Dear Elizabeth,

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and, for me, the unofficial start of the year (flashback to my school days). But, it's not just the kids who are heading back-to-school - you have the opportunity to do so too! We’ve spent the last few months developing programs that bring new opportunities to deepen your knowledge, network with peers and advance your career. Refresh, renew and recharge your commitment to the profession and the Society by joining us at our fall programs:

Business & Industry Virtual Conference (9/19)
Build your own program! Choose from 10 different breakout sessions, all presented by nationally-recognized experts. Get up to 10 hours of CPE from the comfort of your home or office, all for one low price.

MSCPA Roadshow (9/22-10/9)
Join us for a series of informal town hall meetings throughout the state. Hear a professional issues update, discuss your member benefits and learn what’s on the Society’s legislative agenda. Each meeting ends with a Q&A where your voice will be heard on the issues that matter most.

Sip & Socialize (10/2)
Spark new leads networking with like-minded CPAs and lawyers in a relaxed setting. Stop wasting your time networking that goes nowhere - connect with professionals who want to follow-up, and help you expand your business and move forward in your career.

Technology Conference (10/23)
Work smarter, faster and more efficiently! Learn about emerging technologies that are improving how CPAs and firms operate, and gain the tools you need to become more productive in your job.

The MSCPA office will be closed on Monday for Labor Day. Have a great holiday weekend.

Eileen P. McAnneny, Esq.
President and CEO

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
- Reminder: For Most Truckers, Highway Use Tax Return Due September 2, 2014
- Publication 1304 Now Available

DOR Updates
- Technical Information Release on Tax Amnesty Program
- DOR Schedules Several Public Hearings for September 23, 2014

DOR Unveils New Survey Page 
The DOR wants to hear from you. The department released a new survey page and is seeking practitioner feedback on everything from customer service to the combined reporting form.

Straddle Regulations Address Issuers' Obligations Under Debt Instruments
The IRS issued final rules that apply to straddles issued on or after January 17, 2001. The regulations allow an issuer's obligation under a debt instrument to be part of a straddle if the obligation is linked to the value of personal property.

CPE:

Back-to-Class: September CPE
- Studies on Single Audit and Yellow Book Deficiencies (9/18, Chelmsford)
- Applying A-133 to Nonprofit and Governmental Organizations (9/19, Chelmsford)
- FAQ in Employee Benefit Plan Accounting & Auditing (9/22, Randolph)
- Practice Issues and Solutions in Audits of Employee Benefit Plans (9/23, Randolph)
- Professional Ethics for CPAs (9/26, Worcester)

NETWORKING:

Meet with Firm and Graduate School Representatives (10/2)
Checking out schools to complete the 150-hour requirement? Attend the Career Fair/Graduate School Expo at the Sheraton Copley Place. It's a one-stop forum for future CPAs to learn about fifth year and graduate programs (e.g., MST, MSA and MBA) that satisfy the educational requirements to become a CPA.

MEMBERSHIP:

New Volunteer Opportunities
Giving back is a great way to connect with your community, help worthy organizations in need and share your knowledge. The following opportunities were just posted:

- Consumer Assistance Office - Metro West - Treasurer
- Rare Genomics Institute - Accountant to Prepare Form 990 and State Annual Returns
- Colony Retirement Homes - Board Member
- Framingham Public Library Foundation - CPA to File Form 990 for the Year

Photos: 2014 Young Professional Red Sox Event
On Thursday, August 21, 2014, over 100 members attended the Young Professional Red Sox Event. A pre-game networking reception was held on the roof deck of the Baseball Tavern.

NEWS & EVENTS:

Three Document Management Tips for Accounting Offices
While going paperless can significantly improve office operations, it's important to choose the right solution since there are a number of document management software options available. These three tips can help you select the solution that's right for your accounting office.

Showing Your Clients They Need You Year-Round
Statistics suggest that many taxpayers who have problems with the IRS after filing their returns are not contacting their tax professionals. Jim Buttonow, CPA/CITP, explains why your clients can and should use your help throughout the year.

How to Help Clients Build an Effective Sounding Board
CPAs can play a valuable role in helping clients assemble advisory boards and structure board meetings. Here's a brief overview of the boards' function and inner workings.