The Ken 11/17/2025

Director: Cathy Piciulo

Fine Master: Brandon Blatz

Table/Split: Karen Kulakowski

Ken Writer: Cathy Piciulo for Pat Friffin

Invocation: Ed Hacherl

Speaker: Robin Selino CPA, CGMA, Arcara, Lenda, Eusanio and Stacey CPA's, PC

President Holly opened the meeting at 12:20 p.m. with a gong and the Pledge to the flag. Ed led us in prayer.

Announcements:

Holly and Brandon attended the District conference and received several awards for the Club for the last year. Holly mentioned the Purple Pinky/Polio Now award, Club Excellence award and the Lighthouse award for which we were one of only 6 clubs, which then put us in contention for another award which we did not win, but we were 1 of only 3 clubs eligible.

There was another award or mention-I wrote down TRF? based on giving to the Foundation.

Alex and Alysa Fursman donated $200 to 100 for 100 bringing us to $8500.00

Cardinal O'Hara extended an invite to a concert at 6:30 PM on December 10th

November 24th no meeting in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday
December 3rd will be an evening dinner meeting/holiday party 5:30 at Joey’s Place. Wear your ugly holiday sweater. Prizes will be awarded
December 8th will be our club assembly to vote on officers for 2026/2027
December 15th will be the Ken West Holiday Christmas Carol Concert -there may be a conflict
December 22nd and 29th no meetings as we celebrate Christmas and New Years
January 10th is our wine tour from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (approx. times). Members can sign up until December 30th. After that, Holly will open it up to more guests in order to fill up the bus. The tour will depart from Elmwood Commons or Montante' s office (TBD) around 10 AM and return around 4 PM. The cost is $40 per person, with a potential increase if seats are not filled.

Steve: Sunday is the Christmas Bash for Kids 1-4 PM at the Knights of Columbus

Brandon: Club Polo's are available-an order form is being circulated and emailed-order by Dec 15th

Larry: Need volunteers for Purple Pinky tomorrow at Eddison 10:30-2:00

Donna:

November Birthday's-Karen

Anniversaries: Karen 3 years, Mike Hetler 37 years

Holly introduced Robin Selino:

• Robin has been practicing for over 30 years and has presented to the club multiple times.

• The new tax bill has 900 pages, with many changes affecting both individuals and businesses.

Overview of Tax Law Changes

• Robin explains that many business changes from 2017 are now permanent, while individual changes were due to expire.

• The standard deduction has been doubled and is now higher for married filing jointly and head of household filers.

• New deductions include tips, overtime, auto loan interest, and additional deductions for seniors over 65.

Details on New Deductions

• The new tips deduction allows up to $25,000 annually for tips, with income limitations.

• The overtime deduction allows up to $12,500 annually for half-time premiums, with income limitations.

• The new auto loan interest deduction is available for new vehicles assembled in the U.S., with income limitations.

Senior Deduction and State and Local Tax Deduction

• The new senior deduction allows up to $12,000 for married filing jointly, with income limitations.

• The state and local tax (SALT) deduction has increased to $40,000, with income limitations.

• Robin emphasizes the importance of understanding the new deductions and their income limitations.

Charitable Contributions and 529 Plans

• New above-the-line deductions for charitable contributions are available starting in 2026.

• 529 plans can now be used for apprenticeship programs, trade schools, private high schools, and student loans.

• Robin explains the differences between above-the-line deductions and itemized deductions.

Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care Credit

• The child tax credit is now permanent at $2,200 per child, with income phase-outs.

• The dependent care credit remains at 20% on qualified expenses, up to $3,000 or $6,000 for more than one child.

• The employer dependent care credit increases to $7,500 in 2026.

Qualified Business Income Deduction and Health Insurance Credits

• The qualified business income (QBI) deduction is now permanent, providing a 20% deduction for pass-through entities.

• Health insurance credits for Obamacare and clean energy credits have been eliminated.

• Robin provides information on the new tax brackets and capital gains rates, which are now permanent.

Estate and Gift Tax Changes

• The gift tax limit increases to $19,000 per year for 2025, with a combined limit of $38,000 for couples.

• The estate tax limit increases to $15 million starting in 2026.

• Robin explains the differences in tax rates for trusts and individual tax returns.

Bonus Depreciation and Meals Deduction

• Bonus depreciation increases to 100% for 2026, allowing businesses to deduct the full cost of certain assets.

• The deduction for meals provided on-premises by businesses is eliminated.

• Robin emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes for business planning.

Robin pulled tickets for the ACE and Split. Micah won $12.00 and Tim Glor picked out the 10 of Hearts

Brandon asked for confessions and made some easy money charging a $1 for anyone who did not attend the District conference or have a name tag. Trivia- did you know that 300 pieces of pizza are eaten every second in the US?

Meeting adjourned at 1:27 with the 4 way test (plus 1)