CPE-Accredited Programs
Upcoming Programs:
Tax & Business Law Symposium for Accountants
Wednesday, October 22nd at 12:00 PM.
Registration Required.
- 12 - 1 PM | Registration and Networking Lunch
- 1- 2 PM | Entity Selection in a Shifting Tax Landscape: What CPAs Need to Know Now
- 2 - 3 PM | Missouri Film Tax Credits: Incentives, Impact & CPA Considerations
- 3 - 4 PM | Lease Structures Decoded for CPAs: Gross, Triple Net, and Ground Leases
- 4 - 5 PM | Legal Settlements & Judgments: Tax Consequences to Plaintiffs and Defendants in Litigation
- 5 - 6 PM | Happy Hour
Presenters: Laura Al-Shathir & Sarah Luem
Delivery Method: Group Live
Field of Study: Taxes
Description: This session explores entity selection in light of the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Attendees will gain insights for advising clients who are starting new businesses or considering changing their entity’s tax classification.
Learning Objectives:
- Compare key tax differences between C corporations, S corporations, and entities taxed as partnerships
- Examine recent tax law changes impacting entity choice
- Evaluate how state law impacts entity selection
- Identify key questions to ask clients in evaluating entity selection
Anticipated Credit: 1.0 CPE Credit
Prerequisites/Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
Presenters: Pete Salsich
Delivery Method: Group Live
Field of Study: Business Law
Description: This session provides an overview of Missouri’s revitalized film tax credit program and its implications for clients participating in or investing in qualifying productions. CPAs will learn how to identify qualifying expenses, navigate the application process, and advise clients on compliance and monetization strategies.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the structure and requirements of Missouri’s film tax credit program
- Identify qualifying production expenditures and documentation needs
- Advise clients on transfer, sale, and monetization of tax credits
- Evaluate risk and compliance considerations in tax credit-backed projects
Anticipated Credit: 1.0 CPE Credit
Prerequisites/Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
Presenters: Stacy Wipfler, Michelle Goodwin, and Zoe Hall
Delivery Method: Group Live
Field of Study: Business Law
Description: This program unpacks key lease structures—including gross leases, triple net leases, and ground leases. CPAs will also learn what lease terms are commonly negotiated between landlords and tenants and how to spot red flags in lease agreements.
Learning Objectives:
- Distinguish between gross, triple net, and ground lease structures
- Identify common landlord-tenant preferences
- Understand common landlord-tenant disputes related to operating expenses
- Advise clients on lease negotiation strategies and financial risks
Anticipated Credit: 1.0 CPE Credit
Prerequisites/Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
Presenters: Laura Al-Shathir & R. Thomas Avery
Delivery Method: Group Live
Field of Study: Business Law
Description: This session examines the tax treatment of legal settlements and judgments from both the plaintiff’s and defendant’s perspectives. Topics include the taxability of different types of damages, deductibility of expenses, and the role of the CPA or tax advisor in the settlement process. CPAs will gain tools to better counsel clients pre- and post-litigation.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify which types of settlement proceeds are taxable and which are not
- Understand how legal expenses are treated for tax purposes
- Evaluate deductibility of payments
- Advise clients on structuring settlements for optimal tax outcomes
Anticipated Credit: 1.0 CPE Credit
Prerequisites/Advanced Preparation: None
Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir. Shareholder, Chair of the Tax Practice Group. Laura advises clients on federal income tax in corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and restructurings. She also represents clients in IRS and state tax controversies and counsels on international tax compliance. A former chair of the ABA Tax Section’s S Corporations Committee, she is a Fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and the American Bar Foundation, and is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© for Tax Law.
R. Thomas Avery. Shareholder, Member of our Litigation Practice Group. Thom represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial litigation, including contract disputes, lender liability, business “divorce”, construction defects, and mechanic’s liens. He is nationally recognized for his work in lender liability, having secured judgments, voided guarantees, and negotiated favorable workouts on behalf of clients. Thom also advises real estate developers and companies in disputes involving financial institutions, and he has extensive experience representing contractors and builders in construction-related arbitration and litigation.
