WMU News

Tax strategies for mom-and-pop businesses

April 25, 2002

KALAMAZOO -- There are a host of generous tax advantages that many home-based entrepreneurs don't know about and aren't capitalizing on, according to a tax expert who will speak at a Western Michigan University presentation Monday, May 13, in Battle Creek.

Chris Micklatcher of Alternative Tax Solutions will present "Successful Tax Strategies for Mom-and-Pop Small Businesses" from 6 to 8 p.m. at WMU-Battle Creek's Kendall Center, 50 West Jackson. Part of a monthly series co-sponsored by WMU's Women's Business Development Center and the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, the program is free and open to the public.

In his talk, Micklatcher will tell attendees about unique deductions that are available only to small home-based businesses. He will address deductions for normal business expenses such as office supplies and computers, and special business expenses like business meals and gifts. In addition, he will also cover deductions for healthcare, education and other expenses that can be taken when small business owners hire family members.

Micklatcher is president of Alternative Tax Solutions, a full-service legal, accounting, tax preparation and consulting firm that specializes in serving small businesses and individuals. Both a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney, Micklatcher also works at Battle Creek's Golden Avenue Law Offices. Before moving back to his hometown of Battle Creek, Micklatcher owned his own firm in Maine and worked with one of the "Big Five" accounting and consulting firms. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and his juris doctorate from the Wayne State University Law School. Micklatcher discusses tax planning and reduction every Thursday morning on radio station WBCK 930-AM.

WMU's Haworth College of Business established the Women's Business Development Center in 1999 to offer support to female professionals and entrepreneurs through training, problem-solving consultation, current business information and networking opportunities.

Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce at (269) 962-4076.

Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu


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