CPE Catalog & Events

Budget defining, Budget cultures Tacticle budget issues Ideas for budget solutions and process solutions Understanding people in the budget process Communicating your budget to non financial types

When is a person eligible to take Social Security benefits? Factors to consider when selecting an option for taking Social Security benefits Is there a best age to start taking Social Security benefits? How to maximize Social Security benefit payments for surviving spouses How can a divorced spouse collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of a former spouse? How minor children can collect Social Security benefits based on the work record of an older parent

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Recent ethics standards changes that impact your practice.Key regulatory changes and initiatives affecting CPAs and the future of the profession.Emerging issues and standard-setting activity that could affect your practice.Practical applications of the standards and common practice issues and challenges. Examples include independence issues, serving clients in the cannabis industry, and reporting potential noncompliance with laws and regulations to third parties.How failure to follow the standards can result in unwanted regulatory actions and publicity.

The major topics covered in this class include:Review of differences of compilation, review and audit engagementsCompare and contrast major considerations of each type of engagementProvide practical tips and strategiesProfessional standards that govern each type of engagement

An objective look at retirement plan selection Pros and cons of different plan types Make you an even more valuable resource to your clients

Budget defining, Budget cultures Tacticle budget issues Ideas for budget solutions and process solutions Understanding people in the budget process Communicating your budget to non financial types

The major topics covered in this course include:Overview of the Microsoft 365 Forms app features and capabilitiesStep-by-step review and demonstration of the Forms appDesigning your form or surveyCreating form questionsUsing branching to eliminate unnecessary questions based on form input dataCustomizing the form theme / styleManage form response settingsDistribute forms via link, website or emailReview of the completed forms response reportExporting forms data to Excel for further analysis

The essential internal control concepts applied in a single audit How the auditor obtains an understanding of controls over compliance and then tests the effectiveness of those controls in a single audit How the auditor plans and performs tests of compliance in a single audit The identification and reporting of control and compliance findings

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The role of methods of proof in forensic accounting.The various types of methods of proof approved by the courts.The weakness and strengths of the methods of proof.The formulas in calculating methods of proof.Applying the formulas in various circumstances.

Filing requirements and personal exemptions Gross income inclusions, exclusions, and adjustments Standard and itemized deductions Tax credits Tax provisions for high-income taxpayers 3.8% net investment income tax Roth IRA, IRA, and retirement plan options Section 199A qualified business income deduction

Proper planning of benefit plan audit engagements and developing audit strategy while improving overall efficiency Common pitfalls in planning and detailed audit procedures Changes affecting 401(k) plans, including SAS 136 implementation Common mistakes as noted in peer reviews and DOL inspections

Classifying receipts between “income” and “corpus” under the Uniform Principal and Income Act Calculation of DNI utilizing three different methods, a “forms” method (Schedule B), a “code” method, and a “shortcut” method, utilizing a worksheet of common income and expenses Proper W-2 preparation and procedures in the year of death Taxpayer passes before taking a required minimum distribution; what must be done?  Forgetful fiduciaries of simple trusts Fluctuating trusts – Simple one year, complex the next Dividing income in the year of death Overview of Subchapter J Form preparation issues – Filing requirements and line-by-line explanations of Form 1041 Taxable income of estates and trusts and expense allocation issues Specific deductions and miscellaneous itemized deductions Income in respect of a decedent The income distribution deduction calculation Relation of principal and income law to DNI Understanding how to handle capital gains and losses Allocating tax items to beneficiaries: another K-1 Other considerations: excess deductions on termination Effects of the CARES and Tax Relief Acts on trusts: §461(l) Excess Business Loss Limitation, NOL, §163(j) modifications, new employer credits Comprehensive DNI case study, with principal (cost and FMV) and income reconciliation Comprehensive trust and estate case studies, with filled-in forms

Review an error-prone "staff-prepared" Form 1040 from client-provided information. Where do you start? Get to know your client and ask the questions Several new reporting issues for the reviewer to consider, including the main credit provisions as enacted under the American Rescue Plan What are common errors preparers make and what are the areas generating malpractice claims? The importance of engagement letters, questionnaires, and §7216 permission statement Initial administrative groundwork Identifying organizing issues in the tax return to be reviewed Avoiding “willful blindness.” Handling ethical and moral dilemmas Efficient review of certain advanced issues for income, adjustments, deductions, and credits Effective procedures for delinquent clients, filing past-due tax returns First-time client issues requiring extra scrutiny Multiple checklists of efficient procedures to identify potential issues on a 1040 return Listing of schedules for staff to prepare to make a review easier, including basis issues for 1040 clients Reconciling time pressure with thoroughness and quality control Professionals acting professionally

Comprehensive coverage of the SECURE Act 2.0 Understanding the environment: what’s new, what’s expired or expiring, and what’s likely to change Reading a tax return for developing client-specific tax strategies Will there be more changes in the individual tax laws? Changes to the lifetime estate tax exemption in light of proposed regulations  The net investment income tax: planning for compliance Family income-splitting strategies that need to be considered Income tax issues: impact on timing of other income Selling a principal residence Two principal residences at the same time Use of life insurance to protect families Using Roth IRAs and Roth contribution programs to best advantage Conversions: do they still make sense? Taking distributions: matching timing to client requirements Qualified plan contributions to reduce current income and Social Security tax: implications for business owners and self-employed Social Security solvency issues Incentive Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan considerations What to do about itemized deductions Trans-generational planning: conversions, income, and gain-splitting Tax benefits of HSAs and other tax-advantaged acccounts Recent case law, as applicable Identifying tax opportunities: reviewing the prior-year return to develop a plan for the future Planning for middle-income taxpayers: financial planning for the young, the working, and those approaching or in retirement

Ethics for Members in Business: Why Bother?Re-Introducing the AICPA Code of Professional ConductThe Basic Ethics Rules for Members in BusinessThe Conceptual Framework: Avoiding the Risk of NoncomplianceCase Analysis: Members in Business

Employee complaints Personality & attitude problems Performance counseling Personal hygiene problems Disability-related performance issues Misconduct due to mental conditions  

You'll Learn: What behaviors detract from the value that you bring to the table and negatively influence the respect your staff and colleagues have for you. What your body language may be communicating about your overall confidence, capability, and self-assuredness You'll Find: More effective ways to communicate as a female leader Skills to display and communicate confidence while inspiring trust and increasing credibility

Indirect rates Sub-recipient relationship with PTEs PPP loan forgiveness credit The District of Columbia and MD laws on settlement of indirect rates with PTEs 10% de mnimis rate vs. indirect rate negotiation

Tax rules governing liquidation of a partnership or S corporation Tax treatment of the shareholder/partner/member receiving a liquidating distribution in an S corporation liquidation/partnership liquidation Tax impact on the pass-through entity when the entity is liquidated Receipt of corporate liabilities in an S corporation distribution Proportionate, liquidating partnership distributions to partners, and gains and losses to a partner on a liquidating partnership distribution Tax issues associated with a partnership distribution of noncash properties in a liquidation Compliance requirements on the occasion of a liquidation of a corporation or a partnership

Understanding Fraud Psychology and Motivation of Fraudsters Detection and Prevention Strategies Real World Case Studies Effective Fraud Management