Michelle Goodwin. Principal at NAI DESCO. Michelle specializes in retail, industrial, and investment brokerage. Since 2014, she has completed more than 150 transactions valued over $125 million. Michelle advises on tenant and landlord representation, property valuation and disposition, investment strategy, and 1031 exchanges. With a background in marketing, research, and her family’s homebuilding business, she brings market insight and a client-focused approach to every transaction.
Zoe A. Hall. Associate, Member of the Business and Real Estate Practice Group. Zoe advises clients on business formation, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance. Zoe has experience drafting and negotiating operating agreements, sales contracts, loan documents, and service agreements. She also counsels financial institutions and real estate clients on compliance with federal and state regulations, including TILA, RESPA, and the UCC.
Sarah J. Luem. Shareholder, Chair of the Business and Real Estate Practice Group. Sarah represents individuals and closely held businesses in corporate and transactional matters, focusing on ownership disputes, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and business divorces. A former management consultant to Fortune 500 companies, she brings a unique perspective to complex legal and business challenges. Sarah collaborates with tax advisors, accountants, and key stakeholders to deliver strategic solutions that help clients manage risk and seize opportunities.
Peter W. Salsich III. Counsel, Member of the Intellectual Property and Business Practice Group. Pete is an intellectual property attorney with extensive experience advising companies and creatives in media, entertainment, and technology. He counsels on IP creation, protection, licensing, enforcement, and strategy for film, TV, and software ventures. A former General Counsel, he also handles business formation, deal structuring, and litigates copyright, trademark, trade secret, and publicity disputes.
Stacy Engles Wipfler. Shareholder, Member of the Business and Real Estate Practice Group. Stacy advises national and local clients on commercial leasing, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and all phases of real estate development and operations. She is known for structuring and negotiating transactions that balance efficiency with protection. Her experience spans portfolio acquisitions to retail leases, and she previously led the retail real estate practice at an AmLaw 150 firm.
About Our Programs
Our programs offer courses developed for Certified Public Accountants in accordance with the Statement on Standards for Continuing Professional Educations Programs set forth by NASBA and the AICPA and adopted by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy.
Capes Sokol attorneys develop these courses.
Receive Updates Regarding CPE-Accredited Programs
Policies & FAQ
To register complaints about course content or delivery method and to inquire about the timeliness and accuracy of CPE credit posting for this event, please contact our offices at 314.721.7701.
To receive a Certificate of Attendance for proof of CPE credit, participants must check-in and check-out with the on-site representative at the Symposium.
A certificate will only be issued in the name used to register for the symposium and will be sent to the email address provided at registration. Each participant will receive a link to the Certificate of Attendance via email within 10 business days.
Please note, CPE Certificates are distributed via email and delivery may be impacted by your organization’s spam filter settings.
If you do not receive your CPE certificate within 30 days, please contact Lisa Lee at lee@capessokol.com, and provide your name and email address.
- Capes Sokol reserves the right to cancel an event due to inclement weather or other circumstances which would make the event non-viable.
- If Capes Sokol cancels an event due to inclement weather, registrants will be notified via email and should take appropriate safety precautions.
- Should circumstances arise that result in the postponement of an event, registrants will have the option to either cancel or transfer their registration to the same event at the new, future date.
If you are registered for the Symposium and unable to attend, please let Capes Sokol know at least 48 hours before of the Symposium.
Due to there being no cost associated with attendance at the Symposium, there will be no refunds issued.
Unless otherwise stated in a course description, the following information applies to all programs produced by Capes Sokol:
- No Course Prerequisites.
- Instruction Delivery Method: Group-Live
- Program Level: Basic to Intermediate
- Registration Required
Past Programs
2022 Tax Symposium
Sara G. Neill & Sanford J. Boxerman
Field of Study: Taxes
Every transaction with significant tax benefits comes with the challenge of determining whether the transaction involves legal tax planning, or whether it is abusive. Because every transaction is different, the IRS, with Congress's support, promulgated the so-called tax shelter disclosure regulations. Those regulations focus on information reporting and require taxpayers engaging in certain types of transactions, and advisors associated with those transactions, to independently disclose details to the IRS. This program will focus on reportable transactions, the ethical landmines that can arise when our clients are engaged in them, and how the failure to disclose them may lead to significant penalties. We will also discuss the material advisor rules and the IRS's Recent enforcement efforts in this area.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand why CPAs need to know about reportable transactions and how CPAs should approach a variation of a reportable transaction.
