Blogs

 

MAP on Monday Blog - November

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Why You Should Attend the 2025 Accounting & Tax Symposium (ATS) Each year, the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP) proudly hosts one of the premier educational and networking events in our profession — the Accounting & Tax Symposium (ATS) . This year’s event will take place on November 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2025 , bringing together hundreds of CPAs, EAs, and other accounting and tax professionals from across the region. ATS is more than just a conference — it’s a gathering of thought leaders, practitioners, educators, ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - October

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Mentoring the Next Generation: Why It Matters Even in a Small Firm Mentorship is often seen as the domain of large firms with formal training programs and HR departments. But in truth, small CPA firms are uniquely positioned to offer meaningful mentorship—and the impact can be even greater. Whether you’re training a new staff accountant, grooming a future partner, or helping an intern find their footing, mentoring the next generation is both a responsibility and a strategic investment. In small firms, mentoring happens more organically. Team members have direct access ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - September

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Advisory Services: What Small Firm Clients Really Want As the accounting profession continues to evolve, small firm clients are looking for more than compliance. While accurate tax preparation and timely filings remain essential, clients increasingly want their CPA to serve as a year-round advisor—someone who understands their business, anticipates challenges, and helps them make better financial decisions. For firms looking to expand into advisory services, the key question is: What do clients really want from advisory? First and foremost, clients want proactive ...
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Carol Markman, CPA Accounting Scholarship Awarded to Aliyan Rizwan Hussain

By Alexandra DeNiro
Celebrating Excellence: Congratulations to Aliyan Rizwan Hussain, Winner of the Carol Markman, CPA Accounting Scholarship! We are delighted to announce and extend our warmest congratulations to Aliyan Rizwan Hussain, the deserving recipient of the esteemed Carol Markman, CPA Accounting Scholarship! Aliyan’s exceptional accomplishments, dedication and passion for accounting have truly set him apart as an outstanding candidate for this prestigious award. Aliyan is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and plans to become a CPA. The Carol Markman, CPA Accounting Scholarship was ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - August

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Building a Personal Brand as a CPA in a Crowded Market In today’s competitive environment, technical skills and credentials are no longer enough to stand out. Whether you're a solo practitioner or leading a small firm, building a strong personal brand is essential for attracting ideal clients, growing your influence, and differentiating your services. A well-developed brand communicates who you are, what you offer, and why someone should trust you with their financial future. Your personal brand starts with clarity. What’s your niche or specialty? Do you serve ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - July

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Using KPIs to Run Your CPA Firm Like a Business, Not Just a Practice Too many small CPA firm owners focus almost exclusively on client service and compliance deadlines, often at the expense of strategic business oversight. While technical excellence is essential, running a successful firm requires viewing it as a business, not just a professional practice. One of the most effective ways to do this is by regularly monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure the health and profitability of your firm. KPIs allow firm owners to make data-driven decisions ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - June

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Frank Sands , CPA, National Membership Committee Chair CPA Practice Sale Checklist This checklist is designed to guide you through the process of selling your CPA practice. The goal is to sell your practice to a qualified buyer. Each point may be adjusted or expanded to fit your practice and the intended buyer. 1. Preparation Phase · ☐ Set a target sale date. · ☐ Get a professional valuation of your practice. · ☐ Ensure financial statements are current and accurate. · ☐ Update and organize client lists (remove inactive accounts). · ☐ Document key processes ...
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Tax Update - May 2025

By Alexandra DeNiro
Tax Update – May 2025 The IRS National Public Liaison (NPL) meeting held on April 24, 2025, provided crucial updates and insights for the tax professional community, with an emphasis on security, practitioner resources, and organizational changes that may impact service levels in the near future. The session opened with updates on the IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, which are progressing well and experiencing strong turnout. However, attendees were cautioned that future sessions may be affected by internal staffing reductions. A central focus of the meeting was on fraud prevention and cybersecurity awareness for tax preparers. Criminal Investigations ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - May

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Wrapping Up Tax Season: Reflecting, Evaluating, and Planning for Next Year Tax season is officially over, and while the busiest time of the year may have passed, the work of improving and refining your practice never truly stops. May is the perfect time for small CPA firm owners to step back, reflect on the season, and plan for a more efficient and successful tax season next year. A structured approach to debriefing with your team, evaluating what worked and what didn’t, and assessing client relationships can set the foundation for future growth and improvement. ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - April

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Staying Calm and Focused: A Reminder for Small CPA Firm Owners as April Approaches As we enter the final stretch of tax season, April brings both urgency and opportunity for CPA firm owners. The pressure to meet deadlines, serve clients, and manage your firm’s operations can feel overwhelming. However, it’s essential to approach this critical period with a clear plan, a calm mindset, and the confidence to make the right decisions for your clients and your team. Here’s a timely reminder to help you stay focused, keep your workload manageable, and navigate the remainder of ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - March

