Good news! Cherene Deem, the IRS Stakeholder Liaison Area Manager for Florida, will be the speaker for the February 2nd luncheon. Cherene’s PowerPoint presentation will focus on two subjects: Cancellation Of Debt and Return Preparer Review. I was especially pleased that Mrs. Deem was available to talk early in the 2010 tax year as both subjects may prove to be very hot before the season is over. In fact, I have already had contact from five clients relating to home forfeitures; one CPE seminar last month used a 23-page outline just on this subject. As for the second topic: are you often as shocked as I am to review a new client’s prior tax returns?

We continue to look/hope for a program chair and we need your help. Karen Reinagel, EA, FSEA President, advises that CPEs can now be granted for subjects on accounting or software. This could make it a bit easier to find the right person for program manager and to find informative speakers on a variety of timely issues impacting the Enrolled Agent profession.

Did you know that the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents (FSEA) is the second largest state affiliate of the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)? Did you know that the Broward Chapter is the largest in the state and is the only one that meets in all twelve months? Based on what I have heard our attendance is also the largest.

The Broward Chapter is just the place to ask those tough questions. You have undoubtedly noticed that we have very bright and knowledgeable members.

The IRS public statement of national licensing for all paid tax preparers was hot off the press at our January 5 luncheon thanks to Broward member William Payne, EA, who serves on the NAEA Government Relations Committee. The diligent work and relationships with U.S. government representatives is a tribute to the Enrolled Agents who serve on the NAEA board as well as the national staff in Washington, D.C., who helped to shape the guidelines that the IRS has sanctioned. This reflects many years of work. A special “Thank You” also to our secretary, Karen Martin, EA, for her immediate response to a subsequent Sun Sentinel article on licensed tax preparers that had omitted “Enrolled Agent.”

Times are changing for the Enrolled Agent profession. Think “education” for both the public and the licensed tax professional. Circular 230 practitioners are beginning to form new relationships and organizations. So tell your EA friends - including lawyers and CPAs – that Broward is a great chapter to join. I make it a point to start and end our luncheons on time in order that you can use the balance of the day to operate your tax practice.

See you on February 2.

Duane H. Siers, EA
President
954-969-0088
2009-2010