iapa today - Idaho Association of Public Accountants

IAPA TODAY
The Newsletter for Idaho’s Accounting & Tax Professionals
Volume 134 Issue 1 October 2014
www.iapacct.com
2014: Your Year to Shine by Barbara Neiwert, IAPA Executive Director
For most of the working world, the New Year begins on
January 1. But I have a sneaky suspicion that for you accountants out there, the New Year begins April 16. Am I
right?
Let’s assume I’m right and look ahead to see what 2014
has in store for members of the Idaho Association of Public Accountants.
2014 IAPA Seminar Schedule
Gear Up Health Care Reform
June 2—Boise, The Riverside Hotel
June 4—Post Falls, Red Lion Templins’ Resort
June 6—Idaho Falls, Shilo Inn
Too often it seems like every year it’s the same-old, sameold with our usual Gear Up seminars and sometimes a
hosted convention. I’d love to say we’ve gone blockbusters and have a tremendous new schedule for you, but
sometimes you just need to stay with the tried-and-true
methods that achieve the results you’re seeking.
IAPA/OAIA Annual Convention & CPE, Bend, Oregon
June 25-27—Bend, OR, The Riverhouse Hotel
CPE: K-1's Line by Line, and Affordable Care Act - Small
Business Perspective by Peter Bunce, CPA. Brian Wozniak
- IRS Stakeholder Liaison - IRS Update - 2 hours; Terry Bakker, EA, LTC - Preparer Penalties
To register for this, go to http://www.oaia.net/users/
seminarview.asp?puid=143&s=d
This year, however, we;ve added three seminars to our
docket. These are seminars that have been asked for by
many of our members and our seminar attendees. It’s
Gear Up’s Health Care Reform seminar.
Gear Up Business Entities:
Sept. 18-19—Post Falls, Red Lion Templins’ Resort
Setp. 25-26—Twin Falls, Hilton Garden Inn
Now before I lose you because you’re sick to death of
dealing with it this tax season, let me assure you that this
one-day seminar will help shed light on some of those
tricky situations you found your clients in this winter. And
you’ll have an expert on hand to ask questions.
For your convenience, we’ve scheduled the Health Care
Reform seminars around the state the first week of June.
You may sign up for the class in Boise, Idaho Falls or Post
Falls!
The cost is the same as last year, and it is our hope that
you spread the word to your friends and colleagues so
we can be successful in bringing these quality seminars to
your doorstep. Sign up online at www.iapacct.com or by
calling the IAPA office at 1-888-866-2160. Since the seminar is a 2014 event, your IAPA dues will need to be renewed in order to receive the discount.
Gear Up 1040 Individual Tax:
Oct. 30-31—Idaho Falls, The Shilo Inn
Nov. 10-11—Boise, The Riverside Hotel
Gear Up Professional Ethics:
Oct. 30—Idaho Falls, The Shilo Inn
Nov. 10—Boise, The Riverside Hotel
Idaho State Tax Update:
Nov. 12—Boise, The Riverside Hotel
Do yourself a favor—sign up for CPE so you can stay atop
the latest changes in this fast-paced tax environment. Be
prepared. Let yourself shine in 2014!
Hope to see you this June or in the fall!
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IAPA TODAY
Beware of Business Identity Theft
by Kim Boyack, IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison
“Recently, we've become aware of a number of potential data incidents which have taken place in the Northwest where
client information from previous tax years has been stolen and used to file fraudulent tax returns before the real taxpayers have filed. In light of the recent thefts, we remind you to ensure the security of the vast amount of taxpayer data in
your possession. The IRS Publication 4557 available on the IRS.gov website contains detailed information on protecting
client data. Additionally, you will find a variety of useful pamphlets on the Federal Trade Commission's website at
FTC.gov under Privacy and Security, Data Security. These include references on Copier Data Security, Protecting Personal
Information, and Reducing Risks to Computer Systems.”
2013 New Members
We are pleased to have gained new membership last year with these fine colleagues from across the state. Remember to
invite your friends, co-workers, colleagues and peers to think about joining the Idaho Association of Public Accountants.
Yes, we do offer savings for seminar registrations, but membership can be so much more. Your membership helps sustain the association so we can promote our Code of Ethics, help accountants achieve their potential, foster genuine networking relationships, provide scholarships for upcoming accountants, and oversee legislative activity which may impact
your right to practice.
