CPA Day 2015: A summary of the issues on the table for discussion.

• Author: Allen, Bruce C
• Position: Certified Public Accountant

It's that time of year again when we have the opportunity to rally together, head to the state Capitol and convey the important roles you serve as CPAs in California.

Jan. 21 will be the next CPA Day in Sacramento. and the time has come to register - www.calcpa.oig/cpadap--and make arrangements to represent the CPA profession.

Last year's CPA Da was a big success, and we expect another impressive turnout. Register now to join hundreds of your colleagues to meet and develop relationships with elected legislators and inform them of important issues facing the CPA profession.

Building relationships is especially important this year with more than 30 new legislators sworn into office in December. The decisions of these legislators and the public policies they implement will have a great impact on the CPA profession.

State lawmakers introduce more than 5,000 bills each session and that number doesn't include the hundreds of regulations proposed by various state agencies or the fluctuating state budget--any of which can impact the profession and its ability to operate and provide services to clients.

While CPAs are one of the most important advisers to businesses and Consumers throughout the state. the reality is that the CPA profession must compete with dozens of other special interests to influence good public policy and avoid onerous, unnecessary regulation. In the political world. groups that most vigorously participate in the process. more often than not, determine the policy outcome.

Therefore, it's critical that as many CPAs join us in Sacramento this month to discuss some of the key issues that face the CPA profession this year. And don't worry, we'll take can of providing you with the infinmation you need to speak with legislators.

For ii tis year, CalCPA is focusing on sales tax on services, sunset review of the California Board of Accountancy and financial literacy promotion.

Sales Taxes on Services

One of the big issues CalCPA members will be educating members on is the negative impact of imposing a sales tax on services. Senate Bill 8 (Bertzbergt is one of the lirst bills introduced this year, and while a detailed proposal is not yet in place, the bill seeks to expand the application of sales and use taxes to specified services, including services provided by a CPA.

This issue periodically emerges in the Legislature, and CalCM has shared a number of concerns and its impact on the CPA profession and small businesses throughout...