Have A Very Happy Easter, And Then Render Unto Irs
The Internal Revenue Service has graciously awarded every taxpayer an extension on filing 1994 income taxes, pushing back the dreaded Tax Day to April 17.
That’s largely because April 15 falls on a Saturday, when government employees don’t work and 130 million Christians are hoping to celebrate Easter without having to worry about what must be rendered to the government.
Accountants and other tax preparers will be busy over the weekend, but the extra two days gives you time to increase your deductions with an IRA contribution.
It also gives you a second chance to make sure your return is in order. The IRS says it will closely scrutinize tax returns this year, flagging anything that looks unusual. One trigger is when a name doesn’t match the Social Security number, a common problem for those who changed their names after getting married.
Despite the two extra days, the IRS expects 5 million procrastinators to ask for an automatic extension, proving there’s never enough time for the truly disorganized.
In other events this week:
Today
The Washington School Personnel Association opens two-day Career Fair, headquartered at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park, with 250 delegates expected. Call Randy Hathaway at (206) 671-9110.
Labor Secretary Robert Reich presents President Clinton with policy recommendations on issues affecting working women.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development opens annual meeting in London, running through Tuesday.
Congress and Supreme Court in recess all week.
Sen. Bob Dole announces candidacy for GOP nomination for president in Topeka, Kan.
Tuesday
The Washington State Medical Group Management Association opens annual, three-day Spring Conference at Cavanaugh’s Inn at the Park.
U.S. Department of Labor releases producer prices for March.
Wednesday
Washington Department of Agriculture holds public hearing in Olympia to consider amending Beef Commission assessments. Call 360-902-1928.
Labor Department releases consumer prices for March.
Thursday
The Construction and Specification Institute sponsors Spring Institutes and Trade show at various locations throughout Spokane. Call the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 624-1341.
Nancy Fike leads a seminar on managing projects and deadlines at 6 p.m. at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research and Technology Institute conference room 326. Cost: $55 for members of Associated General Contractors of America; $85 for non-members. Call 533-0391.
U.S. Department of Commerce reports retail sales for March.
Friday
Federal Reserve reports industrial production for March.
Good Friday, most domestic and foreign markets closed.
MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: On the shelf Business Week, April 10: In an interview with Business Week, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says his company’s leading critics are Lotus, Novell, Sun Micro and Apple. He also says they’re wrong.
Buying back The biggest announced stock repurchases by U.S. companies since 1981, according to figures supplied by the research firm Securities Data Co.: 1. General Electric Co., Nov. 17, 1989, $10 billion. 2. DuPont Co., April 5, 1995, $8.8 billion. 3. Philip Morris Cos. Inc., Aug. 31, 1994, $6 billion. 4. General Motors Corp., March 3, 1987, $5.18 billion. 5. (tie) IBM Corp., Oct. 18, 1989, $5 billion. 5. (tie) General Electric Co., Dec. 16, 1994, $5 billion.
Buying back The biggest announced stock repurchases by U.S. companies since 1981, according to figures supplied by the research firm Securities Data Co.: 1. General Electric Co., Nov. 17, 1989, $10 billion. 2. DuPont Co., April 5, 1995, $8.8 billion. 3. Philip Morris Cos. Inc., Aug. 31, 1994, $6 billion. 4. General Motors Corp., March 3, 1987, $5.18 billion. 5. (tie) IBM Corp., Oct. 18, 1989, $5 billion. 5. (tie) General Electric Co., Dec. 16, 1994, $5 billion.