Remembering auld lang syne.

• Author: Shewbridge, Charles W., III
• Position: Editorial

December is ordinarily a time of reflection, and in 1999 that is probably more the case than at any other time in the last 1,000 years. I cannot resist the temptation to add my own recollections to the never-ending list of the year-end, decade-end, century-end, and millennium-end retrospectives. I promise, however, to stay focused on recent history and not to use the "M" word again in a column. (To help me keep that promise, I told the TEI staff to limit me to half my normal space.)

Unparalleled Educational Opportunities

TEI sponsored one top-notch educational program after another in 1999. Recently, we held not only an outstanding Annual Conference in Philadelphia, but a sold-out federal tax seminar on select GAAP issues and a well-received week-long course on international taxes. I am especially proud of the Annual Conference, where the Institute demonstrated its ability to combine unparalleled networking opportunities with spectacular technical sessions. The 700-plus people who gathered in Philadelphia learned first hand why dollar for dollar, minute for minute, TEI cannot be beat. That was true in 1999, and it will be true in 2000. Upcoming programs include our audits and appeals seminar and the Midyear Conference.

Continued Advocacy Success

Less than a year ago, the IRS stunned the business tax community by conceding that advance pricing agreements were subject to disclosure under section 6110 of the Code. TEI thought the IRS's action threatened not only taxpayer confidentiality but the future of the APA program. We filed an amicus brief with the U.S. district court in Washington -- a first for us -- and subsequently pressed for a legislative solution. Meeting with Treasury officials, congressional aides, and even representatives of the media (who had pressed for disclosure of APAs), the Institute argued persistently to protect APAs and associated background information from disclosure. I am delighted that the "extenders" bill recently signed by the President does just that.

In addition to our successful efforts to enhance taxpayer confidentiality, TEI also devoted considerable resources in 1999 to the corporate tax shelter issue. I was honored to represent TEI at a Ways and Means...