Day 1

Keynote Speakers (3 TAX CPE)
Nonie Manion

NYC/NYS Tax Law (TAX CPE) (CLE)
(NYC) Dept. of Finance: Akeem Ayinde, Assistant Director, General Corporation Tax
(NYS) Dept of Tax & Finance: Mwisa Chisunka, NYS Business Ombudswoman

This session will provide a detailed overview of the New York City field and correspondence audit process. We will discuss New York City and New York State tax law changes and how they relate to businesses.

Mwisa Chisunka will discuss the establishment of the business Ombudswoman position which is dedicated to the advocacy, transparency, educational outreach and fairness to support the sustainability of all businesses in NYS. She will highlight the Ombudswoman accomplishments, systemic issues and solutions that have been brought forward to her office.

A Roadmap for Making a Merger/ Acquisition/Succession Plan (MAP CPE)
Joel Sinkin, Transition Advisors

This session will review the 7 steps from considering a merger/acquisition/succession plan to closing, information on alternative deal structures, when to start the process, how to choose a successor, keys to valuing an accounting firms, current and future marketplace and roadblocks to expect an how to avoid same.

IRS Collection: Journey Through the Labyrinth (TAX CPE) (CLE)
Karen J. Tenenbaum, Esq., LL.M. (Tax), CPA; Yvonne R. Cort, Esq.; Christopher L. Bourell, Esq., LL.M. (Tax)

This interactive panel presentation will feature fact patterns involving various IRS collection notices and procedures, such as Federal Tax Liens and Levies, Collection Due Process, Installment Agreements, and Offers in Compromise. Learn about a taxpayer’s various options as a case makes its way through the IRS collections system.

In the Clouds With Books to Tax: Leveraging the Virtual Office to Better Meet the Needs of Your Clients (MAP CPE)
MB Raimondi, CPA, CITP, owner of MB Raimondi, CPA

Learn how leveraging an ecosystem of online solutions that link together and share data across applications can help you realize the true benefits of working online. From Books to Tax, see how using QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Online Accountant and Intuit Tax Online can seamlessly help you maintain your clients’ books and generate tax returns. The end result is a Virtual Office where you can work anytime, anywhere to find true Freedom in the Cloud.

Using Spousal Transfer Strategies to Minimize Estate Taxes (TAX CPE) (CLE)
Jerald L. Wank, Esq.

This program will explore strategies that may be used by a married couple to minimize taxes on their combined estates. The presenter will discuss the use of lifetime gifts, trusts, formula clauses, disclaimers, qtip elections and Clayton trusts. Incorporating portability into the estate planning will also be considered.

IRS Compliance Audit for SEPs and SIMPLE IRAs, What You Should Know (TAX CPE) (CLE)
Stephen Abramson, CPC, CLU, ChFC

This session will review the results of a compliance audit that IRS conducted resulting in uncovering multiple defects in both plan types. Although the IRS did not offer corrective mechanisms there are procedures that are parallel in the qualified plan arena, e.g. 401(k) plans. CPAs with clients sponsoring these plan types should advise their clients to conduct an in house compliance audit addressing the issues that were uncovered in the IRS audit.

The ATRA-Math: Estate Planning After the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Thomas J. Pauloski, J.D.

The American Taxpayer Relief Act (ATRA) of 2012 seems to clarify estate planning, but our research suggests that the reality is far more complex. ATRA’s subtle complexities create potential traps for clients and their estate planners. For example, with income tax rates (for some) markedly higher, and transfer tax rates only marginally so, are there circumstances in which a step-up in basis at death may be more valuable than a lifetime gift? How useful is “portability” of the applicable exclusion and is it more useful in some states than in others? And how might variables that seem to have little to do with estate planning—such as a client’s spending rate—affect a wealth transfer plan under ATRA? Thomas J. Pauloski, J.D., National Managing Director of Bernstein’s Wealth Management Group, will use a series of case studies to explore these and other questions that arise under ATRA. Tom will use sophisticated wealth forecasting software to assess the planning opportunities and trade-offs.

Show Me the Money! (1 MAP CPE)
Sandra G. Johnson, CFE, CPA

Cash flow is the lifeline of every CPA business yet many small firm practitioners don’t know if they are charging competitive fees. In this session we will discuss how to determine fees, billing dos and don’ts, common billing myths, collection procedures and more.

Debt Cancellation - How to Analyze Form 1099C (1 TAX CPE) (1 CLE)
Robert S. Barnett, CPA, Esq.

This program will include: How to report cancellation of debt; Frequent Errors; Debt considerations- Recourse and non-recourse considerations; Insolvency and other statutory exceptions.

Age Weighted Retirement Plans (1 TAX CPE) (1 CFP) (1 CLE)
Daniel G. Mazzola, CFA, CPA

The basic rules and requirements of qualified retirement plans will be presented and workshop attendees will learn how small and mid-sized businesses can benefit from their utilization. I will present a detailed look at how the implementations of an age-based retirement plan, as compared to a typical defined contribution plan; can provide the business owner a much larger portion (sometimes 90%) of the amount contributed.

What the CPA Needs to Know About Fiduciary Liability Regarding T.O.L.I. (Trust Owned Life Ins) (1 TAX CPE) (1 CLE)
Henry Montag, CFP, CLTC

There’s approximately $3Trillion Dollars of T.O.L.I. (Trust Owned Life Insurance) of which 35% is underfunded and in process of expiring prematurely. Many of those responsible for paying the premiums are unaware that this problem exists because they’ve never reviewed the underlying Life Insurance contracts.

Join us in a presentation to learn about the situation that several of your clients will soon realize they are in, and what you should know about T.O.L.I. to better advise and protect your client from experiencing a monetary loss, discord within their family, and an uncomfortable client adviser situation from occurring.

