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Introducing:
Sherry Vidlak
Sherry Vidlak was referred to The Abilities Fund’s Nebraska Self Employment Services by Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation in August of 2007. Sherry’s goal was to use her life-long love of all things “sewing” to create a profitable business. She tells her story below.
"I started to sew when I was a teenager. My grandmother had me hooked on quilt making when I was 17. I do enjoy all aspects of sewing and do all types of alterations and custom sewing, from bridal gowns to hemming pants. In the past 5 years or so, I have found out how much I enjoy more specialized sewing projects like making costumes--especially western ball gowns.
Four years ago I decided to do research to see if a home based business using my sewing skills would be profitable. In doing research I came up with a business name—“Upinstitches”. My business and personal goal is to be able to support myself.
Vocational Rehabilitation helped me to purchase more equipment and provided additional assistance through The Abilities Fund/NE Self Employment Services (NSES).
The Abilities Fund/NSES has been fantastic to work with. Christine and Cory have good ideas and are always ready to go the extra mile to help anyone out. Carol Blood (NSES Business Support Services) is a bookkeeper and computer whiz--her knowledge is limitless. I have seen my business grow through networking with other businesses and by word of mouth. I am working daily on promoting my business and look forward to increased success in 2010.
I am fortunate to get help from Vocational Rehabilitation due to my disabilities. There are days that I do not feel well enough to work, so being able to work from home is a blessing. On the days that I do feel well, I am able to work harder and get more work accomplished. By taking better care of myself, I am able to lead a more productive life. It feels good.
If you have sewing needs, please feel free to contact me. As a professional tailor and designer, I understand the historical and current impact that fashion has on our everyday lives. Once you have experienced the professional services provided at Upinstitches, I guarantee you will find yourself spoiled with the personal attention, knowledge, and care given to each and every project."
Upinstitches
Sherry Vidlak, owner
(402) 432-6606
Earned Income Tax Credit Can Put Money in Your Pocket
You could be cheating yourself at tax time, even if you are not required to file a tax return. The IRS estimates one in four eligible taxpayers will overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit - or EITC - worth up to $5,600 or more this year.
EITC is a refundable tax credit, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax or had no tax withheld. And, if you owe tax, it can offset the amount you must pay.The credit has been making the lives of working people a little easier for 35 years. Yet it remains little known, possibly because people move into and out of eligibility as their income, marital statuses and parental statuses change.
Unlike other tax credits, EITC is based on a combination of factors such as the source and amount of your income, or combined income if married, whether you have qualifying children and how many. Although children are not required for eligibility, they increase the amount of your credit. Through new legislation, families with three or more children can get even more money.
The credit is complex, but worth exploring. It's even more valuable if your state has a corresponding tax credit.If you had less than $48,000 in income from wages, self-employment or farming in 2009, see if you qualify. Find more information at www.irs.gov, keyword: EITC. Use IRS's online EITC Assistant to determine your eligibility and the amount of your credit, or use the worksheet in your tax instruction package.
No-cost help is available in many communities. Volunteer income tax assistance sites or IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers will compute your EITC and prepare your return at no charge. To locate a volunteer site, call your community's 211 or 311 number for local services or call the IRS at 1-800-906-9887. Locate an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in the blue pages of your telephone directory
Remember: if you are eligible, you must file a federal income tax return, even if you are not otherwise required to file, and you must specifically claim the credit to get it.
Per the IRS, rural and non-traditional families -- such as grandparents raising grandchildren -- childless workers, and Spanish-speaking taxpayers are among those who most frequently overlook the credit.
Check This Out!
The Office of Disability Employment Policy, or ODEP, has released a brochure titled Employer Perspectives on Employment of People with Disabilities. The brochure breaks down how employers feel about their disabled employees and the right way to go about hiring someone with a disability. Click here to read the article.
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