISTA

For questions about the VISTA positions, contact VISTA Leader Alesha Rademan at 614-221-4336 x253 or arademan@oashf.org.

FREE PRODUCE!!!

The Salvation Army of Marion will be having a produce market this Friday. They will be giving away produce to the community for FREE! Make sure you stop by between 2:00 and 3:30 pm and take home some free, healthy goodness. The Salvation Army of Marion is at located at 317 W. Church Street Marion, OH 43302.

Barn Sale

The Lancaster- Fairfield Community Action will be having a Barn Sale this Friday, August 26th from 9 am to 3 pm. They are asking for donations only on some spectacular used household items. The proceeds will go to the organizations Emergency Services Program to help Fairfield County residents who are in need. Items available include bikes, computer equip, pic frames, lamps, toys, glassware, baby dressing table, and much more.

Community Action is located at 1743 E. Main Street Lancaster. Hope to see you there!

OBB Upcoming Events

Its “Back to School” season and the Ohio Benefit Bank will be attending a number of festivals and back to school events. Be sure to come out and speak with one of our Community Organizers and find out more about what we do at the Ohio Benefit Bank. In addition, most of the events will have free games, food, health screenings and school supplies. Be sure to visit the links for more information on these amazing events. We Hope to see you there!

August 12th
Urban League Head Start Community Festival @ Fort Rapids Waterpark Ballroom Columbus OH, 9 am-5 pm

August 13th
Single Parent Fair @ Heritage Christian Church, Westerville OH, 9 am-12 pm

August 20th
Back to School Blast @ Columbus Christian Church, Columbus OH 9 am-2 pm
Glen Fest @ Glenwood Park and Recreation Center, 12 pm-5 pm

August 27th
Family Fun Day @ Wesley United Methodist Church, Columbus OH 1 pm- 6 pm
Clinic @ Vineyard Church of Plain City 3 pm-6 pm

New Additions to Brookings.edu

For individuals and OBB sites looking for information on the Earned Income Tax Credit, also known as EITC, Brookings.edu has updated their website and now includes an interactive map, which gives lots of information on the EITC over the past 10 years. The interactive map will allow you to view and create reports on how the EITC has specifically affected your area. It also features pertinent information on the EITC and is a good way to inform yourself, which will allow you to inform your clients and spread the word on the EITC. It is a great training tool for sites that will be embarking on their first tax season this year, and sites ready to take their skills and knowledge to the next level as well. You can create accounts and save material to refer to whenever you need. Not to mention this will help you with your tax lingo and answer many questions you may have.

When you can't afford to pay the tax bill...

These tips come straight from the IRS. Become familiar with these suggestions so that you are not caught off guard the next time your client owes more than expected on their taxes.