Description coming soon

1040 Update Part 1 (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Robert Katz, J.D., LL.M, and Neil Katz, J.D., LL.M, CPA

Course repeats at 2041

This presentation will focus on the tax law changes that affect the preparation of the 2013 Form 1040. In addition, there will be a discussion of the latest cases, rulings and regulations that affect the preparation of the 2013 Federal Income Tax Return.

S&C Corporation Update (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Robert S. Barnett, CPA, Esq.

Course repeats at 3055

This lecture will include discussion of: New cases and revenue procedures; Debt tracing rules; Compensation; Management Fees, loss utilization and basis computations. Net investment income and the 3.8% surtax will also be included.

The View from Albany: Top NYS Tax Dept. Representatives Discuss Policy and Procedures (TAX CPE)
Moderator, Karen J. Tenenbaum, Esq., LL.M. (Tax), CPA
Panelists: NYS Tax Dept. Representatives; Yvonne R. Cort, Esq.

A panel of top NYS representatives, including Patricia Coneys, Director, NYS Collections and Civil Enforcement Division; Camille Siano Enders, Esq., NYS Deputy Commissioner and Taxpayer Rights Advocate; Kevin R. Law, Esq., Director, NYS Bureau of Conciliation and Mediation Services; and an additional NYS representative from the Audit Division (TBD) will address hot topics and provide an overview of policies and procedures, with the practitioner perspective provided by Yvonne R. Cort, Esq.

College Financial-Aid Rules Seem Bizarre Even to Those Accustomed to Doing 1040s (SK CPE) (CFP)
Barry Fox, B.A., M.A.

During this session we will cover:

• The Federal & Institutional Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Strategies for Filling Out the FAFSA
• Planning a Needs Analysis
• What Constitutes an Independent Student
• Business Supplement
• Student Aid Sources
• Negotiations with the College
• Divorced or Separated Parents
• Grant & Loan Eligibility
• New York State Aid (TAP)
• How to Maximize Eligibility for Financial Aid
• Best Free Web Sites for Scholarship Search
• Case Studies and more...

Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts: Are They Really as Tax Effective as They Seem? (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Aaron E. Futterman, CPA, Esq., Steven P. Block, Esq.

This seminar examines the popular estate freeze technique called the Intentionally Defective Grantor Trust (IDGT). It provides a practical understanding of how to structure these trusts and when they are best utilized by comparing IDGTs to alternative techniques such as Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts and freeze partnerships.

7 Key Benefits When Using Practice Management Solutions (MAP CPE)
Michael Giardina, CEO, Office Tools Professional

This session will cover the benefits firms experience when using Practice Management Solutions. We will discuss the latest technologies used to become a digital firm. We will explore methods that improve efficiencies and increase billable time and learn how a firm’s value is increased when practice management solutions are part of your firm. You will discover how to conquer implementation concerns, how to create new policies and get staff buy in. In addition you will discover how your team can provide exceptional client service when fully utilizing practice management solutions.

What Your Clients Don’t Know About Their Life Insurance Policies: An Asset or a Liability? (TAX CPE) (CFP)
Liz Diamond & Rick Wien, American Business

A lively discussion with Case Studies on the following: Risks inherent in life insurance policies: a forensic review of cost, liquidity, ownership, equity market risk, etc.; Fiduciary responsibility of advisors and trustees. Avoidance of professional and client liability; Compliance with Section 101(j) –required tax filings to ensure tax free status of insurance; Tax deductibility and estate tax strategies.

1040 Update Part 2 (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Robert Katz, J.D., LL.M, and Neil Katz, J.D., LL.M, CPA

Course repeats at 2051

This is a continuation of Course 1041

New York State Tax Update (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Mark S. Klein, Esq., William J. Comiskey, Esq.

Course repeats at 2011

Enjoy a fast-paced discussion of "hot" New York State tax developments, including the new Budget Bill. In addition to a review of new cases, legislation and administrative rulings, this presentation will also discuss the State's extremely successful residency audit program and new developments in sales and use tax cases. The impact of recent Tax Department enforcement initiatives will also be discussed.

IRS (TAX CPE)
Karen L. Hawkins, IRS Director of Professional Responsibility

This interactive and innovative program will stream live from Washington DC.

Sales Tax Refund with Sales Tax Audits (TAX CPE)
Mark L. Stone, CPA

A discussion of the NYS sales tax audit process as well as the appeals procedure for when a company disagrees with an audit assessment. This presentation will also discuss one of the best things to do in an audit – which is to ask the State for money by filing a refund claim.

1031 Exchange Overview and New Developments (TAX CPE) (CFP) (CLE)
Michael S. Brady, Esq., CES®

1031 Exchange Overview and New Developments. Faced with the highest tax rates in years, astute real estate investors are looking for alternatives. This program, will cover the basics of planning a successful tax deferred exchange and the impact recent tax changes and case law.

2013 Labor and Employment Law Updates - The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Other Nightmares! (TAX CPE)
Glenn J. Franklin, Esq.

In addition to the PPACA, specifically how it affects employers–both large and small-and employees, this program will go updates and new developments in wage and hour laws and discrimination laws, both local and federal.

Evolving Accounting Services (MAP CPE)
Christina Wiseman, Product Mananger, Thomson Reuters

Some aspects of accounting haven't changed much over the years—debits are still debits, and credits are still credits. But there have been a whole lot of changes to a firm's accounting processes in recent years. The working relationship between accountant and client has evolved with the availability of real-time bookkeeping systems, cloud computing, client portals, and other collaboration tools. Figuring out how to use technology for the benefit of both parties can be a daunting task. In this session, we’ll discuss tools that make seamless collaboration between accountant and client possible.