September/October 2014 - Florida CPA Today | Volume 30, Number 5

F L O R I D A

florida C P A

TODAY

contents SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

VOLUME 30, NUMBER 5

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E F LO R I DA I N S T I T U T E O F C E R T I F I E D P U B L I C A C C O U N TA N T S

cover story

departments

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5

Board chair’s message

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30

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34

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Staff reports News Briefs CPAs in the Spotlight Marketplace DOR update Of Course! CPE Listings

Paying for Long-term Care

features 6 10

Assisting Elderly Clients and Their Children

16

Estate-planning Issues for Same-sex Couples

Web Digest Entity Conversions Involving Incorporation Transactions

Planning opportunities and pitfalls

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F L O R I D A

PRESIDENT/CEO Deborah L. Curry, CPA, CGMA SR. DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jan Dobson, CAE, APR, IOM EDITOR Suellen D. Wilkins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Loleta K. Bolden PUBLICATIONS COORDINATOR Dianne Dearduff EDITORIAL COMMITTEE David J. Hochsprung, CPA, chair Vicki H. Meyer, CPA, vice chair Walter C. Copeland, CPA • Douglas E. Day, CPA Lynda M. Dennis, CPA • Casey A. Fletcher, CPA Michael S. Kridel, CPA • Troy Y. Manning, CPA William C. Quilliam, CPA, Ph.D. All articles submitted to Florida CPA Today are subject to technical review, Editorial Committee review, space availability and editing requirements and restrictions. Please contact the editor before submitting unsolicited manuscripts.

Florida CPA Today publishes letters to the editor in its Members’ Forum. For information about the guidelines, visit www.ficpa.org/letterstoeditor.

Statements expressed herein are those of the identified authors and not necessarily those of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., nor should statements be considered endorsements of products, procedures or otherwise.

The FICPA reserves the right to reject any editorial material or paid advertising that does not meet Florida CPA Today criteria or detracts from its ethical and professional standards.

Florida CPA Today is published bimonthly by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., P.O. Box 5437, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Telephone: (850) 224-2727 or (800) 342-3197. (Street address: 325 West College Ave., Tallahassee, FL 32301.) Visit our website at www.ficpa.org.

This magazine is provided to members of the FICPA. No specific amount of your dues, either expressed or implied, is for this publication. This magazine is not available for purchase by either FICPA members or nonmembers.

For display advertising information, contact the FICPA Marketing Department at (850) 224-2727, Ext. 270. © 2014 by the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without the express written consent of the FICPA.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

chair’s

MESSAGE

Creating Our Next Year T

he 2014-2015 Fiscal Year is off to a great start! In July we held Committee Days, where leaders from many of our 40plus committees met to set their agendas.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers dedicate their time to enhancing the value of our membership and protecting our professional interests in Florida.

This year, each committee was issued a challenge to identify how it furthers the FICPA mission, brings value to members, attracts new members or delivers an innovative CPE experience. The goal was to ensure that we are moving toward common goals. I was pleased to hear many new and creative ideas during that process, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition during the year.

In late July, I attended the FICPA Foundation’s family retreat at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo. The event attracted over 200 people including sponsors, members, leaders and their families.

Although CPE was available, the event was designed around social networking and getting to know our peers. One of the rewards of being actively involved in the FICPA is the many friends my family and I have made during the years. I always appreciate opportunities to meet new people and build new relationships.

It also was great to see the passion of the Foundation’s leaders and business partners for our future CPAs. If you haven’t attended, I’d highly recommend

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

saving next year’s dates – July 30-Aug. 2, 2015 – on your calendar.

Jeff Barbacci, CPA

I’m scheduling local chapter visits and I look forward to meeting our members throughout the state. Again, with the goal of moving in the same direction, I want to do more than just visit for the dinner or lunch meeting. I envision staying for a couple of days and working with chapter leadership to visit members, non-members, students and educators.

We need to learn more about the needs and value proposition of our different member segments, and I hope this will help us. I also hope to see us increase our student-membership numbers.

By the time this article is published, the FICPA’s Vision Force will have held its first meeting. The purpose of Vision Force is to evaluate major trends affecting the FICPA and its members and to be sure we are leaders in innovative change, rather than reactively following the path others have made. Vision Force will be comprised of volunteer leaders representing various member interests, as well as FICPA staff.

Tom Hood, CEO of the Maryland Society of CPAs, will facilitate the meeting. Tom is known for his forward thinking and successful planning sessions at the state and national levels.

I would welcome your comments, suggestions and feedback throughout the year. Please email me at chair@ficpa.org.

FCT

www.ficpa.org

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Assisting Elderly Clients and Their Children

By Terry Seaton, CPA

M

any CPAs have elderly clients, or Baby Boomer clients who are taking care of elderly parents. As the U.S. population continues to age, working with elderly clients or their adult children will be a growing aspect of many CPA firms. Baby Boomers are in a challenging situation, particularly if they have the added burden of providing support to adult children. Baby Boomer clients often must spend lots of time dealing with their elderly parents’ health care issues and fail to adequately consider other matters, especially financial matters.

Anticipating problems and suggesting solutions in nontraditional areas, such as elder care, is one way to

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

strengthen and expand client relationships. Initiating discussions about these areas can lead not only to stronger client relationships, but to increased business.