These new members are:
Karen Alberts, EA, Coeur d’Alene
Jim Bell, CPA, Idaho Falls
Rick Bloxham, CPA, Twin Falls
Ron Crow, CPA, Boise
Susan Hatch, RTRP, Twin Falls
David Hunter, CPA, Pocatello
Brent King, CPA, Logan, Utah
Carla Hirsbrenner, Nampa
Jerry Kartchner, CPA, Salt Lake City, Utah
Suzanne Kwapich, CPA, Ketchum
Merry Christine McKenzie, CPA, Boise
Nicole Morris, CPA, Eagle
Jenny Ryan, Idaho Falls
Ray Reeves, EA, Victor
Susan Tenney, CPA, Twin Falls
Michael Thomas, Boise
Taylor Wellington, Richland, WA
Help the IAPA spread the word!
April 2014
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IAPA TODAY
Keeping Client Data Safe in an Increasingly Mobile World By Michael
Webb, Chief Technology Officer, SmartVault
Mobile has become a way of life, and with the proliferation of advanced devices, it’s easier than ever to work on the go.
SaaS-based applications in combination with mobile technologies enable you to deliver client documents while sitting at
the airport, process a client’s payroll from home, and fulfill requests for sensitive data in real-time, at any time. And while
severing the tether to desktop applications and local servers marks substantial progress for firms, it has also made the
accounting profession more vulnerable to data theft because sensitive information is quite literally being carried around
and accessed from multiple locations.
Mobile status is no longer defined solely by the use of laptops. Today’s busy professionals are accessing and storing data
from multiple devices, including tablets, smartphones, and flash drives. Also consider the number of public WiFi networks
tapped into on regular basis (hotels, airports, coffee houses, etc.). All of this means added risk where data is concerned.
Devices get stolen and networks get hacked—compromising sensitive client information and opening accounting professionals up to a world of potential penalties, embarrassment, and loss of business.
Because we live in a mobile world, taking precaution where data safety is concerned is a necessity. The time has come
for heightened security measures. The question is: Do you have a plan in place?
Protecting Data—And Your Reputation
There are few professions with more regulations and compliance mandates than tax and accounting—and for good reason. Accounting professionals work with confidential financial data on a daily basis—both inside the office and out, and
now from an array of mobile devices. As such, it’s the firm’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their clients’ data
whether sitting in the office, on a plane, or at a local eatery. The time has come to protect mobile devices with the same
fervor and commitment as our office computers.
To accomplish this a structured plan is required—one that will help firms take proper and speedy action should client data
become compromised due to theft or loss of a mobile device. To help you develop such a plan, the following recommendations will give you a good start:
Take Inventory—First and foremost, it’s critical to know what devices you are using and why you are using them. Ask
a few standard questions: Are you simply storing files? Are you accessing and processing raw data? Is the device
used for review of documents only or are you sharing them via email? Having a basic understanding of how you
use each device will help you better understand the level of security that is required. As you take inventory, it’s
good to follow one general rule: Don’t store sensitive data on any mobile device if you don’t have to. You will
also want to take inventory of the applications that reside on each device. This will further clarify what data is
being accessed and potentially stored.
Develop a Mobile Policy—You likely have policy in place in relation to hiring staff or delivering client services—each
adopted to protect and ensure the success of your firm. Creating a policy in relation to how you (and staff) use
mobile devices is just as important to your success. A sound mobile policy is typically comprised of two main components: 1) guidelines for data storage on devices and 2) procedure for lost or stolen devices.
First, ensure that as little client data is stored on mobile devices as possible, then develop strict guidelines around
data storage—and enforce them. This will help you maintain control of what data (and how much) resides on
mobile devices. Second, put a plan of action in place in the event that a device is lost or stolen. This includes any
device—laptops, tablets, smartphones, or flash drives. Many states have enacted laws that require you to notify
those affected by data breach due to theft or loss of a device. Your plan may include guidelines for disabling/
changing passwords, closing connections, and a procedure for notifying clients of confidential information
breach. By adhering to strict policy, you position yourself to respond to the issue with speed and effectiveness.
(Continued on page 4)
April 2014
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IAPA TODAY
(Continued from page 3)
Audit Mobile Access—Auditing devices is another way to protect your data. Look at what applications you are using
and the passwords and data that are stored on the device. Regular audits will keep you current on what devices
hold what information so you can react quickly in the event of theft.
Heighten Security on Mobile Devices—There are several ways to heighten security on your mobile devices. Some of
the more obvious solutions are assigning stronger passwords, using the device’s auto-lock function, and encrypting documents. The best advice to heighten security, however, is to access data outside the device itself rather
than working with stored data. For example, Cloud applications enable you to access data and work in real time
without having to store information on the resident device. That means that if the end-point device is lost, the
sensitive information stays in the Cloud. Firms with VPN capability can use a mobile device to access the VPN
and then access the data from there—using the device as a thin client only.
