CPAs in the Capitol: CPA Day boasts more than 220 member attendees.

• Author: Fox, Jason
• Position: Capitol Beat

CPA Day at the Capitol took place Jan. M in Sacramento, and was once again a great success. More than 220 CalCPA members braved the rain and wind to make the trip and represent the CPA profession, themselves and their clients to all 120 legislators in Sacramento.

The day began with a networking breakfast, followed by a session of the issues discussed with legislators, which included tax conformity, concerns with taxes on services and CalCPA's financial literacy program.

The morning also featured Sen. John Moorlach, a CPA (inactive) and CalCPA member, who discussed his history of public service, including his experience in the Senate, and the valuable perspectives CPAs provide public policy officials.

From there, CalCPA members flooded the halls of the Capitol and into meetings to discuss the issues facing the profession and how CPAs can be a valuable resource within their business communities.

CalCPA members thanked the legislators for supporting tax conformity legislation last year in AB 154 (Ting) and highlighted the importance of ongoing conformity between California and federal tax laws. Last year's comprehensive tax conformity helped simplify tax filing for taxpayers and businesses throughout California. However, CalCPA members stressed the importance of ongoing conformity and informed legislators of major federal changes that have taken place regarding the due dates of several common federal tax returns.

CAlCPA COUNCIL mEet

CalCPA members pointed out that amendments will be needed to California's tax code to maintain conformity to the new federal due dates, among other changes, to the federal tax code.

Regarding sales tax on services, CalCPA members shared a number of adverse issues, including concerns over fairness of application, increased cost to comply with the law, competitive disadvantage for California providers, negative impact on small business and costly administrative burden. While a tax on services proposal is unlikely to move forward in the legislature this year, it's important for CalCPA members to share their concerns with Legislators.

Finally, attendees informed legislators of CalCPA's financial literacy programs and how they can be used in their respective districts. CalCPA members reminded legislators that CPAs are willing to help serve a number of diverse demographics that make up a legislator's constituency. Each year, a number of legislators take advantage of these free programs and see how CPAs can assist in...