There are several issues CPAs might bring to their client’s attention and, in some cases, help resolve. Some CPAs avoid these discussions because they don’t consider themselves “experts.” But CPAs can add value by alerting clients to potential difficulties, offering advice and support that can save a great deal of hardship.

Here are some areas CPAs may want to discuss with clients. Although many should be standard, they become particularly critical for the elderly.

Will A will is perhaps the oldest and most fundamental estateplanning document. However, it’s surprising how many people never get around to creating a will. According to LexisNexis, about 55 percent of American adults don’t have wills.

Here are a few questions for clients to consider: • Do you and/or your elderly parent(s) have a will?

• Is the personal representative (PR) named in the will qualified under Florida law? If the named PR is a Florida resident, he or she must be 18 or older; must never have been convicted of a felony; and must be mentally/physically able to perform the duties (sui juris). If the named PR is not a Florida resident, he or she must be a “blood” relative or the spouse of a person otherwise qualified (Florida Statute Title XLII, Chapter 733.304).

• Are the provisions in the will still appropriate? For example, in the case of an elderly couple, if the will contains a Credit Shelter Trust provision, the new $5 million+ personal exemption for estate taxes may result in too much of the estate’s assets going into the trust.

• Has the will been notarized? Although notarization isn’t required in Florida, it makes the will “selfproving” and allows its admission to Probate Court without further action. If a will was not made selfproving at the time of execution, it can be made self-proving by adding an affidavit containing the appropriate testator and witness signatures/ declarations, along with notarization (F.S. Title XLII, Chapter 733.503).

• Does the PR named in the will know where the original will is located, and does he or she have access to it? The PR needs to file the original will in Probate Court within 10 days from the date of death.

Living Will

Questions for your client: • Do you have a living will?

• Have you given copies of your living will to your doctor(s) and hospital?

Health Care Surrogate This document, another advance directive, names a person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to make them yourself. A living will gives written instructions to health care professionals and is effective only in the event of a terminal condition. The health care surrogate provides somewhat broad powers to another person to act on your behalf. These powers can be granted via a durable power of attorney (drafted by an attorney). For other resources, see the sidebar on page 8.

Without a health care surrogate designation, Florida law (F.S. Title XLIV, Chapter 765.401) authorizes family members to make decisions in this order of priority: 1. Judicially appointed guardian 2. Spouse 3. Adult child 4. Parent 5. Adult sibling 6. Adult relative 7. Close friend Questions for your client might be: • Do you have a health care surrogate?

• Have you given copies of the health care surrogate form to the named surrogate, and to your doctor/ hospital?

“Anticipating problems and suggesting solutions in nontraditional areas, such as elder care, is one way to strengthen and expand client relationships.”

A living will, one type advance directive, gives health care professionals instructions about the type of care you desire if you reach the terminal stage and cannot speak for yourself. An attorney can draft a living will. For other resources, see the sidebar on page 8.

Ethical Will (Legacy Letter)

A common oversight is failing to give copies of the living will to doctor(s) and hospital(s).

Elder clients may not think of leaving an ethical will.

The purpose is to pass down wisdom and love to future generations. This document can include such things as: ➡

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

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Additional Resources • Florida’s approved Living Will Form and Designation of Health Care Surrogate Form are available at www. floridahealthfinder.gov. Scroll to bottom of home page and click on Consumer Guides, then on Health Care

Letter of Instruction

Advance Directives.

Another document your client may have overlooked is the letter of instruction (LOI). It gives survivors, especially the executor, information about financial and personal matters they’ll need to address after the client’s death.

It’s not a formal legal document and doesn’t require an attorney to draft.

• The Letter of Instruction at www. jonathanpond.com is comprehensive and easy to use. Click on Financial Library, then on Estate Planning Matters and Letter of Instruction.

• Investigate the Five Wishes document at www.agingwithdignity.org.

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• Cultural and spiritual values • Blessings, love and hopes for children and grandchildren • Life’s lessons • Expressions of forgiveness • Requests for forgiveness

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Here’s some key information an LOI commonly includes: • Funeral arrangements • Relatives and friends to notify • Professionals to notify (physician, lawyer, CPA, financial advisor)

• • • • • • • • •

Organizations to notify Obituary information List of personal items and who should inherit them Financial information, including location of files (accounts, loans, credit cards, etc.)

List of online accounts including URLs, user IDs and passwords Safe deposit box information (location of boxes and keys) Post office box information Life insurance policies Periodical subscriptions

Many LOI forms are available online (see the sidebar on page 8).

Durable Power of Attorney The legal authority to deal with a decedent’s financial affairs is vested in the executor named in the will and approved by the Probate Court. What is sometimes overlooked is the need to authorize someone to act on behalf of an individual if he or she becomes incapacitated.

This is a growing problem as the incidence of dementiatype disease increases.

The durable power of attorney (DPOA) is of particular interest to CPAs. They already are involved in the client’s financial issues and likely will become more so if incapacity occurs. An attorney should draft the DPOA, which should provide specific details regarding the powers granted to the person designated as the agent or “attorney-in-fact.” Recommending a current and effective DPOA can be of significant value to clients and their families. FCT Terry L. Seaton, CPA, CFP is the owner of Seaton Financial Advisors LLC, a “fee-only” wealth management firm in St Augustine. Seaton’s practice specializes in retirement planning and investment management. He is a member of the AICPA and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

Technical review provided by Mamie Davis, CPA, Esq.

