CALSPro - California Association of Legal Support Professionals

A Message From Our Advertising Committee…

Posted February 27, 2018 in Marketing

By Robert Porambo

We are always on the lookout for new vendors or service providers to join CALSPro.  We have several great companies that are currently vendor members and support our great association.  If you know of a company that might be interested in joining CALSPro, please forward me their contact information at your earliest convenience or simply share this blog post with them.

Also, now is a great time to purchase your enhanced web listing for a reasonable price of $100.00 per year.  This is an excellent avenue to advertise your company and help grow your business.

Click HERE to get started

And, thank you to our current vendor members:

Yergey Insurance

Blue Bird Office Supplies

Servenow.com

LegalConnect

CCPS Workshops Are Coming To A Location Near You!

Posted February 22, 2018 in Education

By Andrew Gowing, Continuing Education Committee Chair

CALSPro is dedicated to the education of Process Servers statewide. Educate yourselves and your process servers by attending one of our workshops this year. Our workshops feature a comprehensive study of the primary California process serving codes. The scheduling of workshops and exams for 2018 has begun.

We kicked off the year with our first CCPS Workshop in San Jose on January 27^th. Below are the tentative dates and locations for the remainder of 2018.

Confirmed Dates:

April 14, 2018                            Los Angeles

May 19, 2018                              Bakersfield

June 30, 2018                            Riverside

August 25, 2018                         Santa Ana

October 7, 2018                         Sacramento (Conference)

Proposed Dates:

June 23, 2018                             Chico

July 28, 2018                              Ventura

September 15, 2018                  San Rafael

Unable to attend in person? Join us online! CALSPro is working on a solution for offering our informative and resourceful workshops online. We plan to offer this as an option as early as May 2018. Keep your eyes peeled for more announcements on a CCPS workshop and exam near you.

If you are interested in having a workshop near you, or if you have a readily available venue in mind, please contact our Continuing Education Committee Chair Andrew Gowing to offer your much-appreciated suggestions.

Please note: The above dates and locations are subject to change.

Meet CALSPro Education Committee Chair, Director Andrew Gowing

Posted February 20, 2018 in Membership

Andrew Gowing is on the Board of Directors of CALSPro serving as the Education Committee Chair

Andrew was born in Fountain Valley and raised in Whittier, California. He has a wife, Lindsay, of five years, a 2-year old son named Paxton, and a new one on the way (August 2018).

Andrew enjoys playing golf in his spare time and hanging out with his wife and son (not in that order). He says he occasionally “throws it back to college and high school and shoots some hoops.”

Out of high school, Andrew had a few interesting jobs including UPS, Security at Disneyland, and selling wax at gas stations. He also worked for his dad’s Private Investigation company conducting surveillance on Workman’s Compensation claimants.

Andrew has been at Janney and Janney Attorney Service since 2009 — first as a Route Driver/Process Server for the first four years — and now as the Director of Business Development for the past five. When asked what he enjoys most about his career, Andrew said,

“I enjoy the people I work with, our customers that I get to help on a daily basis, and most of all helping to manage a company that plays an integral part of people’s right to due process.”

Andrew participates on the board with CALSPro to help them maintain the important role they play in the peoples’ right to due process. He also wants to help make sure their industry is around for another 50 years — an industry that is necessary for the business he is engaged in, and a business that helps him support his family.

“I also really enjoy all of the people that make up the Board and the Association — all hard working people that care about what they do for a living and care for others who happen to sometimes be competitors.”

When asked if he had an opportunity to have any other career, what would it be, he answered that he would be coaching and working in real estate.

The Top 10 Things Companies Need To Know About Tax Reform

Posted February 15, 2018 in Education

Source

The $1.5 trillion new tax law represents the most sweeping change to tax code in a generation. Tax reform of this magnitude will have broad implications for businesses of all sizes and in all industries. While the WNDE tax departments wades through the 185-page legislation, here are the top 10 things companies need to know:

