Education Seminar Topics

Gear Up  Helping Clients Thru Difficult Times

Gear Up Corporation/Partnership Seminar

Gear Up Mid-Year Tax Update for Individual

Gear Up Individual Tax Seminar

Gear Up Fiduciary Tax Seminar

Gear Up Not For Profit Seminar

IRS Audits, Appeals and Collections

Gear Up Planning for Later Years in Life

Gear Up Federal Tax Update

Mini Seminar
(4 CPE)
Maryland CPA Ethics  Seminar

Delaware CPA Ethics Seminar

Estate Planning in the Year of Uncertainty

Business Valuation Seminar

Financial Statement Tune Up Seminar

Peer Review Seminar

International Accounting Standards

Retirement Planning Seminar

Financial Planning for Newly Divorced and Separated

Planning For College Seminar

Financial Planning for the Elderly Seminar

Bankruptcy Seminar

Express  Seminars  (2 CPE)
Enrolled Agent Ethics Seminar

Virginia CPA Ethics Seminar

Cancellation of Debt

College Loans and Education Financing

1031 Exchange Seminar

Working Through the 990 Form

HSAs and HRAs Seminar

Maryland Income Tax Update Seminar

Payroll Update Seminar

This year's course will focus on five important areas:

Updates to Professional Standards

• Get the latest information on performance standards related to GAAP

• The new "codification" of those accounting principles, and the most recent interpretations with regard to ethical considerations involving the tax and financial statement practitioner.

Compilation and Review

• Explore the foundational evolvement of the Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services as you progress from SSARS #1 all the way through the most current statements and those that are proposed.

• Learn when to apply GAAP and OCBOA

• Identify the fundamental differences between for-profit and non-profit financial statements.

Financial Statement Presentation

• Learn and dissect appropriate wording for an accountant's role

• Study the proper from and style for the balance sheet, etc

• Review and consider the necessary disclosures

Quality Control

• Get the latest on Statement on Quality Standards

• Obtain samples of what is needed to meet the new documentation requirements

• Analyze engagement letters and management represenation letters

• Learn what you need to know to get ready for peer review

Special Topics

• Personal Financial Statements

• Forecasts and Projections

• Business Valuation

• Analytical Procedures

• Fraud: Is it happening?

Helping Clients Through Difficult Times Seminar
presented by Gear Up 
8 CPE

This is a time of economic challenges.  Helping Clients Through Difficult Times explains how to address these issues along with the related tax aspects.  In addition, this course explores opportunities to expand your practice by offering a much needed and appreciated service.

Topics

• Tax aspects of foreclosures, short sales and debt forgiveness

• Understanding the principals and potential traps of bankruptcy

• Dealing with the IRS

• Evils of debt

• Understanding credit and credit scores

• What you need to know about short sales

• and much, much, more

IRS Audits and Appeals and Collections Seminar
presented by Gear Up 
8 CPE

If tax law can be called science, then dealing with the IRS can be called art.  This class combines both science and art, and we will discuss both the technical issues and the behavioral issues of resolving matters before the IRS.  The IRS has been reinvigorated, thus increased enforcement action is not only taking place now, but is expected to increase over the next few years.  That means more audits and more collection matters.

This class is unique in that it deals with real life experiences, not just from the instructors, but also from the class participants.  Our goal is simple: we will share strategies that are appropriate and that work and that comply with the Internal Revenue Code and the Internal Revenue Manual so that our clients obtain the best possible resolution of their matter with the IRS.

Auditing Nonprofit Organizations Seminar
presented by Gear Up 
16 CPE

Don't be afraid of the new standards!  We will make these standards understandable and easy to implement.  Learn about nonprofit auditing and take advantage of the opportunity to increase your audit business.

Topics

• Hear about the new changes in SASs

• Hear about the new changes in Yellow Book

• Learn how to efficiently implement both of the above

• Learn how to efficiently plan an audit

• What is so new about the 990?