- Be aware of how a CPA might unwittingly become a "material advisor" and why this status matters.
- Learn about the new IRS Office of Promoter Investigations, recent IRS enforcement efforts, and legal developments in this area.
- Answer the following questions:
- What if a CPA's client wishes to proceed with a transaction for which the CPA is uncertain as to the tax position?
- What are the CPA's ethical obligations related to reportable transactions?
Michael S. Kisling
Field of Study: Taxes
The Department of Revenue Taxation Division ("DOR") is charged with enforcing the state tax code and collection tax revenues, including individual income taxes, corporate taxes, employment taxes, and sales tax. The DOR is able to work with a majority of the noncompliant taxpayer to bring them back into compliance with minimal interaction. However, what happens when a taxpayer is noncooperative or resistant? Representatives from the DOR will discuss strategies and methods targeted to bring even the most difficult taxpayer into compliance.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand what it means to be a "noncompliant taxpayer."
- Recognize the strategies the DOR might use to bring a taxpayer into compliance.
- Identify risks and consequences of failing to cooperate with the DOR.
Andrew W. Blackwell & L. Ross Gaddis
Field of Study: Taxes
This program will focus on tax-related considerations related to digital assets, including staking rewards, non-fungible tokens, and decentralized autonomous organizations. We will also discuss the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the "Act"), which amended the definition of "cash" to include "digital assets" and the definition of "broker", and discuss how these changes affect Form 1099-B and Form 8300 filing requirements. We will also discuss pending legislation to correct the confusion created by these changes.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand key concepts/terms of art in cryptocurrency such as "Digital Assets", "Non-Fungible Tokens" ("NFTs"), and "Digital Autonomous Organizations" ("DAOs").
- Identify various taxes consequences of crypto market activities (staking, mining, and investing).
- Understand how recently enacted and proposed legislation affects or could affect cryptocurrency taxation.
Laura E. Al-Shathir & Michelle F. Schwerin
Field of Study: Taxes
For tax years beginning in January 2018, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (the "BBA") establishes the mechanism for partnership tax audit and collection. The BBA regime replaced the procedures under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 ("TEFRA"). Through the BBA, Congress intended to simplify IRS partnership audits, who owes the tax assessed through an audit, and how the IRS collects the resulting tax due. The new procedures affect how practitioners should advise clients in setting up partnerships and how to approach an IRS audit. With an anticipated increase in IRS enforcement, it is vital to develop an understanding of these rules.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key differences between partnership tax audits under TEFRA and the BBA.
- Understand the procedural steps of a partnership tax audit under the BBA and how to advise clients prior to and during an audit
- Know the role of the partnership representative and which party must, or may, bear financial responsibility for adjustments at the partnership level.
Michelle F. Schwerin & Sara G. Neill
Field of Study: Ethics
Practitioners may face a myriad of ethical dilemmas in representing a taxpayer before the taxing authorities. This program will provide an overview of common ethical issues that arise in the representation of taxpayers before the IRS on collections matters. We will discuss best practices in working with taxpayers to ensure the accurate production of financial information and correcting misstatements. This presentation will also address common pitfalls taxpayers may encounter from unscrupulous offers in compromise mills, a taxpayer's (or taxpayers' previous representative's) prior statements to the IRS, and uncooperative clients.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify ethical issues and appropriate responses,
- Recognize the ethical obligations that arise when the practitioner suspects or learns that his or her client is dishonest.
- Understand how to avoid conflicts of interest and discuss what to do when a conflict arises during the representation.
- Learn when it is necessary to withdraw from a tax controversy representation and understand best practices for doing so and not violating any ethical rules.