Ten Tips for Taxpayers Who Owe Money to the IRS
While the majority of Americans get a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service each year, there are many taxpayers who owe and some who can’t pay the tax all at once. The IRS has a number of ways for people to pay their tax bill.
The IRS has announced an effort to help struggling taxpayers get a fresh start with their tax liabilities. The goal of this effort is to help individuals and small business meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden. Specifically, the IRS has announced new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.
Here are ten tips for taxpayers who owe money to the IRS.
1. Tax bill payments If you get a bill this summer for late taxes, you are expected to promptly pay the tax owed including any penalties and interest. If you are unable to pay the amount due, it is often in your best interest to get a loan to pay the bill in full rather than to make installment payments to the IRS.
2. Additional time to pay Based on your circumstances, you may be granted a short additional time to pay your tax in full. A brief additional amount of time to pay can be requested through the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov or by calling 800-829-1040.
3. Credit card payments You can pay your bill with a credit card. The interest rate on a credit card may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. To pay by credit card contact one of the following processing companies: Link2Gov at 888-PAY-1040 (or www.pay1040.com), RBS WorldPay, Inc. at 888-9PAY-TAX (or www.payUSAtax.com), or Official Payments Corporation at 888-UPAY-TAX (or www.officialpayments.com/fed).
4. Electronic Funds Transfer You can pay the balance by electronic funds transfer, check, money order, cashier’s check or cash. To pay using electronic funds transfer, use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System by either calling 800-555-4477 or using the online access at www.eftps.gov.
5. Installment Agreement You may request an installment agreement if you cannot pay the liability in full. This is an agreement between you and the IRS to pay the amount due in monthly installment payments. You must first file all required returns and be current with estimated tax payments.
6. Online Payment Agreement If you owe $25,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest, you can request an installment agreement using the Online Payment Agreement application at www.irs.gov.
7. Form 9465 You can complete and mail an IRS Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, along with your bill in the envelope you received from the IRS. The IRS will inform you (usually within 30 days) whether your request is approved, denied, or if additional information is needed.
8. Collection Information Statement You may still qualify for an installment agreement if you owe more than $25,000, but you are required to complete a Form 433F, Collection Information Statement, before the IRS will consider an installment agreement.
9. User fees If an installment agreement is approved, a one-time user fee will be charged. The user fee for a new agreement is $105 or $52 for agreements where payments are deducted directly from your bank account. For eligible individuals with lower incomes, the fee can be reduced to $43.
10. Check withholding Taxpayers who have a balance due may want to consider changing their W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, with their employer. A withholding calculator at www.irs.gov can help taxpayers determine the amount that should be withheld.
For more information about the Fresh Start initiative, installment agreements and other payment options visit www.irs.gov. IRS Publications 594, The IRS Collection Process, and 966, Electronic Choices to Pay All Your Federal Taxes, also provide additional information regarding your payment options. These publications and Form 9465 can be obtained from www.irs.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

The Nothing Campaign

This is a really great campaign put together in partnership with OASHF, Ohio's food banks, and Charter One. Visit www.nothing.org/ohio to learn more. Don't forget to watch the video on the home page. Powerful.

Hunger is affecting our friends and neighbors.

Hunger no longer lives solely in the inner city of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Hunger is no longer isolated to the foothills of Appalachia. Hunger is all around us; in once prosperous suburbs, in small rural communities and in our own back yards. As a way to become involved in the fight against hunger, we invite you to do something, with Nothing. The Nothing campaign is a way to learn about more hunger in Ohio, stay informed, and take action in the fight against hunger, making a difference in the lives of those who are faced with hunger each and every day.

The Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks and food banks throughout the state are selling cans of Nothing, as a way to raise awareness about hunger and as a way to take action in the fight against hunger.

Cans of Nothing are empty and represent the reality that thousands of our friends and neighbors face every day: hunger. Cans of Nothing can be purchased for $3.00 and will provide at least 12 meals to help feed our hungry friends and neighbors. Proceeds from each can of Nothing will go to support the efforts of your regional food bank.

Do Something with Nothing
Joining in on the fight against hunger is easy. Your civic group, faith community or school can help in the fight against hunger by raising funds for those in need by filling cans of Nothing with donations. We’ll even ship you the can! Joining the fight against hunger is simple:

Submit a request for cans in writing, via email, snail mail or fax.
Fax requests should be sent to the attention of Charles Barber, Communications Manager, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks to 614-221-4338.
Requests submitted in writing should be sent to: Charles Barber, Communications Manager, Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, 51 North High Street Suite 761, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Agree to the following terms and conditions of the Nothing campaign:
You will provide the cans free of charge to willing participants, such as students and organizational members.
Collect the filled cans from the participants.
Count all donations collected by participants and send a check representing the total amount to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks.
In return, OASHF will recognize your organization, civic group or school with a letter of appreciation and acknowledgement on the Nothing website.