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Staying Healthy During Tax Season: A Guide for CPAs Tax season is an intense time for CPAs, particularly for those running small firms. The long hours, tight deadlines, and constant demands from clients can quickly lead to burnout if you’re not proactive about your well-being. As professionals, we prioritize serving our clients, but it’s equally important to prioritize our health. Here’s a guide to staying healthy and maintaining your energy during the busy months of tax season. 1. Prioritize Sleep It can be tempting to burn the midnight oil to get ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - February

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Making Tax Season Fun: Boosting Morale for Small CPA Firm Owners and Staff Tax season can be the most challenging time of year for CPA firms, especially for small practices where resources may be stretched thin. The long hours and high-pressure environment are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean your team has to endure it without a little fun along the way. A positive and engaging work environment can reduce stress, increase productivity, and even help your firm retain talented staff. Here are some creative ideas to bring a sense of fun and camaraderie to your firm ...
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Join Us at NCCPAP NOW on January 21, 2025

By Alexandra DeNiro
Trusts and Estates Don’t miss out on this important session featuring our guest speaker, current NCCPAP Executie Vice President, Gary R. Brown CMA, CPA, CITP, CGMA, PFS CPAs need to be informed about how to handle returns in case of death of a taxpayer as well as how to prepare returns for Trusts and Estates. This information includes knowing how to report income received after death, the different types of trusts, and reporting for larger estates or those in which the surviving spouse wishes to utilize the deceased individuals estate exclusion. This is a specialty practice area that many CPAs may not handle or be aware of some of the nuances ...
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MAP on Monday Blog - January

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Gearing Up for Tax Season: A January Checklist for Small CPA Firm Owners As the calendar turns to January, CPAs across the country know that tax season is officially upon us. For small CPA firm owners, this is not just a busy time but also an opportunity to showcase the value we bring to our clients. A well-organized and proactive approach in January can set the tone for a smooth and successful tax season. Here’s a practical guide to help you and your team prepare. 1. Streamline Office Operations Before the deluge of client calls and emails begins, ...
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December 2024 - Journal of the CPA Practitioner

By Alexandra DeNiro
Click below to read our latest issue of the Journal of the CPA Practitioner now! December 2024 - Journal of the CPA Practitioner #News
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MAP on Monday Blog - December

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Sandra G. Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE, National Education/MAP Committee Co-Chair Why Your Clients Should Choose a CPA Over Online Tax Software or National Tax Prep Chains As CPAs dedicated to serving small businesses and individuals, we know the value of personalized, professional service. However, in today’s environment, where online tax software and national tax preparation chains market themselves as convenient, low-cost solutions, it’s important to remind our clients—and potential clients—why choosing a CPA is a superior choice. Here are the key reasons your clients should be choosing a CPA over online tax software or large, impersonal ...
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Tax Update - October 2024

By Alexandra DeNiro
Tax Update – October 2024 Appeals Division Update The IRS Appeals Division shared important updates on staffing and operational changes. As of September 21, 2024, the division has grown to 1,746 employees, with plans to hire up to 2,227 by the end of fiscal year 2025. The increase in hiring has temporarily affected cycle times, as new hires undergo training. However, the division is working to maintain low inventory levels during this period. The Appeals Division has five primary areas of focus: Operations Support, Case Support, Collections Appeals, Exam Appeals, and Specialized Exam Programs & Referrals. The Alternative Dispute Resolution ...
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Tax Update - September 2024

By Alexandra DeNiro
Tax Update – September 2024 IRS Collection Notices Resumed The IRS has resumed issuing collection notices. Taxpayers are strongly encouraged to respond promptly to initial notices to avoid escalations, including liens and levies. Failure to address these notices can lead to more severe collection actions. The IRS is committed to making these notices clearer and easier to understand. Taxpayers can explore options such as short- or long-term payment plans through the IRS's self-service tools. These online tools allow taxpayers to make payments, revise existing plans, and monitor account details. Tax professionals should advise clients ...
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September 2024 - Journal of the CPA Practitioner

By Alexandra DeNiro
Click below to read our latest issue of the Journal of the CPA Practitioner now! September 2024 - Journal of the CPA Practitioner #News
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President's Message -July 2024

By Alexandra DeNiro
By Frank Sands CPA, National President, NCCPAP A lot has happened since I last spoke with you. The IRS has been busy with the release of changes to tax forms, instructions, and publications. Some changes of note are e-filing some amended employment tax forms, instruction corrections for Schedule 3 form 1040, form 8835 and 3468 renewable electricity production, Pub 1179 rules for 1096, 1098, 1099, 5498 and others, form 15293 disclosure consent, Pub 5533 regarding online accounts, etc. SCOTUS has reversed the Chevron doctrine, which permitted courts to give deference to a reasonable interpretation of an ambiguous statute by a government agency. In a ...
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