2020 Tax Symposium
Sara G. Neill & Sanford J. Boxerman
Field of Study: Regulatory Ethics
As if navigating through the ever-changing tax laws and procedures, and the government bureaucracy, doesn’t make tax controversy representation challenging enough, many potential ethical issues can arise between you and your client in these representations. This is true whether you are engaged to handle an audit, an administrative appeal, a claim for refund, or even what at first glance appears to be a simple collection matter. For example: the client who insists on only paying you in cash; the client who doesn’t want to take your advice, but wants you to remain on the power of attorney; and the client who doesn’t listen to what you tell them and then claims, “You never told me that.” These situations may be properly handled without peril, but can also lead to ethical dilemmas and a lot of stress. This two-credit program will address these and other ethical issues that sometimes arise in a tax controversy practice. We will discuss the relevant ethics rules and best practices for handling them, and protecting your license.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn best practices for getting paid and not violating any ethical rules or laws.
- Understand your duty to communicate with your client and learn best practices for doing so.
- Understand how to avoid conflicts of interest and discuss what to do when a conflict arises during the representation.
- Learn when it is necessary to withdraw from a tax controversy representation and understand best practices for doing so and not violating any ethical rules.
- Understand what to do when your client will not take your advice, but wants you to remain on the “power of attorney.”
Michael S. Kisling
Field of Study: Taxes
The pandemic has had a huge impact on tax audits and collection efforts by the Missouri Department of Revenue (the “Department”). Learn how the Department is addressing COVID-19 and how to best advise your clients with state tax problems.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the impact of COVID-19 on everything from audits to internal operations.
- Learn how best to approach the Department about state tax issues.
- Understand how COVID-19 has impacted state tax collection and how best to advise your clients.
Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir & Michelle F. Schwerin
Field of Study: Taxes
This program will address the differences between savvy tax planning (or tax minimization) and its criminal counterpart, tax evasion. We will discuss common examples of each, where the line is drawn, and offer practical tips to assure that you and your clients stay on the “right side”.
Learning Objectives:
- To have a general understanding of the difference between tax planning and minimization versus avoidance and evasion;
- To understand the common areas of tax reporting in which the lines might get blurred; and
- To identify and avoid situations that cross the line.
Kaid A. Koester & L. Ross Gaddis
Field of Study: Taxes
Although the pandemic has caused significant delay in many of the IRS’s enforcement efforts, the Commissioner and other IRS officials have spoken to the public many times in recent months about their top priorities, including syndicated conservation easement and micro-captive insurance transactions, and examinations of high net worth individuals. Learn about these and other hot IRS enforcement topics to better assist your clients and prepare them for what is to come.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand charitable contributions related to conservation easement deductions and issues with syndicated conservation easements.
- To understand improved IRS capabilities to de-anonymize virtual currency transactions.
- To learn about the increasing number of examinations of high-net-worth taxpayers and high-income non-filers.
- To learn about recent developments in IRS treatment of micro-captive insurance transactions.
- To receive an update on the IRS’s anticipated enforcement of entities taxed as partnerships.
R. Thomas Avery
Field of Study: Business Law
Clients facing issues with the IRS often have substantial debts with non-governmental creditors. The presentation will address issues relating to personal guaranties, loan workouts, defenses against creditors’ claims (including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act) and lender liability claims debtors may bring against creditors (sometimes the best defense is offense). In addition, issues relating to the income tax implications of loan workouts (potential income from cancellation of debt) and dischargeability of tax debt in bankruptcy will be addressed.
Learning Objectives:
- To equip participants with the skills to spot issues and opportunities for their clients with respect to business related debts.
- Understand potential defenses to personal guaranties.
- Update the status of the defenses for an “innocent spouse” under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
- Learn about lender liability claims.
- Learn about strategies for work-outs with lenders and tax implications of debt forgiveness.
- Understanding risks related to fraudulent conveyances.
- Learn the basics of dischargeability of tax in bankruptcy.
2019 Tax Symposium
Speakers:
- Sara G. Neill
- Michelle F. Schwerin
A myriad of potential ethical issues may arise when both spouses are your clients. This presentation will provide practical tips for successfully handling (and withdrawing from) these representations and avoiding an ethics complaint, referral to the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, or lawsuit.
Learning Objectives:
- To identify and address the potential conflicts of interest when engaging in the dual representation of spouses whether during tax return preparation, a civil audit, or tax collection matter.
- To recognize when a client has a viable claim for innocent spouse relief, what actions will bolster or weaken the claim, and how to appropriately discuss these issues with your client(s). Practice tips for preparing a claim for relief and negotiating with the IRS will be provided!
