March 13th – Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Taxes
A Presentation by Diane O’Brien Kelly, Attorney at Law/CPA
Intimidated by the IRS? Frustrated with the ever-changing tax laws? Confused as to whether you’re taking advantage of every opportunity to save a few bucks on your taxes? Here’s your chance to learn all the ins and outs–from an expert!
Diane O’Brien Kelly is a licensed attorney, a certified public accountant AND an award-winning writer, and she’s offering to visit your group (or chapter) to present a fabulous 2-hour workshop that delivers tons of information on taxes as they relate to writers.
Every writer needs at least a basic understanding of the tax rules relevant to their writing business. This workshop focuses on tax reporting and tax issues specific to a writing business, and will take the mystery and intimidation out of taxes. Even seasoned writers with many years of tax reporting under their belts are likely to learn a new thing or two in this informative presentation. As always, Diane adds a touch of humor to the presentation to keep the audience engaged.
The workshop covers:
- How to distinguish between a hobby and a business and the tax rules relevant to each;
- Deductible expenses, the options available, and the pros and cons of each option;
- How to compute and pay self-employment taxes and estimated taxes;
- How to establish a retirement plan for a writing business;
- Record-keeping requirements;
- Red flags to avoid;
- Tips for hiring a tax professional and minimizing fees; and
- Where to find forms and tax information.
Diane O’Brien Kelly is both a licensed attorney and a certified public accountant. Diane graduated with honors from the University of Texas accounting program, then proceeded to attend the University of Texas School of Law. Diane has worked as a tax specialist in both the Houston, Texas and San Diego, California offices of “Big Four” accounting firm KPMG Peat Marwick, as well as serving a stint in the Finance Division of the State of Texas Attorney General’s Office. Diane currently works at a law firm as a tax and business advisor. Diane serves as a tax columnist for the organization Novelists, Inc. Her tax articles have also appeared in Writer’s Digest Yearbook, Fort Worth Business Press, Romance Writers Report, and various RWA chapter newsletters.
Diane is also an award-winning humor writer. Her humor and fiction pieces have appeared in Byline Magazine, True Love Magazine, Northwest Family News, and various other publications. Diane publishes a fresh humor piece each month on the “Blarney” page of her website, www.dianeobrienkelly.com. She also publishes tax tips on her “Tax Tidbits” page. Diane’s seminar “Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Taxes” is very popular with writing organizations, and is offered in both a live and online format.
Diane is a member of Romance Writers of America, Dallas Area Romance Authors, Texas Library Association, various PTAs, and the Friends of the Mansfield Public Library. She is also a proud graduate of her local Citizens Police Academy.
Diane lives in Texas with her husband, two rambunctious kids, and enough cats and dogs to violate several city ordinances
Schedule for March 13th:
8:30 - Open doors - sign in/coffee
9:00 to 10:00 - Business meeting, PAL reviews & introductions
10:00 to 10:30 - Break
10:30 to 12:00 – "Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Taxes"
12:00 to 12:30 - Booksigning with various authors
