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Dear Hannah:

The Department of Revenue (DOR) is just a few months away from rolling out its new portal, MassTaxConnect which will replace WebFile for Business. The new program will launch on November 30 and will make filing taxes more efficient, less costly and more streamlined than ever before.

I have a particular interest in this since the project started during my term as Commissioner. There are many perks of the program, but here a few that CPAs will particularly enjoy:

•    Send and receive secure e-messages with attachments;
•    View and print DOR letters and notices; and
•    Easily manage powers of attorney and third party access.

The business rollout will also include a complete overhaul of the amended return process that will accelerate routine amendments and abatements. 

We are working closely with the DOR to make sure that you have all the information you will need for a smooth transition. Look for an article in SumNews next month that details the program, and watch for another article in the November issue that features feedback from members who are currently testing it. A walkthrough of the system will also be available on our On Demand platform later this year. 

I am excited about this new technology, and I look forward to sharing more information with you as it becomes available. Have a great weekend.

Amy A. Pitter
President & CEO

NETWORKING:

Committee Meetings
• Real Estate (8/27)

Eat, Drink & Network with the Marketing Committee (8/25)
Kick off a great year of marketing your firm with the MSCPA! Join our Marketing Committee at Vintage Restaurant & Lounge in Boston on August 25. RSVP to Brendan Sullivan.

Karter Kup Tennis Tournament (8/27)
Join the MSCPA on the grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI for the Annual Karter Kup Tennis Tournament! All levels of players (men and women) are welcome.

MEMBERSHIP:

Student Member Spotlight: Yamileth Lopez
From Venezuela to Boston, learn how MSCPA student member Yamileth Lopez has overcome many obstacles to succeed on her accounting journey. 

PHOTOS: MSCPA Young Professional Night at the Red Sox
Over 100 members enjoyed a night of networking and fun at the Baseball Tavern followed by watching the Sox beat the Royals. Special thanks to our sponsors: ConnectPay, Robert Half, South Shore Brank and Tech Advisors.

NEWS & RESOURCES:

Starting a Women's Initiative at Your Firm
If you’re interested in launching a women’s program at your firm, but aren’t sure where to start, take inspiration and ideas from a firm that recently launched its own.

How CPA Firms Can Retain Young Top Talent
MSCPA CEO Amy Pitter discusses what CPA firms should do to keep their top performers.

Are Your Clients Prepared for the 10/1 Deadline? 
Many major U.S. card companies have mandated a liability shift for certain payment card transactions, which will go into effect October 1st 2015. Find out what you can do to make sure your clients are ready for the transition.

Retirement Plan Fiduciaries to Monitor Plan Investments
On May 18, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Tibble v. Edison International that retirement plan fiduciaries have an ongoing duty to monitor plan investments. Although not subject to ERISA, fiduciaries of governmental plans have similar responsibilities under state law.

Before the Sale: Tax Planning for Business Owners
Help your clients prepare for the sale of a business with these tips.

CPE:

Just Added! International Taxation (10/27)
Get a solid understanding of international tax terminology and regulations that apply to a U.S. entity involved in global operations, or for a foreign entity doing business in the U.S.

Stay Organized with the CPE Tracker
Members have access to the CPE Tracker, an online tool that can be used to track CPE credits. Any credits issued by the Society from our local CPE programs are automatically added to the tracker, and you can manually add CPE credits from other vendors. Take this opportunity to make sure your tracker is up to date so you can stay organized throughout the year! When it's time to renew your license, simply print your tracker and send to the state board.

MAP Speaker Announcement: Sam Allred, CPA
We're excited to welcome Sam Allred, CPA to the 2015 New England Practice Management Conference! Allred is the founder and director of Upstream Academy. He was also instrumental in the development of LeaderSkills Institute, Emerging Leaders Academy and the High Performance Firms program. Allred served as shareholder for 21 years with Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., a regional CPA firm with six offices and over 250 people. Stay tuned for future speaker announcements, and follow the CPE Twitter account, @MSCPACPE, for more information on his presentations and updates about #MSCPAMAP15.