Maryland Society of Accounting & Tax Professionals, Inc.

On this day, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

We reflect on the courage and resilience shown by first responders, civilians, and families impacted by this tragedy.

Let us never forget their sacrifices, and may we continue to strive for unity, compassion, and strength as a nation.

In Connelly v. IRS (2024), the court sided with the IRS, ruling that life insurance proceeds used in a buy-sell agreement must be included in the valuation of a corporation’s shares. This decision has major implications for succession planning in closely held businesses. Tax professionals, how do you see this affecting your clients' strategies? 💡

Let’s discuss: What alternative planning methods might you recommend to minimize the tax impact while ensuring a smooth transition?

Join Us for the 3rd Annual Holiday Soirée!

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of celebration, community, and giving back at the Third Annual Holiday Soirée on December 7, 2024 at the beautiful Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel in Columbia, MD.

✨ Early Bird Pricing: $100 per person until September 30, 2024!

Enjoy a delicious dinner buffet, open bar, and a night filled with joy and connection as we come together to raise funds for the Maryland Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation. The evening will also honor the 2024 Scholarship Recipients, recognizing their hard work and potential to shape the future of accounting.

Details:
📅 Date: December 7, 2024
📍 Location: Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel, Columbia, MD
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM EST
REGISTER HERE: https://conta.cc/47iJAtS

Don’t miss out on this festive night that supports a great cause. Register today and secure your spot before Early Bird pricing ends!

Join us for Navigating IRS Collections: A Tax Professional's Guide – part of our exclusive Pour & Explore Dinner Series!

📅 Date: September 19, 2024
📍 Location: BECO Conference Center, Owings Mills, MD
🍽️ Dinner: California Tortilla, Fajita Buffet

Equip yourself with the essential strategies to manage and negotiate IRS collections, including:
✅ Interpreting IRS notices
✅ Resolving back taxes
✅ Negotiating payment plans & settlements
✅ Exploring relief options, including Offers in Compromise
✅ Maintaining ethical standards and effective client communication
Plus, enjoy dinner while networking with your peers!

🎤 Speaker: Eli Noff, Esq, CPA
💼 Earn 2 CPE Credits

Register Here: https://conta.cc/47cTOMg

Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your skills and enjoy a great meal!

Today, we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of all our members in the accounting and tax profession. Your commitment to excellence and service to your clients is truly inspiring. As we honor the contributions of the American workforce, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for being an essential part of our community.

Happy Labor Day!

Join Dr. Robert Minniti, CPA, for an insightful webinar designed to help you navigate the complex IRS rules, maximize your deductions, and prepare for potential changes with the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

📅 Date: September 5, 2024
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM EST
🎯 CPE Hours: 2 | Approved by NASBA, IRS

What You’ll Learn:
Unlock Hidden Deductions: Identify deductible costs that are often overlooked.
Clarify Key Concepts: Define transportation, business travel, and commuting to avoid common pitfalls.
Stay Ahead of Changes: Get insights on potential shifts in tax law and plan for the future.

Who Should Attend?
CPAs, EAs, Tax Preparers, and anyone looking to sharpen their tax deduction strategies.

👉 Register Now: https://conta.cc/3MvcVYC

Navigating the complexities of PTET elections can feel overwhelming, especially with each state having its own set of rules. Join us on September 3rd for an in-depth webinar where we'll break down the mechanics, explore state-by-state variations, and help you avoid common pitfalls like double taxation and nonrefundable payments.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

The basics and importance of PTET in today’s tax landscape
Key differences in PTET regulations across states
How to navigate issues such as double taxation and tight election deadlines

🗓️ Date: September 3, 2024
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM EST
🎤 Speaker: Nicole McClintock, CPA
Register Now: https://conta.cc/3XnVIXe

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tax world. Secure your spot today and ensure you’re equipped to handle PTET complexities with ease!

The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals is pleased to announce our partnership with Blue J. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in our ongoing mission to provide our members with the most advanced tools and resources to excel in the dynamic field of tax and accounting.

Blue J's AI-driven technology is designed to increase the efficiency of solo to mid-sized firms by streamlining complex decision-making processes. By incorporating this innovative tool into our offerings, MSATP continues to demonstrate our commitment to delivering exceptional value and support to our professional community.

