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Dear Elizabeth:

The Boston Marathon is a monumental event – one that signifies hope, celebrates perseverance and reassures us that spring has finally arrived. As I watched the runners on Monday, I welcomed the new season – our fresh start – and I couldn’t be more ready for it (I’m sure you are too!).

One of my favorite springtime events is attending the MSCPA’s annual Recognition Reception – our biggest networking event – held this year on May 14 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Over 400 CPAs and accounting professionals will gather to celebrate achievements in the profession and enjoy delicious food and cocktails on us. You’ll also meet Amy Pitter, the Society’s incoming president and CEO, and hear her vision for the MSCPA. There is no other event like this for CPAs in Massachusetts – and no better way to experience the energy of your profession than by interacting with your peers and leaders at a historic landmark in the heart of Boston. Here are 5 more reasons you need to be there. I hope to see you on May 14!

Beth Lyons, CAE
Interim President & CEO

CPE:

IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN.
There’s only one week left to take advantage of the Spring Into Savings promotion!

Save $20 off all full-day local CPE programs and $10 off each half day program. This promotion is only for our members and only lasts for one more week! There’s no limit to how many discounts you can stack – plus, AICPA members can combine this discount with the discount on AICPA courses – making some 8-hour programs as cheap as $189.

Once you log into our website, your savings will automatically display. But hurry, these prices will return to normal rates on May 2.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE:

IRS Updates
- Congress Accuses IRS of Diverting Funds from Customer Service
- Tax Tips: Start Planning Now for Next Year's Taxes
- Tax Tips: Top 10 Tips to Know if You Get a Letter from the IRS
- Tax Tips: What to Know for Filing an Amended Return

DOR Update
- April Tax Collections on Track to Top $3 Billion

MA House Prepares for Budget Debate
The Massachusetts House of Representatives will debate their version of the FY 2016 budget over several days next week. Over 1,000 amendments have been filed to the bill including language to close “a certain corporate tax haven loophole," an amendment to allow for quarterly corporate tax payments and several other tax proposals.

FASB Proposes Significant Changes to Not-for-Profit Reporting
This week, FASB proposed new standards that would change the way not-for-profit financial statement are prepared. If approved, the changes would be the most significant since 1993, when FASB issued Statement No. 116 and Statement No. 117.

NETWORKING:

PHOTOS: Young Professional After Tax Season Bash
See who was caught on our camera at last night's celebration at the Atlantic Beer Garden.

Sip & Socialize at Del Frisco's in Boston (5/7)
Connect with like-minded CPAs and lawyers at one of the city's best hotspots! Exchange business cards and meet people who can help you get ahead. Straightforward networking with the best in your business - it doesn't get better than that.

South Shore Breakfast Forum (4/30)
Get an update on ethics from Gael O'Brien, leadership coach and consultant of Strategic Opportunities Group.

MEMBERSHIP:

5th Annual CPA Day of Service
Give back to your community! Join us on June 19 for the CPA Day of Service. Firms across the state are volunteering at worthy organizations - clean up the park, visit a school, serve at a food bank, donate blood - the opportunities are endless! Watch this video to see the impact the Day of Service has had - both on volunteers and the organizations they've served.

New Volunteer Opportunity
Women of Means Inc. - Board of Directors Treasurer

NEWS & EVENTS:

Speaking Opportunity at Mohegan Sun
The New England Collectors Association is looking for a CPA to speak on how the tax system benefits owners in the collection industry. The seminar will be held on Friday, June 5 at Mohegan Sun. If you are interested, please contact Elizabeth Emanuelson.

5 Job Interview Deal-Breakers
A new survey reveals what should be obvious to job-seekers but apparently isn’t: The most likely way to bungle your chance with a potential employer is by checking your smartphone during an interview.

CPAs Say Clients Fear Running Out of Money in Retirement
A new survey found that 57% of CPA financial planners say running out of money is their clients’ top retirement-planning concern.

What a CFO Should Consider Before a Merger
Mergers can be a powerful way to create growth, but CFOs should consider a few key factors when evaluating a deal. They must be aware of the impact of market volatility, analyze potential costs and focus on the overarching strategic rationale for the deal.