Every year, our politicians talk about the need to simplify the tax code and every year, they make it more complex.

The average taxpayer will spend an estimated 23 hours completing their return this year.  Eighty percent of taxpayers will hire someone to do the work, or buy tax software, even though 64 percent of taxpayers don't owe anything.

There are six definitions of a child; more than a dozen educational credits, and 16 different types of tax-favored savings plans. That may seem daunting, but with some basic knowledge and planning, you can avoid costly mistakes.

Here is a list of the seven common mistakes and missed deductions to help you prepare your 2012 tax return.

1. Charitable deductions - cash. Did you make a contribution to charity last year? The IRS is cracking down on bogus deductions, so be sure to follow the donation tax rules.  One of the most important rules is that you give to a charity with an IRS tax-exempt status. Don't forget to take the mileage deduction when it applies. The IRS allows 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

2. Charitable deductions - in kind. Your used clothing donated to charity may not be seem worth much, but consider using valuation software to determine how much to claim. You may be pleasantly surprised. The same applies for furniture and other household items donated.  Clothing must be in good condition or better to take the deduction.

3. Social Security number. Privacy concerns caused the IRS to stop putting taxpayer Social Security numbers on tax package labels. Most of your tax information is keyed to your tax ID number.Tax ID number errors raise red flags with the IRS, which attempts to match reported income to tax returns.  This number is also important when claiming the Child Tax and Additional Child Tax credits and credits for educational expenses. Take time to verify that your tax ID number is correct on 1099s, W-2 forms and all tax documents to avoid delays processing your return.

4. Dividend reinvestments. Each time a stock or mutual fund reinvests dividends, it's the same as making a new purchase of shares. The amount of the reinvested dividend adds to your tax basis when you calculate your taxable gain from a sale. Make sure you don't overpay the IRS. Mutual funds generally track the average basis of shares and automatically include reinvested dividends in the calculation.  Ultimately it's up to you to make sure you calculate the gain properly.

5. Unused deductions from 2011. The tax code allows capital losses to offset capital gains. When losses exceed gains, the taxpayer can use only $3,000 of losses against other income. Any excess loss can be carried forward into future tax years. Don't forget to carry the unused losses over to your 2012 tax return. Charitable deductions are capped based on the type of property donated and your adjusted gross income.  Excess deductions can also be carried into future years. Don't let carryovers get lost in the shuffle.

6. Excess Roth contributions. Single taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $110,000 - $125,000 ($173,000 - $183,000 for joint filers) cannot make a full Roth IRA contribution. Check this number when you complete your tax return.  Excess contributions are subject to a 6 percent penalty on the amount you contributed.

7. Overlooked medical deductions. Health insurance premiums are an often overlooked deduction.  The portion paid by the employee is a deductible expense when you itemize. This includes the portion you pay to Medicare which is usually deducted from Social Security. Transportation expenses for trips to medical facilities or doctors' offices are also deductible. The IRS allows 23 cents per mile driven for medical purposes in 2012.

If you have made a mistake or missed a deduction you can file an amended tax return to correct the problem. Some taxpayers worry filing an amended return will increase their chances of being audited. Amending the return doesn't focus the IRS's attention on your return but it will extend your exposure to their challenges. The IRS looks back three years from the date you file a return. When you amend your tax return you reopen the three-year window.

No one likes to deal with the IRS and taxes, but you could be leaving money on the table by not filing an amendment. If the total amount of tax you owe is smaller than your original return, the IRS will refund the difference.

Also file an amended return if the correction results in additional tax owed. The IRS will add interest to the amount if you amend after your filing deadline, but it rarely adds penalties. Correcting the mistake early saves interest and can avoid penalties.

About Rick Rodgers

Certified Financial Planner® Rick Rodgers is president of Rodgers & Associates, "The Retirement Specialists," in Lancaster, Pa., and author of "The New Three-Legged Stool: A Tax Efficient Approach to Retirement Planning." He's a Certified Retirement Counselor and member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisers. Rodgers has been featured on national radio and TV shows, including "FOX Business News" and "The 700 Club," and is available to speak at conferences and corporate events (www.RodgersSpeaks.com).

Amana - It's out with the old and in with the new, lights that is, at The Old Creamery
Theatre! This week the theatre started work to replace the majority of lights that have
been a huge part of every production on the theater's Main Stage since the 1970s.