This partnership is a strategic move to enhance our members' expertise and solidify MSATP's role as a leader in fostering innovation and excellence within the accounting and tax profession. We anticipate this collaboration will have a lasting positive impact on our members and the industry as a whole.

Read the press release here: https://conta.cc/3ABJ91v

Yesterday we wrapped up a fulfilling day of volunteering training with our amazing MSATP community!

A big thank you to everyone who dedicated their time and energy to learning how we can better serve our members and the wider community. We capped off the day with a well-deserved happy hour, celebrating our shared commitment and enjoying some good company.

Cheers to the power of teamwork and the positive impact we’ll continue to make together!

Congratulations to Barbara, our lucky raffle winner at the IRS Forum! 🎉 She’s now the proud owner of a brand new Apple Watch! 🥳

Thank you to everyone who participated, and stay tuned for more exciting opportunities with MSATP!

We are excited to be at the IRS Forum, reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new members to the MSATP community! If you're here, we'd love to see you—stop by booth 366 tomorrow and say hi! 👋

Let's thrive together in this amazing profession!

Leading with Purpose: Gigi Hawkins, Our Executive Director

Meet Gigi Hawkins, a dynamic leader and advocate for our professional community. With a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Saint Vincent College and a master’s in Non-Profit and Association Management from the University of Maryland University College, Gigi brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team.

Her impressive career includes roles at McKinley Marketing Partners, the Foundation for Excellence in Education, and the American Bankers Association, where she excelled as the Director of Membership Operations.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gigi enjoys spending quality time with her family, giving back to the community, and traveling. She is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive membership community here at MSATP.

Did you know that as an MSATP member, you get all this with your $165/ year membership?

Visit www.msatp.org to get started, or call (800) 922-9672.

Membership Includes:
⭐ Complimentary Access to Verifyle Legacy Pro: Manage your clients' sensitive information securely and intuitively ($49/month value).

⭐ Unlimited Access to Earmark CPE: Stay current with industry standards without additional cost ($120/year value).

⭐ Free Regulatory Ethics Classes: Ensure compliance and stay informed ($170/year value).

⭐ Comprehensive Support with CCH AnswerConnect and TaxAware: Access in-depth tax research and updates ($755/user/year value).

And many more valuable savings...

Beyond these savings and resources, MSATP membership offers priceless networking opportunities with a community of professionals dedicated to excellence and continuous learning.

Join us today and invest in your future. Your annual membership fee of $165 unlocks $2,900 in value and countless hours saved!

Let's grow together!

Applications Now Open for the MSATP Accounting Leadership Institute!

🔑 Program Overview:
The MSATP Accounting Leadership Institute offers a unique series of six 90-minute online workshops, focusing on essential leadership skills such as understanding bias, developing high-performance teams, resolving conflict, and more.

🗓️ Submission Deadline: August 27, 2024

💼 Why Join?
Gain essential leadership tools and insights
Learn from experienced industry facilitators
Network with fellow accounting and tax professionals
Note: Participants must be members of MSATP. If you're not a member yet, join us today and unlock this incredible opportunity!

👉 Apply Now: https://conta.cc/3SEfKd2

Don't miss out on this chance to thrive as a leader in the accounting and tax industry!

Meet Kelly Ebaugh, Our Assistant Executive Director!

We are thrilled to introduce Kelly Ebaugh, who has been an integral part of MSATP since 2015. Having served in various roles over the years, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current position as Assistant Executive Director, which she has excelled in since 2023.

Born in Largo, FL, and a Maryland resident since 1998, she holds a B.S. in Legal Studies from the University of Maryland University College. She currently lives in Manchester, MD, with her husband, Matt, daughters Tiffany and Megan, and their six Labrador retrievers...Yes, you read that right, SIX!

Kelly's hobbies include scrapbooking, gardening, and cheering on the Baltimore Orioles. Her dedication to MSATP and her passion for supporting our members make her a true asset to our community.

Join us in celebrating Kelly’s achievements and her unwavering commitment to MSATP. We are lucky to have her on our team!