1. The corporate tax rate was permanently reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent.
   The top corporate tax rate has been permanently reduced from 35 percent to a flat rate of 21 percent, beginning in 2018. Unlike all other provisions in the new law, including tax breaks for individuals, the new corporate tax rate provision does not expire. Personal service corporations, such as healthcare, law, accounting, consulting, financial services, actuarial sciences, performing arts and athletics—which have historically been subject to some of the highest tax rates—are now taxed at the same rate as other C corporations.
2. There’s a tax break for owners of pass-through entities.
   The new law provides owners of pass-through businesses—which include individuals, estates and trusts—with a deduction of up to 20 percent of their domestic qualified business income (QBI), whether it is attributable to income earned through an S corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship or disregarded entity. Without the new deduction, taxpayers would pay 2018 taxes on their share of qualified earnings at rates up to 37 percent. With the new 20 percent deduction, the tax rate on such income could be as low as 29.6 percent. It should again be noted that certain service industries are excluded from the preferential rate, unless taxable income is below $207,500 (for single filers) and $415,000 (for joint filers), under which the benefit of the deduction is phased out.
3. There might be huge tax benefits to changing your company’s current choice of entity.
   Taxpayers should consider evaluating the choice of entity used to operate their businesses. The 21 percent reduced corporate tax rate may increase the popularity of corporations. However, factors such as the new 20 percent deduction for pass-through income, expected use of after-tax cash earnings and potential exit values will significantly complicate these analyses. The potential after-tax cash benefits ultimately realized by owners could make choice-of-entity determinations one of the most important decision taxpayers will now make.
4. Tax reform means significant changes to the international tax system.
   The United States is moving from its current system of worldwide taxation to a territorial system, under which only domestic earnings are subject to tax. Under the new legislation, some U.S. shareholders of certain foreign corporations will have to pay a one-time “transition tax” on their share of accumulated overseas earnings. Other changes include a “participation exemption,” which is a 100 percent deduction on dividends received by certain U.S. corporations from their foreign subsidiaries. Additionally, some U.S. shareholders of controlled foreign corporations (CFCs) must now include their portion of the “global intangible low-taxed income” of such CFCs as income. There are also new measures to deter base erosion and promote U.S. production.
5. The corporate AMT and DPAD are dead, but Research Tax Credits live on.
   The law repeals the Section 199 Domestic Production Activities Deduction (DPAD) for tax years beginning after 2017. The Research Tax Credit was retained and is now more valuable given reduction of the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.

The corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is also repealed beginning in 2018. This means taxpayers who would have been subject to AMT and therefore generally wouldn’t have been able to use Research Tax Credits to offset their federal income tax liability now will be able to do so. Going forward, any prior corporate AMT credit carryovers may offset the regular tax liability for any taxable year after 2017.

6. They’ve scrapped NOL carrybacks and limited the use of carryforwards.
   Previously, businesses were able to offset current taxable income by claiming net operating losses (NOLs), generally eligible for a two-year carryback and 20-year carry-forward. Now NOLs for tax years ending after 2017 cannot be carried back, but can be indefinitely carried forward. Additionally, NOLs for tax years beginning in 2018 will be subject to an 80 percent limitation.
   Companies will have to track their NOLs in different buckets and consider cost recovery strategy on depreciable assets in applying the 80 percent limitation.
7. Tax reform’s impact on accounting methods may change when revenue is recognized, but new provisions could also lead to temporary and permanent tax benefits.
   Under the new law, accrual basis taxpayers must now recognize income no later than the taxable year in which such income is taken into account as revenue in an applicable financial statement.
   However, new provisions also provide favorable methods of accounting that were not previously available. That, coupled with the reduction in tax rates, creates a favorable and unique environment for filing accounting method changes.

There are many method changes still available for the 2017 tax year. Taxpayers should evaluate current accounting methods to identify any actionable opportunities to accelerate deductions and defer income for the 2017 tax year, which could result in significant tax savings.

8. There are new rules for bonus depreciation and full expensing on new and used property.
   The new tax law allows a 100 percent first-year deduction—up from 50 percent—for the adjusted basis of qualifying assets placed in service after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023, with a gradual phase down in subsequent years before sunsetting after 2026. The definition of qualifying property was also expanded to include used property purchased in an arm’s-length transaction. Businesses should pay close attention to any qualifying asset acquisitions made during the fourth quarter of 2017, as the full expensing can be taken on the 2017 return if the property was acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017.

Additionally, under new tax law, taxpayers may now deduct up to $1 million under Section 179 for properties placed in service beginning in 2018—double the previous allowable amount. The phase-out threshold is increased to $2.5 million and will be indexed for inflation in future years and the types of qualifying property has been expanded.

9. The availability of the cash method of accounting expanded for small businesses.
   Beginning in 2018, the average annual gross receipts threshold for businesses to use the cash method increases from $5 million to $25 million. Under the cash method of accounting, companies do not recognize income until actually or constructively received—regardless of whether the purchase, production or sale of merchandise is an income-producing factor.

