Back in Session: Lots on the Table in 2018 as Legislature Returns.

• Author: Fox, Jason
• Position: Capitol Beat

The California Legislature reconvened Jan. 3 to begin the last year in the 2017-18 legislative session. Hundreds of newly introduced bills will join holdover legislation from 2017 to cover a full spectrum of policy issues that could evolve into issues that affect CPAs, businesses and taxpayers in California.

Additionally, with 2018 being a gubernatorial election year for California and an extremely dynamic environment in Washington, the political and policy environment in Sacramento will be a tough to unpredictable one at best.

However, one issue that is sure to be in the spotlight in 2018 is tax policy. Since CPAs advise millions of taxpayers on tax-related matters, assist them with compliance responsibilities and represent them before tax regulators, CalCPA members are uniquely positioned to be part of any tax policy discussions.

As tax proposals are discussed and implemented on the federal and state level, it will be important for CalCPA members to be active in providing policy leaders with the information they need to make an informed decision about California's tax policy. CalCPA input will be key for fair, effective, and efficient tax policy.

Be Part of the Public Policy Process During CPA Day

As issues emerge, CalCPA will continue to review, comment and represent the CPA profession on issues important to the CPA profession. However, it is essential that lawmakers know that they have CPAs in their districts who can provide unbiased facts and analysis to help make informed decisions.

CPA Day provides the unique opportunity to connect with your legislative representatives and be part of the public policy process. CPAs from all over the state will be converging on the state Capitol for one of CalCPA's most significant events.

It is not too late to register and plan to join your fellow CalCPA members Jan. 17 to be part of this event. Schedules, talking points and other resources will be provided to attendees prior to the event. All you need to do is register--calcpa.org/cpaday--and make plans to be in Sacramento. You never know when a relationships developed at this event will make the difference on a client matter.

CPA License Fee Slated for an Increase

The CBA recently approved a proposal to begin the regulatory process to raise the CPA license fee to $250. This would apply to the initial license fee, as well as the renewal fee. The decision comes after a series of temporarily lowered fees that were part of a...