Dear Hannah:

I want to take a moment to thank those of you who completed our lengthy survey about how well we are meeting your needs and expectations. We just received the raw data, and while it is not yet summarized, we are already learning some interesting things. The best news for us, is that as compared to other membership organizations, an unusually high percentage of our members are proud and loyal supporters. We are thrilled to hear this, and now we are looking for ways that we can do even better. Below are some key takeaways:

• The greatest challenge our members face is staying current on technical changes and updates. We are determining how we can provide technical updates that are both curated and timely. To avoid inundating you with emails, our goal is to target the updates to your specific area/s of interest. Please take a moment to update your profile so we can deliver the news that you need and want.
  
• We need to do more for our corporate members and our members outside the 495 and 128 belts. First, we are looking for more ways to interact virtually – both for educational purposes and networking purposes. Second, I will be speaking at FEI on February 11, and we are looking at more events for corporate financial professionals both in partnership with organizations like FEI as well as independently. If you have thoughts about how we can make these events successful, let me know.
• The more engaged members are with the MSCPA, the more value they get from it. Look for the rollout of our online community after tax season, and also for new opportunities to engage including ad hoc committees, task forces, volunteer opportunities, high school and college outreach and more.

Finally, I want to leave you all today with a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. as we pause to celebrate him on Monday: “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Sincerely,

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

Upcoming Committee Meetings

• Federal Taxation (1/19)
• Accounting & Auditing (1/20)
• Real Estate (1/21) All members are welcome to hear an overview of property taxes presented by Mark Murphy of Mark Murphy Law Offices in Norwood. The meeting will take place from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the MSCPA. Please RSVP to Barbara Iannoni.

• Full Circle Earth - Board Treasurer
  
• The Urge To Create/Fractured Atlas - Accountant
• International Institute of New England - Finance Committee
  

Answer This Question, Win $50
As a member benefit, the MSCPA is considering offering our downtown Boston conference space (when available) for members to work remotely, hold a meeting or conduct business. Please indicate your interest in this one-question survey. Those who take the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of three $50 American Express gift cards. 

Volunteer at the 19th Annual Bentley Business Bowl
Bentley University is in need of additional judges and volunteers for its annual Business Bowl. The event takes place on Saturday, February 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunch is provided and an optional networking session follows.

Temporary Job Opportunities
Looking for extra help? Check out the temporary job opportunities on our website! New positions are posted regularly.

Who's Better at Strategy: CFOs or CSOs?

6 Ways to Increase Leads from Accounting Firm Websites

Nonprofit Conference (1/21)
Specifically designed to help you untangle today’s nonprofit challenges, the MSCPA's Nonprofit Conference has a fully loaded line-up. You will leave finely tuned for handling pressing issues and efficiently managing financial operations—gearing you up for success!

Annual State Tax Conference (1/26)
Join us for an enlightening conference that will help you stay informed on all of the tax issues Massachusetts CPAs face today.

Federal Tax Camp Books for Sale!
Were you unable to make it to our Federal Tax Camp sessions this year? We have extra books that we are selling for $110. If you would like to purchase one (or more), please contact Katlyn Ribeiro.

IRS Updates:

• IRS Provides Procedures for Correcting Mass Transit Benefits
• GAO Faults IRS Audit Selection Process
• Identity Theft Video Series Available
  

DOR Updates:

• Letter Ruling 16-1: Application of the Massachusetts Sales Tax to Sales Associated with Employee Rewards Programs
• TIR 16-1: Interest Rate on Overpayments and Underpayments
• 830 CMR 63.38M.2: Massachusetts Qualified Research Expense Credit
  
• AMNESTY ALERT: Program Open April 1 - May 31, 2016
• DOR Releases Update on Vendor List for TY '15
• Tax Changes for 2015 Tax Year

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