Tuesday Bulletin

If you are having trouble viewing, click on the following link:

http://w3.ascpa.org/e-news/2009_july/07_07/bulletin.html

July 7, 2009

Check out our blogs!

The Alabama CPA

Alabama Young CPA

Alabama CPA Exam

Sandestin Conference

Shhhhhh....It's a Secret!

Click here to get the scoop

What's the secret? Sandestin attendees know that this conference is the most fun you'll ever have while attending CPE! We are offering the CPE that you need, the networking you desire, and all the fun you and your family can have!

If you've never attended the Sandestin Conference, make this year your first. If you have come in years past, then you already know the secret.

Join us for the fun!

Hotel Group Rate Expires This Friday!

We have arranged special pricing with the Sandestin Hilton for our members attending the conference. Hurry and book your stay before the rate expires! www.sandestinbeachhilton.com

(800) 367-1271

Rate: $249 and up

Group Code: ASC

Cutoff date: July 10

Check out our blogs!

What's with the blogs?

The Alabama CPA is here to keep you up-to-date on all things Alabama CPA. Have questions, comments or topics you'd like us to cover? Shoot us an e-mail.

Alabama Young CPA Michael Kassouf is currently guest-blogging about his experience at the AICPA's Leadership Academy in Chicago.

Alabama CPA Exam: Nicole Weldon is sitting for the CPA Exam and she's blogging about it here!

What is a blog?

A blog (a contraction of the term "weblog") is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Most blogs, including the ASCPA's, allow readers to post comments to the information in the blog.

Communicating Effectively

Simply put, we could all use a little help with

communication skills. Learn techniques when

communicating with employees, peers, and even the IRS.

That's Not What I Said! Effective Workplace Communication	August 20	Register
Coaching: Enhancing Employee Performance	August 19	Register
Practical Tips and Techniques for Dealing with the IRS	August 19	Register
Leading In Tough Times - Powerful, Practical, Positive and Relevant for Today's Business Environment	August 26	Register
CPA's Guide to Improving Communication, Listening and Writing Skills	September 18	Register

Estate and Gift Tax Returns

Forms 706 and 709 Workshop

Designed for CPAs whose practice involves preparation of estate and gift tax returns, this is an excellent course to learn the nuts and bolts of this specialized area of practice. This course includes the 200-page manual guides the CPA through the complex issues in completing Forms 706 and 709.

Gift tax return basics -- Form 709
Special gift circumstances – annual exclusion, gift-splitting, gifts to minors, and gifts for educational and medical benefits
Overview of estate tax concepts
Estate tax audit issues -- What triggers an audit and how to handle it
Trusts, wills, state laws, and how they affect Form 706
Form 706 preparation issues -- Determining includable property; determining deductions from the gross estate; the new state death tax deduction; credits against federal estate tax; calculating the federal estate tax
Elections you need to know: alternate valuation, special-use valuation, deferred payments
State death taxes: how to take credit for the deduction
Filing Form 706: where, when, how much to pay, and claiming a refund
Comprehensive case study with filled-in forms
New, more complicated compliance in the future

Join an ASCPA Task Force Group!

Interested in giving back to the accounting profession?

Join an ASCPA Task Force Group today! Each year the Alabama Society of CPAs Board of Directors formulates a strategic plan to guide the organization throughout the next year. As a result of this year's strategic planning session, we've formed six task force groups and we'd like you to join us!

Chapter Involvement	CPE	Financial Literacy
Legislative	Member Services	Standards Overload

If you're interested in joining one of these task force groups, e-mail Jeannine Birmingham, jbirmingham@ascpa.org.

Attending Off-site CPE?

Why not carpool?

Save time, money, and the hassels of finding a parking place. If you are attending one of our classes with others from your firm, why not try this environmentally-friendly alternative.

AICPA Leadership Academy

Alabama Young CPA Attending First-Ever AICPA Leadership Academy

Michael Kassouf from L. Paul Kassouf & Co. in Birmingham was chosen to represent Alabama at the inaugural AICPA Leadership Academy. He is one of 28 CPAs under the age of 35 from around the United States to attend the three-day academy in Chicago this week. Kassouf will be blogging about his experience on the ASCPA's Young CPA blog, Alabama Young CPA.

"Michael has tirelessly served the accounting profession through various ASCPA Young CPA leadership roles," said ASCPA President & CEO Jeannine Birmingham, CPA. "We are very proud of his accomplishments, particularly his recognition on the national level in being selected to participate in the AICPA's first-ever Leadership Academy."

Led by Institute Chairman Ernest A. Almonte, those selected to attend the academy will engage in intensive workshop training where they will develop and hone leadership skills and prepare to become the next leaders in their organizations, communities and the CPA profession at large.

Read more on our website

Get Rid of That Clunker!

New Clunker Bill Can Help You Save

Recently, the U.S. House passed the “clunker bill” which allows you to trade in your older, gas guzzling car, for a $4,500 discount on a new and more fuel efficient car. The bill was created as a way to both stimulate the automotive industry and help the environment. With the discount from the bill and the markdowns that certain car dealerships are offering, there are some great deals to be had. Here are some things to remember if you are considering taking part in this year-long deal.

• Research typical maintenance costs for the make and model of the car you are planning to buy. Sometimes maintenance on a particular vehicle is more expensive than average resulting in unanticipated costs.

• Consider a possible increase in car insurance rates when weighing the best deal. Call your insurance agency to find out how to reduce the insur ance costs on a new car. These deductions are based on both the model of your car and its features such as passive restraints, alarms, or even anti-lock braking systems.

• Remember that not all cars qualify. Your current car must get less than 18 mpg highway and the new car must get at least 22. You can check out
your car’s mpg here http://www.fueleconomy.gov/.

Visit www.FeedthePig.org for more money-saving tips.

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