CIC AD

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

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WEB

digest

Entity Conversions Involving Incorporation Transactions

Planning opportunities and pitfalls

D

uring the last decade, almost all states have enacted or modified statutes that allow business entities to convert from one type of entity to another by merely filing a form (such as articles of conversion) with the state (state law formless conversion statutes).1 Additionally, during this same time, many states also have enacted or modified statutes allowing one type of business entity to merge into a different type of business entity, such as the merger of a corporation into an LLC (state law cross-entity merger statutes).2 The effect of such statutes is that title to the assets of the entities automatically is vested in the converted or surviving entity, and correspondingly liabilities automatically become liabilities of the converted or surviving entity.

Also, since the issuance of the “check-the-box” regulations in 1997, eligible entities have been able to select their classification for federal income tax purposes by simply “checking the box.”

These state law formless conversion statutes, cross-entity merger statutes and the check-the-box regulations can have significant non-tax and state tax law advantages, including: 1) The possible avoidance of non-transferability, acceleration and similar clauses contained in various contracts.

2) Avoiding application of transfer fees, sales taxes, documentary stamp taxes, etc.

3) Simplicity.

However, the ease of converting an entity from one type to another under state law formless conversion statutes; state law cross-entity merger statutes; and the check-the-box regulations can present significant tax pitfalls and traps for the unwary as a result of the federal tax consequences resulting from changing the tax classification of the entity for federal income tax purposes.

This article examines the tax consequences of changing from one form of entity to another in an incorporation transaction under the various methods available. A follow-

10 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

By Stephen R. Looney, board certified tax lawyer

up article (Entity Conversions Involving De-Incorporation Transactions: Planning Opportunities and Pitfalls) will examine the tax consequences of changing the form of entity involving de-incorporation transactions under the various methods available.

CHECK-THE-BOX REGULATIONS Eligible Entities An eligible entity is an entity which is neither a trust under Treas. Reg. 301.7701-4 nor a “corporation” under Treas.

Reg. 301.7701-2(b).

Per Se Corporation. A corporation as defined in Treas.

Reg. 301.7701-2(b) always is classified as a corporation for federal tax purposes. A corporation includes (i) a business entity organized under federal or state law that describes the entity as a body corporate, joint stock company or joint stock association; (ii) an insurance company or state chartered bank; (iii) a business entity wholly owned by a state or political subdivision thereof or a foreign government; (iv) a business entity taxable as a corporation; and (v) a foreign entity required to be treated as a corporation under Treas. Reg. 301.7701-2(b)(8).

Single-Member “Eligible Entity” Under the default rule, a single-member eligible entity will be treated as a disregarded entity (DE). Alternatively, a single-member DE may elect to be treated as an “association” taxable as a corporation. It is important to note that although a single-member LLC may be treated as a DE for federal tax purposes, not all states treat singlemember LLCs as disregarded entities for all tax purposes.

A careful review of each state’s laws is necessary to avoid unintended adverse state tax issues.

Multiple Member Entities Under the default rule, a multi-member eligible entity will be treated as a partnership under Subchapter K. Alternatively, a multi-member eligible entity affirmatively may elect to be classified as an “association” taxable as a corporation.

CHANGE OF A SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP OR DISREGARDED ENTITY INTO AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION In General One of the simplest types of changes in entity status is the incorporation of a sole proprietorship. This may be achieved by any of several methods: 1) Actual incorporation of a sole proprietorship 2) By filing a Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, for a disregarded entity (such as a single-member LLC) to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation.

3) By filing a Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, which is treated as a deemed election for a single-member LLC to be taxed as an S corporation association.

4) The conversion of a single-member LLC treated as a DE into a corporation under the applicable state law formless conversion statute.

5) The merger of a single-member LLC treated as a DE into a corporation under the applicable state law cross-entity merger statute. However achieved, the tax consequences to the individual and the corporation should be the same.

Tax Consequences to the Shareholder of Converting a Sole Proprietorship or DE into a Corporation Recognition of gain or loss to shareholder. Subject to the rules regarding the receipt of boot, the “property” requirement, liabilities in excess of basis, “nasty purpose” liabilities and the control requirement, no gain or loss generally will be recognized by the shareholders under Section 351(a) if property is transferred to a corporation solely in exchange for stock in such corporation and immediately after the exchange such persons own 80 percent or more of the corporation’s shares and voting power. FCT

Endnote: 1 2

See e.g., FL. Statutes §§ 607.1112, 608.439, 608.4401 and 620.8912.

See e.g., FL. Statutes §§ 607.1108, 608.438 and 620.8916.

Stephen Looney serves as chair of the tax department at the law firm of Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, PA in Orlando.

He is a former chair of the S Corporations Committee of the American Bar Association’s Tax Section. He represents clients in a variety of business and tax matters including entity formation, acquisitions, dispositions, redemptions, liquidations, reorganizations, tax-free exchanges of real estate and tax controversies.

To read this article in its entirety, visit the FICPA’s website at www.ficpa.org/ FCT/Technical.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

FICPA OFFICIAL NOTICE In compliance with Article XI, Section 6 of the FICPA Bylaws, be it known that a regular meeting of the Board of Governors of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants will be held Thursday, September 18, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

www.ficpa.org

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By Member Benefits Inc.

