NEW BENEFIT PROGRAMS NOW AVAILABLE TO PBA MEMBERS

PBA members now have access to several new, voluntary benefit programs available through a relationship between Aflac and Builder Services, Inc., the service arm of PBA.  These Aflac benefits are designed to protect people against out-of-pocket costs related to medical expenses and disabilities, regardless of any other coverage.

Since these are voluntary programs, there’s no group cost to your company - your employees pay for the benefits themselves (on payroll deduction).

Even better, these benefits can be paid for on a pre-tax basis, which not only can save your employees tax dollars, but also can save FICA tax for your company.  Aflac can help set up the pre-tax program (Section 125 POP Plan) at no charge.

Aflac plans provide important protection for you, your employees and their families that supplement your current coverage and can help save taxes, as well!

BSI is working with Joe Purisky, Aflac regional sales coordinator, and his team of Aflac representatives to provide these benefits to PBA members.  Joe and his team can be reached at (800)694-1299, or you can email Joe at j_purisky@us.aflac.com

If you already have an Aflac account, you should continue working with your current agent.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOMES CREDIT

New guidance has been issued by the federal government on the energy-efficient homes credit.  If you are building energy-efficient homes, you may be eligible for a tax credit from the federal government up to $2,000. 

Under the new provision, an eligible contractor who constructs a qualified new energy - efficient home may qualify for a credit of up to $2,000.  The credit is available for all new homes, including manufactured homes constructed in accordance with the Federal Manufactured Homes Construction and Safety Standards.

The home qualifies for the credit if:

-     It is located in the United States

-     Its construction was substantially completed after 8/8/05.

-     It meets the statutory energy saving requirements

-    It is acquired from the eligible contractor after December 31, 2005 and before January 1, 2008 for use as a residence.

The federal government provides information about the certification process that a builder must complete to qualify for the credit.  It also provides for a public list of software programs that may be used in calculating energy consumption for purposes of obtaining a certification.  

-    Site-built homes qualify for a $2,000 credit if they reduce energy consumption by 50 percent relative to the International Energy Conservation Code standard.

-     Manufactured homes qualify for a $1,000 or $2,000 credit depending on the level of energy savings achieved.

To get more information visit www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154658.html