Nicholas Hodge, master electrician at The Old Creamery Theatre said not only are the
new lights much more energy efficient but the light blubs have a longer lifespan.
Hodge, who is also a performer, said the new lights will also do something very
important - help to keep the performance space cooler. "Thanks to the newer technology,
90% of the heat generated doesn't travel to the stage," he said.

Because each of the new lights can serve various functions, Hodge said greater artistic
flexibility will be another benefit. "The older lights were limited," he said.

The lights were purchased from BMI Supply of Queensbury New York and CLE of Des
Moines for $31,000. A combination of grants at $5,000 each helped to pay a portion of
the cost. Grants came from The Gethmann Foundation of Marshalltown and the Iowa
County Community Foundation.

The non-profit professional theatre also sold raffle tickets at $100 each to raise the funds
for the new lighting system, so The Old Creamery was not the only one to benefit from
the year-long raffle. 

Jesse Cooksley of Cedar Rapids was enjoying G. I. Holiday Jukebox last December with
his girlfriend when he decided to purchase a raffle ticket. Cooksley, 32 won the grand
prize of $5,000 and was notified on December17 of his good fortune. "I was surprised,"
he said. "It helped to pay for some Christmas gifts for the family."

Various other prize amounts and names of winners are listed on The Old Creamery's
website at www.oldcreamery.com

Others that are benefitting from The Old Creamery's lighting project are some smaller
theatres who are happy to be able to use the old lights.

Coe College, Mt Vernon/Lisbon Community Theatre and ACT I in Vinton all plan to
use some of the older lights on their stages.

The Old Creamery Theatre Company is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded
in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The company is celebrating 43 years of bringing live,
professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

Urges Homeowners to visit KeepYourHomeIllinois.org for Assistance

CHICAGO - February 1, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that, one year after he launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) in his State of the State address, more than a half-million people have connected to its free statewide resources to help keep their homes.

"I launched the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network to help give Illinois families the guidance they need to stay in their homes," Governor Quinn said. "Knowledge is power. By accessing this free, centralized source of trustworthy information we can help homeowners do what's best for their families, while strengthening communities and our economy."

As a result of the IFPN, 561,000 people have been connected to foreclosure prevention help:

·         446,000 homeowners have accessed the IFPN website or the Illinois Hardest Hit program website.

·         More than 60,700 people have called IFPN help hotlines.

·         More than 44,500 homeowners have received homeownership counseling.

·         More than 3,400 people have attended a series of IFPN workshops across the state.

·         More than 6,300 homeowners have received mortgage payment assistance with $144.1 million in funds approved through the Illinois Hardest Hit program.

Families are urged to reach out today to access the free resources that have helped so many other homeowners across Illinois. All of the services are available by visiting www.keepyourhomeillinois.org, calling the toll-free hotline (1-855-KEEP-411), or visiting 80 counseling agencies throughout the state.

In February 2012, Governor Pat Quinn created the IFPN to give Illinois homeowners access to a trusted and reliable source where they could receive one-on-one counseling, legal advice and financial assistance. Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) partnered to establish this free, one-stop resource.

"When families fall behind on mortgage payments due to a job loss or pay cut, Governor Quinn's Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN) stands ready to help them," IHDA Executive Director Mary R. Kenney said. "IFPN coordinates every available statewide resource for homeowners, and provides critical tools - such as counseling. Homeowners who undergo counseling are twice as likely to keep their homes."

IFPN has made a difference in the lives of so many Illinois families, such as Maria Perez of suburban Carol Stream. After her divorce in 2008, Perez struggled to pay her mortgage and save for her two sons' college education.

When she lost her job as a school registrar last year, Perez turned to the DuPage Homeownership Center - which assisted her in applying for temporary financial assistance available under IFPN's flagship program, the Illinois Hardest Hit program. The program enables qualified unemployed or underemployed homeowners to get current on their payments or receive monthly assistance.

"The Illinois Hardest Hit program bought me some time to consider my options calmly. It gave me time to breathe," said 48-year-old Perez.

IFPN events to enable homeowners to receive counseling or legal advice, apply for financial assistance and potentially receive an on-site loan modification from participating lenders are scheduled this spring. IFPN's next regional events are planned for Peoria and Rockford in April and June, respectively.

