Critical reminder about tax filings
Some important changes have been made to Form 990 required by the IRS. Tax-exempt organizations are now required to annually file some form of 990 with the IRS. This form must be filed by the 15th day of the fifth month after the close of the organization’s tax year. For USBC associations, the form must be completed by Dec. 15.

In the past, organizations whose gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less were able to file the form 990-N (e-postcard). New for this year, the threshold has been raised to allow all organizations whose gross receipts are less than $50,000 the opportunity to file the e-postcard.

The e-postcard can be found by clicking here. Associations will need eight items of basic information about the organization:

• Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
• Tax year
• Legal name and mailing address
• Any other names the organization uses
• Name and address of a principal officer
• Website address if the organization has one
• Confirmation the organization’s annual gross receipts are normally $25,000 or less ($50,000 for tax years ending on or after Dec. 31, 2010)
• If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)

If any association needs its Employer Identification Number, please send an email to Mike.Donahue@bowl.comrequesting this information.

WinLABs 10.0.6
The newest version of WinLABs, version 10.0.6, now is available for download. To download, please go to BOWL.com/associations and click on the WinLABs login tab on the right-hand side of the page. You will need your association number and supply order password to begin the download.

For associations on dial-up internet access or those who have difficulty obtaining online updates, please email bowlinfo@bowl.com to receive a copy of the WinLABs patch on CD.

The updates and changes to WinLABs 10.0.6 are as follows:

• Corrected display issue when viewing Setup, Membership Products
• Corrected issue with 300 and 800 ring upgrade data not sent to USBC in transmittals
• Enabled imports for State Associations to receive USBC Achievement and Award criteria.
• Resolved display issue when moving from Inactive leagues to All Centers.

After downloading version 10.0.6, we request that associations send us a transmittal first thing. This will trigger the National Data Change and will include an update to the Grand rings. Please then do a Send/Receive later in the day (no earlier than one hour after the transmittal) as this will complete the process. If you are upgrading to 10.0.6 later in the evening, the National Data Change will be sent the next morning. Please note that membership and special achievement award processing can continue taking place.  

Book now, pay later with MyBowlingVacation.com 
Bowlers planning trips to USBC national tournaments or for those going on a vacation or business trip, just head to MyBowlingVacation.com, the USBC travel website that makes it easy to book any trip.

MyBowlingVacation.com has negotiated the best rates, so USBC members are encouraged to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more at the easy-to-use website.

Those heading to the USBC Open Championships in Baton Rouge, La., or the USBC Women's Championships in Reno, Nev., will be able to find the right hotel to fit their budget.

When booking hotel rooms, USBC members can take advantage of the new Book Now/Pay Later feature. When you book your hotel, you won't have to pay until 14 days before your check-in date.

IBC Youth update
USA Bowling
As the weather grows colder, get more kids inside and grow your youth program through USA Bowling! Through instruction from a volunteer coach and regular practice outside of weekly competition, children will have fun while learning everything from the fundamentals of bowling to life skills including teamwork and sportsmanship. For details about the program and to learn how you can launch a USA Bowling program in your area today, contact USA Bowling Brand Manager Emily Maier at emaier@ibcyouth.com.

Junior Gold
With average requirements no longer in place and four separate divisions for youth, any and all current USBC Youth Standard members are eligible to become a USBC Junior Gold member and bowl in a North Pointe Junior Gold Championships qualifying event. Junior Gold membership is now available for purchase online by going to BOWL.com/joinusbc and selecting Junior Gold.

Youth Open
Online registration is open for the 2012 USBC Youth Open at BOWL.com/youthopen. When registering, required information includes the number of bowlers participating in each event as well as the dates and times the bowlers wish to bowl each event.

Other important dates for the Youth Open are as follows:

• April 1, 2012 – Reservations still accepted, but full fees must accompany reservation.
• July 8, 2012 – Online registration closes. On-site entries only will be accepted.
• July 28, 2012 – Entries for the Youth Open are closed. 

BowlTV Live debuts
Earlier this week, USBC aired a pilot episode of a new live internet show on YouTube called BowlTV Live.

The show features coaching videos, tips and interviews about USBC programs. The show is interactive with the audience allowing bowlers to ask the coaches questions on Facebook or YouTube during the broadcast.

While we are still in the testing phase of this concept, association officials are encouraged to view a recording of the pilot and share with bowlers. By clicking here, you can view the pilot episode of BowlTV Live. You can subscribe to BowlTV on YouTube here or watch for updates on Facebook for an alert about the next episode.