Community news briefs for December 20, 1999

Monday, Dec. 20, 1999 | 10:59 a.m.

Group, firm work to halt drunken driving

Nonprofit group STOP DUI, along with the Law Firm of Crockett & Myers, are teaming up this holiday season to help get party revelers home safely.

Starting noon Thursday through noon New Year's Day, the law firm of Crockett & Myers will pay $5,000 to have drivers take partygoers home in their own vehicle.

Arrive Alive and Designated Driver also will be giving free and safe rides home to those who call 456-STOP.

Companies can reduce their tax burden

Businesses that have a highly profitable 1999 may want to consider the "Santa Claus deduction" to reduce their tax burden.

This federal income tax deduction is earned by donating excess, nonmoving inventory to charity and in some cases can be as much as twice the cost.

To claim the deduction for 1999, companies with a Dec. 31 fiscal year end must commit to the donation in writing before the close of their tax year.

The IRS then gives them a 75-day grace period in which to complete the donation. Products that qualify for this deduction can include returns, cancelled orders, seconds, discontinued merchandise and slow sellers.

For more information, call the nonprofit Nation Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources at 1-800-289-4551.