TXCPA Dallas

A Behind-the-Scenes Study of Buzzballz

Monday, March 22, 2021

TXCPA Dallas & the Financial Planning Association

invite you to a

Live and Virtual

Behind-the-Scenes Event

A Behind-the-Scenes Study of Buzzballz

Live Attendees:

Please join us for a CPE presentation and Behind-the-Scenes tour of Buzzballz,

a local, woman-owned business responsible for the latest thing in happy hour innovation, Buzzballz. Buzzballz are convenient, single-serving, adult beverages made with premium ingredients in a wide variety of flavors and packaged in recyclable containers.

Merrilee Kick, Buzzballz’s CEO, will present an overview of the company, including how it came to be; the crafting process; and what’s next.

Erick Cutler and Kevin Harris of Eisner Amper will also lead a presentation

on R&D tax credit and cost segregation.

Samples of Buzzballz cocktails will be provided.

Monday, March 22, 2021

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Buzzballz LLC

2114 McDaniel Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006

Virtual Attendees:

Please join us for a CPE presentation, featuring

Merrilee Kick,

Buzzballz CEO,

giving an overview of the Buzzballz story

&

Erick Cutler and Kevin Harris,

Tax Partners at EisnerAmper LLP

presenting information on R&D and cost segregation

A Buzzballz cocktail sample will be shipped to your home address

prior to the event.

Monday, March 22, 2021

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Course Description: This course examines the history, organization, and management of Buzzballz LLC. and also includes a presentation on R&D and cost segregation.

Learning Objectives: Participants will receive:

·     An introduction to the Buzzballz family

·     An overview of BuzzBallz and other company brands

·     An explanation of the Buzzballz process

·     A discussion on the makeup of the company’s customer base

·     Information about Enso, part of Buzzballz’s earth-friendly approach to recyclable packaging

·     A look at what’s next for this exciting enterprise

·     Information on the basics of R&D tax credit and cost segregation study

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21241016

1

Monday, March 22, 2021

Live: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.;

Live & Virtual (Internet-based)

$30

Estate Planning and Transfer Tax Auditing

Thursday, March 25, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to an

Online CPE Event

Thursday, March 25, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This is an online event.

Eric Marchand

Partner, Meadows Collier

Presents

Is Estate Planning Still Necessary? 

The Importance of Estate Planning for Nontaxable Estates

Course Description: In the wake of the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), estate planning has seen a return to its genesis. At its core, estate planning is about making sure assets pass to the right people, at the right time, and in the right manner. For most estates, the transfer tax tail no longer wags the dog due to historically high estate tax exemption amounts which have effectively eliminated the estate tax for all but a few estates. With the transfer tax no longer being the driving force behind estate planning, I often hear the question: is estate planning still necessary? This presentation will focus on why that answer is a resounding YES, both from a non-tax perspective and from an income tax perspective. Key Topics: Testacy vs. Intestacy, Retaining Control over Assets, Planning for Minors, Asset Protection Planning, Probate Avoidance Planning, Business Succession Planning, and Basis Step-Up Planning, Including Use of Portability.

Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about:

·     Testacy vs. Intestacy

·     Retaining Control over Assets

·     Planning for Minors

·     Asset Protection Planning

·     Probate Avoidance Planning

·     Business Succession Planning

·     Basis Step-Up Planning, Including Use of Portability

________________________________________________

Joel Crouch

Partner, Meadows Collier

Presents

Transfer Tax Auditing/Controversies are

Not Going Away in the Era of Higher Exemptions

Course Description: Transfer tax audits and litigation are not going away despite higher exemptions. The presentation will be a view from the trenches of transfer audits and litigation and will discuss current trends in the transfer tax controversy area at audit level, appeals and in litigation. The discussion will include defined value clauses, working with valuation appraisers, valuation hot buttons, tax affecting impact on valuations, potential section 2036 issues and recent court decisions that could impact your practice and clients.

Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about:

·     Valuation issues including tax affecting;

·     Recent 2036 cases; and

·     Working with valuation experts.