Additionally, small businesses who meet the $25 million gross receipts threshold are not required to account for inventories and are exempt from the uniform capitalization rules (UNICAP). The $25 million is indexed for inflation for tax years beginning after 2018.

10. Now is the time to assess total rewards strategies.
    Tax reform significantly impacts various components of an employer’s total compensation program, namely the $1 million deduction cap on pay to the CEO, CFO and top three executives, of a public company, for any year; an excise tax imposed on tax-exempt entities paying over $1 million to their covered employees during a year or providing excessive severance packages to those employees; disallowed deductions for transportation fringe benefits provided to employees; income inclusion for employer-paid moving expenses; further deduction limitations on certain meal and entertainment expenses; and a 2-year tax credit for employer-paid family and medical leave programs. As the IRS releases guidance, employers must immediately modify their payroll systems to reflect tax reform changes impacting individual taxpayers.

Great Organizations Are Made Up Of Great People

Posted February 13, 2018 in Membership

By Larry Kirlin, President

Do you know the salary for being a CALSPro board member? You guessed it — a whopping $0.00.  Now, consider the average income our board members make as business owners and managers. To be fair, we shouldn’t consider big shots like Mike Kern in the average but I’m talking about us mere humans…

But seriously, our Board is comprised of some of the top talent in our industry and we are all volunteering our time to support the association. My hat is off to each volunteer that helps keep this association running smoothly.

That being said, I want to point out a few people that have made a significant impact this year so far:

Tom Alkema

Did you think we have forgotten about our Photocopy Industry members?  No way!  Tom has been working behind the scenes with a group of industry veterans to review all facets of the subpoena and authorization code sections. Once complete, his team will present their recommendations to the CALSPro Board of Directors so they can make their way through the legislative process.

From what I’ve seen so far, this will be the single most important review of the photocopy codes since their inception in the 1980’s. Please let Tom know if you have any input that can benefit the industry.

Andrew Gowing

For organizing a team to update the CCPS materials and to host the first seminar of 2018 in San Jose.  The CCPS program is one of our most valuable assets and Andrew has a plan to make the program more accessible than ever.

Anita Pasillas

For being on just about every committee there is AND publishing the finest newsletter in the industry.  Great content. Great layout. All that, plus being on time. They say if you want something done, give it to a busy person — that person is Anita. David Nill you have a jewel on your hands with Anita.

Kristian Pujol

For his countless hours of hard work coordinating the annual membership renewal campaign. Without Kristian’s effort and leadership, we would be in a desperate situation for members. Thankfully, he was able to muscle his way to adding about 20 new members already this year. We have a long way to go before we hit our target of 50 but Kristian is the right man at the helm to see us to our goal.

Jay Roll

For his nearly daily effort to keep the website updated with relevant content. If you aren’t subscribed to the blogs, you are missing out on one of the greatest benefits we offer our members today.

It’s always a risk when you make a list like this that I have forgotten someone. Let me just say to the rest of the volunteers, that you are not forgotten. I appreciate each of you individually and will recognize your efforts publicly at another time.

Temporary Procedure Changes Implemented By The San Diego Sheriff’s Civil Division

Posted February 8, 2018 in Court Updates

Effective February 5, 2018, the following temporary procedure changes are being implemented by the Sheriff’s Civil Division:

• The runner will drop off all openings and closings at the teller window located in the traffic circle on the back side of the courthouse at 220 W. Broadway.
• The runner may return the afternoon of the next business day to retrieve the opening half sheets (with the SDSO file numbers) and any endorsed copies of the closing documents.
• LEVIES AND EWOS ARE NOT TO BE SERVED UNTIL AFTER THE RUNNER HAS RETRIEVED THE OPENING HALF SHEETS FROM THE CIVIL OFFICE (Any levy or EWO served before our office time stamps the opening documents will be released immediately)

The RPS hours of operation will remain unchanged — 9:00AM to 11:00AM and 1:00PM to 4:00PM

These temporary procedures are being implemented in response to the closure of the courthouse at 220 W. Broadway. We apologize for any inconvenience.

7 Ways To Manage Stress In Your Job

Posted February 6, 2018 in Membership

Let’s face it, the career path we have chosen is a stressful one. From court filing deadlines, to hard-to-serve papers, we have all faced the stress involved with reaching goals and deadlines set forth by our clients or the courts themselves. Managing stress is part of any job, and how we manage that stress is important to your health.

The American Psychological Association has provided some steps you can take to better manage your stress.

