Key Takeaways from MSATP’s Live: Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service

The MSATP Facebook Live channel is back with a brand-new feature, and last week’s episode doesn’t disappoint! Before recapping the latest show, we’d like to thank all the members, family and friends who participated in last week’s first of two Battle of Beltway baseball games. The next game will take place at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on June 21 at 7:05 PM. MSATP will host a social hour before the game in the Roosevelt Room. If you would like to join in the pregame festivities, give us a call at 1-800-922-9672! Tickets are $53.00 and going quick!

MARYLAND VOLUNTEER LAWYER SERVICE—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Switching gears to the most recent episode, we welcomed newly inducted President, Ellen Silverstein, and Janice Shih of Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service (MVLS) to the show. Janice is the managing attorney of the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC), which deals with tax issues including audits, credits and refund claims between clients and the IRS or Maryland Comptroller. The LITC is funded by the IRS and has 138 offices in 49 states—including 3 in Maryland.

As tax professionals, you know the potential impact tax issues can have on your clients. The IRS can place levies on your wages, liens on property, and can levy benefits such as social security. The Maryland Comptroller is more aggressive – not only can they levy your wages and put liens on property, but they can also place holds on driver’s licenses, vehicle registration, and professional licenses (nursing, hairdressers, truckers). The MVLS LITC seeks to alleviate these issues by working with volunteers who can represent clients before the IRS – this includes tax professionals such as CPAS, EAs and attorneys. MVLS offers comprehensive tax controversy trainings for volunteers twice a year. The trainings are free, but attendees must take a client. The next live training is Tuesday, Sept 25, from 9 AM – 1 PM at the Owings Mills office located at 10461 Mill Run Circle. The instructors are Jerry Kelly and Cheri Wendt-Taczak, two private practice tax attorneys, Jim Leith, the LTA and Jay Maschas, from the MD Comptroller. While the session is available via webinar, CPAs can obtain 4 CPEs for attending live training, which provides information on common tax controversies, forms, templates and more. Volunteering for MVLS is a great way to learn new skills and interact with appreciative clients. In addition, MVLS provides malpractice insurance and mentors from our panel of experienced tax representatives who can assist with any client issues you may encounter. MVLS also offers its volunteers monthly webinars, networking events and access to its downtown office for client meetings!

MSATP is looking for members interested in this opportunity to contact MVLS and Janice Shih. We want to know about your experience and how you benefited from it. Also, for those who are interested, members can make monetary donations as well. For more information, contact Janice via email at jshih@mvlslaw.org or by phone at (443) 451-4061.

UPCOMING SEMINARS

MSATP has some great educational opportunities coming up for our members to network and advance their careers. Here’s a preview of the upcoming seminars—be sure to check out the event calendar on the MSATP website for a complete list as well as registration information and details for all of our classes.

• June 5th:
  • LOCATION: Frederick
  • SPEAKER: Bill Leonard
  • TOPIC: Preparations of Compilations & Reviews (8 Hours)
• June 6th:
  • LOCATION: Frederick
  • SPEAKER: Bob JenningsTOPIC: Social Security (8 Hours): We offered this course in 2016 and had over 200 attendees!
• June 7th:
  • LOCATION: Gaithersburg
  • SPEAKER: Josh Robertson, EA and Matt Ryan, CPA
  • TOPIC: Ethics ( 2 CPE/4 CPE Respectively)
• June 19th:
  • LOCATION: Towson
  • SPEAKER: David DeJong
  • TOPIC: Effects of 2018 Tax Act on Estate Planning

DONATION REQUESTS

In addition to the great discounts on copiers and printers, a purchase/lease from Doceo Office Solutions can support our non-profit community. This year, Doceo is introducing a new format that gives our customers the opportunity to select a non-profit of your choice who will receive a donation of $50.00 for every Toshiba/Sharp/KIP order received and $25.00 for every Lexmark order. MSATP would like to see the donations given to the two initiatives which the Society and our members are supporting:

• Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service, 201 North Charles Street #1400, Baltimore, MD 21201 (ProBono Tax Work)
• Maryland Council on Economic Education, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252 (Financial Literacy)

That’s it for last week’s Facebook Live Recap!

In case you missed it, you can find the full broadcast below and at https://youtu.be/-RgqBkpyDGg.

We will NOT be having a Live this Thursday as Executive Director Sandy Steinwedel will be attending the Annual NASBA Eastern Regional Meeting in Orlando, FL. This conference brings together over 150 Accounting Associations to discuss issues facing the CPA. There will be some great opportunities to hear what is on the horizon for CPA’s like:

• Changes to regulations monitoring CPE and other specific requirements related to tracking those credits
• Industry advances and challenges; technology (the ever-fluid landscape!)
• Other closely watched State Board issues

Sandy will share her observations and what the buzz on the street may be from other conference attendees and post information to the MSATP Members Group throughout the week. If you’re not already a member, NOW is the time to request to join by clicking HERE!