Business

The Internal Revenue Services has begun notifying about 1 million tax return preparers to remind them that they must renew their preparer tax identification numbers if they are still paid preparers.
Use of the numbers will be required on all federal returns prepared by paid tax return preparers starting Jan. 1, 2011.
 Tax return preparers can register immediately using a new sign-up system available through www.IRS.gov/taxpros.
Preparers will need to create an account, complete the PTIN application and pay a $64.25 fee before receiving their ID numbers.

Dr. Robert Parker, a fourth-generation Kingstonian and former Kingston optometrist, has returned to his hometown to reopen his practice.

Parker is back in the area after serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps and as an independent contractor. He and his wife, Kingston native Elaine Toon Parker, both have family in the area and plan to retire in Kingston.

Roane County employers now have a forum in which they can talk over workforce and human-resources issues.

The Roane County Employer’s Association meets monthly for networking, lunch and a speaker who addresses som e aspect of workforce or human resources issues.

“I feel strongly that this group provides a good avenue for each of our employers to learn about issues concerning workforce, as well as to network with others in similar circumstances,” said Leslie Henderson, president and CEO of The Roane Alliance.

Roane Medical Center has named Dr. Suresh K. Nekuri as medical director for the Harriman-based hospital’s evolving hospitalist program.

As the hospitalist medical director, Nekuri will interact with other hospitalists, the medical staff and hospital leaders to provide care for the increasing number of inpatients assigned to the hospitalist services.

“I am pleased to offer patients the personalized care that they seek during their time at Roane Medical Center,” Nekuri said.