Iowans who pay estimated quarterly taxes face their first deadline of the new year next week as fourth quarter taxes are due January 15th. Bob Burger, a C-P-A in Omaha-Council Bluffs, says there are new rules every filing season. The year’s biggest issue is thanks to new requirements under the federal Affordable Care Act, as the penalty is rising for anyone who doesn’t have health care coverage.

“That penalty, if you don’t have health insurance, at a minimum is increasing from $95 in 2014 to $325 for an uninsured household in 2015 and then in 2016, it goes up to $695,” Burger says, “so that’s a significant jump.” As you begin to organize all of your tax paperwork, Berger says don’t forget about contributions to non-profit groups you made during the past year.

“Most of the people don’t realize how big of an advantage charitable donations are,” he says. “Make sure, when you go to the charity, get a receipt and bring that with you because it’s a huge deduction and it benefits both parties.” The I-R-S requires you have proof of such donations, with a cancelled check, a bank or credit card statement, or a letter or receipt from the organization. Donors also need written acknowledgement from the charity for all gifts worth $250 or more.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Glenwood report the arrest today (Wednesday), of 37-year old Wendy Meadows. The Glenwood woman was arrested for Harassment. Her bond was set at $1000.

The rules regarding use of your driver’s license as a form of I-D at the airport are changing, even for domestic flights. Cass County Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall points to information on the website totalnewswire.com, which says the Department of Homeland Security will begin enforcing what is now a 10-year-old law called the Real ID Act, which set new regulations for sufficient ID for air travel. Passengers have long had to use their federally issued passports for international trips, but for millions of Americans, that may now extend to flights inside of America as well.

Only 22 states are in full compliance with the law. Many more have been granted extensions that will expire by October 10, 2016 (or earlier). However, four states have not received extensions, meaning their residents will be out of luck starting January 10.

In the Midwest, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin are in full compliance with the law. Many other states have received temporary extensions through October 10 to comply, while Illinois, Minnesota, and Missouri are not in compliance at all. You can find the full list of States compliant with law, those that have received an extension to comply, and those not in compliance, at http://totalnewswire.com/drivers-license-domestic-flights-new-rules/?trackback=email

If you have any questions, contact Tracey J. Marshall at the Cass County Treasurer’s Office.

Atlantic Police say no injuries were reported following a chain-reaction accident Tuesday afternoon, near 7th and Olive Streets. Officials say vehicles driven by Sherrill Clausen, of Atlantic, Shirley Schmitt, of Marne, and Michael Grogan, of Audubon, collided at around 2:30-p.m.

All three vehicles were traveling west on 7th Street, when Clausen and Schmitt slowed for the traffic light. Grogan’s vehicle struck the rear of Schmitt’s vehicle, causing it to be pushed into the rear of the Clausen vehicle. Damage from the collision amounted to $2,200. Police cited Grogan for Following too Close.