- To understand the impact of joint and several liability on tax collection and practical tips for advising spouses with a joint liability when innocent spouse relief is not a viable alternative.
Speakers:
- Sanford J. Boxerman
- Michelle F. Schwerin
Whether voluntarily or not, some taxpayers pay more to the government than they actually owe. This presentation will address the nuts and bolts of refund claims and strategies for handling them, including the many ways in which a taxpayer can file a claim for refund, the procedures for filing a claim, the importance of developing an administrative record, and the options for challenging the IRS’s denial of a claim for refund.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the multiple ways in which a taxpayer may submit a claim for refund and the procedures through which a claim is considered and challenged.
- Recognize importance of deadlines and what happens when a taxpayer fails to file in time.
- Learn practical tips for developing a record to support the taxpayer’s claim.
Speakers:
- Michael S. Kisling, Managing Counsel, Missouri Department of Revenue
- David J. Zanone, Manager, Collection & Tax Assistance Bureau, Missouri Department of Revenue
The Taxation Division of the Missouri Department of Revenue will provide an overview of the DOR’s Offer in Compromise program and factors the DOR examines when considering a taxpayer’s Offer. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify procedures and best practices when filing different kinds of Offers in Compromise.
- Understand how the DOR considers an Offer in Compromise.
Speakers:
- Lisa M. Adams
- Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir
Certain estate and gift tax planning behaviors can lead to costly unintended consequences. This program will address common issues in estate and gift tax planning, recent developments, and strategies for successfully resolving associated tax controversies.
Learning Objectives:
- To provide a basic understanding of the federal estate and gift tax regime.
- To identify estate and gift tax planning strategies ripe for IRS scrutiny.
- To learn tips for successfully navigating estate and gift tax examinations
Speakers:
- Sanford J. Boxerman
- Sara G. Neill
The IRS and Missouri Department of Revenue send notices to taxpayers who fail to pay their taxes. Both agencies offer collection alternatives such as Offers in Compromise and Installment Agreements. But when does your client’s failure to pay his taxes on time become a crime? At what point does failure to pay become tax evasion? And when your client owes taxes, what are your ethical obligations? Learn the answers to these questions and many more during this presentation.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify at what point your client’s failure to pay his taxes on time becomes a crime.
- Understand the difference between failure to pay and tax evasion.
- Learn about recent cases where the Department of Justice successfully prosecuted taxpayers for failing to pay taxes on time.
- Learn about the Missouri Department of Revenue’s recent efforts to collect tax using criminal prosecution.
- Understand your ethical obligations when advising a client who owes taxes and avoid becoming a co-conspirator in a client’s tax evasion scheme.
2018 Tax Symposium
Speakers:
- Sanford J. Boxerman
- Sara G. Neill
Ethical issues and other problems can arise for the practitioner long after the filing of his client’s return. When the return is audited or otherwise investigated, the practitioner can be asked, by the taxpayer and the government alike, to provide information or testimony. The presenters will discuss best practices and ethical issues faced by practitioners who have clients with sensitive tax problems and who find themselves caught up in post-filing government proceedings.
Learning Objectives:
- To recognize the ethical obligations that arise when the practitioner suspects or learns that his client is dishonest.
- To recognize the ethical obligations implicated, and understand best practices, when the government seeks records or testimony from a practitioner whose client is under audit or investigation.
- To understand, and thereby avoid, certain preparer penalties contained within the Internal Revenue Code.
Speakers:
- Drey A. Cooley
- John S. Meyer, Jr.
- Michelle F. Schwerin
Taxes can affect a taxpayer’s real property in multiple ways: Under IRC section 6321 and/or Missouri statute 143.902, the IRS or Department of Revenue may file a tax lien against a taxpayer’s property when that taxpayer has unpaid liabilities. These liens affect a taxpayer’s ability to transfer or borrow against that property. In addition, property tax is assessed annually against the property itself. This program will review how various liens and encumbrances, including taxes assessed against the property may affect real property and strategies for addressing various interests against a property.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand the steps in transferring property.
- To know how to perfect a lien and what it means to be a secured creditor.
