by NFS | Jan 25, 2012 | Archives
On December 2, 2011 the US Department of Transportation released a final rule regarding Cell Phone
(Mobile Communications Device) by drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles: Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FCMSA).
This is a final rule in effect on January 3, 2012, which effectively prohibits the use of a cell phone for communications, either by voice or texting, while the driver is underway. The rules
may be viewed at 49 CFR Part 177 and 383.
This rule will apply to all drivers of commercial vehicles; trucks, busses and any vehicle that requires a
Commercial Driver’s License while on a public highway. Specifically, the rule requires that anyone
convicted the second time in 3 years of violating a State rule regarding the use of a hand held cell phone
be disqualified from driving for a minimum of 60 days and if convicted the third time in 3 years,
disqualified for 120 days. It also states that no employer may require the use of a hand held
communications device while operating a motor vehicle. The definition of driving, for the purposes of this
regulation, means the Commercial Vehicle is on the highway, even if stopped at a traffic control device or
stuck in traffic. To use a cell phone or mobile device, the vehicle must be off the highway and stopped.
Push-to-talk phone use is also prohibited.
The use of a radio with a push to talk microphone, GPS, or traffic management system is not covered by
this rule. If a phone or other mobile communications device is used, it must not require holding in the
driver’s hand and must be actuated by a single push of a single button. The driver must be able to
operate this device while seated and with the seat belt fastened in place.
Exemptions will be allowed for operation of Commercial Motor Vehicles by military and emergency
response personnel, firefighters, farmers and local government personnel engaged in snow and ice
removal operations. There is also a provision allowing for contact with law enforcement personnel by a
driver in the event of an emergency. Information regarding this regulation is contained in the websites
provided below.
Information regarding the Federal Cell Phone Use Policy:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/news-releases/2011/Secretary-LaHood-Announces-Step-towards-
Safer-Highways.aspx
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Cell Phone Use Ban:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/cellphone-ban-faqs.aspx
by NFS | Jan 24, 2012 | Archives
Free Income Tax Preparation Giveaway!!
Gold’s Gym Foxboro MA – Open House
Saturday, January 28th, 2012
8:00am to 2:00pm
Join NFS at the Gold’s Gym Open in house in Foxboro MA this Saturday from 8am-2pm. We will be giving away FIVE (5) FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION Certificates!!! Other Door Prizes, Free Food, Free Drinks, Free Workouts, Kids Activities, Jumpy House, Face Painting & MORE!!!
by NFS | Jan 24, 2012 | Archives
NEW YORK – Former Massachusetts Governor and Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney said he would release his 2010 tax return and an estimated tax return for 2011 on Tuesday in the wake of a stinging defeat in the South Carolina primary and renewed pressure from fellow Republicans.
Speaking on Fox News Sunday with host Chris Wallace, Romney admitted he had made a mistake in not releasing the tax returns earlier.
“I’m going to make it very clear to you right now, Chris, that I will release my tax returns for 2010, which is the last returns that were complete,” he said. “I will do that on Tuesday of this week. I will also release at the same time an estimate for 2011 tax returns.”
After initially saying he might not release his tax returns at all, Romney said last week that he would release the tax returns around April 15. But demands for his tax returns have been escalating over the past week. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is among those who have publicly urged Romney to release his tax returns.
Romney also disputed accusations that his holdings in Bain Capital funds based in the tax haven of the Cayman Islands were intended as a way to evade taxes.
“The taxes paid on that are full U.S. taxes,” he said. “I know people will try and find something. But we pay full fair taxes, and you’ll see it is a substantial amount.”
Romney said the tax returns would be posted to his campaign Web site for anyone to view.
“It will provide, I think, plenty of information for people to understand that the sources of my income are exactly as described in the financial disclosure statements that we put out several months ago,” said Romney.
His campaign also urged rival Newt Gingrich, who won the South Carolina primary on Saturday, to release his contract with Freddie Mac. Gingrich has insisted that he only acted as a “strategic advisor” for the housing agency, but rival candidates have accused him of being an unregistered lobbyist. Gingrich released his tax returns last week and on Monday evening his former consulting firm released the first year of his contract with Freddie Mac.
During a Republican candidate debate Monday evening in Tampa on NBC, Romney told the audience and his fellow candidates, “You’ll see my income, how much taxes I’ve paid, how much I’ve paid to charity. I pay all the taxes that are legally required and not a dollar more. I don’t think you want someone as the candidate for President who pays more taxes than he owes.”
The Associated Press saw a preview of Romney’s tax return and said he paid about $3 million in federal income taxes in 2010 on $21.7 million in earnings. Donations of close to $3 million to charity, about half of which went to the Mormon Church, lowered his effective tax rate to approximately 14 percent. In 2011, Romney is expected to pay approximately $3.2 million in taxes, an effective tax rate of about 15.4 percent.
By Michael Cohn, Accounting Today
by NFS | Jan 19, 2012 | Archives
BOSTON — State officials say the Massachusetts unemployment rate dropped to 6.8 percent in December, down from 7 percent in November, despite estimates that the state lost about 6,200 jobs last month.
The office of Labor and Workforce Development said Thursday the apparent discrepancy between the two figures may be explained by different methods used for calculating the unemployment rate and estimating the number of jobs in the state.
The 6.8 percent unemployment rate was the lowest in three years and remains well below the December national rate of 8.5 percent.
Gov. Deval Patrick told reporters he’s excited about the continued decline in unemployment but isn’t sure what to make of the separate accounting for jobs.
Patrick said he’ll unveil initiatives aimed at further lowering the rate during his annual State of the State address on Monday.