• Functional expenses - Why the IRS is looking more closely

• SAS 115 - what you need to know to avoid problems with implementation

• Auditing cost allocation plans - how this affects revenue

• Lots of short cuts and sample forms

2009 has been declared "The Year of Change."  This certainly applies to tax laws.  Already we have "the American Recovery and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009," the first of many expected pieces of legislation that may make significant changes in tax law during 2009.  Some of the changes include:

• A lot of changes in the area of energy and the environment

• Bonus depreciation and Section 179 deductions will be extended through 2009

• NOL will be carried back further with more flexibility

• Expanded Earned Income Credit and child credits

Tax professionals need this information and need it soon in order to plan appropriately.  We need to be prepared to explain these changes to our clients before the end of the year.

This course is designed to help the beginner as well as the experienced practitioner.   The fiduciary income and estate tax issues will be reviewed, including a complete analysis of Form 1041, US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts.  We will also review new changes in the tax laws as they relate to Form 1041.

Topics

• A quick look at the decedent's final return and how to allocate income between the decedent and fiduciary

• What a tax practitioner needs to know about probate and estate planning

• Overview of split-interest charitable trusts

• What can and cannot be deducted on Form 1041

• How to calculate the income distribution deduction

• Fiduciary accounting

• Proper handling of depreciation and rental losses

• Calculating the estate tax deduction on income in respect of a decedent

• Tips on building an estate practice

 This course studies the life cycle of the client form the years leading up to retirement through their death, including issues of employment, government benefits, health care and insurance.

Topics

• Asset protection and reverse mortgages

• Estate planning for elder clients

• Planning for incapacity

• Retirement and Social Security benefit options, and when to choose early retirement

• Society Security survivor, dependent and death benefits

• Long-term care insurance and funding assisted living

• Health care directives, representative payees, trusts, wills

This course explores the decisions required in handling your clients' estates and trusts from beginning to close, including tax elections, allocating assets to beneficiaries, and filing the final forms.  We will analyze Form 1041, US Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts, and Form 706, Estate Tax Return, as well as all the new changes in the tax laws.

Topics

• Important changes by Congress and the IRS, including recent court decisions

• Properly calculate and report the estate tax deduction on income in respect of a decedent

• Why making a distribution form an estate or trust can cause significant tax liabilities.

• The proper way to conclude affairs of an estate or trust

• Generation skipping issues

• Special planning trusts, including special needs and insurance

This course will provide a review of new tax laws, court cases, IRS rulings and other developments.  We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of C Corporations, S Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, General Partnerships and Limited Partnerships including family Limited Partnerships.  The course will address important issues, planning opportunities and techniques essential to providing service to all business clients.

One Day - Topics

• Choice of business entity considerations

• A comprehensive look at the 2009 legislation

• Corporations

• C Corporations

• S Corporations

• LLCs and Partnerships

• Other Topics

• Free CD Rom of the manual

• Tabs in manual

In addition to the topics presented in the 1-day course, 2-day course will cover:

• Incorporation planning and the Section 83 election

• Small business stock incentives - Sections 1045, 1202 and 1244

• Rules for corporate liquidations and dissolutions

• AMT - a free pass for small corporations

• Shareholders and their corporations - the IRS hunts for constructive dividends

• Longer Range planning - the QSST and the ESBT

• Nexus considerations

• and much more.....

We will bring you up-to-date on all the changes and give you the essential planning tools to navigate those changes as well as provide a comprehensive review of Form 1040 complexities.  Updated for tax legislation passed in late 2008 and in 2009 along with many important topics that impact your clients in these difficult times (eg. foreclosures, repossessions and debt forgiveness).  New cases and rulings on important topics are included.

Topics

• Tax changes as a result of economic stimulus acts
• AMT legislation and other extenders
• IRS collection issues and lien relief
• Reporting fraud losses and repayment of fraudulent gains
• Online sellers and bartering
• Alternatives for required minimum distributions in '09
• Income and exclusions from cancellation of debt
• Reporting foreclosure or repossessions of residences and other real estate
• Section 179 deductions and other depreciation changes
• Utilizing non-deductible IRAs in anticipation of 2010
• Free CD Rom of the manual
• 50% off 2010 Quickfinder Tax Tables
• Free RIA Tax Reference Handbook - Value $72.00

Federal Tax Update Seminar
presented by Gear Up
8 CPE

Federal Tax Update is an one-day, fast paced seminar that covers the latest developments affecting individuals, corporations, pass through entities and estates and trusts.  Written and taught by practitioners for practitioners, it is designed to provide you with practical, working knowledge of the latest tax law changes.  This highly popular seminar will enable you to effectively and confidently complete tax planning, compliance and consultation engagements during the coming year.