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121019

2

Thursday, March 25, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

$35/Members; $135/Non-Members

A CPA’s Guidebook for Ethical Behavior:

A CPE Ethics Course for Texas CPAs

March – May 2021

You are invited to join us for our monthly, State-approved, four-hour Ethics course, A CPA’s Guidebook for Ethical Behavior: A CPE Ethics Course for Texas CPAs. This course will be taught by Professor Allison McLeod.

Speaker and author, Allison M. McLeod, LL.M., CPA, will educate and inform CPAs not just on what is the right thing to do according to the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct but how to put your values into action!  As part of this course, we will also look at various schools of ethical thought and walk through real world examples of individuals and companies faced with moral dilemmas.

Description: A CPA is challenged in today’s work world to not only serve his/her client or employer but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that there is transparency in financial reporting or there is fair administration of the tax laws. In balancing the two interests, a CPA may find him or herself in an ethical dilemma. This course covers not only basic ethical frameworks, but also specific rules governing CPA practice and responsibilities. It concludes with a section on how a CPA can put his or her ethics into action.

Learning Objectives:

1.  To educate licensees in ethics of professional accounting as Texas CPAs.

2.  To convey the intent of the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct in the performance of professional accounting services/work, not to adhere to the mere technical compliance of such rules.

3.  To assist the Texas CPA in applying ethical judgment in interpreting the rules and determining public interest. Public interest should be placed ahead of self-interest, even if it means a loss of job or client.

4.  To review and discuss the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct and their implications for persons in a variety of practices, including:

·     CPAs in client practice of public accountancy who perform attest and non-attest services.

·     CPAs employed in industry who provide internal accounting and auditing services.

·     CPAs employed in education or in government accounting or auditing.

April:

May:

Course # 21601014

Click here

Friday, April 30, 2021, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Course # 21601114

Click here

Friday, May 21, 2021, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Course # 21601214

Click here

Prerequisites:

Format:

CPE Credit Hours:

Sponsor #:

Cost:

None

Webinar (Internet-based)

4

441

$120/Member; $150/Non-Member

Deep Work for Managers

Friday, March 26, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to a

Virtual Brown Bag Lunch & CPE Event

Bring your lunch, log on and enjoy a

fun break in your day!

This event features

a one-hour CPE session:

Deep Work for Managers

presented by

Kenny Broom

Senior Manager, Armanino LLP

This event will be held online.

Course Description: Learn how to maximize your working hours for maximum effectiveness.

Learning Objectives: Participants will:

·     Discuss what Deep Work is and why it is important

·     Provide best practices for incorporating Deep Work into your daily routine

·     Share best practices for eliminating distractions

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121026

1

Friday, March 26, 2021

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

Free, but please register so we’ll know you’re participating.

Cybersecurity and Search Engine Optimization

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to an

Online CPE Event

Cybersecurity

and

Search Engine Optimization

presented by

Jim Ramsey

Principal, Visorie Consulting

&

 Kevin Rockecharlie

Partner, BKM Sowan Horan LLP

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This is an online event.

Developing a Cybersecurity Program

Course Description: Quickly gain the ability you need to understand what you can do now to offer, or implement, a cybersecurity capability. Whether you are in public practice or industry, complete this course with the ability to assess the risk and implement leading practices for both management policies, threat prevention and organization awareness building.

Learning Objectives: Participants will:

·     Identify the threats from cybersecurity breaches, and recent developments

·     Review a plan for quickly building a basic cybersecurity capability

·     Identify key elements of cybersecurity threat prevention

·     Review best practices in quickly achieving protection against many threats

·     Identify leading providers of cybersecurity tools

Accelerating Website Traffic with SEO

Course Description: Quickly gain the ability you need to understand what you can do now to offer or implement an SEO capability that drives traffic to your, or a client’s, website. Understand how Google works, and the two key components of SEO. Review free tools to use in quickly defining and implementing keywords and leading practices in establishing backlinks that build ranking authority.

