To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the rule treating certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property.

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $100 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Client expense: $21,820 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, White House Office

AG Equipment Depreciation, S 700 and HR 1747

Client expense: $683,325 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $140,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

Supported various efforts to improve and simplify the tax code for dairy farmers. Estate Tax - HR 1259, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 - Supported efforts to reform estate taxes. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - HR 1747 and S 700 - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent.

Client expense: $128,895 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Estate tax and capital gains tax extensions (no bill number yet) Tax extensions for farmers (i.e. deductions, expensing schedules) (no bill number yet) H.R.5320 - Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) agriculture exemption H.R.1747/S.700 - Depreciation on farm equipment Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) (no bill number yet) H.R.1370 - Health Insurance Tax (HIT) re: impact on farmers S.3412, S.3413 Tax extenders re: estate tax provisions

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $100 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Client expense: $21,820 · Firm income: Not reported

Supported various efforts to improve and simplify the tax code for dairy farmers. Estate Tax - HR 1259, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 - Supported efforts to reform estate taxes. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - HR 1747 and S 700 - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent.

Client expense: $123,251 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration for Children & Families (ACF), Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Lobbied to prevent repeal of last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method. Urged Congress to permanently repeal the estate tax (H.R. 1259/S. 2242). Supported S. 700/H.R. 1747, which would permanently institute a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment. Lobbied Congress to extend 100 percent bonus depreciation through 2012 (H.R. 4196/S. 2240). Urged Congress to enact legislation to ensure that contractors with long-term contracts should not be precluded from using bonus depreciation (the "Sec. 460 fix") in 2011 and 2012 (H.R. 3366).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $90,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $140,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $100 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Client expense: $32,638 · Firm income: Not reported

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $140,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

Supported various efforts to improve and simplify the tax code for dairy farmers. Estate Tax - HR 1259, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 - Supported efforts to reform estate taxes. Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Bonus Depreciation - HR 1747 and S 700 - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent.

Client expense: $130,502 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Lobbied to prevent repeal of last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method. Supported a two-year extension of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts to afford lawmakers the time to consider comprehensive tax reform. Urged Congress to permanently repeal the estate tax (H.R. 1259). Supported S. 700/H.R. 1747 which would permanently institute a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment. Lobbied Congress to extend 100 percent bonus depreciation and higher small business expensing allowances through at least 2012. Urged Congress to enact legislation to ensure that contractors with long-term contracts should not be precluded from using bonus depreciation (the "Sec. 460 fix") in 2011 and 2012 (H.R. 3366).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $80,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

LIFO Tax Accounting Method International Tax Code Agricultural Equipment Depreciation, S700 and HR 1747

Client expense: $683,325 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $100 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Client expense: $32,637 · Firm income: Not reported

Lobbied to prevent repeal of last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method. Urged Congress to permanently repeal the estate tax. Lobbied for full repeal of the three percent government contractor withholding tax. Supported S. 700/H.R. 1747 which would permanently institute a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment. Urged Congress to address both the individual and corporate tax rates in comprehensive tax reform legislation. Lobbied Congress to extend 100 percent bonus depreciation and higher small business expensing allowances through at least 2012. Urged Congress to enact legislation to ensure that contractors with long-term contracts should not be precluded from using bonus depreciation (the Sec. 460 fix) in 2011 and 2012 (H.R. 3366).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $80,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $130,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

Supported various efforts to improve and simplify the tax code for dairy farmers. Estate Tax - HR 1259, the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 - Supported efforts to reform estate taxes Alternative Minimum Tax - Supported efforts to eliminate the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Bonus Depreciation - HR 1747 and S 700 - Supported legislation to make bonus deprecation for farm equipment permanent

Client expense: $248,247 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13.. In addition, involved with a service provider's effots to recognize a "tool reimbursement" program for technicians by the IRS for tools purchased by technicians. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported repeal of the 3% income tax withholding requirements when payments are made to equipment dealers and other businesses by governmental entities for goods or services after December 31, 2011 as required in the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $50 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Lobbied to prevent repeal of last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method. Urged Congress to permanently repeal the estate tax. Lobbied for full repeal of the three percent government contractor withholding tax (S. 89/S. 164/H.R. 674). Supported S. 700/H.R. 1747 which would permanently institute a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $80,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $130,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

H.R. 1747 Five year depreciation of farm equipment; S. 164/S. 589/H.R. 674 Withholding on government payments from conservation and farm programs; S. 700/H.R. 747 Five year depreciation on farm equipment; Tax relief/extensions for farmers affected by flooding

Client expense: $50,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes and is seeking an extension of bonus depreciation into 2012-13.. In addition, involved with a service provider's effots to recognize a "tool reimbursement" program for technicians by the IRS for tools purchased by technicians. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported repeal of the 3% income tax withholding requirements when payments are made to equipment dealers and other businesses by governmental entities for goods or services after December 31, 2011 as required in the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $50 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation. Monitoring the progress of the Main Street Fairness Act (S. 1452 and H.R. 2701) that streamlines the collection of state's sales taxes and collections.