1. Track your stressors
   Keep a journal for a week or two to identify which situations create the most stress and how you respond to them. Record your thoughts, feelings and information about the environment, including the people and circumstances involved, the physical setting and how you reacted. Did you raise your voice? Get a snack from the vending machine? Go for a walk? Taking notes can help you find patterns among your stressors and your reactions to them.
2. Develop healthy responses
   Instead of attempting to fight stress with fast food or alcohol, do your best to make healthy choices when you feel the tension rise. Exercise is a great stress-buster. Yoga can be an excellent choice, but any form of physical activity is beneficial. Also make time for hobbies and favorite activities. Whether it’s reading a novel, going to concerts or playing games with your family, make sure to set aside time for the things that bring you pleasure. Getting enough good-quality sleep is also important for effective stress management. Build healthy sleep habits by limiting your caffeine intake late in the day and minimizing stimulating activities, such as computer and television use, at night.
3. Establish boundaries
   In today’s digital world, it’s easy to feel pressure to be available 24 hours a day. Establish some work-life boundaries for yourself. That might mean making a rule not to check email from home in the evening, or not answering the phone during dinner. Although people have different preferences when it comes to how much they blend their work and home life, creating some clear boundaries between these realms can reduce the potential for work-life conflict and the stress that goes with it.
4. Take time to recharge
   To avoid the negative effects of chronic stress and burnout, we need time to replenish and return to our pre-stress level of functioning. This recovery process requires “switching off” from work by having periods of time when you are neither engaging in work-related activities, nor thinking about work. That’s why it’s critical that you disconnect from time to time, in a way that fits your needs and preferences. Don’t let your vacation days go to waste. When possible, take time off to relax and unwind, so you come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform at your best. When you’re not able to take time off, get a quick boost by turning off your smartphone and focusing your attention on non-work activities for a while.
5. Learn how to relax
   Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises and mindfulness (a state in which you actively observe present experiences and thoughts without judging them) can help melt away stress. Start by taking a few minutes each day to focus on a simple activity like breathing, walking or enjoying a meal. The skill of being able to focus purposefully on a single activity without distraction will get stronger with practice and you’ll find that you can apply it to many different aspects of your life.
6. Talk to your supervisor
   Healthy employees are typically more productive, so your boss has an incentive to create a work environment that promotes employee well-being. Start by having an open conversation with your supervisor. The purpose of this isn’t to lay out a list of complaints, but rather to come up with an effective plan for managing the stressors you’ve identified, so you can perform at your best on the job. While some parts of the plan may be designed to help you improve your skills in areas such as time management, other elements might include identifying employer-sponsored wellness resources you can tap into, clarifying what’s expected of you, getting necessary resources or support from colleagues, enriching your job to include more challenging or meaningful tasks, or making changes to your physical workspace to make it more comfortable and reduce strain.
7. Get some support
   Accepting help from trusted friends and family members can improve your ability to manage stress. Your employer may also have stress management resources available through an employee assistance program (EAP), including online information, available counseling and referral to mental health professionals, if needed. If you continue to feel overwhelmed by work stress, you may want to talk to a psychologist, who can help you better manage stress and change unhealthy behavior.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Legislative Committee Update

Posted February 1, 2018 in Legislation

By Chad Barger, Chairman

Since my last update, things have started to move on the legislative landscape.

Amended Hours

The committee has submitted a request to amend the hours of service on CCP 1011(b) services.  The proposed amendment is to expand the hours for service on a pro se party by leaving a copy with anyone, other than the party, at his or her residence between the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM.  Our logic is, if all adult residents work during normal business hours, they are often out the door before 8 AM and do not return from work until after 6 PM.  The proposed amendment simply widens the window to effect serving notice to the pro se party by leaving the documents with someone else if he or she is not present.

Obstruction of Justice Language

We are also beginning the work of crafting language on the obstruction of justice front.  Over 18 states have laws that prohibit anyone from interfering with a process server while performing his/her duties.  We’re reviewing each state’s laws and will begin the task of finding a place in an existing law or the creation of a new law, where we can submit language that will assist process servers throughout the state.

Photocopy Improvements

On the photocopy front, Tom Alkema and the committee are making headway in the endeavor to bring existing evidence and civil codes into the 21^st century. Keep an eye out for future updates.

I speak for the entire committee when I say, that we are proud to be a part of this process and look forward to the continued effort to make the process serving, photocopy and court filing professions better, through smart, helpful and useful legislative avenues.