Printable PDF - Houston CPA Society

www.houstonCPA.org
CPA
AT A GLANCE
2015 Scholarship
Extravaganza
3
Classified Ads
11
CPA Aces
7
CPE News Flash
4-5
HCAD Review Board
15
Holiday Community Service
Boxes for the Troops
18
Santa CPAs
Member Benefits
18,19
9, 12-14
Member News
6
New Members
8
Nonprofit Assistance
17
Student Auxiliary Advocate
16
TSCPA Membership Campaign 6
OCTOBER 2014, NO. 10
HOUSTON CPA SOCIETY
HOUSTON TSCPA
FOUNDATION
Telephone No.
713.622.7733
Admin. Fax No.
713.622.0522
CPE/Order Fax No.
713.622.3327
Email Address:
[email protected]
Web Site:
www.houstonCPA.org
EMAIL THE
PRESIDENT AT:
president@
HoustonCPA.org
Come spend the day with Wish Child Isaiah, a bright eyed
seven year old who can't wait to visit Walt Disney World
to see his favorite character – Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and sponsors,
children all over the world, and on a local level, from 47
counties in the Texas Gulf Coast area and all 64 parishes
of Louisiana, benefit from the efforts of the Texas Gulf
Coast & Louisiana Chapter of the Make-A-Wish
Foundation.
Does Your Teenager's
School Offer High School
Level Accounting Honors
Credit?
Imagine a world where the smart kids didn't take
accounting because it hurt their career. A world where
accounting teachers didn't have enough students to keep
their job! That's been a reality in Texas, but not for long.
Find out how you can advocate for this important initiative on page 17.
Society Goes To Paperless
Newsletter
Effective immediately, the Houston CPA Society Board
of Directors has voted to eliminate the printed and
mailed Forum newsletter. This move will provide significant reduction of the Society's budget bottom line.
Members will still have several print and viewing options.
All versions of the newsletter will now be produced
twelve (12) months a year!
“ NEW DIGITAL FORMAT will be available via a link
on the Home Page, and in the Resources>Forum
Continued (See Newsletter on page 2)
Our goal this year is for the net proceeds from the event
to go toward current wishes and/or a Make-A-Wish
Endowment in the name of the Houston CPA Society, and
have some fun in the process! You don't have to play golf
to treat your clients to a day on the links, volunteer on
the planning committee or on tournament day, or attend
the evening's dinner and awards.
Continued (See Golf Classic on page 2)
ACCELERATE…
Connecting Future Leaders
In 2013 the Houston CPA Society developed a fourweek professional development and networking program to enhance the critical skills necessary to be
effective within your professions and communities.
The three classes of our first year recently met at their
first reunion to review how the program has helped
them in their career and community lives.
The program is fortunate to enlist remarkable Society
and community speakers and leaders such as Chuck
Cummings, Christine Spray, Glenn Smith, Dr. Todd
Dewett, David Cook, Susan Sorensen, John Meredith,
Sheila Enriquez and Mary Thomas. Some speakers
participated in each class while others led lively discussions during one or more sessions.
The Fall 2014 class begins with its networking happy
hour on October 28, with Christine Spray, founder
and president of Strategic Catalyst, Inc., leading the
first class the following morning, October 29. The following weeks include Chuck Cummings, Managing
Partner of Cummings & Houston, LLP, on November 6
and Jim Langsdale, Director of Business Development
at Grant Thornton on November 13. The November 20
panel discussion on "What it Takes to Be a Leader and
Managing in a Crisis" includes Senior Vice President,
Continued (See Accelerate on page 3)
2
FORUM FEATURES
VOLUNTEER
[vol-uhn-teer] noun 1. A person who voluntarily offers
himself or herself for a service
or undertaking.
Get Involved with Your
Profession - Join A
Committee TODAY!
Benefits of active participation include ... Current
Topic Updates ...
Professional Development ...
Networking Opportunities
… and More!
Newsletter (Continued from page 1)
Newsletter page of www.HoustonCPA.org.
This format will be searchable, be shareable,
and feature hotlinks to outside references and
resources.
“ Printable PDF – you can still print all or
a portion of your newsletter to take with
you on your travels, to the gym, or to
keep in your briefbag for easy reference.
“ Online eForum – will continue to be distributed the first Tuesday of each month.
Each section will have a "Printer Friendly
Version" tag at the bottom of the page.
Provide the Society with a valid email
address so you can plan for your CPE
hours, and keep your calendar up to date
with committee meetings and other activities and special events. There will also be
links to the printable and digital versions
in the left menu.
Golf Classic (Continued from page 1)
Join us at the beautiful 36 hole Sweetwater Country
Club and meet our WISH CHILD ISAIAH. The
"Florida Scramble" Tournament field is limited to 288
amateur players, so please register early. Isaiah and
his family are just one example of how we can each,
by supporting events such as this, make such a difference in a child's life!
Parking at CPA
Office Building
777 Post Oak Boulevard (parking
entrance on Hollyhurst, behind
building)
Visitor Parking is on lower level of
garage. If that area is full, return
to first level and proceed up ramp
to second level where there is a
card access box with a push button. Depress the button and tell
whoever answers that you are visiting the Houston CPA Society
offices and need a parking spot.
They will raise the gate so that you
can proceed to an upper level
(third or fourth floor) to park.
Special needs accessible parking is
also located on the garage second
level.
Houston CPA*Make-A-Wish Golf Classic, download
the detailed brochure. Or, contact Elyse Turla at the
Society office (713.622.7733 x290;
[email protected]) if you should have any
questions or would like to discuss options for sponsorship.
For detailed information about the event, visit
www.HCPASGolfClassic.com.)
For more information regarding sponsorship or
player registration for the 25th Annual 2014
Help insure the continuation of the profession!
Contribute to the Accounting Scholarship
Endowment Fund and help provide an
education to aspiring new CPAs. For an updated
donor listing, CLICK HERE
Donate to the CPAs Helping Schools initiative
which supports Houston area schools PreK-12.
FORUM FEATURES
OCTOBER 2014
Generating
Success for
Generations
of Texas
Families
CPA
The Forum is published monthly by the
Houston Chapter, Texas Society of
Certified Public Accountants.
Carol G. Warley
President
Nancy A. Rutledge
Executive Director
Elyse A. Turla
Editor
Standing: Judy Bozeman, Donnie Roberts, Allen Lewis,
Michael Ringger and Elizabeth Leicht
Seated: Bill Cunningham, Maureen Phillips, Rick Morales
and Tom Williams
Newsletter Deadline
3rd Thursday of the
month prior to issue date.
Forward information to:
Houston CPA Society
777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77056-3212
Voice Phone: (713)622-7733
Administrative Fax: (713)622-0522
CPE/Order Fax: (713)622-3327
E-mail: [email protected]
Accelerate (Continued from page 1)
Government & Public Affairs of BP America
Crystal Ashby, SolomonEdwards Manager
Allie Demers, Doug McCullough of
McCullough Sudan PLLC, and Briggs &
Veselka Company Shareholder Sheila
Enriquez.
Each class has enjoyed a good mix of members
from public practice and industry, providing
attendees with opportunities to increase their
network, and to see that many situations
encountered in their daily work are mirrored
across the profession. Several graduates of the
2013 program immediately secured promotions within their firm, or searched out new
opportunities.
3
s Investment Management
s Financial Planning
s Trust and Estate Services
More Than 30 Years of Building
Successful Financial Futures
Learn more at
www.woodwayfinancial.com
10000 Memorial Drive, Suite 650sHouston,
Texas 77024
[email protected]
The graduates offered comments such as:
Content was very relevant; speakers were
awesome; helped to expand my knowledge
in areas other than accounting; small
group format was perfect; this is a great
program; I enjoyed the group discuss at the
end of each session; the presentations provide leadership knowledge or reinforcement
of previously learned concepts; would like
to attend a future class to share how the
program benefited me; I believe this is a
worthwhile endeavor the Society has taken
on and I am looking forward to seeing it
grow and being a part of it; very insightful
– thank you!
Save the Date
An applicant must be a current Certified
Public Accountant, with at least six years of
post-graduate, full-time work experience.
Participants should be a current member in
good standing of the Houston CPA Society. If
you or someone in your firm is interested in
participating, email Carol Spencer
([email protected]) for an application.
Saturday Evening
February 21, 2015
Houston Country Club
Honorees
Barry Margolis, Jan Phipps and
Tommy Wright
4
CPE NEWS FLASH
Let the Houston TSCPA Foundation help fulfill your required CPE needs…
Registration information on the courses featured below can be found in the monthly CPA CPE Circular
----distributed by email and USPS mail to all members. LOGIN and register online in the Event Calendar at
www.HoustonCPA.org, or download a copy of the Circular from the Home Page under Spotlight.
Becker Professional Education And
The Houston CPA Society:
Joining Forces To Offer You An
Incredible Member Benefit
Not only are Becker Professional Education's webcast and on-demand
CPE courses available to members at a reduced subscription rate but
members will now be able to benefit from purchasing individual ondemand courses as well.
Becker's comprehensive CPE course offerings provide the most current information for today’s most critical and challenging business
issues, empowering you for the next level of success.
All Houston CPA Society Members now have the opportunity to
purchase a 1 year unlimited subscription to Becker's entire
Continuing Professional Education course catalog that
includes over 190 courses for only $325 per year or
individual courses for $79 each.
To register visit https://learn.beckercpe.com/
TrackDesc.aspx?brandingid=1494&track_id=1383.
"HOUSTON TSCPA" should be listed in the "Company Name" field
when registering.
Key Topics:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
IFRS
U.S. GAAP
Fraud & Corruption Prevention
Forensic Accounting
Engagement & Project Management
Taxation
Government
Revenue Recognition
Strategic Management
And much more
For more information, contact Rob Foster at Becker
(630.353.3702; [email protected]) or
Judith Butcher at 713.622.7733 x260;
[email protected].
To view the Becker Course Catalog visit
becker.com/cpe
®
25th Annual TAX
EXPO
JANUARY 5-6, 2015
Sugar Land Marriott Town Square
Selling Your Practice?
Start selling right now.
Unparalleled resources. Marketing
superiority. Ready to Start Now.
Give us a call today so that we can start
working to remove your selling headache
and to obtain the goal you desire.
Wade Holmes 888-847-1040
www.AccountingPracticeSales.com
[email protected]
Special Overnight Room Rate of $169, while
available!
2015 TAX EXPO -- 25 Years
And Still Going Strong!
The 25th Annual CPE Tax Expo - January 5
and 6, 2015 - returns to the favorite location
- the Sugar Land Marriott at Town Square.
Town Square provides complimentary selfparking in multiple garages, easy access from
Just think…if you subscribe by the 1st day
of your birthday month, you can get in two
years' of CPE for one year's
subscription fee!
the Southwest Freeway, and, the hotel is offering a special group rate of $169.00 per night
for those of you who prefer to make it a getaway!
The annual TAX EXPO is a place for much
more than CPE. The TAX EXPO is a place to
meet, greet, learn, share, and have fun. This
location provides you an opportunity to visit
the Sugar Land Town Center restaurants and
relax after a long day of education.
The conference opens on Monday with
"Individual & Small Business Tax Update" by
Steven J. Tillinger. Tillinger's printed course
materials will be provided to all attendees;
whereas other speakers' materials will be
available for download and printing after
December 20.
Keynote Luncheon Speakers have been confirmed so we are fortunate to announce the
Honorable Juan F. Vasquez, United States Tax
Court Justice on Monday, and United States
Secret Service Special Agent Kevin W. Cooke
on Tuesday. Judge Vasquez returns after
Continued (See Tax Expo on page 9)
OCTOBER 2014
Third Annual Young
Professionals
Conference
This annual conference is uniquely designed
to provide CPAs, CPA candidates and accounting students aged 40 and under with topics
that are highly relevant to their career and life
stages. Attendees will have a chance to network with their peers while earning 8 hours of
CPE credit.
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
8:00a-4:15p (registration and breakfast begin at 7:15a)
WHERE: Federal Reserve Bank (1801 Allen
Pkwy) NOTE: Due to security protocol at the Federal Reserve, walk-ins
will not be allowed and registrations
will close at 10am on November
17th.
CPE:
8 credit hours
FEES:
Houston/Other Chapter Member
$125; Nonmember CPA $175;
*Member Candidate $75; *Member
Student $25
2014 Personal
Financial Planning
Conference
Ed Roth, CPA
Personal Financial Planning Committee
This year's conference marks the 28th rendition of a highly regarded source of financial
planning information. Held at the JW Marriott
(5150 Westheimer at Sage), this 9 CPE credit
hour conference provides participants valuable
knowledge whether they offer financial planning services to their clients or they have similar needs personally. Value priced at $250 for
TSPCA members or non CPAs, and $325 for
nonmember CPAs, your financial planning
toolbox will be greatly expanded by this premier opportunity.
The scope of timely material will be presented
by a diverse set of speakers. Following is a preview of this year's topics.
Modern Portfolio Theory 2.0 - Lance
Roberts, STA Wealth Management – This session will take a look at the best practices, fundamental analysis, technical analysis and global macro trends to develop, create and monitor clients’ portfolios while considering
investor behavioral patterns.
Your Data Is My Data Too (It’s Nothing
Personal) - Art Conklin, PhD, University of
Houston College of Technology, and Jerlyn
Registration is available online or by calling
713.622.7733. *Students and candidates must
call to receive special pricing. Registration
includes breakfast, lunch, complimentary selfparking. A $25 late fee will be assessed after
5:00 PM Wednesday, November 12, 2014.
Christine Hollinden will address “Fearless
Foresight: Strategies to Improve Your
Creative Thinking." Hollinden is a highly
accomplished strategic marketing consultant.
Specializing in professional services, she helps
clients quickly position their firms, as well as
develop and implement focused marketing
efforts to build their firms.
Rick Davis will present “Listening Beyond
the Words.” For over 25 years, Davis has
designed and implemented innovative business development and marketing approaches
for leading professional services firms across
the globe. He utilizes a relationship-centric
model in coaching individuals and teams in
professional services firms to reach their full
potential.
MEMBER BENEFITS
5
ishing life experiences to help others achieve
their own gigantic dreams. She blends the latest proven scientific methods into her speeches to help people realize how their minds can
be their greatest source of personal power.
The conference will close with a presentation
on “Negotiating Your Career Needs” by Tim
Phillips. Phillips provides world class go-tomarket strategies and acts as counselor-tobusiness owners and CEOs who aspire to create exceptional scalable profit generating revenue engines for their companies.
Interested in sponsoring the event? Please
contact Frances St. Cyr at the Society offices
(713.622.7733 x240; [email protected]).
Sandi Smith Leyva will open the afternoon
session with “7 Keys to Unleashing Your
Rainmaking Potential & Igniting Your Path
to Partner/CFO.” Smith Levya uses her aston-
Mardis, Applied Cognitive Solutions &
University of Houston College of Technology Everyone is being attacked, all the time, everywhere. So, yes, you are a target for a cyberattack, especially if you're in business.
Attackers want to steal your database because,
like Willie Sutton, they know that's where the
money is. How hazardous is the current environment? Find out how you can assess the
risk and manage it for yourself and for your
clients.
Redefining Retirement As We Know It:
Maximizing Social Security - David P.
Zander, CFP®, Back Nine Financial - When to
take social security is probably the biggest
financial decision most Americans will ever
make. This irrevocable decision will have
implications for decades and the difference
between proper and improper choices can
mean hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Estate Planning for Digital Assets - Gerry
Beyer, JD, LL.M., JSD, Texas Tech University
- Attendees will learn how to identify digital
assets and digital estates, the importance of
planning for digital assets, how user policies
impact the planning process, how federal law
impacts the planning process, the method to
plan for digital assets, the obstacles to planning for digital assets, how fiduciaries may
access digital assets and what the future may
hold with respect to digital planning.
Improving Investor Outcomes - Kevin
McDevitt, CFA, Morningstar - When it comes
to investment performance, selecting quality
funds is really only half of the story. A smart
portfolio strategy also includes a well-diversified mix of asset classes to help investors avoid
shortfalls and achieve better investor outcomes. This presentation will cover investment philosophy, ratings systems and consistent analytical framework, including a fundamental approach to investment selections and
portfolio construction with case studies that
demonstrate practical application.
Fundamental Estate Planning - David
Jackson, JD, Kennedy & Jackson - This presentation will provide an entry level discussion
of estate planning and fundamental/foundational documents.
The luncheon presentation, featuring keynote
speaker Michael Finke, PhD, Texas Tech
University, will address Physical and Mental
Aspects of Aging: Impact on Retirement
Planning. Aging brings changes in our bodies
and minds. In order to plan for these changes,
we need to be able to anticipate how and when
these changes occur. Discussion will cover
recent trends in longevity and activity in old
age, spending patterns, the most recent
research on cognitive decline, and provide
insight into what makes people happier in
retirement.
LOGON and register online, complete and
return the brochure registration form, or register by phone at 713.622.7733. A $25 late fee
will be assessed after 5:00 PM, Monday,
October 13, 2014.
6
MEMBER NEWS
Member News
Wortham & Son, LP, 2727 Allen Pkwy
#2040, Houston 77019-2115 (713.526.3366).
Onward and Upward
Allyn P. Riley, CPA, has joined
PlainsCapital Bank as senior vice president
at 700 Milam St #500, Houston 77002-2860
(713.651.9850).
Timothy J. Adler, CPA, has been named
partner at the firm of BKD, LLP, 2800 Post
Oak Blvd #3200, Houston 77056-6167
(713.499.4600).
Mark T. Andersen, CPA, has been promoted
to senior manager at the firm of UHY
Advisors TX, LLC, 2929 Allen Pkwy 20th
Fl, Houston 77019-7100 (713.561.6500).
John A. Montgomery, CPA, has been promoted to managing director at John L.
TSCPA: Explore ROI
(Responsibility Of Individuals)
The Texas Society of CPAs knows how valuable
your CPA license is. You represent all that it
stands for, and you work each day to be an
example of honesty, integrity, and the high
ethical standards CPAs are expected to uphold.
In a word, you could say CPAs are responsible. Responsible to many – your clients, your
employer, your family, your community, yourself, and your profession. The responsibility of
individuals, your ROI if you will, is maximized
when combined through membership in and
with support of your professional association.
Is Our Web Site
Giving You
Trouble?
You may have Internet
Explorer issues. With the most
recent release – IE11 –
Microsoft no longer gave
users the option to decline
the update. If your computer
David J. Swift, CPA, has been promoted to
senior manager at the firm of UHY
Advisors TX, LLC, 2929 Allen Pkwy 20th
Fl, Houston 77019-7100 (713.561.6500).
CORRECTION:
Brittany P. Leggett, CPA, was incorrectly
identified as partner in the firm of Weaver.
TSCPA exists for you, the CPA, and only you.
Without you, TSCPA cannot effectively protect
the profession you worked so hard to be a part
of. There is strength in numbers. People listen
more. Businesses listen more. Legislators listen more. The collective voice of 28,000 is
more than your individual voice.
It's your duty to help ensure these efforts continue for the good of the profession and the
good of those you serve so responsibly. The
investment of your membership dues is a
small price to pay for the protection of a profession you hold dear. We are here to help you
uphold your many professional responsibilities
and pay it forward for the future of Texas
CPAs.
is set for "Automatic Update",
you are now using Internet
Explorer 11. The Society's
web site – along with many
other web sites and services –
is not compatible with IE11.
However, there is a simple fix:
Add HoustonCPA.org to the
Compatibility View Settings
under Tools in your browser. Just
add it once and you're good to go! You
may also use another browser such as
ASE  AFL
Accounting Scholarship Endowment  Assisting Future Leaders
Visit the Resources > Sharing the Legacy page at www.HoustonCPA.org to find out
more and/or to make a contribution.
She has been promoted to senior consultant
at Solomon Edwards Group LLC, Two
Riverway #1780, Houston 77056-2039
In The Community
Clark M. Blackman, II, CPA/PFS, CFA,
CFP, CIMA, has been elected secretary of
the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Society of Houston for 2014-2015.
Karlins Ramey & Tompkins LLC, has created and hosted its first annual Bustin'
Clays for Our Heroes event benefiting local
injured veterans in Montgomery County.
Allow us to help you connect with what you
need when you need it. Use the links below, or
contact our member service team for personal
assistance (800/428-0272 or
[email protected]).
Questions about membership categories, dues,
or benefits can be directed to the TSCPA
Member Service Team
([email protected]; 800.428.0272).
To learn more about recruiting activities by
the Houston CPA Society, contact Membership
Marketing Manager Frances St. Cyr
([email protected]; 713.622.7733 x240).
Chrome or Firefox. The Houston CPA
Society has no immediate plans to upgrade
the association database software application to be compatible with IE11. This
upgrade would require a major production
migration, which is not in the current IT
systems' near future. If you need help
accessing
the web site, send a message to
[email protected] or call
713.622.7733.
WI-FI is
available at
no charge
in the CPA
Training Facility. Access
Code and Passkey cards
are available at the coffee
bar
OCTOBER 2014
MEMBER NEWS
7
We Love CPAces!
Join the CPA Aces — another way for you
and your business to be recognized as a
leader in the Greater Houston community
and brought to you through the Houston
CPA Society.
Membership is easy and FREE. The CPA
Aces are comprised of companies and firms
employing at least one CPA with 100% of
CPA employees being members of the
Houston CPA Society. The Aces program is a
great way to recognize the Houston businesses that demonstrate a top-flight level of support and commitment to their employees as
well as those employees' local professional
association where they receive quality continuing education, grow professionally, develop
leadership skills, and maintain contacts of
benefit to the individual and business alike.
It's a win-win partnership, which, as the 3rd
largest local chapter in the nation, allows
Houston's CPA professional society a strong
voice.
Benefits of membership in CPA Aces
include:
• A Listing in the Resources Section of the
Society web site at www.HoustonCPA.org
linked toYour Firm or Company's site
(based on availability);
• A Certificate of Membership suitable for
framing; and
• Periodic Recognition and Promotion in
the FORUM and eFORUM, and at Society
Events.
If all CPAs in your firm are members of the
Houston CPA Society, then join today! As
stated above, there are no additional costs,
just supplementary recognition and promotion within the Society and the community
for your firm. If not, contact the Texas
Society of CPAs (800.428.0272 x260;
www.tscpa.org) for a joint membership application. First time members are afforded a
discounted first year rate, and reinstating
members may request their reinstatement fee
be waived. To check your employees' membership status, contact Elyse Turla at the
Society office ([email protected];
713.622.7733 x290).
JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF COMPANIES AND FIRMS EXCELLING . . .
in their profession, in their leadership, in their commitment
to keeping their business flying high and staying on top.
adm CPA P.C. (www. admcpapc.com)
Kristi Albaugh, PLLC
All Reverse of Texas LLC
ABIP, PC. (www.abipcpa.com)
John A. Anderson, PC
(www.johnandersoncpa.com)
Mark H. Andrus, Attorney at Law
Bickley, Prescott & Co., P.C.
Bowles, Womack & Company, PC
(www.bowleswomack.com)
Boxer Property Mgmt
(www. boxerproperty.com)
Brooke Staffing Companies, Inc.
(www.brookecompanies.com)
Charles K. Burns, Jr., CPA
Byrd Interior Construction, LP
(www. byrdinterior.com)
Cenikor Foundation Inc. (www.cenikor.org)
Clanton CPA, P.C.
Conklin Hruzek & Co., P.C.
(www.chco-cpa.com)
Carol A. Cooper, P.C. (www.carolacooper.com)
Cornelius, Stegent & Price, LLP
(www.CPAdvisers.com)
Thomas J. Crayton, CPA
Cummings & Houston, LLP
(www. cummingshouston.com)
DWG CPA PLLC (www.dwgcpatx.com)
Dabney Investment Consulting Associates, Inc.
(www.dabneyinvestmentconsulting.com)
Dao CPA, P.C. (www.accountinginabox.com)
Day West & Associates, Inc.
(www.daywestinc.com)
Decker Consulting (www.deckerusa.com)
Durio & Company, PC (www.durio.cpa.pro)
E B F Office Products, Inc.
(www.ebfofficeproducts.com)
Edward Jones Investments
Ramon Fernandez
Firefly Business Group
(www.fireflybusinessgroup.com)
Fitts, Roberts & Co. P.C.
(www.fittsroberts.com)
Ruth Hughes Fletcher, P. C.
Genesis Partners (www.genesispartners.info)
Global Custom Commerce, LP
(www.blinds.com)
Robert D. Goldstein, CPA
Goodman Financial Corporation
(www.goodmanfinancial.com)
Joanne L. Gore, CPA, LLC
Green & McElreath (www.1cpa.com)
GrowthForce (www.growthforce.com)
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
(www.giveblood.org)
Hahn & Clay (www.hahnclay.com)
Harper & Pearson Company, P.C.
(www.harperpearson.com)
Heartspring Methodist Foundation
(www.heartspringmethodist.org)
L. Wendell Hefton CPA
Herzstein Investments, Inc.
(www.herzsteininvestments.com)
Hill Schwartz Spilker Keller LLC
(www.hsskgroup.com)
David M Hoffman & Co., P.C.
Joanna Hoover, CPA
Interdyn BMI (www.interdynbmi.com)
International Cellulose Corporation
(www.spray-on.com)
Don F. Jones PC
Kathleen Jaap CPA
(www.prosperitycoachingnow.com)
KSBJ Educational Foundation Inc.
(www.ksbj.org)
Kaminski & Company, P.C.
(www.kaminskico.com)
L. Klein & Company, P.C.
(www.kleinwealthmgmt.com)
Klodosky & Company, PC
Karen B. Lipshy-Goldberg
Allan J. Maierson Inc.
Susanne Mariga, CPA, PLLC
(www.susannemarigacpa.com)
McCall Gibson Swedlund Barfoot PLLC
(www.mgsbpllc.com)
Robert M. Mendell, Attorney at Law, PC
(www.mendellgroup.com)
The Mitchell Family Corporation
Moore, Reichl & Baker, P.C.
(www.mrbcpas.com)
Morris, Ligon & Rodriguez PC
(www.mlrcpa.com)
Mosher Seifert & Company, CPAs
(www.cpa1099.com )
Nathans & Rust, Inc.
Marie H. Newton, CPA
Katherine Nixon, CPA/PFS
(www.knixon.com)
The Personagram Institute Inc.
(www.personagram.com)
PLS Advisory, LLC (www.plsadvisory.com)
Darlene Plumly, CPA (www.plumlycpa.com)
Thomas G. Post, CPA (www.texastaxman.com)
Prince Food Systems, Inc.
(www.princefoodsystems.com)
Continued (See CPA Aces on page 8)
8
MEMBER NEWS
CPA Aces (Continued from page 7)
Charles P. Quirk, Jr., CPA, CVA
Charles V. Raimond, CPA
Ralph & Ralph CPAs
Ridgeback Capital Management
(www.ridgebackcm.com)
Michael Rose, CPA, PC (www.mrosecpa.com)
Rose G. Rose, P.C.
Ruderman Financial Group
(www.rudermanfinancialgroup.com)
Sawtooth Capital Management, LLC
(www.sawtoothmanagement.com)
Seefeld Lawson Moeller LLP
(www.seefeldcpa.com)
Sentinel Trust Company
(www.sentineltrust.com)
WM Shirley & Associates
(www.wmshirley.com)
New Members
The following licensees, candidates, and students became Society members in August
2014. Perhaps you work or have come in contact with one of these new members. Help us
welcome them! We look forward to their active
involvement in Society activities.
Members in Good Standing
Julie L. Adams (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Rebecca B. Adams (Padgett Stratemann & Co)
Luis S. Aguirre (Grant Thornton LLP)
Uzoamaka I. Agusiobo (The Siegfried Group)
Petia E. Aladjova
Zachary S. Anderson
Robert H. Beaujean
Rajeshriben V. Bhakta
Matthew S. Born (KPMG LLP)
Jonathan L. Briggs
Jennifer L. Broussard
(Moore, Reichl & Baker P.C.)
Matthew P. Broyles (Axley & Rode, L.L.P.)
Jacinto N. Calimag (KPMG LLP)
Young Chang
Jonathan C. Cook
Jessica M. Dragon
Brian R. Edman (Deloitte & Touche LLP)
Evan H. Gamble
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Albert Garcia
Jervon D. Graves
Stephanie R. Griffis
Andrea L. Groves
Kyle M. Hanshaw
Christopher D. Harris
Daniel G. Hawkins
Kathryn D. Herbert
Daron A. Houston (Ernst & Young LLP)
Anna C. Jarvis (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Clayton A. Johnson (EEPB, P.C.)
Eric A. Johnson
Kelly H. Jui
Shrieve Chemical Company
(www.shrieve.com)
Mary Elizabeth Smith, CPA
V L Snider, P.C. (www.vlsnidercpa.com)
Solis Medical Laboratory
(www.home.earthlink.net/~mmsbcs/)
E. Mike Spartalis, CPA, CPC
Texas Chiropractic College (www.txchiro.edu)
Michael W. Thurman, P.C.
Steven J. Tillinger, CPA
Deborah K.P. Touchy, CPA, Attorney at Law
TriEagle Energy (www.trieagleenergy.com)
TriFlex Staffing Solutions, L.L.C.
(www.triflexstaffing.com)
Turlington, Reeves & Richard, PLLC
(www.trrcpa.com)
VLS Recovery Services, LLC (www.vlsrs.com)
The Vanek Consultancy Group, LLC
(www.vanekconsultancy.com)
Younghun Kim
Clinton T. Kowalczyk (Kinder Morgan Inc.)
Shelita M. Lafayette (Webber, LLC)
Jordan D. Legg (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Adam D. Lemkowitz
Daniel J. Llerena (Ernst & Young LLP)
Christine Luu
Samuel Maeng
Laura A. Manning
Tania S. Marchand
Timothy J. Meahl
Varun Mehta (Linn Thurber LLP)
Charles L. Miller
(Morris, Ligon & Rodriguez PC)
Rosa F. Morton (Schlumberger)
Thomas M. Mount (KPMG LLP)
Jacklyn M. Neitzel
Thomas G. Newton
(Serimax North America LLC)
Charles C. Obiako
Maegan O. Pabualan (KPMG LLP)
Dallas A. Packer (BKD LLP)
Rikesh P. Patel
James E. Pattison
Yu Pei
Gary Prazak (P2 Energy Solutions)
Katherine M. Price
Jordan K. Ramirez
Ryan P. Riddle (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
David M. Roberts
Luis A. Rodriguez
Kelley L. Rogers (Spark Energy LP)
Hillary A. Rose
Mirelsi I. Ruiz-Gonzalez
Rahul Sood (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Mary E. Sparkman
Feliks Starikov
(Pannell Kerr Forster of Texas, P.C.)
Kelly M. Stubblefield
Ying G. Sun (Liao Kin & Company PC)
David N. Swan (DXP Enterprises Inc)
Yunlu Tang
Michelle M. Thompson
Viebig, McCommon & Associates
(www.vmatax.com)
John B. Wardlaw (www.johnbwardlawcpa.com)
Weiner & McCulloch, PLLC
(www.houstonelderlawyer.com)
Barry M. Wuntch, LLP
Jess H. Young & Co.
Zientek & Co., PC (www.zientek.com)
Contact Elyse Turla at the Society offices
(713.622.7733 x290; [email protected]).
She will research the membership status of all
CPAs in your office, and your firm or company is
well on its way to becoming a member of CPA
Aces.
(Anadarko Petroleum Corp.)
Tamika A. Tiemann
Meagan A. Trampe
(PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Cathy N. Tran (Weinstein Spira & Company)
Cynthia C. Trevino De Leon
Laila M. Valad (STX US Marine Inc)
Ryan Wallace (KPMG LLP)
Deanna B. Washington (Marathon Oil Co.)
J. L. Wilkowich (Deloitte Tax LLP)
Austin T. Wood (ConocoPhillips Inc.)
Phillip C. Wood
Matthew C. Woodward
Tara E. Wright
Xiaofan Yang
Sisi Ye
Yuanyuan Yin (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP)
Rachel E. Ziober
Candidates for Membership
Napoleon Chavez
Jennifer Chen
Matthew Cherian (Regions Corporate Bank)
Savannah Ellzey (Horne LLP)
Melinda A. Jevric
Trinh Nguyen
Victor M. Perez
Anna C. Pomeroy (CenterPoint Energy)
Jessica Webb
(Harper & Pearson Company, P.C.)
Qianfei Yin (Gomez & Company CPAs)
Student Auxiliary
Santiago Calvillo
Angela Daberkow
Anna Kruk
Temitope Layeni
Sara N. Moren
William D. Palmer
Pamela S. Rodriguez (PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP)
William Simpson
Jindan Su
OCTOBER 2014
MEMBER BENEFITS
9
Questions about Houston CPA Society member benefits? Please contact Society Membership
Marketing Manager Frances St. Cyr (713.622.7733 x240 or [email protected]).
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers
Discount Program
The Houston CPA Society Membership
Committee provides a benefit program
exclusively for Houston CPA Society members. The committee has arranged for a
Corporate Card Program that entitles you
to 20% off regularly priced merchandise at
all Jos. A. Bank Clothiers nationwide. And,
as a preferred customer, you will receive
advance notification of sales and events.
To enroll in the Houston CPA Society /Jos.
A. Banks Program, remember Program ID
number 21035. Visit your local Jos. A.
Bank store and give this ID number, call
800.285.2265 toll-free and request your
free Corporate Program card, or email
your request to [email protected]. Again, remember to indicate
the Program ID number 21035.
Accountants Confidential Assistance Network
TOLL-FREE HOTLINE: 866.766.ACAN
Legal Notice: All information, communications, reports received, gathered or maintained by
ACAN are strictly confidential and protected under penalty of law under Chapter 467 of the
Texas Health & Safety Code.
Tax Expo (Continued from page 4)
wowing our audience in 2005. He will share
today's news from the Court. Agent Cooke is a
native Texan and former Houston Police officer with 16 years in the U.S. Secret Service.
He has covered assignments in Houston,
Austin, and Washington, D.C., with five years
in the Presidential Protective Division and two
years in the Washington Field Office. His presentation covering "Identity Theft and CyberCrime" in the 21st century will entertain as
well as enlighten.
As always, the TAX EXPO brings in new speakers as well as traditional favorites, such as
attorneys Brett Berly, Larry Campagna, Karen
Gerstner, Stephen Lee, and Peter Marmo to
share updates on their specific practice areas
such as Estate Planning, Eggshell Audits, IRA
Rollovers, Oil & Gas Tax, and International
Taxation.
New to the 2015 TAX EXPO is Charles
Green, CPA, from Arlington to present "Farm
and Ranch Update – a Current Look at an Old
Subject." Green will provide an update on current changes in tax law, case law and planning
tips to guide your clients through the mine
field. He was a rancher for many years and has
an extensive background in agriculture and oil
and gas issues affecting land owners. YOU
asked for the topic and we got it!
Bruce Armstrong, managing director of
Menke & Associates, Inc. in San Francisco,
joins us to discuss another niche topic you
requested, "The ESOP: An Alternative Buyer
of Company Stock." Armstrong will discuss
primary uses of an ESOP for successful private
companies, including potential advantages and
disadvantages. Armstrong has designed,
installed and financed over 300 Employee
Stock Ownership Plans throughout the U.S.
Donna Rutter, executive director of Indirect
Tax Services for Ernst & Young LLP, provide a
"Texas Tax Update" - an overview of recent
Tax Policy changes, revised Comptroller rules
and impact of recent court decisions. Rutter is
a contributing author for the RIA/Thomson's
Guide to Texas Franchise Tax and has testified
before the House Ways and Means committee
on tax legislation.
If you were not at last year's Expo, don't worry
– you have the chance to hear Martin
Davidoff, CPA, Tax Attorney from New Jersey.
Davidoff intrigued attendees with his knowledgeable updates on "IRS Offers in
Compromise", and "Navigating the IRS." Yes!
Two opportunities to listen and learn from one
of our nation's leading experts in IRS representation matters. For over 30 years, Davidoff
has specialized in tax controversy work IRS
problems resolution, income tax research and
planning as well as individual and corporate
taxation. Comments from 2013 include "truly
refreshing", "excellent detailed handout and
dynamic speaker," "excellent," "an experienced
and knowledgeable man." Do NOT miss this
chance to hear one of the country's 2013
Super Lawyers.
As in the past, the TAX EXPO will provide
MCLE credit for attorneys attending the conference as well as continuing education credit
for Certified Financial Planners. In 2015, we
are adding IRS-approved continuing education
credits for Enrolled Agents.
TAX EXPO is so much more than CPE; it is a
place to make new friends, enhance estab-
lished networking circles and forge new contacts, plus collect ideas for the coming tax season. The committee will again provide a "jobs"
booth where employers and employees can
leave information, meet, talk, and exchange
phone numbers. The booth will be your
opportunity to sell yourself or your company
as an employer or potential employee.
Other opportunities to visit include breakfast,
networking/meet-and-greet breaks and lunch,
plus a chance to meet your TAX EXPO committee leaders from the past 25 years, and the
sponsors - those people who help make our
TAX EXPO possible and keep your costs low.
2015 TAX EXPO sponsors include: Lookout
Capital Management, Goodman Financial
Company, Menke & Associates, and Woodway
Financial Advisors, plus many others with
products and services of interest to you or
your firm.
Remember the special overnight hotel rate of
$169 (deadline to book with the Sugar Land
Marriott Hotel is December 19). To reserve
your room, call (800) 228-9290 and ask to
be directed to the Sugar Land Town Square
property for immediate confirmations.
Watch your mail for the 25th CPE TAX EXPO
brochure in early November. You may order
binders of complete program materials (subject to receipt from speaker by printing deadline) for the low price of $49 with your conference registration. Pre-paid binders will be
available for pick-up at the conference checkin desk. Online registration is now open at
www.HoustonCPA.org.
Questions can be directed to Staff Liaison
Carol Spencer at 713.622.7733 x320 or
[email protected].
10
OCTOBER 2014
CLASSIFIEDS
PRACTICE PURCHASE/SALE/ MERGER
CPA Firm Would Like To Purchase the
audit clients of CPA firms no longer wishing
to do audit work or to joint venture the audit
work, with the referring CPA firm retaining
the tax, consulting and other client services
work. Reply to Confidential Box No. 1223.
Practices For Sale: Gross revenues shown:
West Houston CPA $980K; Katy Area tax
franchise $300K; SW Houston tax and acctg
$292K; Katy-West Houston CPA $168K;
Southern Coastal Town CPA $160K; West
Houston tax franchise $128K. Call
888.847.1040 x2; or email
[email protected].
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Continuing Professional Education
Manager for local professional nonprofit
organization. Encompasses management of
onsite training facility; serving as staff liaison
to numerous committees in the planning,
Complimentary CPE
Vouchers to Unemployed
Society Members
If you have been unemployed from
full-time work for over
six months and need financial
assistance in obtaining your
continuing education…
The Houston TSCPA Foundation
has a policy of granting qualified,
unemployed Houston CPA Society
members up to $200 of
complimentary continuing
professional education (CPE)
vouchers per year within
specific guidelines.
Contact CPE Director Judith Butcher
(713.622.7733 x260) with questions
or requests for
guidelines and applications.
coordination and execution of seminars and
conferences with attendance of 150 – 1,200;
manage events database including daily cash
receipts. Email [email protected] to
request detailed job description and/or submit resume.
CONTRACT/PER DIEM
"Hands On"” CPA With Big Four Audit And
Industry Accounting Experience seeks contract/interim/part time assignments/projects.
Randy Streetman [email protected]
713.320.8376.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Business Valuation Appraisals: For corporations, partnerships, medical practices
(gift/estate tax,"C" Corp conversions, selling a
company, corporate planning purposes).
David Palmer, CPA, ASA, CFF. Call
713.828.1751.
Need Machinery Equipment Appraisals? We
Guarantee your Equipment appraisal will be
Quick Certified Irrefutable and will be tailored to YOUR Needs! 3 to 5 Day Delivery
CLASSIFIED
11
*Avg Time. Preferred by Banks Lenders
Lawyers Accountants and Courts. Get a FREE
Quote 713-254-4399 USPAP Certified
Auctioneers & Appraisers.
Tax Problems? Audits, appeals, non-filer,
Federal and State; CDP, US Tax Court, SOAH,
Texas tax courts, US Bankruptcy Court, US
District Court. E Rhett Buck, Attorney-CPA,
[email protected]; 713.868.9447.
IRS REPRESENTATION
Offers in Compromise - Tom Post CPA in
Tomball. Let us help your clients negotiate
an Offer in Compromise with the IRS. Phone
281.351.2688; email [email protected]; website www.texastaxman.com.
(Send replies to Confidential Box Nos. to
Houston CPA Society, 777 Post Oak Blvd.
#500, Houston 77056-3212.)
MEMBER BENEFITS
12
Member Affinity Programs Brought To You By The Membership Development Committee
NOW AVAILABLE:
Thomson Reuters'
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Thomson Reuters is offering its line of Quickfinder handbooks and
tax products at a discount to Houston CPA Society members.
Through a partnership with the Houston CPA Society, members
can purchase the popular 1040 Quickfinder Handbook, the Small
TM
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The Houston CPA Society and CCH have joined forces to offer you an
incredible member benefit that provides exclusive discounts on any of
the more than 175 CCH tax and accounting books, including the U.S.
Master Tax Guide®, U.S. Master™ Depreciation Guide, Internal
Revenue Code, Income Tax Regulations, and the State Tax Handbook,
among many others!
2015 TAX GUIDE DISCOUNT: Members can enjoy 25% off the regular price on the U.S. Master Tax Guide®, 2015 and gain the guidance
on today's federal tax law and timely, precise explanations of federal
income tax law for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates and
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courses on Tax, Accounting, Audit, and Tax Legislation. $294 for 12
months access to current, accurate, CCH quality courses. Try a FREE
course at www.CCHLearningCenter.com or visit your Partner Page
(see below) for ordering information.
EXAM REVIEW DISCOUNT...CCH and CPAexcelTM have partnered
with the Houston CPA Society to bring a new CPA exam review course
Business Quickfinder Handbook, IRS forms and instructions sets,
and more, at discounted prices.
In addition, the Chapter will receive a donation for each product
purchased using the Houston CPA Society discount code (Q877).
To see a list of all the products and pricing available, and to place
your order, go to http://www.quickfinder.com/index.htmx . You
may also log in to the Members Only section of the Society web site
at www.HoustonCPA.org and access the Exclusive Member Benefits
page to find the Quickfinder link.
to our soon-to-be-CPA members. CPAexcelTM delivers the knowledge
and expertise of the top team of accounting professors and review
course instructors to CPA Exam candidates in a powerful online multimedia format. CPAexcelTM students pass the CPA Exam at exceptionally high rates—and pay half the price of other leading courses.
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CCH Apps for Your Mobile Devices Available at
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• Tax News Highlights (Free)
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Members receive a 25% discount on all CCH tax and accounting titles,
unless otherwise stated. This discount is only available on orders placed
through the CCH online store with your Association discount priority code.
Visit www.CCHGroup.com/members/houstoncpa and remember to use
DISCOUNT CODE Y5457 at checkout. Go to the Current Book
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The CCH® Expert Treatise Library offers valuable guidance on complex tax topics. Written by practicing, prominent experts in all fields — CPA, legal and academic
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Your savings just got
better with the UPS
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members!
Save up to 36% on UPS shipping as a member of the
Houston CPA Society (HCPA)
HCPA is proud to bring its members valuable discounts on the
products and services they need the most. Take
advantage of some of the most competitive rates
available on UPS® shipping services. With more
service options, superior ground-delivery coverage and overnight delivery by 10:30 a.m. to more
zip codes than any other carrier, it’s time to put
the power of logistics to work for you. Take
advantage of special savings on UPS shipping
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For complete details or to sign up, click here,
visit savewithups.com/houstoncpa, or call the
UPS Association Program at 1-800-325-7000.
OCTOBER 2014
MEMBER BENEFITS
13
Stay Updated On Your Profession!
2. LinkedIn
The Houston CPA Society is now on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter!
If you aren't active on these websites, now is the time to get involved!
This is where you can stay connected with other Houston area CPAs.
Discussions, questions, and articles are more than welcome. LinkedIn
is the professional social network.
1. Facebook
While Facebook is a great way to keep up with personal friends and
family, it's also a fantastic networking tool. Like the Houston CPA
Society for updates on what we’re doing.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/TSCPAHouston or search "Houston CPA
Society"
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1525597&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr or
search "Houston CPA Society."
3. Twitter
If you want a go-to place for news about the Accounting profession,
follow the Society on Twitter. It's the fastest way to receive news, so
stay on top of the latest information.
https://twitter.com/#!/tscpahouston or search @tscpahouston.
www.facebook.com
www.twitter.com
www.linkedin.com
Houston CPA Society And Social Networking…
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MEMBER BENEFITS
14
Any Way you Want It
The Houston Business Journal now available by app, PDF, digital edition and print edition and is
delivered to you any way you want it7KH+RXVWRQ%XVLQHVV-RXUQDOLV+RXVWRQ¶VOHDGLQJSXE
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Name
Company:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
Email:
Phone:
Name on Card:
Credit Card #:
Exp. Date:
___ Visa
___MasterCard
___American Express
___Discover
Call Gary Green (713) 395-9639 email [email protected]
or fax form to (713)963-0482
OCTOBER 2014
Applicants Sought for
Appraisal Review
Board Service
In cooperation with local taxing authorities,
the Relations with Taxing Authorities
Committee is making notice of this opportunity available to Houston CPA Society members.
Houston — District Judge Robert K. Schaffer,
administrative judge for the state district
courts in Harris County, is accepting applications from Harris County citizens interested
in service on the Appraisal Review Board
(ARB). The ARB was created by the Texas
Legislature to provide an independent judicial
review of taxpayer protests of valuations established by the Harris County Appraisal District
(HCAD).
Service on the ARB would begin in January
2015. Applications must be submitted to
Judge Schaffer through the HCAD human
resources division and received no later than
October 15, 2014, in order to be considered.
A change in the law during the 83rd session of
the Texas Legislature now allows a former
ARB member who has served three consecutive terms to be reappointed after sitting out a
year.
The ARB is a citizen board that sits in panels
of three to hear testimony and review evidence
in order to determine property owner protests
which cannot be resolved informally with
HCAD.
Service on the review board does not constitute a full-time job, but members are compen-
Are You Prepared To
Comply With The
Patient Protection And
Affordable Care Act
(PPACA)?
Part II: Business
Ruben J Rodriguez Jr, CPA, MACC
Member, Relations with Taxing Authorities
Committee
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
(PPACA), enacted in 2010, contains tax provisions currently in effect and others that will
become effective during the next few years. These
tax provisions affect individuals and businesses.
This article, which is the second part of a twopart series, will focus on the primary effects of
the PPACA over businesses.
The PPACA contains benefits and responsibilities
COMMITTEE BUZZ
15
sated per diem when conducting hearings and
attending ARB meetings. ARB members are
required to attend ARB meetings in addition
to serving on panels for actual ARB hearings.
restriction applies if the person, or his or
her spouse, owns a 10 percent or greater
interest in a business which contracts with
a local government or appraisal district.
Review board service is generally a full-time
commitment during the summer and fall
months and requires members to be available
to serve all day, every weekday and several
Saturdays from May through September.
Weekday hearings are also held throughout
the year. ARB members are not always scheduled every day, but must be available to serve
if needed.
3. Persons that have appeared before the ARB
for compensation as a tax consultant,
accountant, appraiser, or representative of
a property owner less than two years
before the date the person is appointed.
Candidates for the ARB must be current residents of Harris County, having resided in the
county for at least two years; must be up to
date on property tax payments for property in
Texas or show the tax is being paid under an
installment agreement; and, must not have
served on the ARB for at least a year if they
have served for all or part of three consecutive
terms. Persons who fall into any of the following categories are not eligible to serve:
1. An individual currently employed by the
State Comptroller of Public Accounts, or
who is a member of the governing body, an
officer, or a full- or part-time employee of a
county, city, school district, community
college district, MUD, or any other entity
supported by local property taxes. Former
governing body members, or officers of a
taxing unit served by HCAD, are ineligible
for four full years from the date they
ceased to serve in that capacity.
4. Any individual who has ever been
employed by HCAD or has ever served as a
member of the district's board of directors.
5. Applicants who are presently under indictment or have previously been convicted of
a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral
turpitude.
Applicants selected as finalists will be scheduled for interviews. Here are some important
contact numbers for those interested in applying to become an ARB member.
Application forms are available at
www.hcad.org, or by calling the ARB executive
office at 713.957.5265. If that number is busy,
call the office of the Taxpayer Liaison Officer
as a backup contact at 713.957.7499. Calls
requesting information on ARB service
requirements should also be directed to
713.957.5265.
Applications should be submitted to:
Judge Robert K. Schaffer
c/o HCAD Human Resources
PO Box 920975
Houston TX 77292-0975
2. Anyone who personally, or whose spouse
personally, has a contract with local government or an appraisal district. The same
that are governed by the size of each employer’s
workforce. The size of an employer's workforce is
determined by the number of its employees,
which totals Full Time (FT) and Full-Time
Equivalent (FTE) employees. An FT employee,
generally includes any employee who was
employed on average at least thirty hours of service per week. The total number of FTE employees
is an amount equal to the weekly hours worked
by employees employed on a part time basis
divided by thirty (hours of service by seasonal
employees, contractors, and business owners do
not count toward the total). In general, the
PPACA will impact businesses as follows: businesses without at least fifty employees, and those
with at least fifty employees.
Businesses without at least fifty employees
These businesses are considered small employers
and in general are allowed to purchase affordable
insurance through the Small Business Health
Options Program (SHOP) for their employees.
SHOP allows employers to control the coverage
offered and the amounts paid toward employee
premiums. In addition, employers may qualify for
a small business health care tax credit worth up
to fifty percent of employee insurance premium
costs. To be eligible for the tax credit, employers
must purchase insurance through the SHOP
marketplace and cover at least fifty percent of the
cost of employee-only (not family or dependent)
health care coverage for every FT and FTE
employee. Also, they must have fewer than 25
employees making an average of about $50,000 a
year or less. To claim the credit, employers must
file Form 8941 and include the resulting credit
amount as part of the general business credits.
Moreover, starting in 2016 (for tax year 2015),
providers of Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)
(See Series Part I on Newsletter’s September edition) during a calendar year, will be required to
file Forms 1094-B (transmittal) and 1095-B
(return) on an annual basis by February. 28. They
will also be required to provide employees with a
copy of Form 1095 by January 31. Failing to
Continued (See PPACA on page 16)
16
COMMITTEE BUZZ
PPACA (Continued from page 15)
timely file the forms with the IRS or furnish
them to individuals may result in penalties up to
$200 per return.
This new reporting requirement is designed to
identify employees and their family members
who are enrolled in MEC, and to determine
whether the employees are exempt from the individual mandate penalty (See Series Part I in the
September 2014 Forum and eForum) for having
health coverage for themselves and their family
members.
Businesses with at least fifty employees
These businesses are considered applicable large
employers (ALEs). Interestingly, if a business on
its own does not meet the ALE requirements, it
may be considered ALE if it is part of a controlled
or affiliated group and if the group as a whole
meets the ALE requirements. For example, if
company X and company Y are members of the
same controlled group and company X has 70
employees and company Y has 10 employees,
then X and Y are both members of an ALE group
and subject to the PPACA requirements for ALEs.
Beginning in 2015, employers under this category will be subject to the Employer Shared
Responsibility Provisions. In general, these provisions subject ALEs to a tax penalty if:
Transition Rule: To assist ALEs that are
in the smaller size range, for year 2015
an ALE is defined as an employer with at
least 100 employees. In general, to be eligible for the 2015 transition relief,
employers with 50-99 employees cannot
reduce the size or hours of their workforce or materially reduce health coverage after February 9, 2014, and must certify they qualify for the relief on a prescribed form.
(1) The employer does not offer health coverage
or offers health coverage to fewer than 95%
of its FT employees and their dependents, and
at least one of the FT employees receives a
premium tax credit in the Marketplace (See
Series Part I on Newsletter’s September edition) or
(2) The employer offers health coverage to all or
at least 95% of its FT employees, but at least
one FT employee receives a premium tax
credit from the Marketplace because the
health coverage did not meet MEC standards.
As a general rule, if the employer does not offer
Student Auxiliary
Advocate
Monthly Meeting Schedule:
Friday, October 17 (tent) – Audit Panel
Friday, November 21 (tent) – Fraud/FBI
No December Meeting
All meetings are held in the Houston CPA
Training Facility (777 Post Oak Blvd #500)
from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
NEW Online Resource for Accounting
Students
The open education site, AcademicEarth.org
has recently added a comprehensive resource
for accounting students. In addition to a database of free online courses, it now features an
extensive list of blogs, open access journals,
scholarships, internships, and national organizations, all focused on the field of accounting.
Go to http://academicearth.org/online-collegecourses and check it out.
Becker CPA Exam Review Discount
Student members of TSCPA receive a voucher
redeemable for a $300 discount off the full
four-part course tuition for either Live, Online
or CD-ROM self-study review course formats.
Membership in TSCPA also gives students
exclusive discounts on many other CPA exam
review programs and materials. Login to the
Student Lounge at www.tscpa.org for details.
Computer-Based CPA Exam Testing
Window Opens
The next window for the computer-based
Uniform CPA Examination is October 1
through November 30, 2014. There is no filing deadline. Candidates may schedule and
take each section of the CPA Exam only once
during a testing window.
The CPA Examination is currently comprised
of four sections.
AUD
Auditing & Attestation
BEC
Business Environment & Concepts
FAR
Financial Accounting & Reporting
REG
Regulation
Uniform CPA Examination Updates
Content Specification Outlines (CSO) and
Skill Specification Outlines (SSO) changes
effective January 1, 2014 have been published
on the AICPA web site at www.AICPA.org
behind the Become A CPA/CPA Exam tabs.
Also to be found through this section of the
website is information on candidate guidelines, examination content, passing rates, and
psychometrics. This site also offers helpful tips
for exam candidates and a tutorial each candidate should review.
AICPA Offers Tips for CPA Exam
Candidates
Preparation for the computerized CPA Exam
requires more than command of accounting
health coverage or offers health coverage to fewer
than 95% of its FT employees and their dependents, in general, it would owe a penalty equal to
the number of FT employees the employer
employed for the year (minus up to 30) multiplied by $2,000. In contrast, if the employer does
offer health coverage to 95% of its FT employees
and their dependents, but has one or more FT
employees who receive a premium tax credit, the
payment is computed separately for each month.
In general, the amount of the payment for the
month equals the number of FT employees who
receive a premium tax credit for that month multiplied by 1/12 of $3,000.
In addition, ALEs who provide MEC will be
required to file Forms 1094-C (transmittal) and
1095-C (return). For calendar year taxpayers,
these forms are mandatory beginning in 2015
and due by February 28, 2016 (same as Forms
1094-B and 1095-B). The IRS will use the information and penalize non complaints in a manner
similar to that of businesses without at least fifty
employees.
Little Time to Adjust Accounting and
Data Collection Systems
Businesses required to comply with the PPACA
Continued (See PPACA on page 18)
and business knowledge. Important tips on
the exam's navigation, functionality and content are now available. If you have staff members planning to take the exam, be sure to
pass along the following web address: How To
Prepare (http://www.cpaexam.org/cpa/how_prepare.html).
CPA Exam 2013 Q1/Q2 Score Release
Timetables
AICPA has posted the U.S. CPA Exam score
release timelines in response to overwhelming
requests from candidates. Scores for the CPA
Exam are released by the National Association
of State Boards of Accountancy to individual
state boards of accountancy based upon the
CPA Exam Score Release Timetable.
Check Out The Student Section On
TSCPA.org
As a student or candidate member, TSCPA has
a variety of resources available for you which
can be found in one central location. The
Student section on www.tscpa.org includes
helpful links to CPA exam information,
TSCPA's campus rep program, scholarship
information, TSCPA's student blog and all of
our social media profiles. Stop by today and
familiarize yourself with all of the benefits of
your TSCPA membership!
OCTOBER 2014
Volunteer Services
Spread The Word:
High School Level
Accounting Honors
Credit
The Houston CPA Society spearheaded a campaign to improve accounting education in the
Humble Independent School District. Stephen
King, Kingwood resident and Humble ISD
parent, helped advocate for a pilot curriculum
qualifying the accounting classes at Kingwood
High School for honors credit. As a result,
Kingwood is the first high school in Texas to
offer honors accounting starting in the fall of
2011. Since raising the level of the class, the
number of Kingwood students enrolled in
accounting has grown from 19 students in
2008 to 138 this school year.
Local Nonprofit Seeks
CPA Board Member
The campaign to elevate the
interest in accounting
among high school students has come at the
right time. According to the American
Institute of Public Accountants, half of the
CPAs today will reach retirement age in the
next five years, foreshadowing a surge in the
demand for accounting professionals.
But to meet that need we've got to expose the
best and the brightest to accounting before
they get to college. With this new program we
can reach that goal.
Do you have a child who will want - or you
will want - to take accounting? If so, contact
the Houston CPA Society at
[email protected] to learn how you
can help your school make a change that will
encourage the smartest kids will fill your
school's accounting classes.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
17
SMALL GIFTS…
HUGE IMPACT…
Accounting
Scholarship
Endowment
will wisely invest your gift in the future of
our profession.
Visit the Resources > Sharing the Legacy
page at www.HoustonCPA.org to find out
more and/or to make a contribution.
Grant Funds At Work
The Monarch School, which grew to become
The Monarch Institute, was founded in 1997
in response to a critical need in our region—
to serve children with neurological differences who required a program that provided
cognitive, emotional and social development
components. Before The Monarch School
existed, many families were forced to send
their children to residential, out-of-state
schools.
The Monarch Institute helps transform individuals with neurological differences by
focusing its methods on strengths, as well as
obstacles. High levels of ownership and family participation are encouraged, and students
and clients are exposed to innovative growth
opportunities that increase the likelihood of
success. The Monarch Institute is dedicated
to shaping lives from the inside out.
For more information about this organization, go to www.monarchinstitute.org or contact Head of Institute Debrah Hall, PhD, at
713.479.0880.
Oppe Elementary (Galveston ISD) – CPAs Helping Schools (CHS) provided funds to purchase
guided reading book packs to encourage the first-grade students and their parents in working
together to complete homework and reading outside of classroom. Shown here with the smiling beneficiaries of this grant are (l to r) Oppe Principal Helena Aucoin, teacher Erika Greer,
Galveston Educational Foundation Executive Director Eliza Quigley and CHS member volunteer Gary Hoffman.
18
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Share The Harvest
With Your Neighbor Do Your Holiday Shopping At Kroger
and Randalls
The Houston CPA Society and its Community
Services Committee has teamed up with the
Kroger Community Rewards® Donation
Program to raise funds for community service projects focusing on our senior citizens.
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS for
linking your Kroger Plus Card to the
Houston TSPCA Foundation. YOU MUST
RE-ENROLL each year – starting August 1
- to continue supporting HCPAS community service projects.
All supporters must have a registered
Kroger Plus card account online to be able
to link their card to an organization. Do you
use your phone number at the register? Call
800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your
Plus Card number. If you do not have a
Kroger Plus Card, you can obtain a digital
Kroger Plus Card when creating an account
online or at any Kroger store.
Link your card at
www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com.
If you have an existing account, click on
"Sign In", otherwise click on "Register."
If you are a new online customer:
• You will need to enter your email address,
create a password, enter your zip code,
click on favorite store, and agree to the
terms and conditions.
• Once you are done entering your information you will get a message asking you to
check your e-mail inbox and click on the
link within the body of the e-mail that
was sent to activate your Kroger account.
Already have a Kroger.com account?
• Click on “Edit” in the “Community
Rewards” section.
• Enter your organization’s number or
name and then click on “Search”.
• Select your organization and click on
“Save”.
• To verify that you enrolled correctly, you
will see your organizations name on the
right side of your account settings page.
Once you are linked, you can start earning
rewards immediately toward the organization
you are supporting. (Note: The message saying that you are supporting an organization
through the Kroger Community Rewards
program will start printing on your receipt
about 10 business days after you linked your
card.)
The committee is also enrolled in the
Randalls Good Neighbor Program. By using
your Randalls Remarkable Card at least 1%
of total Randalls purchases is donated back to
the Community Services Committee. In
order for Randalls to begin recording your
purchase prices, simply tell your checker
(prior to checking out) that you want HOUSTON CHAPTER ACCOUNT NUMBER 2373
linked to your Remarkable Card. You may
also download a Good Neighbor Program
Link Form to register at your Randall's
Courtesy Booth. Once linked, every time you
shop at Randalls, your purchase price will be
recorded into the Houston CPA Society
account upon presentation of your
Remarkable Card.
All funds received from Kroger and Randalls
are placed in a restricted account for exclusive use by the Community Services
Committee for community service projects
benefiting our senior citizens. Thank you for
your support, HCPAS members!…from the
committee and the area community organizations it serves.
Holiday Community
Service Projects
Fourth Annual Boxes for the Troops
Join us at Holly Hall Retirement Community
to help the senior residents prepare and decorate boxes for our troops stationed overseas.
Volunteers will fill 60-70 boxes with a selection of socks, hand sanitizer, personal
hygiene items, hard candy, dry snacks, games
and puzzles. The residents will then tuck a
holiday card with a special message in each
box before it is wrapped and decorated in the
spirit of the season. Make plans to be at Holly
Hall Retirement Community (2000 Holly
Hall at Fannin, across from NRG Center)
from 10:00 to 11:30 AM on Saturday,
November 15. Moms and Dads - This is a
"kid friendly" event; the seniors really light
up when the children help them decorate the
boxes. Contact Elyse Turla at the Society
office to volunteer or if you should have any
questions (713.622.7733 x290; [email protected]).
Santa CPAs Is Making A List and
Checking It Twice!
Include Santa CPAs in your holiday budget
this year…complete and return the convenient contribution form found on the opposite page and put us on your list!
The Community Services Committee is busy
organizing its annual Santa CPAs holiday
fund drive benefiting children of Head Start
(3-5 years) and Early Hard Start (0-3
years). The committee will be providing ageappropriate books for a record 7,331 children
served by this program, and will also be stuffing "goodie bags" with an apple, a healthy
snack, and a toothbrush on Friday morning,
December 5 at Ripley House Neighborhood
Center (4401 Navigation).
• Enter your email address and password to
proceed to the next step.
PPACA (Continued from page 16)
will face, for the most part, atypical information
demands. These demands may include the following: Social Security numbers of spouses and/or
dependents, type of insurance coverage, FT and
FTE employee qualifications etc. Most data systems are not equipped to capture and store this
type of information. To cope with these information demands, health coverage providers will
need to program their systems to gather the necessary information in a usable form starting
January 2015. Also, reporting entities must coordinate with the business partners to determine
who is responsible for collecting the missing
information and how they will obtain it.
Action Required
Tax advisors should inform themselves about the
PPACA reporting requirements; review their
client's ownership structure of related companies
to determine their client's category; and develop
procedures to capture and store the information
required to comply with the new rulings.
For reference, a full copy of Series Part I is available online at www.HoustonCPA.org in the
Resources.Forum Newletter page. Or, you may
request a copy at
[email protected].
If you found this article interesting, consider
becoming a member of the Relations with Taxing
Authorities (RTA) Committee. Please contact
Carla Sanders, Staff Liaison, at [email protected].
The information contained herein is of a general nature and based on authorities that are subject to change. Applicability of the information to specific situations should be determined though consultation with your tax adviser. This article represents the views of the author only.
OCTOBER 2014
COMMUNITY SERVICE
19
Houston CPA Society
NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION
A Chapter of the Texas Society of CPAs
Houston TSCPA Foundation
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Houston, Texas
Permit No. 7165
777 Post Oak Blvd, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77056-3212
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