CPA Day Is Here: Registration Open; Represent Your Profession.

• Author: Fox, Jason
• Position: Capitol Beat

Tax reform has moved into the spotlight in Washington as the Trump Administration and Congressional leaders continue the push for significant federal tax reform.

While specifics of any changes that may be made are still unclear, the impact of any significant changes could greatly alter the political landscape for tax reform here in California. For example, if the state and local tax deduction is eliminated for federal taxes, states with high-income tax rates, like California, would be significantly impacted. This could shift the political landscape and the Legislature may be more inclined to re-evaluate California's tax structure for reforms or their own.

Should there be a call for major changes, tax on services would certainly be thrown into the mix. Following this scenario, one possibility could be a decrease of the income tax rate and a broadening of the tax base by extending the sales tax to some services. While nothing this drastic is imminent, expect calls for tax reform in California to grow should federal tax reform become a reality.

As we continue to evaluate the tax discussions in Washington and in California, it continues to be vital for CalCPA members and the CPA profession to build relationships with policy makers and have a seat at the table when discussions begin.

CPA Day Registration is Open

Mark your calendars: Jan. 17 will be the next CPA Day at the Capitol. Register at calcpa.org/CPADay and start making arrangements to come to Sacramento to represent your profession with legislators.

Our 2017 CPA Day was one of the largest as CalCPA members from across the state descended on the Capitol and met with legislators to discuss issues affecting the CPA profession; the importance of financial literacy; and how CPAs can be a resource to the legislator and their constituents.

We hope to have a strong showing of CalCPA members again in 2018. All CalCPA members are welcome, and you don't need any prior experience or any special knowledge to meet with legislators. We will organize groups of CalCPA members, schedule the appointments and provide you with the talking points and resources you will need for the day. All you need to do is register and show up in Sacramento on Jan. 17.

CPA Day is one of CalCPA's most successful events each year and continuously receives positive feedback from legislators and members. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to join your peers to meet face-to-face with the public policy leaders...