Make the Most of Your Summer
A Message from the President, August 2017
I hope you’re enjoying a short break after tax season. With the late arrival of brokerage statements, tax season, K-1s and other documents, most of us are busy all year. In the gap between the surges, we need to look at filling that time with other tasks that will help keep out businesses viable. This is where your National Society of Accountants membership shines.
These days, we’re dealing with the fight to keep Congress from giving more time to brokerage houses, partnerships and corporations, while shorting the tax payer and tax preparer. Lately, the battle seems to be leaning towards the side with deeper pockets. This the time to make sure our issues and concerns are addressed.
The NSA Political Action Committee (PAC) is our voice on the Hill that helps our messages reach the ears of key legislators, and ensuring that we’re represented in the nation’s capital. The PAC will continue to work on our behalf for as long as we have the funding to do so. I would like to ask you to please make a generous contribution to help continue the efforts of our PAC so that they can make our voices heard.
I would like to take an opportunity to share other NSA resources that you can take advantage of when you’re a member.
The National Society of Accountants State Directors (SDs) contact new NSA members to help make the most out of their membership, but they also help support you and your practice. They represent you to the organization as a whole, as well as to their respective Affiliated State Organizations (ASOs). SDs are also an excellent resource for information regarding your membership benefits and other aspects of your practice.
I encourage NSA members to contact their SD if they or their firm needs an expert in an area of taxes with which they’re not familiar. An SD can help by assisting you when searching for subject matter experts using the NSA member search engine on the NSA website.
SDs also have an opportunity to work closely with the Regulation Oversight Committee (ROC) in keeping the committee informed on the best contact information in their own and surrounding ASOs. ROC needs to know all the new officers so that ROC can exchange vital information concerning accounting and tax legislation, policies, and procedures.
Any NSA member can find out the name and contact information of their SD or District Governor through the NSA website (nsacct.org). Simply go to the NSA main page, (NSA home if you are in NSA MemberConnect), and select the About tab. Included in this menu are the selections “Board of Governors” and “State Directors and Affiliates.” Click on your state on the map, and once you have your State Director’s name, go to “Find a Professional.” Every NSA member’s contact information is available via the basic or advanced member directory search.
Another valuable resource that I suggest you keep in mind is Tax Talk. You can find it right on the home page of NSA’s website and in your email inbox in MemberLink. Over thirty areas of specialization are listed in the community, and members willingly share their experience and knowledge when you post a question. You will find that many members are happy to network with their fellow NSA professionals, and that information is easy to get with a phone call or email.
Don’t forget that your NSA membership includes discount on NSA ConnectED webinars that can help you expand your knowledge and gain CPE credits. Be sure to check out everything that NSA’s ConnectED offers. I know you’ll find great educational opportunities from top notch instructors.
There’s still time to register for NSA’s Live EA Exam Review Course in Reno, too. There’s no better way to get ready for the Enrolled Agent Exam than to do it in person, under the instruction of William Duncan, PhD., and John Everett, PhD. They will lead you through the complexities of the exam and make sure you learn the law, not just memorize the facts.
That’s not the only course happening in Reno. NSA is also offering more than 17 hours of CPE programs at the Annual Convention this year, and NSA’s sister organization, the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT), will be offering the Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) review course and exam, in Reno as well.
The ATP credential will qualify you for participation on the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) with limited IRS representation rights. Credential holders are also exempt from taking the Annual Federal Tax Refresher Course and exam every year. Visit ACAT’s add link website to learn more about their credentials and what they can do for you and your practice. The fall/winter exam registration is now open to take any ACAT exam between November 1-December 15, 2017.
As you can see, there are amazing CPE opportunities in Reno, but something for everyone, even spouses and guests at the Annual Convention. Social events are scheduled from the beginning of the convention until the end, so I urge you to attend and bring your family along.
In closing, I would like to thank the members of the NSA for allowing me to serve as your President for the 2016-2017 term. It has been my honor to fill this position. During the past year, I have met so many and I’ve been able to see—more than ever before—what a great organization the NSA is and how amazing our members are. Thank you.
With warmest regards,
Al Giovetti, CPA, ATA, ABA, ARA
President, National Society of Accountants