Choosing a Health Plan for 2015

T

What to know (and do) now

he national open-enrollment period for health insurance coverage for 2015 is Nov. 15, 2014 through Feb. 15, 2015. During this period, insurance carriers offering coverage must guarantee acceptance into Affordable Care Act (ACA)compliant health insurance plans without limitations on pre-existing conditions.

If you haven’t already prepared for the 2015 openenrollment period, here are some important steps to take.

Know your current benefits Find out if your current health plan complies with the ACA. In all materials describing plan benefits, health plans must disclose whether or not they are ACA compliant.

Check your materials or contact your carrier to confirm the status of your plan.

• ACA-compliant health plans If you’re enrolled in a 2014 ACA-compliant health plan, your benefit year ends Dec. 31, 2014. Your coverage ends Dec. 31 even if you enrolled in the plan after Jan. 1, and any changes to your benefits or rates will be made at the beginning of each calendar year.

To continue your coverage in 2015, you can renew you current plan or choose a new plan through the CPA Insurance Marketplace.

• Non-compliant health plans If you like your current health plan, you may be able to keep it. But if your carrier discontinues your plan or it loses “grandfathered” status, you may have to upgrade to a plan that meets ACA requirements. In most cases, your insurance provider will tell you if you’re required to make a change for 2015.

You may be at risk for a penalty if your plan isn’t ACA compliant, so check your materials or contact your carrier to confirm. The government-assessed penalty for non-compliance with ACA has increased for 2015 – 2 percent of your income or $325 per adult /$162.50 per child, whichever is more.

Once you’ve determined the status of your current plan, learn about your benefits and plan features so you can accurately compare plans in the CPA Insurance Marketplace. Review the Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC) in your plan materials or contact your carrier.

Shop for coverage Prepared with information about your existing coverage, you’re ready to start shopping. You can compare plans 12 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

from the leading health-plan providers in Florida on the CPA Insurance Marketplace website at www.memberbenefits.com/ficpa. We recommend that you start shopping 45 days before your desired effective date.

During open enrollment, if you enroll: • Between the first and 15th day of the month, your coverage will start the first day of the next month.

• Between the 16th and the last day of the month, your coverage will start the first day of the second following month. For example, if you enroll on Dec. 16, your coverage will start on Feb. 1.

Consider a government subsidy Determine if you or any of your staff members qualify for a government subsidy. The CPA Insurance Marketplace has tools to help. If your household income is at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible. Household income is based on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI).

Household Size One

100%

Percent of Federal Poverty Line 138% 150% 185% 200% 300%

400%

$11,490 $15,856 $17,235 $21,257 $22,980 $34,470 $45,960

Two

15,510

21,404

23,265

28,694

31,020

46,530 62,040

Three

19,530

26,951

29,295

36,131

39,060

58,590 78,120

Four

23,550

32,499

35,325

43,568

47,100

70,650 94,200

Five

27,570

38,047

41,355

51,005

55,140

82,710 110,280

Six

31,590

43,594

47,385

58,442

63,180

94,770 126,360

For each additional person, add $4,020/year for families at 100% of poverty

A member benefits counselor can help you apply and select a subsidized plan.

Choose the plan you need All ACA-compliant plans are categorized by the average share of total health spending on essential benefits paid for by the plan. The ACA identifies actuarial-value categories as “metal levels” specified as bronze, silver, gold and platinum. Bronze plans have the least generous cost coverage and platinum plans have the most generous cost coverage.

The CPA Insurance Marketplace offers decision-support tools and easy access to information you need when deciding which option is best for you. Metal levels, provider searches, prescription formulary lists and benefit summaries all are included. Our goal is to help ➡ Pg. 14

10 Reasons to Consider the CPA Insurance Marketplace 1. Choices, choices, choices Unless you have a team of robots, your employees are unique – and so are their health care and benefits needs.

With traditional small-employer sponsored group health insurance, employers typically must choose one carrier provider and a limited number of plan options. This inevitably leaves many employees without a plan that best suits their needs.

With over 100 different health plans through leading carriers such as Aetna, FloridaBlue (BCBSFL), Humana, United and Cigna, the CPA Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace) private exchange allows employees to choose their own plan. For employers who still want a group plan, there’s an option that offers multiple choices.

2. Decision-support tools Is it possible to offer more options and keep the decision process easy for employees? Absolutely. This is where the Marketplace thrives. Employees can “Ask Emma,” our interactive decision-support tool.

“Ask Emma” represents a whole new approach to benefits shopping, enrollment and education. The tool helps employees make more informed and personalized decisions about a range of benefits – all through an engaging experience.

“Ask Emma” guides employees through the buying process by asking a few simple questions, then suggests the plans that fit their needs. Unlike other tools in the market today, “Ask Emma” is fully integrated into the shopping and enrollment platform for a seamless consumer experience.

3. Rein in rising health care costs Recruiting and retaining key employees is important to every company, and your employee-benefit program is a key part of the compensation you offer. Because of the rising costs of traditional employer-sponsored health insurance, defined contribution is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. Employers decide how much, employees decide what works. With defined contribution, employers give employees a set amount of money to spend on benefits – like an insurance allowance – that they use to shop for coverage that meets their needs. Instead of offering a “one-size-fits-all” health and benefits package, employers empower employees to choose the coverage that’s right for them.