This course is an overview of the payroll and 1099 reporting requirements and will provide a comprehensive reference manual for preparing W-2s and 1099's. 

Topics

• Changes in Federal and Maryland Forms

• Changes to Federal and Maryland Reporting Requirements

• Changes to Federal and Maryland Reporting Procedures

• New Federal and Maryland Forms

Arm yourself with the tools you need to get ready for and successfully survive Peer Review.  AICPA passed new regulations which are effective January 1, 2009.  This seminar will instruct you about the peer review process, what documentation is required, and tactics you can use for a successful peer review.

Topics

• New regulation requirements

• Review step by step instructions on preparing the required documentation

• Provide the forms required for peer review

• This seminar will not address system peer reviews.

Financial Statement Tune Up Seminar
  presented by Fran Korwek and Charles Posey, CPAs
 4 CPE

Every accountant who prepares financial statements should attend this seminar.  As we guide our clients through these economic times, we will see the increased necessity of financial statements.  With this increase the financial institutions will be more stringent and selective; therefore, it is important the documentation prepared follows the most current accounting standards.

International Accounting Standards Seminar
  presented by Dr. A J Stagliano, PhD
 4 CPE

The US Securities and Exchange Commission is aggressively moving towards allowing large American Companies to begin using international accounting standards.  This is a BIG change as we move from rules to principles, with professional judgment playing the most important part.  This seminar will outline the changes and how they effect the accounting profession, accounting students and the CPA Exam.

You may not think you are going to have a client who is dealing with international issues but we are in a global environment.  There is a good possibility your next client or a current client who is expanding may need assistance with this issue.

Retirement Planning Seminar
  presented by Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney
 4 CPE  / Approved for 4 hrs of Life and Health for MD Insurance

Retirement planning is a complex process with takes into account many factors such as personal wealth and tax implications.  With the new economic considerations it is important to have as much information as possible to properly advise your client.

This course is a comprehensive two-hour program that satisfies the Virginia State Board of Accountancy ethics requirements, helping Certified Public Accountants to educate themselves in the ethics of the profession.

Topics

• Update on current code of conduct and regulatory developments

• Issues effecting Virginia Board of Accountancy

• Practice without a current license

• Understanding revised Peer Review Standards

• Firm registration requirements and related peer review

• AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee

This course is a four-hour program that satisfies the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy's ethics requirements.  The speaker will help certified public accountants to educate themselves in the ethics of the profession, specifically the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Cancellation of Debt Seminar
  presented by David DeJong, Esq
 2 CPE

The program will focus on the definition of Discharge of Indebtedness whish is generally taxable under Code Section 108 and the numerous exceptions to the general rule.  Exceptions are found with in Section 108, elsewhere in the Code and by case law.  Emphasis will be placed on the provisions of recent legislation dealing with debt relief

Topics

• Insolvency exception

• Qualified principal residence exception through 2012

• Contingent indebtedness exception

• Applicability of loss of favorable tax attributes
   

HSAs and HRAs Seminar
  presented by Dana Brunn
 2 CPE

 Health care costs driving you and your clients crazy?  This seminar will educate you on the health care plans that can save your clients money during these trying economic times.

Topics

• HSAs and HRAs

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)

Delaware CPA Ethics Seminar
  presented by Donald Paris, CPA
 4 CPE

This course is a four-hour program that satisfies the Delaware State Board of Public Accountancy's ethics requirements helping Certified Public Accountants educate themselves in the ethics of the profession.
The seminar will use the PES manual and test which is approved by Delaware State Board of Public Accountancy.