Another guideline to ensure data security is to avoid using public WiFi networks when at all possible. Additionally, do not set your devices to automatically search for open public networks. This leaves your system open and
vulnerable, and your data a “sitting duck.” You should only ever access sensitive data remotely over a secure
HTTPS connection.
The Reality of Being Highly Mobile
The simple fact is that we live in a fast-paced mobile world. Advanced technologies allow us to live and work outside of a
brick-and-mortar structure and have provided the freedom to work any time and from anywhere—increasing productivity
to record levels. At the same time, these innovations have also subjected us to greater risks of a data breach. As a mobile
society, we tap in and out of public networks, exchange information via email, and store and access highly sensitive data
on a multitude of mobile devices. And while this is necessary practice to stay connected and work, it does require taking
precautions to keep data safe and sound.
By following some simple guidelines, like developing a mobile policy and heightening device security, you can continue
to enjoy the benefits of an “always on” world, without falling victim to the risk that comes with it.
About the Author
Michael Webb—As Chief Technology Officer and a founding member of SmartVault, Michael is responsible for the design and delivery
of SmartVault's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, managing the R&D group, and ensuring the overall security of SmartVault's platform. Michael has more than a decade of experience in the commercial software industry and has emerged as a leading expert in the
area of data security. Contact Michael at [email protected].
April 2014
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IAPA TODAY
Bits ’n Pieces
Sincerest Condolences
We have lost several good members and friends over the past months. They
are:
305 Bay Horse Rd.
Bellevue, ID 83313
Brian McNelis, Coeur d’Alene, passed on Aug. 31, 2013
John Engelson, Pocatello
Former IAPA president Bob Briggs of Filer, who passed on Dec. 29, 2013.
Martin Sielaff, Boise, passed on Jan. 29, 2014
Immediate past-NSA District Governor Joyce Funkhouser-Lingelbach of Portland, Oregon, passed on Feb. 11, 2014.
As for the rest of you: STAY HEALTHY OUT THERE!!!
2014 Meeting and Seminar Schedule
Oct. 30-31
Gear Up 1040
8 am-4:30 pm
Idaho Falls Shilo Inn
208-523-0088
Oct. 30
Gear Up Ethics
4:45 pm— 6:30 pm
Idaho Falls Shilo Inn
May 2
IAPA Board of Directors Meeting, Boise, The Riverside
Hotel, 9 a.m.
June 2
June 4
June 6
Sept. 18-19
Sept. 25-26
Gear Up Health
Care Reform
8 am—4 pm
Boise
The Riverside Hotel
Gear Up Health
Care Reform
8 am—4 pm
Post Falls
Templin’s Resort
Gear Up Health
Care Reform
8 am—4 pm
Idaho Falls
The Shilo Inn
Gear Up Business
Entities
8 am—4 pm
Post Falls
Red Lion Templins’
Gear Up Business
Entities
8 am—4 pm
Twin Falls
Hilton Garden Inn
Nov. 10-11
Gear Up 1040
8 am-4:30 pm
Boise, The
Riverside Hotel
Nov. 10
Gear Up Ethics
4:45 pm to 6:30 pm
Boise, The
Riverside Hotel
Nov. 12
Idaho State Tax
Update
8 am to Noon
Boise
The Riverside Hotel
Register by mail, fax, phone or
online at
www.iapacct.com
April 2014
“IAPA Today” is the official publication of the Idaho
Association of Public Accountants. Editor: Barbara Neiwert, 305 Bay Horse Rd, Bellevue, Idaho 83313, toll free
1-888-866-2160. Opinions expressed herein are those of
the individual writer and not necessarily those of the
Association or editor. Advancement of the profession of
public accountancy is the principal aim of the publication.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
President: Jeniele Rowley, ABA, ATP, Nampa;
1st Vice President: Reisse Perin, CPA, Emmett
2nd Vice President: Erick Mikesell, CPA, Twin
Falls
Secretary-Treasurer: Brian Haderlie, CPA, Rexburg;
Past President: Jerry Berggren, CPA, Boise
District I Director: Wilma Christensen, EA,
ABA, ATP, ATA, Harrison;
District II Director: Lupe Gutierrez, Caldwell
District III Director: Kendal Egbert, LPA, Twin
Falls;
State Director NSA: Wilma Christensen, EA,
ABA, ATP, ATA, Harrison;
ISBA Representative: Terry Bayless, CPA, Meridian;
Executive Director & Editor: Barbara Neiwert
CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Please notify the
editor of any change of email.