Women’s Independent Press

By Patricia Thibault
Social Security District Manager in Pittsburgh, PA

This time of year, we see a lot of weddings, and in many cases that means name changes.
If you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you will want
to report the change to Social Security.

There are several reasons to report the change. First, IRS and Social Security match computer
records. If the name and Social Security number you report on your tax return do not match the
name and Social Security number in our records, it could delay the processing of your return
as well as any tax refund you might be due.

It is important to make sure your Social Security records are up-to-date is because your potential Social Security benefits are based almost entirely on the earnings record we maintain for you. If your employer reports earnings to the government under your new name, and your Social Security record still shows your old name, those earnings may not get credited to your Social Security earnings record. Missing earnings can lead to lower future Social Security benefits.

To change your name in Social Security’s records, you must apply for a new Social Security card. To make the application process faster and easier, just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ and print out the form for a Social Security card, “Application Form SS-5.” That’s also the form you need if you simply want to apply for a replacement card. The application form also tells you what evidence you will need to submit.

Complete the one-page form and bring or mail it to your local Social Security office with proper documentation. All documents must be originals or certified copies and must have information that clearly identifies you, like your date and place of birth. The application includes information on what types of identity and documentation are needed for specific cases, and what sorts of documents we can accept.

The application process is easy, and described well (along with other things you may want to know about your Social Security card and number) at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

That on July 2, 1979 the Susan B. Anthony dollar was released?

That on July 2, 1937 - Amelia Earhart’s plane was lost in the Pacific Ocean near Howland Island?

That on July 2, 1964 - President Lyndon Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act;
Title VII prohibiting sex discrimination in employment ?

That July 4, 1876 - Suffragists crashed the Centennial Celebration in Independence Hall
to present the Vice President with the “Declaration of the Rights of Women” written by Matilda Joselyn Gage?

That on July 6, 1957 - Althea Gibson was the first African American woman player to win a
Wimbledon title in women’s tennis singles?

That on July 7, 1981 - President Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor as the first woman
Supreme Court Justice?

That onJuly 12, 1984 - Representative Geraldine Ferraro (D-New York) was chosen as the first
female to run for Vice President of the United States on the Democratic Party ticket with
Walter Mondale (D-Minnesota) ?

That July 14, 1917 - 16 women from the National Women’s Party were arrested while picketing
the White House demanding universal women’s suffrage; they were charged with obstructing traffic?

That on July 19-20, 1848 - The Seneca Falls Convention, the country’s first women’s rights convention,
was held in Seneca Falls, New York

That on July 20, 1942 - The first class of Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) began at Fort Des Moines, IA ?

There are literally hundreds of useful websites for small businesses.
The sites presented below target the most frequent questions of our clients.
And they will lead you to broader lists for more specific issues that you may have.

SCORE Pittsburgh Chapter #007
411 7th Avenue, Suite 1450
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Tel: 412-395-6560 x 130
Fax: 412-395-6562
info@scorepittsburgh.com 

www.score.org   - The National SCORE site has a wealth of infomation, be sure to check out the Business Tools and How-To sections.
www.sba.gov  - Small Business Administration is the most comprehensive listing of government resources and information about small business. This is the entry point for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants and help for minorities. Here you will also find the Small Business Resource Guide, covering small business information, federal taxes, etc.
www.carnegielibrary.org/locations/business   - The Library Center Business Department provides a very useful website for business.

General Information

[pdf] PA Entrepreneur’s Guide (view as html) - The Entrepreneur’s Guide: Starting and Growing a Business in Pennsylvania contains free services, checklists, helpful tips and licensing procedures.
www.toolkit.cch.com   - CCH Small Business This site has excellent planning and general information for small business and emphasizes finances and tax information. They will send you a very useful newsletter by email.
www.emkf.org   - Kaufman Foundation for Entrepreneurial Leadership www.entreworld.com  , are websites provided by the Kaufman Foundation. These websites have lots of useful information and www.fasttrac.org provides start-up training programs for entrepreneurs.
www.startupjournal.com —Wall Street Journal Center for Entrepreneurs
www.allbusiness.com  —All Around Business Advice
www.inc.com  —Inc. Magazine Business Information

Business Planning
www.businessplans.org   - The Center for Business Planning Help Very useful business plan resources.

Marketing
www.census.gov/csd   - North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS), which has now replaced the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) Code: Breaks down all businesses by type and location and is useful for marketing research
www.fedstats.gov   - FedStats - The gateway to statistics from 100 Federal Agencies.

Legal & Regulatory Issues

www.nolo.com   - Nolo Press Legal Self Help A lot of good legal information for small business
www.mycorporation.com  —Incorporation Information
www.irs.gov/smallbiz  —Internal Revenue Service - Forms, Tax Help
www.business.gov   - Business Advisor will lead you to many agencies and their small business programs.
www.state.pa.us   - The Pennsylvania Government provides comprehensive information about small business resources and activities in the state.

Financing
www.clfund.com    - CL Fund provides capital to businesses in western Pennsylvania to have an impact in the region and to encourage entrepreneurship.

SOHO (Small Office/Home Office)

www.nase.org   - National Association of the Self Employed
www.hoaa.com   - Home Office Association of America
www.nationalbusiness.org   - National Business Association
www.workingsolo.com   - Working Solo
www.uschamber.com   - US Chamber of Commerce
www.aahbb.org   - American Association of Home-Based Businesses

Women-Owned Businesses
www.abwa.org   - American Business Women’s Association
www.nawbo.org   - National Association of Women Business Owners
www.wwork.com   - Women’s Work