College Loans and Education Financing Seminar
  presented by Ray Loewe and KC Dempster
 2 CPE

Your clients have a student who will enter college in the next few years, and they've seen their college savings dwindle, along with their retirement plan accounts.  Some may have even lost a job.  In these uncertain times, how can you help them fulfill their dreams for their children's college education by helping them control education spending and preserve their ability to retire?

Planning for College Seminar
  presented by Ray Loewe and KC Dempster
 4 CPE

College education has been a major goal for most parents for decades.  With the cost of college continuing to escalate, and the current upheaval in the economy, how can you help your clients continue to meet this goal?

Estate Planning in the Year of Uncertainty Seminar
  presented by Anne Jakabcin, Esq and Brian Della Rocca, Esq
 4 CPE

With uncertainty surrounding the economy, the future of the estate and gift tax laws is marred by increased uncertainty as Congress looks to find ways to increase revenue.  Anne Jakabcin and Brian R Dell Rocca, estate planning attorneys at Stein, Sperling, Bennett, DeJong, Driscoll and Greenfeig, PC in Rockville, Maryland will discuss the current federal and Maryland estate tax laws; potential changes to those laws; how to use the Maryland-only "QTIP" election is even more important with the federal exemption at $3.5 million; and the importance of implementing flexibility into an estate plan through the use of a disclaimer

1031 Exchange Seminar
  presented by Carolyn Dutterer, EA
 2 CPE

This basic to intermediate presentation will provide participants with an understanding of the rules and regulations for deferred like-kind exchanges.  Participants will gain the working knowledge to better serve their clients when making real estate transaction decisions.  Presentation will also include some program areas and current updates.

Working Through the 990 Form
  presented by Patricia Snell, CPA
 2 CPE

This seminar will address the current problems with the 990 forms that tax preparers are facing.  If you are new to 990 preparation or an experienced preparer, this class will give the attendees the "forest for the trees" information.

Business Valuation Seminar
  presented by David DeJong, Esq
 4 CPE

A business valuation requires more than merely looking at financial statements for a business.  A valuation requires a thorough analysis of the business operation, the future of the business, the current economy and value of the assets.  This seminar will guide attendees through the process and the correct methods to use to achieve the most accurate value.

Financial Planning for Newly Divorced and Separated
  presented by David Pessin, Esq
 4 CPE

The end of a marriage or any relationship is a traumatic and critical time in anyone's life.  Even before the legal dissolution of a marriage, upon the "separation" all estate and financial planning needs to be revised to prevent harsh negative consequences.  The legal end of the marriage terminates some - but unfortunately not all-of the rights binding the couple, their property and the financial and medical decisions affecting them.  And the children are involved too!

Financial Planning for the Elderly Seminar
  presented by Karen Schaeffer, CFP
 4 CPE  / Approved for 4 hrs of Life and Health for MD Insurance

With people living longer lives, new financial issues have appeared on the horizon, come learn more about the financial issues facing the elderly and gain insight into the resources available to help you meet your elderly clients needs.  Among the issues Karen will address are: Meeting Nursing Home Expenses, Planning for Incapacity, Estate Planning, Housing Decisions and Understanding Government Benefits.

Bankruptcy Seminar
  presented by Mark Scurti, Esq
 4 CPE

In 2005 the Bankruptcy Code was reformed significantly resulting in major changes impacting Debtors, Creditors and Professionals in the process.  This seminar will provide a general overview of the various chapters in bankruptcy, the new law and rules adopted by the US Bankruptcy Court, and case law directly dealing with accounting and financial matters.

Maryland Income Tax Update Seminar
  presented by James Arnie and Wallace Eddleman, CPA
 2 CPE

The 2009 Legislative Session brought about many changes to Maryland Income Tax forms and laws.  Many of these changes are being mandated by the stimulus package passed by Congress in February.

Topics

• Presentation of 2009 Tax Forms

• Presentation on New Maryland Tax Guidelines and Requirements

• Update on Electronic Filing Requirements

**The Maryland Society of Accountants, Inc. registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.  State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417.  Website: www.nasba.org.