If you’re a business owner or just want to be one, you don’t have to pay a lot of money for consultants, attorneys or accountants. Mr. Info and Uncle Sam can help you find the answers to your questions.
Q-How can I protect myself from a sexual harassment charge from an employee?
A-The first step is to learn what qualifies as sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has pamphlets and fact sheets on sexual harassment, including copies of the law, policy guidance for the workplace and a “Sexual Harassment Resource Kit.”
All publications are free and some are available in Spanish. For copies, contact Publications Distribution Center (800-669-3362; TDD 800-800-3302).
Q-I own a dry-cleaning store. Can I get some government help if the local Army base closes and hurts my business?
A-There’s a lot of money going into communities that will be hurt because of base closings. Some of that money is specifically for local small businesses that are going to get hurt in the squeeze.
Two major programs provide grants to states and local areas that will be hurt. To find out more about these programs, contact the Economic Adjustment Division, Economic Development Administration, Room H7327, Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230 (202-482-2659).
Q-What is family leave? Do I have to give it to my part-time employees?
A-If an employee works at least 24 hours a week for 52 weeks and has worked for a company for at least a year, then he/she can qualify for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in any 12-month period.
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 requires employers of 50 or more workers to provide this leave for the birth or adoption of a child, the acquisition of a foster child, the serious illness of a child, spouse or parent or the serious illness of the employee.
For more details on the requirements of the law, contact Women’s Bureau, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210 (800-827-5335; TDD 800-326-2577).
Q-How do I make a deal with the Internal Revenue Service if I owe back taxes?
A-Recent data shows that the IRS is settling for less. The IRS certainly wants your money, if you have it, but it’s becoming a lot more flexible in order to encourage delinquent taxpayers to come in out of the cold.
In some cases, the IRS will waive penalties as a way to encourage taxpayers to file rather than not bother to file at all.
“Your Rights as A Taxpayer” (No. 1), “Understanding the Collection Process” (No. 594) and “It’s Never Too Late!” (No. 1715) can provide you with more information.
For free copies, contact your local IRS office or call the Internal Revenue Service (800-829-3676).
Q-Where can I find out who buys toys for the government?
A-Contact the Federal Procurement Data Center. The center can tell you what agencies are currently buying toys, from whom they buy and for how much money.
You can also find out how much the federal government spends on anything from pasta to real estate.
The FPDC summarizes this information in a free, annual standard report and provides customized reports on a cost-recovery basis. contact the Federal Procurement Data Center, General Services Administration, Seventh and D Street, S.W., Room 5652, Washington, D.C. 20407 (202-401-1529).
Q-I own my own business, and I’d like to know if there are programs to help me sell my product overseas?
A-The Market Promotion Program provides money for consumer advertising, demonstrations, public relations, participation in trade fairs, market research and more. To learn more about this program, contact Commodity and Marketing Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250 (202-720-4327).
Q-I’ve heard of special programs for minorities who want to start businesses. Are there any programs for women?
A-The Office of Women’s Business Ownership, within the Small Business Administration, offers business counseling and training to help women start and manage their own businesses.
Demonstration projects provide services and assistance in the form of financial management and marketing training and counseling. For more information, contact the Small Business Administration, Office of Women’s Business Ownership, 409 Third St., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20416 (202-205-6673).
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Do you want help from Mr. Info? Send questions to Matthew Lesko, c/o The New York Times Syndicate, 130 5th Avenue-9th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10011. Selected questions will be answered in this column.
