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August 11, 2009 |
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Technology Conference This Month |
Two Days of Technology to Boost Your Productivity Led by K2 Enterprises
This Conference is filled with 16 hours of fast-paced presentations designed to maximize your time and enhance your learning. Nationally recognized speakers have extensive expertise in numerous software applications. They will share their knowledge with you in order to help you do your job with efficiency and ease. Participants will receive helpful tips and advanced techniques, along with the tools and skills necessary to keep up with the ever-increasing pace of changes in computer technology. All sessions feature high quality, full-color computer projection systems for clear viewing. This conference is designed for CPAs in public practice or industry who want to take better advantage of technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
ASCPA 2009 Technology & Productivity Conference for Accountants Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 Pelham Civic Complex
Reserve your spot for this popular conference today!
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Potential Consumer Use Tax Liability |
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Have Some of Your Clients Received a “Gentle Reminder” About Potential Consumer Use Tax Liability?
A number of our members report that they have clients who recently received a polite letter from the Alabama Department of Revenue pointing out that the client had failed to report and pay any consumer use tax on their past 2-3 years’ Alabama income tax returns. The form letter outlines the basic rules for use tax liability (e.g., Internet purchases) and offer a tax table for the client to use in calculating and paying any delinquent liability—plus interest. Our friend, Bruce Ely at the Bradley Arant law firm, advises us that the ADOR’s statement of the law is “essentially correct” and that our clients indeed owe consumer use tax in just about every situation where they would have paid sales tax if they had instead purchased that book, fly rod or summer outfit at the local mall. Bruce added that the Alabama Legislature plugged that loophole in 1997. The dilemma facing our members as tax advisers is to remind their clients of their tax obligations but also to warn them that, once they confess they owe the state use tax, they are essentially confessing that they owe county and probably municipal use tax, too—depending on where they live. Neither the ADOR letter nor the income tax return allows them to remit the full 8-10% rather than just the State 4% tax. And if the ADOR notifies its local government clients, and perhaps those self-administered localities who ask, of your client’s payment to them, then he or she may very well receive a second dunning letter that may not be so pleasant. Representatives of the State Society plan to meet with the ADOR to learn more about this program and to explore ways to simplify compliance.
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CPE Clusters |
Back by popular demand! Bringing you more CPE Clusters filled with a variety of topics to fit your needs. Morning cluster times are 8:30-12 noon. Grab lunch with a colleague and meet back for an after noon cluster from 1:00-4:30pm.
Birmingham Clusters August 18th, 19th and 20th & September 17th and 18th Pelham Civic Complex
Montgomery Clusters September 10th and 11th ASCPA Office
For more details and to register, click here
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Governmental Accounting & Auditing |
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Save the Date 22nd Annual Governmental Accounting and Auditing Forum Adversity to Opportunity: Problem Solving in Tough Times December 2-3 Birmingham Marriott
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Red Flags Rule |
ASCPA Joins AICPA in Calling for CPA Exemption to Recently Delayed Red Flags Rule
The Red Flags Rule, which was released Nov. 9, 2007, under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, requires businesses and organizations within its scope to implement a written identity theft prevention program to detect warning signs of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. Enforcement of the rule has been postponed three times since the original Nov. 1, 2008, effective date.
The rule applies to what it calls “financial institutions” and “creditors.” However, according to the FTC Web site, the definition of “creditor” in the rule is broad, and includes businesses or organizations that regularly provide goods or services first and allow customers to pay later. As examples, the FTC says utilities, health care providers, lawyers, accountants, and other professionals, and telecommunications companies may fall within the definition.
For more information on the Red Flags Rule and how it may apply to you, visit our website: http://www.ascpa.org/Content/38354.aspx
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Banking |
Interested in knowing what is going on in the banking sector? Attend one of our upcoming classes, led by Wynne Baker.
2009 Community Banking Update This seminar is designed to update and inform the auditor and CFO of all new and significant changes recently affecting the banking industry, and enable the auditor and CFO to utilize these changes in an effective manner.
Introduction To Bank Accounting and Auditing This seminar is designed for accountants and auditors about to undertake commercial bank audit engagements and individuals who are currently employed in a bank operations environment and/or accounting function.
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New CCH Titles With ASCPA Discount |
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New CCH Books with Special ASCPA Discount
CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, has extended a generous discount to our members! You can order any of 175 CCH Tax & Accounting titles on the Alabama Society/CCH partner page at a 30% discount! Your ASCPA discount code is Y5288. Use this code at checkout. |
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New Start Here, Go Places Website |
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New Start Here, Go Places Website
On July 28th, 2009, the AICPA’s Academic & Career Development team launched an updated version of the Start Here, Go Places. Web site. With the number of accounting majors on the rise and the overall popularity of the CPA profession increasing, the new site meets this demand head-on, building on the program’s existing momentum, while providing an even more interactive and robust experience. Start Here, Go Places. continues to be the online destination for students, educators and parents to learn everything they need to know about accounting careers.
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Don't forget to stop by our Open House!
Friday, August 14, 2009 12:00—1:30pm
1041 Longfield Court - Montgomery, Alabama 36117 Official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Noon
Light refreshments will be provided Please RSVP to Shanna Jackson—sjackson@ascpa.org or 334.834.7650
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About the ASCPA
The Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants [ASCPA] is the statewide, professional membership organization representing over 6,500 Alabama CPAs in public practice, industry, government and education. Eleven chapters, various committees and task force groups made up of CPA volunteers develop programs and address issues to help all members be successful professionals. Visit www.ascpa.org
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© 2009 Alabama Society of CPAs | PO Box 242987 | Montgomery, AL 36124 |