Ohio SBA Offers Free Classes

Have a question about running your business here in Ohio?

FEED YOUR BRAIN.

The SBA has updated it’s online training program.  I highly recommend you check out this great resource for business learning.  In addition to great online information, The Columbus Ohio Office of the Small Business Association  is offering a free 9 month Resource Training Seminar Series.

Each individual seminar is designed to enhance the setup and /or growth of your small business concern. Mark your calendar and plan to attend these informative and very exciting small business seminars. “You Owe Your Business, Every Opportunity For Its Success”

The first seminar is over, but there are still 8 more you can attend.

To register on-line at www.sba.gov/oh/columbus. (Look under “Spotlight” on the left side in the white area.).

In the on-line Technology 101  class they discuss business websites, Web 2.0  and Social Media.  They point out that your website cost should not be higher than the value the website can bring to your business.  I couldn’t agree more.

That’s why I started WEBORTUNITY, to help small business owners here in Sunbury Ohio  have an up to date website without breaking the bank.

Find out if we can build a website to help grow your business.  Call 800-339-4528

Read Before you Write

Write your check that is.
Today in our snail mail,  yet another  phony bill arrived.

It is cleverly disguised to look like it came from the State of Ohio Government, it did NOT.

There is always the official looking seal.  The mail I received has the words OHIO CORPORATE COMPLIANCE in the Seal.

Even though I have been completing government forms for about 20 years my heart still beats a little faster when the envelope reads State of Ohio.  I think the fraudsters know that, so they “hide” the necessary disclosure that this is not a state form in the text I am likely to skim.

They put their phone number to call with questions everywhere, that’s the rub.  If they put such deceiving information in print, image how deceiving they will be on the phone.

Here’s my advice.  If you get any mail that may be from the State of Ohio before you take any action visit the Ohio.Gov web site. Or call  866-OHIO-GOV.

NEVER Call the number on the questionable mail.

Remember the government really does work for you and you should not hesitate to ask questions.  Whenever I have contacted the State of Ohio I have always received kind and helpful information.

Ohio Sales Tax Change

As of 1/1/09 Sales Tax for the State of Ohio must be filed electronically or by phone.

From the tax.ohio.gov web site the new rule applies to the tax collected after 1/1/09.
That means the report that is due by 2/23/09 (if you file monthly)

I went ahead and filed our most recent sales tax report using the E-form choice that is offered.  Overall I think the new reporting system will work well.  There does appear to be a few bugs in the data entry.  They have a  mix up with our address that I could not override.  I made a phone call and they assured me they are working very hard to make sure all errors get fixed quickly.

As for the filing part including  electronic payment, it went very smooth.

I am always happy to eliminate paper from my office how about you?