CPA Now Blog

To gain a clear understanding of the economic impact from Pennsylvania's current tax system, as well as any proposed changes, effective tax rates (ETRs) are a useful tool. In this blog, the state's Independent Fiscal Office discusses its review of ETRs.

Advocacy is an important part of PICPA’s mission, and every member can make a big difference ... even if it's as simple as showing up at a local legislator's town hall meeting. This blog follows one member's experience as she participates in retail politics for the first time.

With hard work and engagement, CPAs can influence the state legislature for fair tax practices. This fall we won an optional settlement conference process for tax appeals brought to the Board of Finance and Revenue.

Pennsylvania is once again at the center of national attention as a critical swing state. But this year’s election has significance beyond the presidential and congressional races. Pennsylvania's three row offices – attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer – and control of the Pennsylvania General Assembly are elections that play a crucial role in shaping the future of Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's 2024-2025 budget agreement presents a mixed bag for taxpayers. While it includes a few positive tax changes, it falls short of delivering broader, more comprehensive improvements to the state’s tax system. A missed opportunity.

A case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is a threat to the ability of the Commonwealth to limit its exposure to liability through the enactment of damages caps. This is important because uncapped liability verdicts could wipe out funds set aside for critical government services, leading to ever higher taxes.

An alarming number of high school graduates enter adulthood and the workforce without the appropriate knowledge of basic financial concepts. To help alleviate this crisis in knowledge, Pennsylvania high schools now have a new graduation requirements: completion of a personal financial economics course. State Sen. Chris Gebhard discusses the need for this step and what he hopes will be accomplished through the new law.

The Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office recently released its annual five-year economic and budget outlook. The Commonwealth will have $13.8 billion in savings that could support future spending or be held as savings to mitigate the impact of any future recessions.

One important tool that can be of use to CPAs in the appeal of taxes, rebates, or refunds is the Pennsylvania Board of Appeals' Request for Compromise. This blog explains the process and how a Request for Compromise could help you better serve your clients.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly’s fall session is in full swing. Lawmakers have an array of tax measures potentially still in play as final bills for the year are being considered. Several have all been developed in coordination with the PICPA State Tax Thought Leadership Committee and subcommittees.

With a complex system covering various taxes at the local level, Pennsylvania faces challenges when it comes to fairness, efficiency, and economic growth. There is an urgent need for reform Pennsylvania’s local tax structure to ensure a more equitable and sustainable system.

Each Pennsylvania budget cycle has its own unique challenges, with occasional political obstacles thrown in. This year was unique for the seeming deep freeze that settled on Harrisburg despite the summer heat. Although both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly approved the state spending plan, the Senate adjourned without finalizing the bill, leaving the budget in legislative limbo.

State budget negotiations are in full swing in Harrisburg, which is when many tax bills are proposed and agreed to. This year, the PICPA is urging the General Assembly to act on legislation that will help small businesses in the state and correct a tax unfairness.

U.S. Public Law 86-272 provides enormous protection from state income tax in instances where a company has limited activities within a state. If a taxpayer falls within the scope of the federal law, it will not be subject to a particular state’s income tax. However, there has been an uptick in states challenging taxpayers’ protection claims under Public Law 86-272 , so much so that some see an attempt to eviscerate it.

The PICPA has a political action committee to serve the unique interests of CPAs in Pennsylvania’s political process. A dedicated PAC might come as a surprise to many PICPA members, but it’s true.

Earlier this spring, the IRS unveiled its much-anticipated plan on how it will spend the $80 billion it was allocated under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Find out more about its goals and timetables covering areas such as operations support, enforcement, taxpayer services, and technology modernization.

Pennsylvania holds its primary elections on Tuesday, May 16. Many think that municipal elections are mundane, but, in many respects, they are as important as the more high-profile elections.

In February 2023, the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released its annual report, "State and Local Tax Revenues: A 50 State Comparison." Can you guess where Pennsylvania ranks?

The Pennsylvania House and Senate appropriations committees have been busy with hearings on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal. During this work, the General Assembly recessed from March through much of April. Both chambers will be back in session on April 24 to begin the give and take of constructing a final budget.

As CPAs know, the Board of Appeals is the first formal level in adjudication of tax, rebate, and refund appeals in Pennsylvania. This blog from the Board provides a few tips to help you navigate appeal procedures.