Capital success: Another successful CPA day at the capitol.

• Author: Allen, Bruce C.
• Position: Capitol Beat

Jan. 22 marked another successful CPA Day in Sacramento. More than 200 CPAs from throughout the stale converged on the state Capitol to meet with elected officials representing their districts. The annual event allowed CalCPA members to meet and educate those responsible for key policy decisions about issues important lo the future of the profession.

This year, participants met with legislators to introduce CalCPA's GoocHBusiness initiative; discuss important policy issues relating to property tax agent registration and sales lax on services: and promote CalCPA's financial literacy programs for legislators' constituents.

The Good4Business initiative illustrated thai CalCPA members are the preferred provider of financial and advisory services to a wide spectrum of businesses and individuals in California--and are ready, willing and able lo help legislators' constituents grow their businesses and achieve financial security.

Members stressed that CPAs in communities throughout California are involved in stimulating economic development in the state by helping business owners better understand what they need to know to effectively run their businesses and address the changing business climate.

Participants also discussed important policy issues with legislators. The first issue involves a property tax agent registration proposal, in which anyone receiving compensation for communicating with a county official regarding property--tax assessments would have to register with the state.

CalCPA members reiterated to legislators that CPAs are already regulated by the CBA. IRS and FTB among others and any additional registration would be unnecessary.

This proposal for additional registration is a continuation of an issue that emerged last legislative session. CalCPA continues to work with the Legislature and advocate for an exemption for CPAs.

Reminding legislators of the challenges associated with extending a sales tax to services was another topic of discussion for CPA Day. While no formal proposal has emerged, it's still vital for CalCPA members to communicate their concern to any sales lax on service proposal. Participants explained that such a tax would have a profound negative impact and would create a competitive disadvantage lor California CPAs and other professionals.

We encourage you lo mark your calendars for our next CPA Day. which will be Jan.21.

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