LeClaire is Among the Top 15 "America's Coolest Small Towns - 2013" following the first round of voting last fall in the Budget Travel on-line contest, and we can be chosen as the COOLEST!!!!   To Vote Daily, go to: http://www.budgettravel.com/contest/americas-coolest-small-towns-2013,14/ or to the website for Budget Travel.  LeClaire IS the Coolest, and We Can Win!! Tell everyone you know everywhere to vote for LeClaire!!!

WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS!

Arndt Chiropractic Center, Inc. - Dr. Lisa Arndt, 3359 Middle Road - Ste. 1, Bettendorf, IA 52722. www.arndtchiropractic.com  Dr. Arndt is a National Board Certified Chiropractor and Registered Nurse, proud of providing "Gentle" chiropractic care for the QC community. Accepting new patients! 563-332-2211

Operation American Made - Darrin Lampman, CEO, PO Box 28, LeClaire, IA 52753. 563-729-1022. www.operation-american-made.com  Online auction of American made products, benefiting local vendors.

Conceptual Designs - Michelle Blunk, Owner, 2117 State Street - Ste. 110, Bettendorf, IA 52722.  563-823-6123  www.conceptualdesignsinc.com Conceptual Designs is a full service design firm that specializes in commercial interior design and interior architecture, professionally licensed in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. We excel in providing unique solutions for not only commercial interiors, but offices, retail spaces and healthcare facilities as well.

It is time again to join or to renew your membership with the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce! Please see the attached form to complete and return with your payment.  Thank you for your current and past membership, and certainly let us know if you have any questions in regard to your membership or about the Chamber in general. Let's have a Great 2013!  After all - "It is all there....In LeClaire!"

CALENDAR

February 1st - First Friday - Downtown LeClaire - 5-8 p.m. Mississippi River Distilling Company  will be releasing new seasonal, "Dry Dock Sorghrum"!!  Yum!!  Get your free Valentines Day glass with any bottle of spirits purchased while they last! Spirited Chef Stepahanie's food samples and recipes will be available!  www.mrdistilling.com
Get started on Valentine's Day early with wine samples at Wide River Winery!! Enjoy Gold Medal winning Pursuit of Happiness. Serving dips and delicious chocolate from The Sweet Life paired with our award winning locally made wines. Shop www.wideriverwinery.com

LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals open until 7:00 p.m. Free appraisals.
Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's from 9:00 P.M.-1:00 A.M., 207 North Cody Road, LeClaire, IA (563) 289-4277

Many other restaurants and shops will be open late!

February 3rd - Family Yoga - Reusable Usables  Family Yoga - 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5 per person or $15 for up to four people.  Taught by yoga Jennifer Vondracek, Executive Director of Yoga.  Family Yoga will be held once a month for families with children ages 2 & up.   No experience necessary!  For schedule  for Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013, or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or 563-289-3946 Reservations are appreciated but not required, via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation.Class held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753   www.reusableusables.org

February 8th - Reusable Usables NEW Freezer Meal Workshop 6:30 PM.  Let's get together and make enough meals to fill our freezers!  Bring your bags filled with designated "protein" and other groceries. Go home with 10 meals, each feeding a family of 4-6, ready to freeze - just thaw, cook and enjoy!   $73 (includes all Wildtree products, recipes and shipping). Contact Kate Ramsdell ramsdellgirls@yahoo.com•www.mywildtree.com/katewildtree/  (This is an "Adults Only" event.)

February 9th - Trivia Night - LeClaire Civic Center benefiting the Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Participants may bring beer, wine, snacks and soda. Water and snacks will also be for sale. Up to eight people per table. $10 per person with a $50 table minimum. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Contact Chris at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703 for reservations or information. Don't have enough for a full table? Come anyway and we can put you on a table that needs people!

February 12th - Chamber Network Lunch - Location TBD!

February 14th - Valentine's Day at Crane and Pelican - 3 Course Dinner - $45 per person ($90 per couple) Details and Menu at www.craneandpelican.com

February 14th - Valentine's Day at The Faithful Pilot - 2 seatings - 5:30 and 8:00p.m. $75 per person, 5 courses. 563.289.4156 www.faithfulpilot.com

February 24th - The Buffalo Bill Museum will Celebrate Buffalo Bill's Birthday! 12 noon to 4 p.m. (closing).  A party with refreshments, free admission, and a "Buffalo Bill & Annie Oakley Look-Alike Contest" for children (Judging at 2pm). Bring your camera and have your photo taken with William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody and Annie Oakley!   (And, have you seen the expanded Buffalo Bill exhibit yet?!) Hope to see everyone there! www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com

February 25th - Chamber Economic Development Meeting 8:00 a.m. Great River Financial, LeClaire.

