IDES Release the 2019 Weekly Benefit Amount
Effective 1-1-2019 the Weekly Benefit Amounts are listed below:

• Average weekly benefit amount:  $396.00

• Individual maximum weekly benefit amount:   $471.00
• Non working spouse maximum weekly benefit amount:      $561.00
• Dependent child maximum weekly benefit amount:      $648.oo

IDES Release the 2019 Rate Determination
On November 30, 2018 The Illinois Department Of Employment Security, (IDES) mailed the 2019 Rate Determination. Check the Rate Determination as soon as you receive it. Employers have until December 17, 2018 to protest if the rate is incorrect.

​The 2019 minimum and maximum rates were reduced from the 2018 rates. 

• 2019 Minimum Rate                     0.475%   reduced from 0.525%
• 2019 Maximum Rate                     6.875%    reduced from 6.925%
• 2019 Taxable Wage Base             $12,960.00        

The cost per employee at the minimum rate will be $61.56, per employee who earns $12,960.00, in calendar year 2019.  The 2018 cost per employee was $68.04.

The cost per employee at the maximum rate will be $891.00, per employee who earns $12,960.00, in calendar year 2019. The 2018 cost per employee was $897.48.

If you have any questions please call:
Unemployment Consultants, Inc.,
Greg Gabrielsen
(847) 670-0590
greg@unemploymentconsultantsinc.com

Don’t take the bait: Here’s how taxpayers can avoid getting caught by a phishing scam

Data thieves don’t take a break during the holidays. In fact, the IRS warns taxpayers that the agency is seeing a large increase in bogus email schemes that seek to steal money or tax data.
 
The most common way for cybercriminals to steal money, bank account information, passwords, credit cards and Social Security numbers is to simply ask for them. Every day, people fall victim to phishing scams or phone scams that cost them their time and their cash.
Here are a few steps taxpayers can take to protect against phishing and other email scams. When reading emails, people should:

• Be vigilant and skeptical. Never open a link or attachment from an unknown or suspicious source. Even if the email is from a known source, the recipient should approach with caution. Cybercrooks are good at acting like trusted businesses, friends and family. This even includes the IRS and others in the tax business.
• Double check the email address. Thieves may have compromised a friend’s email address. They might also be spoofing the address with a slight change in text. For example, using narne@example.com  instead of name@example.com.  Merely changing the “m” to an “r” and “n” can trick people.
• Remember that the IRS doesn't initiate spontaneous contact with taxpayers by email to ask for personal or financial information. This includes asking for information via text messages and social media channels. The IRS does not call taxpayers with aggressive threats of lawsuits or arrests.
• Not click on hyperlinks in suspicious emails. When in doubt, users should not use hyperlinks and go directly to the source’s main web page. They should also remember that no legitimate business or organization will ask for sensitive financial information by email.
• Use security software to protect against malware and viruses found in phishing emails. Some security software can help identity suspicious websites that are used by cybercriminals.
• Use strong passwords to protect online accounts. Experts recommend the use of a passphrase, instead of a password, use a minimum of 10 digits, including letters, numbers and special characters.
• Use multi-factor authentication when offered. Two-factor authentication means that in addition to entering a username and password, the user must enter a security code This code is usually sent as a text to the user’s mobile phone. Even if a thief manages to steal usernames and passwords, it’s unlikely the crook would also have a victim’s phone.
• Report phishing scams. Taxpayers can forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.

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1. Executive Summary

2. Current Situation

3. Vision

• Mission Statement
• Goals (long range)
• Objectives (short/medium range)

4. Management

5. Product / Service Description

6. Market Analysis

• Customers
• Competition
• Opportunities
• Risks

7. Marketing Strategy

• Personnel
• Facilities / Equipment
• Pricing & Profitability
• Advertising & Promotion
• Public Relations
• Selling Tactics
• Distribution Channels
• Business Relationships

8. Production / Manufacturing Strategy

• Personnel
• Facilities / Equipment
• Intellectual Property
• Regulation / Compliance
• Supply Chain
• Business Relationships

9. Administrative Strategy

• Personnel
• Facilities / Equipment
• Management Information
• Worker Administration & Benefits
• Regulation / Compliance
• Business/Professional Relationships

​10. Financial Information 

• Pro Forma Balance Sheets (for 5 years into the future)
• Pro Forma Income Statement (for 5 years into the future)
• Detailed Budget (for next 12 to 24 months into the future)
• Cash Flow Projection (for next 12 to 24 months into the future)
• Break Even Analysis (show growth steps, if applicable)
• Summary of Existing Resources (people and money)
• Potential Sources of Funding

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