Learning Objectives: Participants will:

·     Define SEO and identify the value proposition and key elements

·     Review a plan for quickly building an SEO capability

·     Review the way Google works, and what that means for website traffic

·     Review best practices and tools for implementing on-page SEO

·     Identify best practices in developing backlinks

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121036

2

Wednesday, March 31, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

$35/Members; $135/Non-Members

Innocent Spouse Relief & Taxation of Lawsuits

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to an

Online CPE Event

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This is an online event.

David Gair

Partner, Gray Reed

Presents

What CPAs Need to Know About

Innocent Spouse Relief

Course Description: This presentation will cover the different types of innocent spouse relief under IRC § 6015. The presentation will further focus on the various factors that the Internal Revenue Service looks at when analyzing a case. The presentation will also provide real-life scenarios and suggestions on how to position clients for success.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will understand the different types of innocent spouse relief and how to position clients for success.

________________________________________________

Joshua Smeltzer

Counsel, Gray Reed

Presents

What CPA’s Should Know About the

Taxation of Settlements and Judgments

Course Description: A former litigator from the Department of Justice Tax Division discusses the legal standards applied to determine whether a settlement or judgment is fully or partially excluded from income, is a deductible trade or business expense, or can be treated as capital gain or ordinary income. The presentation will include real world examples, practical tips, and guidance on how to both recognize and handle the close calls.

Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the legal standards governing settlements and judgments and learn how to recognize and handle tax issues involving these amounts.

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121119

2

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

$35/Members; $135/Non-Members

A CPA Practitioner’s Guide to Qualified Retirement Plans

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to an

Online CPE Event

A CPA Practitioner’s Guide to

Qualified Retirement Plans

presented by

Allan Peiser

Partner, Eisner Amper LLP

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This is an online event.

Course Description: This course focuses on variety of issues dealing with the design of qualified retirement plans. This course will better equip you to meet your clients’ needs by offering alternatives to maximize benefits for business owners.

Learning Objectives: Participants will identify and focus on a variety of issues related to qualified retirement plans to enable CPA practitioners to better meet their clients’ needs.

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121129

2

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

$35/Members; $135/Non-Members

Touch it Once: How 2020 Became my Firm’s

Most Productive and Profitable Year

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

TXCPA Dallas

invites you to an

Online CPE Event

Touch it Once: How 2020 Became my Firm’s

Most Productive and Profitable Year

presented by

Ford Baker

CEO, BaCo Tech

&

 Kaitlyn Kirkhart

CCO, BaCo Tech

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

This is an online event.

Course Description: The year 2020 has been a challenging one for everyone, CPAs included. For one CPA firm, however, it was the most productive, profitable, and efficient year ever. This firm experienced its highest realization of 140% across all clients, despite not charging extra for PPP loans and loan forgiveness. They did more work for more clients in less time—all while using fewer people and providing better client service. There was higher client satisfaction with no last-minute filings or surprises. All this efficiency was possible because this firm adopted a “touch-it-once philosophy.” This philosophy begins with efficiently gathering client data and integrating it into a standard workflow that combines engagement letters and billing into one task once a year. Streamlining tasks has allowed this firm to focus on client service and be more efficient in filing tax returns. They’ve been more productive and profitable, navigating COVID-19 and PPP service obstacles with ease.

Key points:

·     How to efficiently gather and integrate client data

·     How to increase productivity and thereby improve profits

·     How to increase client satisfaction

·     Ways to streamline tasks and improve efficiency

Learning Objectives: Participants will learn how to:

·     Recognize how a “touch-it-once philosophy” pays off in unexpected areas

·     Identify how to properly assess and maintain the collective value of a client base over exceptions based on individual preference

·     List third-party applications and how to maximize their value

·     Live demo walkthrough of a transaction-based workflow

Prerequisites:       

Course #:

CPE Credit Hours:

Date: 

Time:

Format:

Cost:  

None

21121136

2

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Live (Internet-based)

$35/Members; $135/Non-Members

Convergence 2021 Online

Friday, May 28, 2021

Due to continuing issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic,

we have made the decision to change

Convergence 2021

from a live event to virtual.