Employers set up rules regarding how the money is spent. For example, an employer who gives employees a monthly allowance of $350 can decide that $300 can be spent on health insurance and $50 can be used for dental coverage, a vision plan or other benefits. Employers also have the option to continue offering some plans that are 100% employer-paid, such as long-term disability or life insurance.

4. Avoid annual group renewals Employers who offer group health plans know the routine when it’s time to renew the health plan each year.

Dealing with annual rate increases and changing provider networks is a pain and takes valuable time. “Should we change plans this year?” “Should we raise the deductible to control premium costs?” Employers commonly struggle with these decisions.

With the Marketplace, employers can use our platform of individual health plans that don’t require an annual employer renewal. Employees are notified each year to log into their online account, review their health-plan choices and make any desired changes. Employers don’t have to choose plans for employees or submit paperwork.

Enrollments are handled electronically through the exchange portal.

5. Premium savings When comparing similar plan benefits, 2014 average individual major medical premium rates were less expensive than small group health insurance rates in most Florida counties. With each Marketplace proposal, a Member Benefits counselor provides a true cost comparison between your group plan and the comparable plans in the exchange. In most cases, moving to the Marketplace will decrease premiums for employers and employees.

6. Reduced administration All changes, additions, terminations and billing administration are handled through the Marketplace Online HR administration portal. Once the exchange is set up, there’s little to no paperwork. Through their online account, employees can access their coverage information, print ID cards, search networks and request changes. This allows firm administrators to focus on activities more vital to your business. ➡ Pg. 15

➡ Continued from Pg. 12

you make the most informed decision. And we’ve made applying simple with a paperless application process that typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

Compare traditional plans and HDHPs There are two main types of insurance plans: traditional plans that offer copays for office visits and prescription drugs, and High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs).

HDHPs feature higher deductibles than traditional plans and can be combined with a health savings account (HSA) to pay for qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses on a pre-tax basis.

Each Marketplace plan is noted either with an HSA symbol, so you may easily spot the plans that are HSA compatible, or as a co-pay option.

Choose a network, check prescription drug coverage Choosing a provider network type is key. In the Marketplace, each plan has a link where you may enter your doctor’s name and confirm if he/she is in the network.

HMO options typically cost less, but they don’t cover out-of-network services and require that you choose a primary physician for referrals. PPO and POS options have the broadest networks and cover out-of- network

14 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

services. With these plans, you don’t need to choose a primary physician and don’t need referrals.

EPO networks are hybrids between PPOs and HMOs and have very limited networks. We often recommend HMOs and EPOs for those who want the lowest cost and are willing to seek referrals and stay within the provider network.

Next, find out where your regular medication(s) fall under the drug formulary. Each plan covers drugs differently and may have multiple tiers (generic, brand, specialty). Check the “prescription” link for each plan to search for your medications.

Once you’ve decided on a plan, you’re a click away from creating your account and applying online.

Start early Finding the best coverage can be daunting. That’s why Member Benefits has licensed benefits counselors to help with the process. Although you can’t apply for 2015 coverage until Nov. 15, you can start evaluating your needs now. FCT Call a Member Benefits counselor at (800) 282-8626, or visit www.memberbenefits.com/ficpa.

➡ Continued from Pg. 13

7. Turnkey ancillary benefits Already plugged into your Marketplace is a voluntary ancillary-benefits platform similar to what a Fortune 500 company offers.

For many small employers, it’s difficult to meet ancillary plan providers’ contribution and participation requirements. The Marketplace removes these hurdles.

Employees may purchase dental, vision, life, long-term disability, short-term disability, AD&D, ID-theft protection, 24/7 telemedicine, pet insurance, auto insurance and more. All are specially priced and completely voluntary for employees.

Employers may contribute funds to help cover employees’ costs – or not. Employers also can remove ancillary plans they don’t want to offer. Ancillary benefits are provided by some of the best and most well-known providers in the U.S, including Guardian, MetLife, Lifelock, Teledoc and VPI.

8. Consolidated billing The Marketplace makes paying premiums significantly easier. All changes made through the Marketplace administration portal automatically are reflected on a consolidated bill that may be viewed online any time. Member Benefits consolidates the billing on one statement for multiple products and providers, allowing employers to make one payment per month.

9. Consumerism Rather than paying a percentage of the cost of benefits, which employees may overlook, the employer contribution is displayed as a balance in employees’ accounts. Employees view the contribution as real dollars and are more involved in the spending process.

10. ACA compliance solutions Member Benefits now offers a suite of compliance solutions to help employers navigate the new world of health care and benefits and comply with the complex provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Our tools are quickly and easily configurable and available on demand, with numerous scheduling and alert options, to meet your business needs. Leverage our team of experts and fully automated tools for ongoing support of your program and ACA compliance. FCT Contact Member Benefits today for a proposal, demonstration and comparison of how your traditional group health plan compares to CPA Insurance Marketplace plans. Call (800) 282-8626 or visit www.memberbenefits. com/ficpa. © 2014 Member Benefits, Inc. FLORIDA CPA TODAY

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Estate-planning Issues for Same-sex Couples

By Brad Gould, Esq. and Dana Apfelbaum, Esq.

