Guide to Government Incentives for Green Commerical Trucks

There are numerous benefits for utilizing fuel-efficient commercial trucks. In addition to being better for the environment, fuel-efficient trucks boosts your company image and positively impacts your bottom line.

While these vehicles are more expensive than their less-efficient counterparts, the U.S. government has set up incentive programs to provide loans, offset costs and offer tax credits and exceptions to help companies outfit their transportation operations with green fleets.

At the federal, regional and state level, there are five types of incentives for those that purchase new commercial vehicles or upgrade in fuel-saving trucking equipment:

1.       Grants

2.       Rebates and vouchers

3.       Low cost loans

4.       Tax credits

5.       Tax exceptions

However, it’s important to consider who qualifies for these programs. Many incentive programs commonly stipulate vehicle type, fuel type, state/region of operation, vehicle weight limit, fleet size and overall company revenue. In addition, the application for each type of incentive is nuanced, and each program has its own requirements.

To help, Software Advice, a website that reviews transportation software (here), has put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down the federal, regional and state incentive programs and provides contact information for each program. In addition, the guide provides a quick, four-step process to help guide your application process.

For more detailed information on these programs, check out the guide here: http://blog.softwareadvice.com/articles/scm/government-incentives-fuel-efficient-commercial-trucks-0413/.

 

Bell & Company Celebrates 30 Years

Bell and Company recently celebrated 30 years of business and put together a video of our clients and what they had to say about our company please enjoy the following link to the video.

http://sterlingimageworks.com/p871245256/h51e09806#h51e09806

Bell and Company wins a National Public Service Award

10.22.12

Bell and Company, PA was selected by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as the recepient of the 2011 Public Service award where we traveled to Ameila Island Florida to receive.

Here is the press release from the award.

Amelia Island, Fla. (Oct. 22, 2012) – The American Institute of CPAs is pleased to announce that Johnny K. Hudson, CPA is the 2011 recipient of the Institute’s Public Service Award for Individuals. Bell and Company, North Little Rock, Ark. and the Reznick Group, Bethesda, Md. have received the 2011 Public Service Award for Firms. The annual awards honor members and firms of the AICPA who have made significant contributions to their communities. The recipients received their awards at the fall meeting of the Institute’s governing Council in Amelia Island, Fla.

Kathy G. Eddy, chair of the awards committee presented the awards.

“The many strong candidates for these awards make it difficult to select individuals and firms. So many make significant contributions to their communities,” said Kathy Eddy, chair of the AICPA’s awards committee, “It is our belief that all of compassionate and tireless volunteers should be recognized. But this year’s winners, Johnny K. Hudson, Bell & Company and the Reznick Group clearly stand out.”Bell and Company’s partners and employees have served in pivotal roles in community organizations throughout North Little Rock, Ark. and Haiti. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the firm raised much needed funds for school supplies for children residing a remote village. The firm gathered, sorted and packed the supplies into 400 individual containers per child. In the same village, Bell & Company supported a medical clinic by providing Internet service and funding a full-time nurse. The firms sent two employees to the location to personally distribute the school supplies and help set up the clinic.

In Arkansas, Bell& amp; Company supports the Arkansas State Mental Hospital through volunteerism and donations, staff members serve meals for the homeless at the Salvation Army the first Wed. of each month and is actively involved in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and Hearts and Hooves, a therapeutic horse riding and teaching facility for those with disabilities.

Indpendent Contractors Model

Richard Bell recently spoke at the TEANA conference in New Orleans here is a link to the White Paper he handed out "The Five Evil Sisters:  An Attach on Indpendent Contractors". 

Following is what  TEANA said about he topic. 

"Transportation accountant Richard Bell pointed out threats facing the independent contractor model many TEANA members utilize. Bell contends business owners do a better job of allocating and managing resources than government, as local, state and federal authorities seek revenue during times when tax coffers are thinning. Bell encourages TEANA members aggregate against government controlling independent contractor law and for members to work towards changing state workers compensation laws to make them statutory. Bell advises all members to understand the definition of "employee" in each state they provide services, for workers compensation purposes."

If you would like more information on this topice or would like the exhibits in the white paper listed above please contact deanna.lovelady@bellandcompany.net or call Richard Bell 501.753.9700.

Traps for Small Businesses

Click here for great article explaining 1099 request.