They're back: expect lots of activity as Legislature returns.

• Author: Allen, Bruce C.
• Position: CapitolBeat - Tax agent registration - Governor sets agenda - Column

The Legislature gathers Jan. 6 to begin the final year of the 2013-14 session. Expect a bustle of activity as legislators look to revive legislation that stalled last year, as well as introduce new legislation. Our government relations team is actively tracking--and when needed, participating on behalf of CalCPA members to influence proposals thai surface over the first few weeks of the new year that impact CPAs.

Tax Agent Registration

One proposal we are working on early ihis legislative session relates to tax agent registration. The proposed legislation would require anyone receiving compensation for communicating with a county official to register with the state and pav a registration fee.

A similar proposal was introduced in 2013. but stalled in committee. We argued that CPAs who do not hold out as lax agents and do not perform that service as a primary part of their practice should be exempt. CPAs are regulated by the CRA, the TRS, the FTB and other agencies, so additional registration is redundant and unnecessary.

The CBA, Secretary of Slate and other business groups also opposed the original legislation. We are continuing in work for an exemption for CPAs.

Governor Sets Agenda

Gov. Brown will set the tone for 2014 as he gives his annual slate of the state speech and lay oul his agenda and policy goals for the year. The governor will also release his initial budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Since there is an anticipated $5.5 billion surplus, die governor's spending plan will outline whether he is looking to increase spending or whether there will be restraint.

CapitolBeat businesses throughout California and willing to help lead California to economic growth.

We will be using the C4B initiative to take the perspective of the CPA lo public policy leaders in Sacramento during CPA Day and demonstrate to them that we are working to help grow their constituent businesses and...