Government Relations and CPA-PAC FAQs

• What is the goal of CPA-PAC?

  CPA-PAC ensures the CPA community has a voice in state government, particularly with those issues affecting the profession and economic vitality Commonwealth.

• What is the function of CPA-PAC?

  CPA-PAC supports political candidates who value the CPA profession and listen to our guidance on legislative and regulatory issues.

• Why is CPA-PAC important?

  The more CPA-friendly political candidates elected into office, the more the CPA profession and business community will thrive in Pennsylvania. Additionally, the PICPA has long-standing relationships with many legislators and other government officials, and CPA-PAC helps us keep the attention of these individuals and enhances our reputation as experts who provide objective, nonpartisan advice.

• Why should I contribute to CPA-PAC?

  The decisions made by our state government affect you - as a CPA, a business owner, a taxpayer, and a PICPA member. CPA-PAC is a way for you and your profession to have a voice. Your investment helps elect CPA-friendly candidates and helps the PICPA build alliances with elected officials who directly influence legislation.

• Do my PICPA dues pay for CPA-PAC?

  No. By law, the PICPA cannot use your membership dues as contributions to political candidates. CPAs must make all political contributions personally and voluntarily.
  

• I'm a member of AICPA and already contribute to its PAC. Isn't CPA-PAC a duplication of effort?

  No. The AICPA's PAC supports federal legislators and issues, not state-level. CPA-PAC only supports state officials and issues. CPA-PAC funds are not used in local elections, as the mission of the PICPA Government Relations team is to advocate on systematic issues that all PICPA members face throughout the state.
  

• Who's in charge of CPA-PAC?

  You! CPA-PAC is a member-managed, member-driven, and member-focused political action committee.
  

• Who decides which candidates receive financial support from CPA-PAC?

  The CPA-PAC Board, which is comprised of a cross-section of CPAs from across the state, approves contribution amounts to certain categories of legislators and other elected officials.
  

• Do I have any say in CPA-PAC?

  Absolutely. We welcome the insights and viewpoints of our members, especially with respect to candidates.
  

• What if I don't want my money to support a Democrat/Republican?

  CPA-PAC is nonpartisan in its selection of candidates to support. Party label is not considered. The record, agenda, and quality of each candidate determine who receives CPA-PAC support.
  

• What if I can't afford it?

  Any contribution - no matter how small - makes a difference. Your participation in CPA-PAC is more important than the amount you give, and you can invest in CPA-PAC at any time.
  

• If PICPA lobbied successfully in the past, why does it need investments in CPA-PAC now?

  With over 250 legislators and countless other government officials, plus hundreds of other businesses and organizations lobbying, challenges can arise at any time, so it's best for the PICPA to have a political action committee with readily available resources.
  

• How can I invest in CPA-PAC?

  There are several ways you can invest in CPA-PAC:

  1. Contribute online.
  2. Mail a check payable to:
     CPA-PAC
     c/o PICPA
     Ten Penn Center
     1801 Market Street, Suite 2400
     Philadelphia, PA 19103
  3. Check the CPA-PAC contribution box on your membership dues form.

• Where can I learn more about CPA-PAC and PICPA's advocacy efforts?

  1. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/picpa_gr
  2. Contact the PICPA Government Relations team at (717) 231-1821 or governmentrelations@picpa.org

• I need a particular form from the state. Can you send me one?

  The following forms can be downloaded from the State Board of Accountancy's Web site: 
  Certificate of Certified Public Accountant Application 
  Certificate of Certified Public Accountant Reciprocity Application 
  Initial Firm Registration Application 
  Continuing Professional Education Program Sponsor Agreement 
  Temporary Practice Permit Application 
  Request for Certification of Licensure 
  Request for Changes to an Individual License 
  CPE Reporting Forms 
  Please note—some form requests charge a fee. Current fees can be found in the PA Code.

   

• How do I address correspondence to my legislator?

  State Level: 
  
  The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] 
  PA Senate (or) House of Representatives 
  Respective Address 
  Harrisburg, PA 17120 
  
  Dear Senator (or) Representative [Last Name]: 
  
  Federal Level: 
  
  The Honorable [First Name] [Last Name] 
  United States Senate (or) House of Representatives 
  Respective Address 
  Washington, DC Respective ZIP 
  
  Dear Senator (or) Dear Congressman/Congresswoman [Last Name]: 
  

   

• How can I find out who my legislator is?

  Visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly Web site.

• May I still use the CPA designation if I have elected to go under inactive status?

  Members in business and industry who have elected to go under inactive status are not permitted to use the CPA designation on any correspondence, unless the designation is followed by the word “inactive.” 
  

• As a sole proprietor using the words “and associates” in my firm title, is there anything I need to tell my clients?

  Sole proprietors with a firm structure that permits use of the term “and company” or “and associates” in the firm name must send a written notice to existing and potential clients explaining that he or she is the sole owner of the firm. 
  

• May I place references to certifications in addition to my CPA certification on business cards and stationery?

  The CPA Law states that the use of "certified financial planner" is permitted if the designation has been properly conferred by a private organization after evaluation of the individual's credentials or qualifications. Other designations including the word "certified" also are permissible if the designation is conferred by an organization that evaluates the qualifications of candidates and a disclaimer is included on the stationery of any person using such a designation. The disclaimer must include a statement that the title or designation has been conferred by an organization not affiliated with the Federal or any State government. Disclaimers are not required on business cards, however. 

• When are CPAs required to furnish their working papers to clients?

  The CPA Law adds a "mechanics lien" provision with regard to working papers. A firm is required to provide the client with a copy of working papers developed by the firm which would ordinarily constitute a part of the client's records and are not otherwise available to the client. However, the firm may require that the fees due to the firm with respect to completed engagements be paid before such information is provided.