November 21, 2007           Volume 7, Number 22            www.gscpa.org         Unsubscribe

E-Sources, broadcast the second and fourth Friday of each month, provides timely information about issues affecting the accounting profession, educational opportunities, and special events.

This issue of E-Sources is Sponsored by:



Forrer & Associates is the Southeast's preeminent executive search firm.
Visit www.forrerusa.com to view ourMarket Update and current Candidate Listing.
 


2008 Financial Literacy Calendars Available for Your Clients/Customers
The GSCPA’s 12-month Financial Literacy Calendar has received rave reviews. The 8.5”x11” calendar is loaded with year-round financial advice on topics including budgeting planning, saving for the future, understanding credit as well as important tax and financial dates to remember. The calendar is available to members for distribution to their clients and customers. The first five are free; additional copies are $2 per calendar. To place an order, contact Jamie Etzbach at 404-504-2933. To view a proof version of the calendar, please click here.

Tax Info

Plan Now to Get Full Benefit of Saver’s Credit; Tax Break Helps Low- and Moderate-Income Workers Save for Retirement - Low- and moderate-income workers can take steps now to save for retirement and earn a special tax credit in 2007 and the years ahead. The saver’s credit helps offset part of the first $2,000 workers voluntarily contribute to IRAs and to 401(k) plans and similar workplace retirement programs. Formally known as the retirement savings contributions credit, the saver’s credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply.

IRS Has $110 Million in Refund Checks Looking for a Home - The IRS is looking for 115,478 taxpayers who are due refund checks worth about $110 million after the checks were returned as undeliverable. The refund checks, averaging about $953, can be claimed as soon as taxpayers update their addresses with the IRS. Some taxpayers have more than one check waiting. The “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds.


Student Speakers Needed
Volunteers are needed to speak to high school and college accounting classes throughout Georgia. To obtain more information about becoming a speaker or to sign up to speak, contact Nealy Wheat, member services manager, at 404-504-2942 or visit the web site.

GSCPA Taxation Section Annual IRS/GA DOR Surveys

In January, the GSCPA Taxation Section is meeting with the Georgia Department of Revenue and the Atlanta Office of the IRS. In order to convey the proper message to these two agencies, we need GSCPA members to fill out the 2007 Annual IRS/Georgia Dept. of Revenue surveys. These surveys will close on January 1. You can find the link to the surveys below, which should only take about 20 minutes to complete
2007 Georgia Department of Revenue Survey
2007 IRS Survey


The Georgia Society of CPAs is Seeking Proposals from Qualified Firms for Audit & Tax Services

Entities include the GSCPA, the Educational Foundation of the GSCPA and the GSCPA Group Insurance Trust Fund.  In order to receive a detailed RFP, please submit a summary of qualifications, including number of audit professionals and number of non-profit audit engagements, to Lloyd McCreary, Director of Finance and Administration.


AICPA Supply and Demand Survey
Every year, the AICPA gathers data on the current status of the nation’s accounting enrollments, and the profession’s recruitment efforts. The goal for the study is to assess the influx of students in accounting curricula, monitor their graduation rates, and track their progression into the accounting profession. The AICPA recently distributed survey questionnaires to colleges, universities, and select public accounting firms requesting student and employment information. If your organization was asked to participate, please respond as thoroughly and promptly as possible. If you have questions about the survey, if you would like to participate, or if you are interested in receiving a copy of the results when published, contact the Academic & Career Development Team by e-mail at educat@aicpa.org, or by phone at 919-402-4015.

Proseperity Campaign Assistance - Help Those Less Fortunate
The Financial Literacy Committee of the GSCPA is in need of volunteers to assist with completing tax forms for low-income individuals and families. Assistance with the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign will take place  Saturday, February 2, 2008 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Goodwill Headquarters on Buford Highway. Volunteers will be completing C-EZs and 1040 EZs. If you are interested in helping, please contact Jamie Etzbach.  

Upcoming Section Events

Assurance Services Webcast - The Risk Assessment Standards
Course No. 11727
Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Time: 12 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
CPE Credit: 2 hours general
Fees: $25 GSCPA Members, $25 Non-Members
Instructors: Christopher Rouse, CPA; William A. Godshall, CPA; Gregory M. Clark, CPA, CISA, CFE 

Joint CPAs in Industry Section/Technology Association of Georgia – Tax and Finance Society Event
Hey, That's My Idea! Monetizing, Managing, and Protecting Your IP
Course No. 1274
Date: Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Time: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (Registration at 7:30 a.m.)
Facility: Centergy Building, Atlanta
Fees: $30 GSCPA Members, $30 Non-Members
Panel: Stephen Fleming; John Sheesley; Jonathan Giuliano; Michael Halliwell
Moderator: Gregg Ficery 

AICPA Clusters - Register Now
 
Plan to join the GSCPA for the AICPA Clusters, December 17-18 at the Cobb Galleria Centre. Register for up to four 4-hour sessions, or two full days for a total of 16 hours of CPE. For the list of courses, fees, and registration information, please visit the GSCPA web site.

CPE News

UPCOMING COURSES

New Federal Tax Law- Current Developments You Need to Know
December 3, 2007
Course No. 12001; CPE: 8 hours general
Instructor: Pat Garverick
Ramada Plaza Macon, Macon
$269 GSCPA Members, $319 Non-Members

The 35 Most Common Reasons Why Businesses Fail in the Real World
December 4, 2007; CPE: 8 hours general
Course No. 12009
Instructor: James Martin
Coastal Georgia Center, Savannah
$269 GSCPA Members, $319 Non-Members 

Securities Investing Today: Managing Assets for your Clients, Your Firm and Yourself (NEW)
December 10, 2007
Course No. 12030; CPE: 8 hours general
Instructor: Michael McGowan
GSCPA Training Center, Atlanta
$209 GSCPA Members, $259 Non-Members by 11/26
$249 GSCPA Members, $299 Non-Members after 11/26 


UPCOMING CONFERENCES

 

Savannah Tax Forum - Preseason Tune-Up for CPAs
November 29-30; 18 hours CPE with 5 1/2 hours possible A&A and 2 optional hours of early morning CPE
Coastal Georgia Center, Savannah
Larry O’Neal, Chairman of the Ways & Means Committee of the Georgia House of Representatives will be presenting “Current Georgia State and Local Tax Issues.”

 

Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference - Unlock Your Potential
December 7, 2007; 8 hours CPE
Early registration deadline 11/26
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
For the complete program schedule and to register, please visit the GSCPA web site

SAVE THE DATE:

2008 Healthcare Conference - Be on the Lookout for Top Healthcare Tactics
February 8, 2008; 8 hours CPE
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta

2008 Spring Decision Makers Conference
April 23-24, 2008
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta


Comments/suggestions? Please email jetzbach@gscpa.org

Tthe next issue of E-Sources will be released to your inbox Friday, December 14, 2007.

Georgia Society of CPAs  ~  3353 Peachtree Road, Suite 400  ~  Atlanta, GA 30326


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