- To recognize the priority of interests and timing issues between tax liens and other creditors.
- To understand the steps and best practices for getting a federal and state tax lien released or subordinated.
- To recognize when a taxpayer may want to appeal the assessment of property tax and strategies for appealing.
Speakers:
- Michael S. Kisling, Managing Counsel, Missouri Department of Revenue
- David J. Zanone, Manager, Collection & Tax Assistance Bureau, Missouri Department of Revenue
Representatives of the Taxation Division of the Missouri Department of Revenue will provide an overview of the DOR’s new policies and procedures, including newly revamped collection programs. Time will be allotted for questions from the audience.
Learning Objectives:
- To learn about the hierarchy at the DOR and its newly formed extraordinary collections group.
- To understand your client’s assessment and collection alternatives from the perspective of the DOR, including the Voluntary Disclosure and Offer in Compromise programs.
- To learn what questions you should be asking your client before contacting the DOR.
- To question the presenters about DOR policies and procedures.
Speakers:
- Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir
- Drey A. Cooley
- Michelle F. Schwerin
The Missouri Department of Revenue’s Field Compliance Bureau regularly conducts audits of in-state and out-of-state taxpayers to determine compliance with the state’s sales and use tax laws. These audits often trigger significant anxiety and stress for a taxpayer-client. This program will provide guidance on what to expect and practical tips and strategies when representing a client in a sales and use tax audit, multi-state audits and the likely impact of recent Supreme Court case, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc.
Learning Objectives:
- Best practices for handling a Missouri sales and use tax audit, negotiating with the DOR and the procedures for challenging a proposed assessment.
- Understanding the DOR’s strategies for addressing outstanding sales and use tax liabilities, including litigation/injunctions, preventing or delaying licensures, and owner/responsible person liability.
- Procedures for multi-state audits and best practices for handling them.
- How the recent Supreme Court decision, South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., will likely impact clients engaging in out-of-state transactions.
Speakers:
- Capes Sokol Tax Attorneys
Circular 230 is a Treasury Regulation that provides rules governing practice before the Internal Revenue Service. These rules, along with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, provide guidance to CPAs representing clients in resolving tax matters. This lunchtime program will address current issues and the ethical guidance that should direct a CPAs response. Set in a roundtable format, participants will have the opportunity to discuss these issues in small groups as well as collectively review the relevant guidance.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify ethical issues and appropriate responses.
- Understand relevant Circular 230 and AICPA guidance.
2017 Tax Symposium
Speakers:
- Michelle F. Schwerin
- Jeanne M. Schalle
Cash businesses present a myriad of issues for the CPA preparing tax returns and providing representation before the IRS. This panel will address various common dilemmas CPAs face, including: due diligence requirements; the ability to make representations to the IRS concerning cash receipts and expenses; dealing with sales tax and unreported cash sales; addressing employment taxes and “off the books” employees; and a preparer’s potential liability for a client’s unreported taxable cash receipts.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand due diligence requirements when preparing returns for cash-based taxpayers.
- To recognize ethical obligations when representing a cash-based taxpayer before the IRS.
- To identify issues arising with cash based-taxpayers involving reporting cash receipts and expenses, sales tax and unreported cash sales, and employment taxes.
- To understand a preparer’s potential liability for a client’s unreported taxable cash receipts.
Speakers:
- Michelle F. Schwerin
- Sara G. Neill
This program will address the reasonable cause defense to the Section 6662 (and other) penalties and discuss important considerations prior to requesting relief. Based on their own experience as well as federal tax law, the speakers will provide effective strategies for obtaining relief.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand the §6662 penalty’s reasonable cause defense.
- To recognize the time at which to request an abatement and other important considerations.
- To know what the IRS looks for when considering a penalty abatement request.
- To understand effective strategies for obtaining penalty relief.
Speakers:
- Sanford J. Boxerman
- Sara G. Neill
This panel will provide important updates and current developments in federal tax controversy and litigation, including Bitcoin and Virtual Currency; recent changes at the IRS Office of Appeals; passport restrictions for “seriously delinquent” taxpayers; employment tax enforcement; and recent court decisions of interest.