We are incredibly proud to announce that two of our very own MSATP members, Keila Hill-Trawick and Joye Sistrunk, have been recognized among the top 200 CPAs in America by Forbes! 🏆

Keila and Joye's dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence have made a significant impact in the accounting and tax profession. Their recognition is a testament to their hard work and the outstanding service they provide to their clients and the community.

Join us in congratulating Keila and Joye for this well-deserved honor! 🎊👏

🔗 Read more about their achievements: Forbes Top 200 CPAs : https://conta.cc/3SxKpsO

Introducing Katie Cardinal, our amazing Volunteer & Member Relations Coordinator! 🌟

Katie grew up in Laurel, Maryland, and now calls Columbia home. She graduated from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 2020 with Bachelor's degrees in English and Environmental Sustainability, along with a minor in Political Science.

Joining MSATP in Fall 2022, Katie is passionate about helping our members engage more deeply with the community. She is dedicated to facilitating connections, encouraging volunteerism, and supporting our members in maximizing their involvement with MSATP.

📣 MSATP will be exhibiting at the IRS Forum in Baltimore from August 13-15, 2024. Visit us at Booth #366 to meet our team, learn about our member benefits, and enter our raffle for a chance to win Orioles Box Seat tickets and much more! 🎟️⚾

Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with us and explore what we have to offer. See you there!

📍 Baltimore Convention Center
🗓️ August 13-15, 2024
📍 Booth #366

Meet Kristy Memphis, our dedicated Member Services Representative! 🌟

Born and raised in Carroll County, MD, Kristy earned her BA in Communication, Technology, and Culture from Bridgewater College in Virginia in 2020. Since joining us in October 2023, she's been passionate about providing an exceptional member experience.

You can find Kristy at all our MSATP educational and social events, always ready to assist and connect with our community.

Stay tuned as we highlight more of our amazing staff over the next few weeks!

Unlock $2,900 in Value with MSATP Membership!

Join the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) today and enjoy incredible benefits that will enhance your efficiency, save you time, and connect you with a vibrant community of peers.

🔑 Your $165 annual membership fee includes:

Complimentary Access to Verifyle Legacy Pro: Manage your clients' sensitive information securely and intuitively ($49/month value).

Unlimited Access to Earmark CPE: Stay current with industry standards without additional cost ($120/year value).

Free Regulatory Ethics Classes: Ensure compliance and stay informed ($170/year value).

Comprehensive Support with CCH AnswerConnect and TaxAware: Access in-depth tax research and updates ($755/user/year value).

Exclusive Discounts on 2-Day Tax Seminars: Keep ahead of the curve with $150 off intensive seminars.

Free CPE Hours: Maintain your certifications and advance your knowledge with 16 hours of CPE per year ($1,120/year value).

Additional Exclusive Discounts: Enjoy special pricing on essential resources like The TaxBook and Quickfinder.

Beyond these savings and resources, MSATP membership offers priceless networking opportunities with a community of professionals dedicated to excellence and continuous learning.

Join Now by visiting www.msatp.org

Join us for the 2024 Practitioner Liaison Meeting & Maryland Tax Update on November 12, 2024, in Frederick, MD! This is your chance to earn 8 hours of valuable Continuing Education (CE) credits while gaining insights from top experts including representatives from the IRS, Maryland Comptroller's office, and SDAT.

🗓️ Event Details:
Date: November 12, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Location: Frederick, MD

Key Discussions & Insights:
✅ Federal Tax law changes for the 2024 filing season
✅ Cybersecurity and data protection best practices
✅ A look ahead to Tax Year 2024
✅ 4 Hour Maryland Tax Update

Guest Speakers:
Veronica Tubman, IRS, Stakeholder Liaison
Krista Sermon, Comptroller of MD, Deputy Director
Maria Mathias, MD SDAT, Administrator

Limited seats available! Lunch will be provided. Don’t miss out on this essential event to stay ahead in your profession.

For more information, call (800) 922-9672 or visit our website: www.msatp.org

What an incredible night at the Orioles game with our amazing MSATP community! 🌟

Over 200 of us came together to cheer on our team and enjoy each other's company. This is what MSATP is all about – building a strong, supportive community. 🧡⚾

We can't wait to do it again soon!