This will not in any way affect the

high quality and outstanding content you have come to expect

from this nationally-recognized program.

Please join us for an exciting online

educational experience…

CONVERGENCE 2021 ONLINE

Friday, May 28, 2021

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Register now for the premier

accounting CPE event

in North Texas!

To register, click here.

Thursday, March 18, 2020

 Join us online for our monthly networking event

Thursday, March 18

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

This month we’re mixing it up a little with a

Thirsty Thursday Wine-Tasting Event

Integrity Wines will educate us on various types of wine

and aspects of wine tasting.

There is no cost to attend the presentation,

but if you would like samples of the featured wines,

free samples will be provided to the first 22 registrants.

The sample set will be $40 (+ S&H) for all registrants thereafter.

Registration will close on Tuesday, March 9, so sign up now!

This event is generously sponsored by

Still Burton LLP, a Dallas based CPA firm, has acquired the firm Brosowske Mares Smothermon & Co., P.C. effective January 1, 2021. Bill Smothermon, the remaining partner of the acquired firm, will remain at Still Burton for the next several years, actively transitioning his client relationships to Still Burton.

“We are very excited about this acquisition as it will expand our client base and revenues for taxes and bookkeeping, allow us to acquire key employees and provide us with opportunities for leveraging audit work from their tax clients” said Kathy Still, Partner.

TXCPA Chapter Tip Sheet

TXCPA members report they are hearing about Diversity and Inclusion in the news, at the office and from leading industry organizations. Engaging Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging has become more important than ever for healthy organizations. In fact, companies in the top quartile for diversity are 35% more likely to outperform companies with less diversity (McKinsey). TXCPA has curated information like this and additional materials and made it available to members. Check out the Diversity and Inclusion resources available now.

TXCPA GROUP BILLING PROGRAM

The Texas Society of CPAs is committed to helping the organizations that employ our members leverage those membership investments to support organizational goals for success. We know each organization has unique needs. TXCPA’s Group Billing program is tailored to meet those needs.

If you would like to participate in the Group Billing Program or ask any questions, please contact Stephanie King.

TAX SEASON INTERVIEW CONTACT LIST

During tax season, TXCPA builds a volunteer list of CPAs willing to do newspaper/on-camera media interviews. If you know someone who has the time and would be a great candidate to represent the Society, please email Kari Owen. She will contact those recommended and obtain their commitment to participate, which often requires an immediate response to interview requests – especially during a time of high media interest such as tax season.

And remember: TXCPA has a database of talking points to assist with media interviews and can also help with members’ presentation needs (PowerPoint documents, brochures and handouts, etc.).

CPAS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES

Service is at the heart of your profession and we want to be able to promote the good work you’re doing in your communities. Tell us about service projects you, your firm or your organization are involved in so we can report your results as part of the statewide CPA service picture. Simply complete this short online form to help us track activity. If you’re looking for a place to plug in and give back – virtually or in person – visit our Community Service page online.

PROMOTING ACCOUNTING CAREERS TO STUDENTS

TXCPA has resources available to help you deliver virtual or in-person career presentations to schools in your area. We’re also developing a video career library to showcase CPAs in a variety of roles across the state. To request career presentation resources or provide a short video for our career library, contact Kari Owen.

EXPERIENCED MEMBERS FOR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Members who have extensive experience in the application of accounting and reporting standards are invited to apply to serve on TXCPA’s Professional Standards Committee. Qualifications include being a partner or manager in a public practice firm, a controller or higher-level financial accounting officer of an organization in industry or government, or a professor in an accounting department of an accredited college or university.

The objective of the committee is to respond to exposure drafts of proposed accounting and auditing standards, rules and regulations issued by the FASB, GASB, FASAB, SEC, AICPA (including those pertaining to ethics), OMB, GAO and any other accounting and auditing standard setting bodies that have an impact on the practice of accountancy in Texas. It is also responsible for providing information to members about new standards and issues regarding compliance with existing standards.

Contact the committee’s staff liaison, Jerry Cross, CPA, CGMA, to learn more about this opportunity.