AICPA tax section benefits and resources.

• Author: Rubin, Jane Tzinberg

The more than 23,000 current members of the AICPA Tax Section realize substantially enhanced benefits as a result of their membership. Tax Section members are representative of the overall AICPA membership: approximately 16,000 identify themselves as working in various-sized CPA firms ranging from sole practitioners to international, multi-office firms; 5,000 are employed in business and industry; and 2,000 work as consultants, attorneys, government employees and educators. The Tax Section continually reviews and enhances the services provided to members, striving to maximize benefits provided.

Members are generally surveyed biannually, with results reviewed by staff and the various Tax Section committees. In response to a 2006 member survey, approximately 20 new member services are currently being developed. A standing Tax Division committee, the Tax Practice Improvement Committee, is specifically charged to work with other Tax Division committees and task forces to ensure the development of products and services that improve the quality, efficiency and profitability of members' tax practices, be they employed in public accounting, industry, government or education. This column describes some of the tax products and resources available to Tax Section members.

Annual Tax Checklists

Consistently rated as among the most valuable of the Tax Section benefits is a comprehensive package of tax practice checklists made available to members both online and via CDROM, along with permission to reproduce these aids for use in their firms and organizations. Over 100 checklists are included in the annual package, covering all major tax returns and forms, as well as practice management tools ranging from sample organizers to assorted forms. These checklists are prepared by a highly qualified group of staff members and volunteer practitioners and reflect the latest legislative, regulatory and practice developments. Prior to publication and distribution, the checklists are further reviewed by a task force of content area specialists. The checklists are widely used by firms and organizations of all sizes, including the largest international firms.

Beginning in November of each year, illustrative engagement letters and organizers are posted to the Tax Division's website, then updated for late-breaking legislative developments. In January of each filing season, a CD-ROM containing all of the year's tax practice guides and checklists is mailed to each Tax...