The National Association of Mortgage Field Services, Inc. (NAMFS) is the premier trade association for the mortgage field service industry. NAMFS, which is celebrating our 21st anniversary, is dedicated to working with all entities of the industry from the Government Agencies and investors that set policy to the contractors and inspectors that perform the work in accordance with these policies.  

The last two to three years have seen unprecedented growth in our industry due to the foreclosure and credit crisis in the country.  Our members are dedicated to providing top quality, professional services to the mortgage lending industry.

"Quality is never an accident...it is always a result of intelligent effort"

John Ruskin

Members,

As the saying goes, being forewarned is being forearmed.  Many of us use sub or independent contractors as opposed to W-9 employees.  Apparently, the IRS will begin focusing on the relationships you have with your subs and determining whether they meet certain criteria to be considered independent.

Some of our members have recently gone through audits and, while most have come out unscathed, some have been fined.  I encourage everyone to educate yourselves, check with your accountants or attorneys and prepare for the eventuality of an audit.

Many thanks to Board member Bryan Lysikowski for providing us with this important information.  We also want to thank member Roger Porter for bringing this issue to our attention.  Please click on the link below to review the article and download the 160 page training guide.

www.accountingweb.com/topic/classifying-employees-right-way

Here is a second article of interest.

http://www.peakconsultinginc.com/Articles/employee_vs_independent_contract.htm

UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS!

March 10 - 12, 2010
The Westin - Charlotte, NC

2010 NAMFS CONFERENCE

Watch a video of Salt Lake City to premier the location for next year's conference at the Little America Hotel.  The conference dates are September 9 - 11, 2010.  There will be further updates as we get closer to the event.

The NAMFS.org Online Store is open for business.  You can purchase NAMFS merchandise - hats, hoodies, T-shirts, etc. -  pay quickly and easily through PayPal and get your items shipped right to your door.  So many of our members have told us how great it is to have their crews dressed in NAMFS hats and shirts when working in the field.

The NAMFS emblem provides a level of authenticity when dealing with neighbors and law enforcement while at properties.  Many members require that their crews wear the clothing just as they would a uniform.  

A great new item is the ballcaps with built-in LED lights.  No more fumbling with a flashlight while trying to do a winterization in a dark basement.  These are so popular that member Field Asset Services has purchased several hundred for their vendors.

If you are a Member of NAMFS and you need to get access to the website, send an email to admin@namfs.org.

Don't forget other website features -

• Forums - hold community discussions, place Help Wanted and Looking for Opportunity ads 
• Pay your dues and conference fees online through PayPal
• Watch for field service training guides and NAMFS Certification Assessments coming soon

All members whose dues are not paid are being deactivated until such time as their dues payment has been received.  For your convenience, PayPal is available for payment remittance.