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Dear Elizabeth,

As the state’s leading organization for accounting professionals, we’re constantly improving the experience of and service to our members. This week, we’re happy to announce the release of four new member benefits:

• Health insurance from a variety of providers in Massachusetts;
• Dental insurance provided by Delta Dental of Massachusetts;
• Free payroll services provided by ADP; and
• Mergers & acquisitions networking provided by Stat Trader.

We’ve listened intently to our members to figure out how we can help you manage the cost of running your business, offer competitive benefits packages to employees and provide your clients with the top best practices today. We believe these new benefits, coupled with those already provided by the Society, will go a long way in doing just that.

For complete benefits information, please visit mscpaonline.org/2015benefits.

Personally, I encourage you to take full advantage of your benefits as an MSCPA member. Everything we do at the Society, including the benefits we provide, is designed to help advance your career and business. Thank you for your membership, and I hope you will make the most of it!

Beth Lyons, CAE
Interim President and CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
• IRS Statement on Filing Tax Returns
• IRS Completes the "Dirty Dozen" Tax Scams for 2015
• IRS Warns of High Volume on Toll-Free Customer Service Phones
• More Taxpayers Using IRS.gov in 2015
• IRS Disallows Most Refunds on Taxes on Severance Pay

DOR Update
• DOR Responds to Reports of Fraudulent Filings

AICPA Provides Update on Repair Regs
The AICPA has been working in conjunction with state societies to address practitioner concerns and provide relief to small business from the burdensome requirements, particularly in regards to the Form 3115 requirements.

CPE:

WEBINAR: Using Form 3115 to Maximize Tax Benefits Under the Repair Regulations
This program focuses on how to implement the many accounting method changes mandated by the final repair regulations. Many programs dealing with the repair regulations recommend preparing Form 3115, yet none of those programs delve into how to actually prepare Form 3115 consistent with the final regulations - until now. Get practical guidance on what sections of Form 3115 need to be completed, real life examples of client situations and how to apply the Form 3115 to those client situations. 

NETWORKING:

Upcoming Committee Meetings
• Accounting & Auditing (2/18)
• Alternative Investments (2/19)
• Nonprofit Accounting & Auditing (2/19)

MEMBERSHIP:

Save the Date! 5th Annual CPA Day of Service: Make it Count
The CPA Day of Service on June 19 is the perfect opportunity for your organization to come together as a team, give back to the local community and unite with other members of the CPA profession! Last year, almost 300 members participated –help us reach our 2015 goal of over 500 members!

Poll: How Have the Recent Snowstorms Impacted Your Business? 
Share how the record-breaking snowfall has impacted your business this winter.

Temporary Job Postings
Looking for temporary work? Employers post temporary and seasonal job opportunities on our website almost daily. Browse to find the right position, or post your temporary position for free. 

Volunteer Opportunity - Bentley Business Bowl
Bentley University is in need of additional judges for its annual business bowl. The event takes place on Saturday, February 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Lunch is provided and an optional networking session follows.

NEWS & EVENTS:

Changes to the CPA Exam
Are you planning to sit for the CPA exam this year? Learn about the changes that go into effect in 2015. Be prepared to pass!

The Top 10 Risks for 2015
Some familiar risks are top-of-mind for executives and board members, and new concerns are emerging as well, according to survey results released Monday.

Outstanding Accounting Educator Award
Would you like to honor an accounting professor for his/her teaching excellence and success in motivating students?  The MSCPA's Annual Outstanding Accounting Educator Award is designed to recognize full-time accounting faculty who are actively involved in the accounting profession and the Society. The winner will receive an award of $1,000 to further his/her professional development and a matching gift will be given to the college's accounting department in their honor. Deadline: April 1, 2015.

Avoiding Big Marketing Fails this Busy Season
During busy season, it’s tempting to focus solely on the tax work that’s coming through your door and postpone marketing activities until after April 15. But that attitude can damage a firm’s business development activities. These six practical steps will help you maintain your momentum.