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Dear Elizabeth,

Happy first day of spring! While Mother Nature doesn't share the same sentiment, we're thinking spring here at the MSCPA. We’re looking ahead and focusing on post tax season celebrations, networking events, new CPE offerings and the start of the MSCPA’s new membership year. I'd personally like to invite each of you to join us in kicking off our 2015/2016 membership year at the MSCPA's Annual Meeting and Recognition Reception at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel on May 14.

If you've never attended before, I can assure you it's the one networking event you don't want to miss. It's a valuable opportunity to meet the leaders in the accounting profession, celebrate the success of the CPA Exam passers and learn more about the MSCPA and its benefits. Registration is now open; reserve your spot today. I look forward to seeing you on the 14th.

Enjoy the weekend.

Beth Lyons, CAE
Interim President & CEO

CPE:

Surgent's 2015 Essential CPE Collection is Here
This year’s self-study collection includes 59 courses, including 18 new courses and ethics. A total of over 250 CPE credits, for just $219.95.

TAX CAMP – Register Early and Take Advantage of Early-Bird Discount!
Register by 5/1 for a $20 discount. Please note, there is a NEW TIME for all Tax Camps. The conference runs from 8:00am – 4:15pm.

• Sheraton, Framingham (12/8)
• Lantana, Randolph (12/9)
• NEW LOCATION – Hilton, Woburn (12/10)

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates

IRS Calls off Employee Furloughs
The IRS will not move forward with a plan to furlough employees for two days later this year.

IRS Seeks Volunteers for Taxpayer Advocacy Panel
The IRS is seeking volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, a federal advisory committee that identifies major taxpayer concerns and makes recommendations for improving IRS service. The TAP reports annually to the Secretary of the Treasury, the IRS commissioner and the National Taxpayer Advocate.      

DOR Updates

DOR Begins Two Month Tax Amnesty Program
The DOR released a TIR regarding the two month tax amnesty program set to run through May 15. The program covers a variety of tax types not included in the 2014 amnesty program, including corporate excise. The Department notes it sent invitations to nearly 24,000 qualifying taxpayers.

TIR: New Certification Requirements Applicable to State Contracts and Taxpayers Claiming Certain Credits
This TIR announces a statutory change, effective March 24, 2015, which creates new certification requirements for: (1) employers entering into contracts with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or its agencies or instrumentalities for goods, services, and leases valued at more than $5,000 and (2) employers seeking certain tax credits in excess of $5,000.

AICPA Weighs in on Tax Reform
The AICPA has sent a package of 34 legislative proposals to lawmakers on Capitol Hill that relate to individuals, employee benefits, corporations, S corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, gifts and exempt organizations, as well as to penalties for tax preparers. According to the letter, authored by the Institute's Tax Executive Committee, the items seek to promote simplicity and fairness in the tax code.

MA Unemployment Drops to 4.9%
The Massachusetts unemployment rate dropped to 4.9% in February, the lowest point since March 2008. According to the release from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the Commonwealth has added 58,100 jobs over the year. The February U.S. rate was 5.5%.

NETWORKING:

South Shore Breakfast Forum (3/26)
This month's forum features speaker Allan Checkoway, RHU, Disability Services Group.

Young Professional Breakfast-- Networking for Career Success: Getting to Know the Right People (5/27)
Diane Darling founded Effective Networking, Inc. on the premise that everyone can learn to network – you just need to find your own style. Attend this breakfast and learn to build relationships with the people you want to know! Darling is the author of The Networking Survival Guide and Networking for Career Success. Darling is also a monthly columnist for the Boston Business Journal. Reserve your spot for this member-only event.

MEMBERSHIP:

Nominate an Outstanding Accounting Educator
It's not too late to honor that special accounting professor who inspired and encouraged you to become the professional you are today. The MSCPA's Annual Outstanding Accounting Educator Award is designed to recognize full-time accounting faculty for their teaching excellence and active involvement 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.

Speaking Opportunity on Affordable Care Act
CBG Benefits is looking for a CPA to speak on how employers need to prepare for the Affordable Care Act's reporting rules. They are looking for insights on the rules governing these requirements, and the practical steps businesses need to consider. You will be speaking to a group of CFOs, controllers and HR professionals. The seminar will take place on May 6 in Burlington. If you are interested, please contact Kara Kieran. 

Are You Currently an Adjunct Professor or is Teaching in Your Future?
The MSCPA's Academic & Career Development Committee has created a task force to aid current and prospective adjunct accounting faculty. If you are currently teaching as an adjunct or have the desire to teach, please fill out this brief questionnaire.

New Volunteer Opportunities
Wright School of Boston - Treasurer for a School Board
Cambridge Art Association - Treasurer/Board of Directors
Recovery Support Specialists - Financials for Assistance for New Nonprofit

NEWS & EVENTS:

Women's Poll: The Best Advice You've Been Given
The Society wants to know: What's the best piece of advice you've been given? Your answer will be revealed in the Spring issue of SumNews. Answer now.

Managers Need to Make Time for Face Time
There is still no good substitute for being in the same room with a direct report or a high-level boss, many executives say.

Your Late-Night Emails Are Hurting Your Team
After-hours emails speed up corporate cultures — and that, in turn, chips away at creativity, innovation and true productivity.