Happy 4th of July from the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals! 🇺🇸

Wishing everyone a day filled with joy, family, friends, and, of course, spectacular fireworks! 💥

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities! 🎇

We are proud to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals!

On this special occasion, we are honored to receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Comptroller of Maryland. This certificate acknowledges our dedication to providing representation, advocacy, and educational resources to our members. Our commitment to preserving ethics and fostering good character within the accounting and tax professions has helped countless firms thrive and prosper.

Thank you to all our members, partners, and supporters for your continuous contributions to our mission. Here's to many more years of success and growth together!

Happy Anniversary, MSATP! 🥳

Join us in celebrating the Annual Banquet and the Induction of the 2024-2025 Board of Directors! 🎉

We are excited to announce the new leadership team beginning their term on July 1, 2024:

President: Donya Oneto, CPA
Past President: Barbara J. Smith, CPA
Board of Trustee Delegate: Bob Medbery, CPA
Treasurer: Michael McIlhargey, CPA
Secretary: Ellen Silverstein, CPA
1st VP: Ann Elliott, EA
2nd VP: Hannah Coyle, EA

Delegates:
John Salan, CPA
Christopher Williams, CPA, CFP
Nicole Moore, EA
Sean Coggins, CPA
Matthew Eddleman, EA

Executive Director:
Giavante' Hawkins

We look forward to their guidance and leadership over the next year.

This past Thursday, we had an incredible time at the MSATP Annual Banquet and Awards! 🎉✨ It was an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and community spirit.

A special highlight of the evening was the attendance of the Madam Comptroller of Maryland, Brooke Lierman. We were honored to present her with the prestigious Presidents Award for Partnership, acknowledging her outstanding collaboration and support. 🏆🤝

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event unforgettable. Your dedication and contributions continue to make our society thrive!

The IRS announced plans to deny tens of thousands of high-risk Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims following a comprehensive review, while beginning the processing of lower-risk claims to assist eligible taxpayers. This decision comes after identifying that between 10% to 20% of the claims were clearly improper, with an additional 60% to 70% deemed as risky. The agency emphasized the need for heightened scrutiny to prevent improper payouts and will consult with Congress on potential legislative action regarding the future of the ERC moratorium. Taxpayers are advised to await further IRS notifications and consult legitimate tax professionals to ensure compliance.

IRS enters next stage of Employee Retention Credit work; review indicates vast majority show risk of being improper | Internal Revenue Service IR-2024-169, June 20, 2024 — Following a detailed review to protect taxpayers and small businesses, the Internal Revenue Service today announced plans to deny tens of thousands of improper high-risk Employee Retention Credit claims while starting a new round of processing lower-risk claims to help...

The 2024 Business Builders Connections Conference at Rocky Gap Resort was a success! Our beautiful destination provided the perfect backdrop for a memorable event filled with learning, laughter, and lasting connections.

Our lineup of great speakers delivered insightful sessions, sparking new ideas and inspiring us all to reach new heights. From cutting-edge industry trends to practical tips for success, every presentation was a treasure trove of knowledge.

But it wasn't all work and no play! Our fun group of accountants, tax professionals, and bookkeepers brought energy and enthusiasm, making every moment enjoyable. Whether it was networking at dinner, participating in engaging workshops, or simply enjoying the stunning surroundings, we truly came together as a community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this fantastic event. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and collaboration. Until next time!

Today, we honor and celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. This day represents freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all.

🌟 At MSATP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community. We stand together in recognizing the significance of this day and the importance of continued education and advocacy.

🔔 Please note: Our office will be closed today in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume normal operations tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a meaningful and joyous Juneteenth!

Today, we celebrate the incredible dads who balance the books, crunch the numbers, and provide unwavering support both at work and at home. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence inspire us every day.

🌟 Thank you for being role models, mentors, and superheroes in the lives of your loved ones and clients.

Wishing you a day filled with joy, relaxation, and special moments with your families. You deserve it!

Happy Father's Day! 💙