“Same-sex spouses married in recognition jurisdictions must craft an estate plan as if they both are and are not married, depending on

T

his article is the second of a two-part series highlighting planning issues for same-sex couples in the wake of United States v. Windsor, 133 S. Ct. 2675 (2013), which repealed of Section 3 of the Federal “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA). The first article (see the May/June issue of Florida CPA Today) addressed federal income, estate and gift-tax issues. This article discusses estate-planning issues.

Although CPAs do not draft documents or give legal advice, they are closely involved in their clients’ affairs and are directly involved with putting clients’ estate plans into action.

Accordingly, CPAs need to be able to understand such documents and be able to readily spot potential issues.

Since Windsor, many federal and state courts have issued opinions holding various statutory and constitutional bans on same-sex marriage to be impermissible. Although there currently are several cases pending on the issue, Florida’s ban on same-sex marriages remains in effect.

Florida’s statutory ban on same-sex marriage, section 741.212, Florida Statutes (F.S.), denies effect to same-sex marriages “entered into in any jurisdiction” regardless of legal effect in such jurisdiction and defines the term “marriage” to mean only “a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife.” In addition, Article I, Section 27 of the Florida Constitution provides that only the legal union of “one man and one woman as husband and wife” will be treated as a marriage.

perspective

Accordingly, same-sex spouses married in recognition jurisdictions are in a legal limbo. They must craft an estate plan as if they both are and are not married, depending on whether the perspective is federal or Florida based.

is federal

Drafting issues

or Florida

All in the family?

based.”

In addition to the same-sex spouses not being considered a spouse for Florida law purposes, section 63.042(3), F.S., provides that homosexual persons may not adopt in the State of Florida. This statute has been found to be unconstitutional and same-sex couples have had

whether the

16 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

some success adopting children. However, joint adoption still is only permitted by statute by a husband and wife.

This raises potential issues and problems for same-sex couples that direct the descent of their property to descendants in their estate planning. Defining who constitutes a person’s “descendants” should help avoid ambiguities that may arise from the range of family-planning options available.

Many trusts contain provisions allowing distributions payable to a minor child to be made directly to his or her parent. A reader must pay particular attention to what parental rights each same-sex spouse has to each child and determine if the parent may receive distributions on behalf of a minor child.

In addition, the terms “spouse,” “husband,” and “wife” often radiate out through a planning document. These terms also should be defined either to mean a specific person or any same-sex spouse recognized by federal law, depending on the client’s preference.

These drafting issues are not limited to traditional estateplanning documents. They also extend to shareholders’ agreements, partnership agreements, operating agreements or any other similar document. Many business agreements, particularly those involving closely held companies, may restrict or allow the transfer of interests to a spouse, descendant or trusts benefitting such persons. Although these documents may contain many tax specific provisions, they are governed by state law and, if not carefully drafted, may yield unintended results.

Tenancy by entireties and homestead Florida spouses may own property as tenants by the entirety, a form of joint ownership with rights of survivorship that affords significant creditor protection.

A same-sex couple may hold property as joint tenants with rights of survivorship and avoid probate of the property. However, this does not afford the benefit of creditor protection.

If only one spouse owns the couple’s residence, however, a different issue may arise because of the restraint on devise of “homestead” under the Florida Constitution where a decedent is survived by a spouse or a minor child.

A same-sex spouse has no rights to a homestead owned by the deceased partner, and if the deceased partner has minor children, the surviving partner may be forced out.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Special consideration should be given to each couple’s circumstances to determine proper ownership of a joint residence that is one partner’s homestead.

General probate issues Pursuant to section 732.102, F.S., a surviving spouse is entitled to a certain share of an intestate spouse’s estate, depending upon the circumstances. Additionally, pursuant to section 733.301(b)(1), F.S., the surviving spouse is entitled to first preference of service as ➡ www.ficpa.org

17

personal representative in intestate estates. In intestacy, not only is a surviving, same-sex spouse cut off from inheritance, but he or she also is entitled to no preference of appointment as personal representative.

Accordingly, there is an increased need in Florida for same-sex couples to engage in formal estate planning and make sure their estates do not fall to intestacy.

Health care documents An advance directive may govern all aspects of health care, including life-prolonging procedures and mentalhealth treatment. In the absence of this document, health care decisions are made for an incapacitated person by certain persons in an order set out by section 765.401(1), F.S. (see the related article on page 6). A same-sex spouse would have priority only before a clinical social worker and after next of kin. If the client wishes for his or her same-sex spouse to make decisions regarding health care choices, the client needs an advance directive.

Burial wishes Section 732.804, F.S., provides that written instructions of a decedent regarding disposition of the body, as well

18 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

as funeral and burial arrangements, should be given preference. In the absence of a disposition to the contrary, the next of kin of a decedent – not their same-sex spouse – has a right to the body and to control burial (section 497.005(39), F.S.). Same-sex couples should execute burial instructions that accurately reflect their wishes, unless they wish for next of kin to have a claim superior to that of their same-sex partner.

CPAs need to know their clients and be aware of the issues same-sex married couples face. Many CPAs will be asked to review a client’s planning documents, or lack thereof. They need to be able to identify the major issues affecting married same-sex clients, or clients with relatives or business partners in same-sex marriages. FCT Bradley R. Gould, Esq., M.Acc., CPA is a shareholder in the tax and estate and succession planning departments of the law firm of Dean Mead Minton & Zwemer in Fort Pierce.