Lobbied to prevent repeal of last in, first out (LIFO) accounting method. Urged Congress to permanently repeal the estate tax. Lobbied for full repeal of the three percent government contractor withholding tax (S. 89/S. 164/H.R. 674). Urged Congress to eliminate the IRS 1099 requirement from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Public Law No: 111-148 (H.R. 4), which would subject small businesses to additional data collection and IRS filing burdens. Supported S. 700/H.R. 1747 which would permanently institute a five-year depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $100,000

Government targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 4 - Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 H.R. 674 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities H.R. 1259 - Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 H.R. 1370 To repeal the annual fee on health insurance providers enacted by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act H.R. 1744 American Job Protection Act H.R. 1747 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent the rule treating certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property H.R. 2112 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 S. 493 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 S. 700 A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the treatment of certain farming business machinery and equipment as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation S. 782 Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2011 S. 884 Domestic Energy Promotion Act of 2011 S.A. 299 Small Business Regulatory Freedom S.A. 405 To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities, and for other purposes S.A. 411 To prohibit the use of Federal funds to construct ethanol blender pumps or ethanol storage facilities S.A. 436 To repeal the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit Agricultural Equipment Depreciation 3 Percent Withholding Tax Esate Tax Health Insurance Tax (HIT) Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 Sec. 511

Client expense: $560,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.

Client expense: $130,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Small Business Administration (SBA), Surface Transportation Board (STB), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), White House Office

"Domestic Energy Promotion Act of 2011" (S. 884): Legislation that would incrementally reduce and ultimately phase out the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC). The bill also reduces the general rate of duty on ethanol imports, continues the tax credit for cellulosic ethanol, increases the tax credit for alternative fuel pumps and establishes a new tax credit for dual-use refueling property. (continued) Coburn-Feinstein ethanol amendment: An amendment was offered to S. 782, the Economic Development Revitalization Act of 2011, to eliminate the VEETC on June 30, 2011, and remove the current tariff on imported ethanol. The organization opposed the amendment. McCain amendment: An amendment was offered to S. 782 to prohibit the use of federal funds to build ethanol blender pumps or storage facilities. The organization opposed the amendment. The Ethanol Reform and Deficit Reduction Act (S. 1185): Legislation that would end the VEETC and tariff on imported ethanol prior to December 31, 2011, the current expiration date. Savings generated will be used to keep in place the small ethanol producer tax credit, cellulosic production tax credit and blender pump and alternative fueling infrastructure tax credit. The remaining funds will be applied toward deficit reduction. The organization supports S. 1185. S. 700/H.R. 1747: Legislation to provide a five-year depreciation for agricultural equipment. Five-year depreciation was allowed for one year, 2009, but the provision was not extended by Congress in 2010. S. 700/H.R. 1747 would permanently reinstate the tax provision.

Client expense: $50,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Support passage of legislation (S. 700 and HR 1747) to reduce the number of years farm and ranch equipment is depreciated over from 7 years to 5 years. Belong to an industry coalition that opposes changes by IRS in the LIFO method of inventory accounting for tax purposes. In addition, involved with a service provider's effots to recognize a "tool reimbursement" program for technicians by the IRS. Supported provisions in House Bill 4 that repeals the Form 1099 filing requirement. Also concentrated on supporting a version of the estate tax issue. Our policy is to see an estate tax law that would support a $5 million dollar exemption (indexed for inflation) at a maximum tax rate of 35%. Supported repeal of the 3% income tax withholding requirements when payments are made to equipment dealers and other businesses by governmental entities for goods or services after December 31, 2011 as required in the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005. Supported changes in IRS Code Section 263A enacted as a part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 requiring taxpayers to capitalize direct and indirect costs properly allocable to certain real property and tangible personal property produced by the taxpayer and the real property and certain personal property that is acquired by the taxpayer for resale. Section 263A applies when a business has more than $10 million in sales for the year. The section is receiving renewed attention from the IRS as more and more businesses are exceeding the $10 million sales threshold. The IRS has not changed the required sales level since the original enactment in 1986. We supported a review by Congress of the existing threshold and recommend a new threshold of at least $50 million dollars as a way to exempt smaller business from this unnecessary burden and tax calculation.