Learning Objectives:
- To understand developments concerning virtual currency.
- To learn about recent changes in the IRS Office of Appeals.
- To understand the tax collection provisions enacted as part of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, which includes revocation or denial of passports.
- To learn about the IRS and the Department of Justice’s employment tax initiative.
- To learn about recent court decisions of interest.
Speaker:
- Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir
In representing a Taxpayer before the IRS, the CPA must comply with multiple pressures, including his or her obligations under Circular 230 and AICPA and Missouri Board of Accountancy standards. The CPA must engage in adequate due diligence, be responsive to government requests, and zealously advocate on behalf of his or her client. Oftentimes, these obligations conflict with one another and the CPA must navigate carefully. This panel will address ethical dilemmas in representation, including when (and how) a CPA should question his or her client and when (and how) to tell the Government that the “conversation” is over.
Learning Objectives:
- To recognize conflicting obligations of due diligence, responsiveness, advocacy.
- To identify ethical obligations under Circular 230, AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and standards set by the State of Missouri.
Speakers:
- Capes Sokol Tax Attorneys
Circular 230 is a Treasury Regulation that provides rules governing practice before the Internal Revenue Service. These rules, along with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, provide guidance to CPAs representing clients in resolving tax matters. This lunchtime program will address current issues and the ethical guidance that should direct a CPAs response. Set in a roundtable format, participants will have the opportunity to discuss these issues in small groups as well as collectively review the relevant guidance.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify ethical issues and appropriate responses.
- Understand relevant Circular 230 and AICPA guidance.
2016 Tax Symposium
Speakers:
- Sara G. Neill
- Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir
The IRS and Department of Justice Tax Division have recently identified employment tax compliance as a top priority. Employment tax examinations are on the rise and penalties for non-compliance can be substantial and include a lengthy prison sentence. This program will offer practical tips and strategies when representing clients who have been less than compliant with their payroll tax obligations.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn to recognize and appropriately advise a client with a history of payroll tax noncompliance including:
- use of the voluntary disclosure programs
- effectively representing a non-compliant employer in an IRS employment tax examination
- strategies for defending against the assertion of the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty
- the differences between how the IRS and courts categorize service providers as employees versus contractors
Speakers:
- Laura E. Krebs Al-Shathir
- Sanford J. Boxerman
This program will summarize the key provisions of the legislation repealing TEFRA and the impact of TEFRA repeal on partnership tax audits. The program will also provide an update regarding the IRS’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program and a discussion of significant cases in 2016.
Learning Objectives:
- To have a general understanding of the legislation repealing TEFRA and the landscape of partnership tax audits for tax years beginning in 2018, including the role of the “Partnership Representative.”
- To understand the status of the IRS’s Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.
- To learn about significant tax cases decided in 2016 that impact the work of tax controversy practitioners.
Speakers:
- Michelle F. Schwerin
- Megan Haupt
- Sara G. Neill
This program will offer an overview of the Collection Due Process and Innocent Spouse provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and provide practical tips for the practitioner when utilizing these provisions to resolve their client’s federal tax delinquency.
Learning Objectives:
- An overview of the Collection Due Process (“CDP”) procedures
- Practice tips for when and how to request a CDP hearing and effective representation during the hearing itself
- An overview of the Innocent Spouse procedures
- Practice tips for successfully obtaining Innocent Spouse relief at the administrative level
State CPE Disclosure
* The National Registry of CPE Sponsors (“Registry”) is a program offered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (“NASBA”) to recognize continuing professional education (“CPE”) program sponsors who provide CPE programs in accordance with nationally recognized standards. The Registry is accepted by the majority of state boards of accountancy as providers of qualifying CPE credits for licensing purposes. Many state boards of accountancy require CPAs to earn required CPE credits through companies approved on the Registry. As a sponsor registered with NASBA, our courses are developed using national guidelines and in accordance with the statement of standards related to CPE development and presentation issued by NASBA. In addition, we have verified that our program meets requirements adopted by the Missouri State Board of Accountancy and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
For additional information about jurisdictions that accept registry sponsors and any additional requirements, please click here.
Registry Statement
Capes Sokol is 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 registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org
Sponsor Identification Number: #139382