CPA Now Blog Archive

The growing cannabis industry may offer a tremendous opportunity for CPAs to work with entrepreneurs who may be relative novices to the rules and regulations of business. However, associating with this industry presents a quandary to those in a profession that prides itself on maintaining high ethical standards.

Do you know someone who has been a victim of identity theft or a loss related to the improper use of their personally identifiable information? Most people understand they must protect their Social Security and bank account numbers. What is becoming problematic is that personal information which may not be protected, and is publicly available, is now being targeted.

Accounting Career Day programs have been a staple of PICPA’s student outreach efforts for countless years. They may have changed in style and name, but they’ve also grown in attendance and popularity.

It can be difficult to entice experienced professionals to give of their limited time and mentor those who are following in their footsteps. To grow the mentor pool, we should emphasize three propositions: value to the mentor, ease of connecting, and a more natural structure for the relationship.

Education is expensive, but there are tools available to help you lessen the burden. College savings 529 plans have been regarded as a primary savings vehicle over the past decade, and with good reason.

Between the April 15 tax filing deadline and the Oct. 15 extension deadline, CPAs and their clients needed clarification and guidance on several important tax questions. A quick poll of PICPA members reveals what some of those areas were and how the PICPA was able to help.

Resilience and the ability to think strategically about personal and organizational goals and aspirations are critical. This requires the development of a strong set of foundational habits, a commitment to systematic personal learning and development, and a willingness to be coached and respond to earnest and specific feedback.

The IRS recently released clarifications regarding qualified business income (QBI) deductions, which should be of help for both business owners and their financial advisers.

Eileen R. Dempsey, CPA, state and local tax engagement director for CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, discusses Wayfair's imapct on Pennsylvania and bordering states in the areas of sales thresholds and measurement periods, as well as tech purchases.

State lawmakers across the country are removing barriers to a person’s right to work in numerous occupations and professions. Some have taken the path of outright elimination of state licensing. The PICPA is taking an active role in protecting the CPA designation so the profession will not be caught flatfooted should similar legislation be brought up for a vote in Pennsylvania.

Drew VandenBrul, CPA, will be on a panel at the Oct. 29, 2019, PICPA Multistate Tax Conference discussing trends in multistate taxation. In this blog he looks at prominent indirect state tax issues and combined reporting.

The annual PICPA Leadership Conference is an experience unlike any other, and it is one to truly get excited about for many reasons.

Jamie Hopkins, JD, LLM, CFP, director of retirement research with Carson Wealth, discusses how financial planners should be addressing the issue of home wealth with their clients.

Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin are a part of every forward-thinking accounting conversation since they present unique challenges in the areas of audit and attestation, tax, advisory services, and reporting. Now is an opportune time for CPAs to take a look at what needs to be considered moving forward.

Having a baby is an exciting time in a couple’s life, but kids can cost a lot. This blog will help you prepare for some of the new expenses that come with a child and a growing family.

Whatever the reason you decided to place your license on inactive status, it’s time to get your CPA license reactivated.

There is no denying it: accounting is technology. In its 2019 Trends in the Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits, the AICPA shows how CPA firms are shifting their hiring models to focus more on technology skills.

Management styles in public accounting firms are quite different from other businesses. Sometimes, particularly in small firms, entrenched behaviors conflict with well-regarded “corporate” management practices.

Your child’s credit history will be crucial when he or she eventually looks to rent an apartment, buy a car, and even find a job. You can assist in all these areas and more by helping them establish good credit while still in college.

Marissa Lieb, CPA, is a member of PICPA’s volunteer network of financial literacy presenters. Learn about some of her rewarding experiences using her CPA Voice.