NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Board of Equalization Member George Runner will host a telephone town hall for small business owners on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m.

The free event, co-hosted by the National Federation of Independent Business, will provide specific information to small business owners on how best to avoid common tax errors.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but everyday owners face challenges with California’s complicated tax laws,” said Runner. “As their elected taxpayer advocate, I want to make sure small business owners can be successful and avoid the pitfalls of California’s tax traps.”

Those wishing to participate may register online at www.boe.ca.gov/townhall or by calling 916-445-3032.

Individuals who preregister will receive a telephone call at the start of the event inviting them to connect to the town hall.

The telephone town hall will inform small business owners about how to protect themselves from common tax traps such as missing records, successor liability, underreporting of tax, and invalid resale certificates. Information about these issues will help small business owners avoid making potentially costly mistakes.

Runner held a similar telephone town hall earlier this month. An audio recording is available at www.boe.ca.gov/smallbiz .

Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization.

For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner .