IRS – Nina Olson, National Taxpayer Advocate
IRS – Brady Bennett, Deputy Commissioner SB/SE

An overview and update of NYS residency and domicile issues including statutory residency. There will be a discussion of planning opportunities and how a second residence may have unintended consequences for New York State income tax.

This seminar will show you how to improve your e-file accuracy rates by helping you understand what causes rejects and how to resolve them. Register and learn about validity checks, reject reports, and imperfect returns. This session will also provide you with resources and discuss new developments within the e-file program.

In this session we will discuss what’s hot and what’s not in new and emerging technologies for the practicing CPA. What are the productivity tools that can help you and your clients get the most out of using computers and the Internet. We’ll examine software, useful websites, security dos and don’ts, the latest tech toys and other technologies. Come equipped with questions as well as tips and tricks to share.

Negotiations are an ongoing and essential part of everyday life, particularly in business. Yet, most people don’t realize that simple techniques can significantly impact the outcomes of many of their negotiations. Based on the research and work of Professor Richard Shell, Wharton professor and author of “Bargaining for Advantage”, this interactive program shows participants how to dramatically improve their negotiating prowess – at home, when making large ticket purchases, and in your professional life.

Learn about the newest productivity tools available in tax software today, centered on Lacerte Tax and the processes of going paperless and integrating financial software with tax software.

This program will cover forms and invoice customization, creating and customizing reports for use with Excel and pivot tables.

Continuation of Course 1031.

This seminar will cover the latest developments in New York State's budget bill as well as new decisions, rulings, and administrative releases affecting New York’s corporate, personal income, and sales and use taxes. The impact of recent federal legislative changes and their application to New York taxes will also be discussed.

In today’s environment, too many retirement plans are improperly funded. Investment performance for 2000 – 2002 coupled with very low interest rates have caused many pension plans to be severely under funded. Other plans just simply do not accomplish the objectives they were intended for. This presentation will help you evaluate your client’s (or your own) retirement plan, as well as update you with current and pending retirement plan legislation. Business owners and their advisors must be made aware of the problems that lurk in their retirement plans. We will discuss these problems, and offer solutions.

If you are interested in reducing your time commitment to your practice in the near future, want to grow your firm or merge, this course will set you on the path. This program will include: how to value a practice, how do mergers work, comp/equity, when to start your transition plan-the keys to transition strategies, what to review in due diligence, alternative deal structures, and more.

Learn how to implement the latest tips and techniques and see the results in your practice this tax season! Timesaving and convenient strategies using today’s technologies – like client portals, paperless workflow, web delivery of returns, and digital dashboards-can standardize and streamline the tax workflow processes for your staff and your clients immediately.

Get a sneak peak of our brand new version and the planned new features.

Half of all business owners are now over the age of 50. Two thirds  plan to exit their business in the next decade. Learn how to integrate Exit Planning in your practice and provide the additional accounting services these owners require for a successful business exit. If you are interested in broadening the scope of your practice, attracting new clients, or just want to learn how to bridge the gap from your current business owner clients to successor ownership, don’t miss this presentation.

Choice of Entity…The Eternal Question. A question that every tax practitioner must face, ponder and ultimately help answer. The choice of entity question involves numerous business issues as well as tax issues. A tax practitioner must consider all the facts, alternatives and above all, understand his or her clients or employer’s objectives. This presentation intends to blend experience and knowledge and offer a point of view for contemplation, not provide an “answer” to the question. The primary focus of the presentation will be to highlight key differences between the various types of entities and identify situations in which one choice of entity may be preferable over another.

Mr. Russo will discuss elder care planning with a focus on asset protection related to long-term care and taxes. He will seek attendee participation in a lively discussion of actual case studies involving asset protection for the elderly and people with disabilities.

This is a repeat of Course 1042

This seminar will discuss a money laundering method called the Black Market Peso Exchange. This complex scheme involves, often unwittingly, a wide range of businesses, exposing them to potential civil and criminal penalties. Register and learn about the scheme and “red flags.”

Learn about the newest versions of Office Accounting. Discover how free Office Accounting Express is changing the accounting software landscape with more than 1.8 million downloads since its launch in late 2006. Learn how to leverage Microsoft in your practice to take advantage of these new opportunities. Also get an update on the award-winning Microsoft Professional Accountant’s Network.

If you have tax-based research needs, whether in Federal, State, or International tax or in tax specialty areas, then this presentation is for you! We will tour Tax Center; a new tax research service designed to streamline your research and ensure that you don't miss critical information. We will highlight the most efficient uses of this tax-specific resource by focusing on time-saving tips and how you can get to the right information quickly.

Practitioners representing Connecticut and New Jersey will discuss residency and domicile issues and current statutory, case law, and regulatory changes that affect business and individual income tax returns. New Jersey sales and use tax changes effective October 1, 2006 as well as all Connecticut and New Jersey 2007 law changes will be explained

This presentation will include a review of the rules for preparation of the Federal Form 706 and New York Form ET- 706. It will also include a case study which will be the basis for audience participation and a hands-on preparation of Forms 706 and ET-706. The case study will present a schedule-by-schedule guide for each of the schedules on the 706. It will also include discussion.

This is a repeat of Course 2013

A step-by-step case study of a New York sales and use tax audit of a small retail business. Here the study begins with a mock audit, including reviewing Company records and developing auditor work papers. It then follows the audit as it moves through the dispute resolution process, including a BCMS conference, an ALJ Hearing, and finally the Tax Appeals Tribunal. Multiple issues will be raised, debated and “litigated”, including the taxability of certain sales, the adequacy of records, the auditor’s (lack) of reasonableness, personal liability, bulk sales and transferee liability, the statute of limitations, and penalty abatement.

Former Crazy Eddie CFO, Sam E. Antar along with his cousin Eddie Antar helped mastermind one of the largest securities frauds and longest running white collar crimes uncovered in the 1980s. He describes the Crazy Eddie fraud and the lessons to be learned by auditors, investors, and others about white collar crime.

This presentation shows the necessary tools for the beginner or the new small business owner and how they all "fit" together for long term success. Topics range from accounting products, on-line offerings, security, anti-virus, server, mobility and document storage.

A two part series of courses that focuses on using QuickBooks in the practitioner’s own office as a practice management tool, and ways to increase productivity and efficiencies overall.

An in-depth look at the statutory and administrative rights taxpayers have that must be understood, asserted, and protected by CPAs, Enrolled Agents and other federally authorized taxpayer representatives.

This is a continuation of Course 2022.

This is a repeat of Course 1031. See description of Course 1031 for additional information.

An extension of Course 2024, the study follows the audit as it moves through the dispute resolution process to the ALJ Hearing, and finally the Tax Appeals Tribunal.

Because today’s digital business equipment now stores data on the unit's hard disk drive, that data is susceptible to unauthorized and undetected retrieval. This loss exposure, ignored or uncontrolled, is a serious threat to corporate integrity and possible violation of privacy laws. At this session Paul DeMatteis, CPP, CFE, Senior Adviser on Corporate Security Programs from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, will present his findings from a business assessment he conducted through the college. This session will include an in-depth look at the problem, fraud prevention and investigative controls.

One of the biggest issues for businesses is compliance with Federal and State Labor Laws. For example, there are a variety of laws and regulations which govern the payment of wages, employment relationships and the rights of undocumented workers. This seminar will address minimum wage and overtime pay standards, record keeping requirements, the differences between Federal and New York State Law and the rights of undocumented workers. This seminar will also examine independent contractor versus employee issues. In addition, this seminar will address the laws governing 1120S officer compensation and abusive tax avoidance transactions. Register and learn how to keep your clients compliant.

A continuation of Course 2027.

An in-depth look at the statutory and administrative opportunities (such as innocent spouse relief, injured spouse allocations, refund claims, audit reconsiderations, and more) that taxpayers may exercise and CPAs, Enrolled Agents and other federally authorized taxpayer representatives must understand and initiate.

This program will discuss the tax aspects of a sale or exchange of interests in a professional corporation or partnership. The discussion will include an analysis of how to treat the “hot” ordinary income assets and unrealized receivables (structuring will be reviewed from both the continuing practice and the withdrawing member’s point of view), the ability to achieve favorable tax consequences to generate either ordinary deductions or capital gains, and self-employment tax issues and techniques available to minimize or eliminate self-employment taxes. This course is designed for practitioners with all levels of tax experience.

This is a repeat of course 1041.

Experienced bankruptcy counsel will outline the bankruptcy process and illustrate alternative bankruptcy strategies. Topics will include the discharge of income taxes in Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 and the impact of pre-bankruptcy agreements on the discharge of taxes. The presentation will focus on the major substantive changes implemented by the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005.

David L. Gresen, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE, Michael E. Goodman, CPA, CFP®, PFS & Peter J. Theobald

In this presentation (based on a real divorce case where one million dollars in unreported revenues was uncovered), a forensic accountant, a computer expert and a financial planner will walk you through an actual matrimonial matter. The forensic accountant and computer expert will discuss how they assisted in identifying and quantifying the financial assets. The financial planner will discuss how he assisted in the distribution of the assets. This seminar was prepared to provide the participants with an understanding of financial discovery, electronic discovery and how a financial planner adds value to this process.

Bob Lewis, Senior Marketing Manger, Accounting Professionals Microsoft Business Division

Do you have clients who are just getting off the ground, or who are unorganized and operating out of a shoe box? Discover free and low cost Microsoft tools that will help get them organized, online and on their way to growth, profitability and independence.

This program focuses on ways the accountant can clean up client data, and keep it clean! An advanced level course – not for beginners.

This course will review important tax rulings affecting life insurance as well as other developments relevant to the tax practitioner. Included will be re-pricing of insurance products, life settlements, financial strength ratings of insurers, premium financing, 409A regulations and 1035 exchanges.

An in-depth consideration of the measures the IRS will take against taxpayers who are unable to pay their tax obligations in full and the initiatives available to them to avoid enforced collection and to make peace with the IRS collection function.

This session will cover everything you need to know about taxes as only Professor Dyckman can present it. The seminar will be an open forum with interactive discussion. Note that Professor Dyckman will cover multiple topics and may overlap with material covered elsewhere during the symposium.

This session is an excellent session for those returning to tax preparation or new to the field. We will review those tricky items on filing status, dependency, itemized deductions, depreciation, W2 issues and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

This workshop will reveal the myths and realities of the college financial aid process, scholarships and competitive college admissions. This will include case studies and an overview of the FAFSA and CSS Financial Aid Profile forms. Help your clients save money while increasing your revenue.

The primary objective of the 1031 Tax Deferral Strategies course is to educate tax practitioners on the benefits of using 1031 tax deferred exchanges for their clients and themselves. The course will detail the entire exchange process from start to finish as well as covering some of the more complex applications of 1031 to ensure exchanges are well received by the IRS and the entire process is fluid and complete.

Accounting and Auditing research and how it integrates with Paperless Engagement Software. Learn hands on about Thomson Tax and Accountings’ premier research tool, Checkpoint! See how PPC e-tools and PPCs guidance on Checkpoint can increase your firm’s efficiency, quality control and save you valuable time and money. Also lean how Smart E-practice Aids for risk assessment help you comply with the new AICPA Risk Assessment Standards. You will also hear best practices and tips to becoming a “paperless” office.

This seminar will provide an update on the reportable transaction disclosure rules for both material advisors and taxpayers. Learn the recent changes to the disclosure regulations. The program will also cover the changes in the forms used to disclose activity related to reportable transactions.

A consideration of the new IRS examination techniques associated with their growing concern over under reported income and overstated deductions. A comprehensive review of the IRS returns selection process and the issues most frequently raised.

This is a continuation of Course 3013.

This session introduces intermediate areas of the 1040 in a simple direct manner. We will review the basic Passive Activity and At-Risk rules, the joys of Married Filing Separately, Depreciation Recapture, and other intermediate level issues. If you are relatively new to the industry and wish to step up to the next level, don’t miss this session

In this program, Dr. Slavutin will address the questions: Why clients need a check-up; What valuable information can you uncover; How do you get it done easily and quickly; Plus: Case Studies to illustrate the value to the client.

This is a repeat of Course 3017

Eric Tom, ChFC, CLTC, CFP®

We will discuss all aspects and strategies to simplify the intricate and excessively taxing retirement distribution rules.  Most people do not know that:  Newly retired people are at risk losing excessive amounts of money to taxes during retirement due to INCORRECT rollovers and withdrawals; as well as tax traps that allow the government to annihilate over 70% of your clients’ hard earned retirement savings that should have stayed in the family.  Discover ways to grow your practice and find the competitive edge by helping your clients save on taxes, help the children inherit lots of money and win referrals from happy clients.

Learn about the legal techniques which allow you to protect clients’ assets from nursing home costs, along with potential tax consequences of their use. Also learn when and how you can help elderly clients recover investment losses caused by their securities broker.

This is a repeat program of Course 3013.

This Basic level class will introduce attendees to the corporate entity, covering how corporate taxation differs from individual. Perfect for those considering expanding their client base. If you are thinking of taking on corporate returns, this is a stop for you. No esoteric language or examples, just the basic facts to start you on your path.

Scott Sanders, CPA, PFS, CFP®, CFS; Rich Bergen, CPA, CFP®; Moss Kaufman, EA, CFP®; David Okrent, CPA, JD

A panel of professionals are returning to explore several small case studies on a variety of timely topics. Some topics will cover: Net Unrealized Appreciation for 401(K) retirees; using the many living benefit options in variable annuities; conducting beneficiary audits and avoiding estate problems; and others…

This is a repeat of Course 2017

This program will provide valuable information for CPAs whose clients divorce and will inevitably seek professional financial advice. This interactive presentation will include such topics as: Divorce mediation; Distinctions between mediation and litigation; Benefits to the couple & family when choosing divorce mediation; Negotiating & settling financial issues; and financial perspectives of the objectives and goals of mediation.

This program will begin by addressing the solvency issue the current state of social security and future problems due to changing demographics. We will cover eligibility requirements for retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs including the consequences of beginning benefits at various ages. We will also explain the  options available to a widow/widower.

This is a repeat program of Course 3023.

This session will bring you up to speed on the latest corporate and business tax issues. Be sure to bring a pencil as this session will handle issues that arise after the text goes to print!

Craig Marcott, CFP®