Gould is serving in his second term on the FICPA Board of Governors. He also serves on the University of Florida Accounting Conference Committee and is chairman of the LGBT Task Force.

COVER

story

PAYING for

Long-term Care

By William Cummings, CPA

P

aying for long-term nursing care can be expensive.

According to a 2014 study published by Genworth, the average monthly cost in Florida is $3,000 for assisted living and $6,995-$7,634 for a nursing 1 home. With an estimated 79 million Baby Boomers, CPA practitioners must become more familiar with the everchanging landscape of paying for long-term care costs.

This article presents different methods of paying for longterm care but does not discuss the merits of each method.

Self-insuring Clients who have significant assets can use them as a resource for paying for long-term care (LTC). So, what is significant? Given that the average annual cost for a nursing home is $73,000 per year, a 10-year stay would cost $730,000, without inflation. For married couples, the cost could double. A married couple would need a minimum of $2,000,000 to consider self-insuring.

Home equity or sale Clients who have significant equity in a home may consider selling it, or using the equity for a home equity line of credit (HELOC). If a client is married and his or her spouse needs to enter a nursing facility, the home equity loan may be the right answer. Clients may use a

HELOC as a bridge loan for financing a nursing home until they decide to sell their home. There may be some tax benefits to the HELOC depending if clients itemize their deductions.

Long-term care insurance Long-term care insurance can be used to pay for nursing home care, assuming it was purchased before one needs to enter a nursing home. Long-term care insurance is a contractual arrangement that pays a selected dollar amount per day, for a selected period of time, for skilled, intermediate or custodial care in nursing homes and other settings (such as home health care). Depending on the options one selects, the policy will define a daily benefit, a benefit period and inflation protection, to name a few. It’s prudent to check the financial strength of the insurance company by checking its rating on A.M. Best Company, or any other rating agency.

Qualified long-term care insurance premiums may be deductible for tax purposes. The IRS defines qualified longterm care services as necessary diagnostic; preventive; therapeutic; curing; treating; mitigating; rehabilitative services, or as maintenance and personal-care services required by a chronically ill person and provided based

“According to a 2014 study published by Genworth, the average monthly cost in Florida is $3,000 for assisted living and $6,995-$7,634 for a nursing home.�

20 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

on a plan of care prescribed by a licensed health care practitioner. There are limits by age on the amount one can deduct, and the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) floor minimums must be exceeded.

Clients who own a health savings account (HSA) can use it to pay for long-term care insurance. Clients who are self-employed can reduce their income drastically by the cost of the insurance, as it is reported under self-employed health insurance.

Life insurance An increasing number of states allow combining longterm care and life insurance policies. These sometimes are referred to as hybrid policies. Here are a few options: • Cash value life insurance policies with an accelerating critical, chronic and terminally ill rider that accelerates the death benefit. The distributions usually are tax free as these policies are considered an accelerated death benefit.

• Asset-based life insurance with a critical, chronic and terminally ill rider. This typically works with a FLORIDA CPA TODAY

single premium or periodic premiums that have a critical-care multiplier and a defined time period of coverage. For example, a 65-year-old male funds a policy with $100,000. The policy has a five-year coverage period. The client would get $210,000 of critical, chronic and terminally ill benefits up to five years. If the client dies at the end of year one, the beneficiaries would receive $100,000, less any LTC benefits used. Most of these policies are simplified issue (just a phone interview). The distributions are tax free as they are considered an accelerated death benefit.

• The latest products from life insurance companies are term life policies that are similar to cash value policies with critical, chronic and terminally ill riders that accelerate the death benefit.

There also is the possibility of using the cash value of a life insurance to pay for costs. This normally is done through a tax-free loan, assuming the contract is not a modified endowment contract. One also can consider using the death-benefit proceeds from a life insurance ➡ www.ficpa.org

21

COVER

story

policy to reimburse a surviving spouse or family members for the expenses they paid on behalf of the LTC client.

The critical obstacle to using life insurance is the client’s insurability. Consequently, clients should plan well before they may need long term care.

Annuities Similar to life insurance, some annuities come with LTC riders. These riders usually pay an additional amount when a lifetime income benefit is started. There usually is a waiting period of six months to a year when the annuity initially is purchased, then a six-month waiting period after entering a facility. There also is a maximum benefit period, usually up to five years.

Once the client has met the holding-period requirement, a multiplier is added to the living income benefit. For example, a client funds an annuity with $200,000.

The client is 65 years old and the contract has a livingbenefit rider of 5 percent income payment for life. The

22 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

client started taking income from the contract today, at 5 percent per year, or $10,000. Once the client has held the contract for one year and has been in a nursing home for six months, the client would get a multiplier of 1.5. So, the client would receive an income of $15,000 per year.

Obviously, if the annuity is an IRA it all would be all taxable.

But if it is a non-qualified annuity, part of the income might be taxed, depending on the original cost basis.