Here are creative ways to Do Something About Nothing:
Donate to the Nothing campaign.
Making a donation to the Nothing campaign is easier than you think! You can donate online or via text message by sending FOODBANK to 85944 to donate $10 now.
Volunteer.
Reach out to your local food bank to learn of ways to give your time and talents. Food banks are always in need of groups to help sort through donations or pack food boxes to distribute to their member agencies.
Host a food drive.
Visit your local food bank website and learn how your organization can collect food that will help those who face hunger within your own communities.
Visit and Learn about your local food bank.
Get a behind the scenes look at how food comes into the emergency food assistance network, it sorted, packaged and made available to share with pantries, soup kitchens and shelters that provide food to Ohioans in need. Get connected with food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters within your community where you can share your time and talents as well.
Compete in a business or organization Nothing challenge.
Request the needed number of cans per department or group within your business or organization Select a time frame to hold the competition—one day, three days, 2 weeks, it’s up to your group. Inspire and educate those who are participating in the Nothing challenge. During the selected time frame, participants compete against one another to raise funds for your local food bank. Collect all funds that were raised and write a check to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, 51 North High Street Suite 761, Columbus, Ohio 43215, along with a brief description of your competition as well as the winner.
Hold a Brown Bag Lunch day.
Each participant donates the money he or she would have spent on going out to lunch to the Nothing Campaign. Collect all funds that were raised and write a check to the Ohio Association of Second Harvest Food Banks, 51 North High Street Suite 761, Columbus, Ohio 43215, along with a brief description of your competition as well as the winner. OASHF will issue a press statement acknowledging your organization and business’s commitment in the fight against hunger.
Stay connected and get social.
Follow @OASHF on Twitter to learn more about Nothing and to stay engaged in the fight against hunger.
Like OASHF on Facebook to stay connected with the Nothing campaign as well as learn more about ways to become involved in the fight against hunger in Ohio.
Sign up for the OASHF newsletter. Sign up for action items and email alerts from OASHF.
Spread the word about Nothing by adding a brief article about the campaign into your organization, civic group or company newsletter.
Request the newsletter template.

Food Prices Rise

Have you noticed a change at the grocery store?

Below is a summary from our director, Lisa Hamler-Fugitt, of the Consumer Price Index for the First Quarter.  This effects clients, providers, and the capacity power of our local pantries and soup kitchens. 

Food prices rose at a 7.5-percent annual rate in the first quarter of 2011, with grocery store prices increasing at an 11.2-percent rate. The increase in grocery store prices outpaced a 2.8-percent increase in the prices of food away from home.

Double-digit increases were seen in 3 of the 6 major grocery store food groups in the first quarter. The largest rate of increase was in the index for fruits and vegetables, which increased at a 23.3-percent annual rate. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased at a 13.5-percent rate; nonalcoholic beverages and beverage materials rose at a 10.4-percent annual rate.

The jump in prices of fruits and vegetables was led by a 28.6-percent increase in the prices of fresh fruits and vegetables, with fresh vegetables increasing at a 69.3-percent rate because of bad weather in many areas. Fresh fruit prices decreased at a 3.2-percent rate, caused primarily by an 18.2-percent drop in the prices of oranges. The increase in fresh vegetable prices was caused by substantial increases of 147.1 percent and 227.8 percent in the prices of lettuce and tomatoes, respectively.

The 13.5-percent jump in prices for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs was led by a 20.0-percent increase in meat prices. The four major food items within the beef and veal index posted double-digit price increases. The same was true for all major food items within the pork index. The index for other meats saw a relatively more moderate increase of 6.5 percent. Poultry prices were up 3.3 percent, fish and seafood 9.5 percent. Bucking the trend was the price of eggs—down 7.7 percent for the quarter, following an increase of 6.1 percent in 2010.

Prices of the remaining grocery store food groups also increased—dairy and related products at an 8.4-percent annual clip, followed by other food at home and cereals and bakery products at 7.1 percent and 5.7 percent, respectively. The increase in the prices of dairy and related products was led by increases of 19.0 percent and 15.8 percent in the prices of fresh whole milk and fresh nonwhole milk, respectively. The increase in the index for other food at home can be attributed in part to the 25.8-percent jump in the index for fats and oils, including 44.4-percent and 46.4-percent increases in the prices of butter and margarine, respectively. Finally, within cereals and bakery products, double-digit prices increases were registered for cereals and cereal products, flour and prepared flour mixes, and fresh biscuits, rolls, and muffins. The price of bread increased at a relatively modest 3.1-percent rate.

The acceleration in grocery store price changes in the last half of 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 follows a drop in these prices in 2009 and modest inflation in the first half of 2010. Grocery store price inflation was relatively high during most of 2008 but then fell sharply in 2009, decreasing 2.9 percent, year over year, from November 2008 to November 2009, the sharpest annual drop in grocery store prices since June 1959.