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Dear Elizabeth,
This week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts swore in
a new Governor and his new executive team amidst a lot of pomp and pageantry. Despite the record-cold temperatures, throngs of citizens and government
relations folks went to the State House to witness the swearing in ceremony and hear Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito make their maiden
speeches. Baker struck a conciliatory, bipartisan cord, quoting from then President–elect John F. Kennedy and complimenting the late Mayor
Menino’s attention to detail. The Governor promised to close the sizable budget gap without increasing taxes or decreasing local aid –
daunting tasks given that his administration also has to draft its version of the FY16 budget by early March. Despite the budget challenges, the day
was filled with celebration. The MSCPA, a sponsor of the event, had a front row seat at the festivities. A few pictures are below:
A cake replica of the State House made by Montilio’s bakery.
Charlie Baker entering the House Chamber to take the oath of office.
Also this week, the 189th General Court convened with the administration of the oath of office to the 40 Senators
and 160 Representatives. House Speaker Robert DeLeo was sworn in again as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senator Stanley Rosenberg
will preside over the Upper Branch as the new Senate President.
The MSCPA has been busy preparing a legislative agenda for the session. For more details about the bills we plan to file, please click here.
2015 is shaping up to be an important year of change. With change comes opportunity, and the
MSCPA is well positioned to make the most of these opportunities.
Best,
Eileen P. McAnneny, Esq.
President and CEO
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Share Your Feedback with the DOR
The DOR released information on the business use tax and individual use tax, and they would like your feedback. To share
your comments, please contact Maryann Merigan, meriganm@dor.state.ma.us.
December Revenue Collections Total $2.307 Billion
December
revenues totaled $2.307 billion, $211 million more than the state took in last December. Last month’s receipts came in $29 million above the
monthly benchmark based on the FY15 revenue estimate, however, year-to-date collections remain $18 below target.
DOR Hosting Senior Circuit Breaker Credit Info Sessions
The DOR will host a
series of information sessions for taxpayers 65 years of age and older who may be eligible for the senior circuit tax credit.
CPE:
Did You Miss Tax Camp? We Have a Book for You!
We have a limited supply of Tax Camp manuals available for $110; simply call the Society at 800.392.6145 to speak with a member of the CPE team so
we can ship your manual to you! Introducing On-Demand CPE
Just in time for tax season, our on-demand programs have officially launched. These short CPE sessions are perfect for a quick
training on topics to help you grow within the profession. Learn how to leverage social media, the “Tales of the Tax Return” and tax
planning strategies for clients with household employees.
NETWORKING:
Upcoming Committee Meeting
• Employee Benefits &
Human Resources (1/14)
Women
in Great Places: An Evening of Networking in Law and Finance (1/21)
Join the MSCPA and
the Women's Bar Association and for an evening of cross-industry networking at Bastille Kitchen in Boston. This is an excellent opportunity to meet
other women professionals, build your network and develop referral sources. 
Sip
& Socialize: A Networking Event for Lawyers and CPAs (1/22)
Start 2015 with
new contacts! Join us at VIA Italian Table in Worcester for an evening of networking with CPAs and lawyers.
Save
the Date: Firm Administrator Breakfast (1/30)
All firm administrators are invited to
join us on Friday, January 30 at Kevin P. Martin & Associates in Braintree from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. The meeting will cover the MSCPA's 100%
Membership Program, member benefits/discounts, website features for firm admins, networking events and CPE updates.
MEMBERSHIP:
Tax Season Survey
What's your kryptonite
during tax season? How will you celebrate on April 16th? We want to know! Take the MSCPA's brief survey by Friday, January 23 - we'll tally the
results and feature them in the March issue of SumNews. 
New
Volunteer Opportunities
• Moms as Mentors®- Accountant/Book-Keeper
• 3050 Music Group - Accountant/Advisory Board Member
Board Participation Survey
Do you currently serve on a board of directors
(either nonprofit or corporate) or do you aspire to serve on a board in the future? Please complete this very brief survey to help us learn more
about our memberships’ board service. Your feedback will help us determine if we should organize educational and networking events to help MSCPA
members “get on board.”
NEWS & EVENTS: PHOTOS: MSCPA Night at the Bruins
Over 60 members attended last night’s Bruins games for a night of networking and fun. Special thanks to event sponsors:
ConnectPay, KLR Search and TECH Advisors. 
List Your Firm in the 2015 College Student's Guide
Don’t miss the opportunity to include your firm in the 2015 edition of the
College Student's Guide to Accounting Firms in Massachusetts. The print edition is distributed to accounting departments and career centers
at colleges throughout the commonwealth.
Click here to sign up or renew your firm.
10 Website Mistakes CPA Firms Should
Avoid
Avoid these 10 deadly mistakes and you will make major progress toward
reviving what should serve as the foundation of your online marketing presence.
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