Save the Date

March 1st - First Friday in LeClaire!

FYI

Please note - the Chamber has a new email address - leclairechamber@gmail.com

The LeClaire Information Center is seeking volunteers to serve as "Ambassadors" introducing visitors to the attractions, shops, neighborhoods, and business opportunities in LeClaire. Training is provided; schedules are flexible. If you want to share the excitement of LeClaire, please consider this opportunity to serve your community. Call 563-289-4242 (ext 1135) or email Cindy Bruhn, Tourism Manager, at Info@VisitLeClaire.com If you would like to share information about events, promotions, news, etc., with Tourism, please send an email to info@visitleclaire.com. Your information will be shared with Shopkeepers, the Chamber and the Tourism Board and will be promoted on Facebook and in monthly emails.

The Buffalo Bill Museum is participating in Younkers' annual "Community Day" fundraiser of $5 coupon books valid March 1-2, 2013 at Younkers and affiliated stores on March 1-2, 2013. The booklets contain a $10 discount on an item priced at $10 or more; a tiered shopping pass for 20%-15%-10% off an item; a 30% "early bird coupon' valid 7-10am, Saturday only; and 13 other merchandise coupons.     Every $5 purchase directly benefits the museum.  It can be purchased at the museum, from one of its board members, or on-line through a link posted on the museum's Face Book page (Buffalo Bill Museum LeClaire).  Online purchases will be mailed without an additional charge!  Because it is valid at the many stores affiliated with Younkers (Bon.Ton, Bergner's, Boston Store, Carson's Elder-Beerman, Herberger's) it can be purchased for family and friends anywhere in the United States!

Reusable Usables Women's Full Moon Yoga Circle 2013 For schedule or with questions, please contact jenniferv@yogag.org or call 563-289-3946. Reservations are appreciated but not required via facebook or email. Cost: $8 Donation. Classes held at Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center Studio 122, 328 N Cody/LeClaire, IA  52753  www.reusableusables.org

Reusable Usables Planet Green After School Classes Planet Green After School Program for ages 5-12. Learn creative and fun ways to respect our planet with hands on eco-friendly art and educational activities based on the Iowa DNR Planet Patrol Series. Thanks to grant funding from Iowa DNR. Ask about our sibling discounts. Pre-register in advance by calling 563-289-3936 or at www.reusableusables.org Planet Green class options and fees: Option #1: Class two times per week - TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $36 per student per month Option #2: Class one time per week - TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS 4:00-5:30 PM $25 per student per month.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

$1,000 Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition is Underway; Ascentra Credit Union is encouraging the youth in our community to further their education by providing two $1,000.000 scholarships each year. Entrants must have an account established in his or her own name at Ascentra. One scholarship is for high school students planning to enter college.  The other scholarship is for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional-aged or continuing education students.   The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on the topic, "With college tuition costs dramatically increasing year after year, besides scholarships, what are some ways that students can help offset the costs of higher education?" All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience. Applications can be picked up at any of our branches or printed off of our website at www.ascentra.org.  The link to the form can be found on our Community Involvement section of our News/Events/Promotions page.  The deadline to apply is March 1, 2013. Awarding a total of $2,000 in scholarships is another way Ascentra Credit Union recognizes that financial planning and education is essential to lifetime success for our members and community.   "Listening, caring, doing what's right" are words the credit union follows every day.

Meals for Seniors at the First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

2013 Trivia Nights in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Centers:

February 9th - Coe Noack Memorial Scholarship

March 9th - Hosted by First Presbyterian Church - Hurricane Sandy Victims

April 6th - LeClaire Little League

May 4th - LeClaire Lions

June 8th - Buffalo Bill Museum

LeClaire Trivia Nights have raised over $95,000 for local non-profit organizations! Thank you for your continued support!

LeClaire Park Board Special Events Calendar

Spring 2013 - Spring Fling Easter Egg Hunt ( Hollyhock Park )

Spring 2013 - Cinco de Mayo

May 18, 2013 -French Market Days - Plant exchange, sale benefiting Parks Dept.

Summer 2013 - City-Wide Water Explosion ( Hollyhock Park )

Summer 2013 - Bike Parade & Decorating

August 9-11, 2013 - Tug Fest

October 13, 2013 - Apple Fest

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!