30 The QUeeNS CoUrier •business •JANUARY 10, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com business s SWEET SURPRISE Nationwide Insurance:ADVERTORIAL Brooklyn Cupcake ALL IN THE FAMILY makes a new home bY MitCHeLL kirk - their broker however, we can do a changethem to change. If they’re not happy withLaura M. Marino, agent and licensed bro in LIC years. Before that, her father ran the office, conducting business with clients via telephone-Marino’s office also offers the convenience ofof broker and they can keep the same insurance policy.”ker, has been heading up the NationwideInsurance office located at 116-17 AtlanticAvenue in Richmond Hill for the last 29 bY aLeXa aLtMan second birthday this July, creates which she calls a “family business” that and fax.“They never have to come to our office if theyprides itself on its service and knowledge. [email protected] confectionary dreams like Vanilla “We offer the best service ever,” don’t want to,” Marino said. Raspberry, Guava con Queso and Not only can Marino’s clients do every-BUSINESSMarino said. “We pride ourselves owner Carmen Rodriguez to cheese and whipped cream in The office offers an array of NEWS to travel to them if so desired.“I will come out personally if they’rein thething from home, but she is even willingon that service, from my fatherto me.”-Red Velvet for adoring customers. The team uses real creamThe fluorescent Pepsi sign brought Brooklyn Cupcake Long Island City. their baking, instead of butter interested in seeing me,” she said. “If theyinsurance products, including Years ago, when the neighbor- cream, to give their cupcakes a automobile, homeowners, life and busi- call the office, the girls will get the mes- hood was still in its early days rich, smooth taste and texture. sage to me and I will call them back that day.”ness. Furthermore, because Marino is also of development, she journeyed to However it’s the fans that set this a licensed insurance broker, customers have Marino’s staff is currently made up of three find the iconic neon insignia and bakery apart from other sweet fulltime employees, one of whom is fluent inthe ability to have their existing insurance stumbled upon Long Island City, shops. The New York Daily policies managed by her as well. Marino Spanish. instantly forming a bond with the News voted them the number “They’re all very hard workers,” Marino said.said she deals with many brokerages and unique sector of the city. After one cupcake spot in NYC and insurance companies all over the state of The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. catering several weddings in the they scored a coveted Zagat rat- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and TuesdaysNew York. area, she began exploring the pos- ing of 27 out of 30. “They don’t even have to change com- and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appoint- sibility of opening another store- “Cupcakes are the ‘in’ thing ment on Saturdays. More information can bepanies,” she said. “We don’t expect them front in her new favorite neighbor- – the logical dessert option if to. If they’re cheaper, no one would expect received by calling the office at 718-441-8300. hood. you’re looking to be the hit of the ond location in conjunction with show up with 12 different fla- Obama Signs New Tax-party, dinner whatever the occasion,” said Rodriguez. “You can-Brooklyn Cupcake recently announced plans to debut a sec Uncle Louie G’s on 48th vors and be sure to please create a one- City location Bill Averting ‘Cliff’The Long Islandalmost everyone.” Avenue off Vernon Boulevard, to stop dessert of Brooklyn shop. Cupcake will also “There are offer ice cream, bY barrY Lisak a top rate of 40 percent, with the first $5 no other bak- milkshakes, cof- Barry Lisak, EA, is an IRS Enrolled million in value exempted for individual eries in LIC fee, tea and Agent who has operated a tax prepa- estates and $10 million for family estates. and everyone cakes. ration office for over 30 years. Any 6. Tax credits: The child tax credit, needs a local Rodriguez says questions or comments, please contact the earned income credit, and an up-to- bakery,” said the secret to a [email protected] or 516-829-7283. $2,500 tax credit for college tuition are all Rodriguez. killer cupcake is The American Taxpayer Relief Act was extended for five years. B r o o k l y n adding just a little signed by President Barack Obama on 7. Bonus depreciation: Accelerated C u p c a k e ’ s something extra. Wednesday January 2, 2013. The bill will bonus depreciation for the purchase of Williamsburg loca- “It is made with raise taxes by about $600 billion over 10 business equipment has been extended tion, which will cel- love, it will always years. It will also delay for two months for one year. ebrate its taste good,” she said. across-the-board cuts to the budgets of 8. Unemployment benefits: Jobless the Pentagon and numerous domestic benefits for the long-term unemployed agencies. Here are some highlights: are extended for one year. 9. Social Security payroll tax cut: The 1. Income tax rates: It restores the top 39.6 percent rate for high-income house- 2 percent cut in payroll tax enacted two holds. This rate would apply to single taxpay- years ago was not extended. For 2013, ers with incomes above $400,000 and mar- families earning $100,000 a year will see ried couples with incomes above $450,000. their take-home pay reduced by $2,000. 2. Phase-out: The personal exemptions 10. Tax extenders: Many tax laws that and itemized deductions phase-out is rein- expired December 31, 2011 have been stated at a higher threshold of $250,000 extended through December 31, 2013. for single taxpayers and $300,000 for mar- These include teacher expenses, mortgage ried taxpayers filing jointly. insurance premiums, state and local sales 3. Capital gains and dividends: A taxes, tuition and fees deduction, and 20 percent rate applies to capital gains tax-free distributions from IRA plans for and dividends for individuals above the charitable purposes. top income tax bracket threshold; the 11. New taxes: On January 1, 2013, two 15 percent is retained for taxpayers in new taxes took effect as a result of 2010’s the middle brackets. The zero rates are health care reform legislation. The employee retained for taxpayers in the 10% and portion of the hospital insurance tax part of 15% brackets. FICA normally 1.45 percent of covered wages 4. Alternative minimum tax: The is increased 0.9% on wages that exceed a exemption amount for the AMT on indi- threshold amount. The threshold amount viduals is permanently indexed for infla- is $250,000 for joint filers and $200,000 for tion. For 2012, the exemption amounts single taxpayers. Secondly, a Medicare tax on are $78,750 for married taxpayers and investment income (interest, dividends, and $50,600 for single filers. capital gains) equal to 3.8% will be imposed 5. Estate tax: Estates would be taxed at on the above-stated income thresholds.
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