How did tax law change in 2011? The “Taxes for Today’s Small Business” session will answer this question and many others.

Sponsored by the Madison Chamber of Commerce, the session will target owners and managers for 2012 filing, Samantha Brinkley said. Brinkley, CEO of Rocket City HR, coordinates the chamber’s professional development series.

Burdick Tax & Accounting will present the session on Feb. 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Hogan Family YMCA, 130 Park Square Lane.

Participants will learn best strategies for reduced taxes, year-round streamlining tips and reasons for tax assistance. “We’ll answer tax questions you’ve been afraid to ask,” presenter Melanie Burdick said.

Tax-saving benefits due to expire have been extended, and many tax laws have changed, Burdick said. “Businesses are allowed a credit for hiring unemployed workers.”

“Most business owners and partners can now deduct payments for health insurance,” she said. Businesses’ no. 1 mistake “is simply not planning for taxes.”

Burdick served in the U.S. Army eight years, deployed twice to Bosnia and as an Army Post Office finance clerk.

She earned degrees at Calhoun Community College and Athens State University. Burdick has worked as accounting lead with two companies, a commercial/residential landscaping firm and multimillion-dollar government contractor.

She and her husband and business partner Benny Burdick have one daughter.

A veteran-owned business, Burdick Tax & Accounting serves tax and accounting needs of individuals and small businesses at competitive rates in the Decatur area. “We strike the perfect balance between small, attentive service and professional expertise,” Burdick said.

“Listening is the foundation of a lasting client relationship built on trust and respect,” she said. The firm’s address is 2128 6th Ave. SE, Suite 506 in Decatur. For information, call 256-686-8126 or visit BurdickAccounting.com.

Registration fee is $15 for members and $25 for other guests. “We ask participants to register by Feb. 17 but will accept walk-ins,” Brinkley said.

To register, call the chamber at 256-325-8317.