Medicaid For clients who meet certain eligibility requirements, government benefits can help pay the cost of nursinghome care. Medicaid pays for custodial nursing home care (and in some states, in-home care), but only for low-income individuals who have few assets. If you have income and assets higher than the Medicaid limits, you won’t be eligible for Medicaid. However, if you enter a nursing home and pay for care yourself for months or years, you may qualify for Medicaid when your money runs out. You also may be able to qualify for Medicaid if you spend down or transfer your assets. For this kind

of planning, clients should consult an attorney who specializes in Medicaid planning.

Military benefits Veterans who are 65 or older may be eligible for treatment in a Veterans Administration (VA) nursing home. Veterans don’t have to have a service-connected illness or injury to be treated. However, since nursing home space is limited, veterans with service-connected conditions are admitted first. Their treatment is free. For others, treatment is free only if certain eligibility rules are met.

The VA also runs other community retirement facilities that clients may be eligible to enter. A special VA pension, commonly referred as Aid and Attendance, also is available for veterans. It currently pays up to $21,108 for a veteran, no dependents, of tax-free income annually to wartime veterans and their spouses. Qualifications start at age 65 and there must be a disability, but it does not need to be a service-connected disability. Certain financialneed requirements must be met and there is a provision that allows for retroactive benefits. For more information, contact your local Veterans Administration office.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Placing a loved one in a nursing home can be emotional, stressful and confusing. There are so many types of facilities, and families usually aren’t aware of the various ways to pay for them. Most also don’t know about tax treatments or tax breaks that are available. As a CPA and trusted advisor, more and more clients will turn to you for advice on how to pay for long-term nursing-home care.

With the number of Baby Boomers retiring each year, there will be a “silver tsunami” of clients who need your advice. FCT

Endnote 1

genworth.com/costofcare

William Cummings, CPA, PFS is the owner of Cummings Financial Organization. He specializes in retirement planning, elder-care planning and helping his clients find missed taxed deductions. He is a frequent guest on radio/T.V. shows and a presenter in the financial industry, covering topics such as taxes, retirement-planning issues and elder-care planning.

www.ficpa.org

23

STAFF

reports

Young CPAs

By Angie Brooke, emerging professionals manager

YCPAs participate in Accel Leadership Forum

Y

oung CPAs (YCPAs) from throughout Florida joined Accel Leadership Forum Coach Dan Griffiths, CPA, CGMA at the Mega CPE Conference June 11 in Orlando. Griffiths led participants in interactive dialogue about thought bridging; strengths in teams;

strategic thinking; giving and receiving feedback; and development planning. These leadership skills help prepare YCPAs to become the next leaders in their organizations, communities and the CPA profession.

Participants joined those attending the student track for a networking lunch, where they offered career advice and tips for acing the CPA exam.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Inc. led the afternoon session, guiding attendees through teambuilding activities while building care packages to send to the 388th Route Clearance Company, U.S. Army Reserve Unit. The unit, based in West Palm Beach, deployed Nov. 8, 2013 and is not due to return until October 2014. FCT

YCPAs assembled care packages for the 388th Route Clearance Company, U.S. Army Reserve Unit, based in West Palm Beach.

For more information about YCPA and student initiatives, contact Angie Brooke, emerging professionals manager, at brookea@ficpa. org or (850) 224-2727, Ext. 300.

New Members

The FICPA happily welcomes many new members throughout the year. To see a list of members who have recently joined, visit the FICPA website at www.ficpa.org/ meetnewmembers.

24 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

From FICPA staff reports

Educational Foundation

Foundation thanks Ocean Reef Sponsors

By Jason Zaborske, FICPA educational foundation development director

he FICPA Educational Foundation thanks the sponsors of the 2014 Ocean Reef Retreat and Golf Tournament. Without them, this event wouldn’t be an ongoing success. CPAs and their families had a memorable time, enjoying Key Largo and networking with Florida’s leading professionals while supporting the Foundation.

Planned Giving Recognizing achievements for years to come

P

lanned giving is a way to honor and recognize professional and personal achievements for generations of the CPA profession. Planned giving through the Foundation is an investment in the future of the CPA profession and an honor to its top leaders. The Foundation can help you create an endowment to honor someone you feel inspires the profession.

T

To view photos from this year’s Ocean Reef Retreat and Golf Tournament, visit www.ficpa.org/retreat. FCT

Interested in honoring an industry leader? Our 15 established endowments acknowledge some amazing benefactors. To contribute, visit www.ficpa.org/WaystoGive.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

FICPA Educational Foundation General Endowment Douglas James Davis Lloyd A. “Buddy” Turman Endowment George E. Shierling Platinum Endowment Martin M. “Marty” Prague Endowment Ben A. Stevens, Jr. Endowment Orvis M. Kemp Endowment Gerald J. Cavanaugh Endowment FICPA North Dade South Broward Chapter Education Endowment Robert R. Harris, CPA/CFF Endowment John Perry Thomas, CPA Endowment Kathryn B. Anderson, CAE Endowment Michael R. Pender Jr., CPA Endowment James Wilcox Endowment George A. Gulisano Endowment

Pictured left to right: Miriam Duarte, Ana Davis, Gilda Niles and Valerie Adams learn hula dancing with Coco from Tama Leo’s Polynesian Productions.

Did you know the Foundation is an official charity of Fidelity Charitable? A donor-advised fund through Fidelity is another way to support the Foundation and the future of the CPA profession. FCT For more information about starting a planned-giving campaign or making a contribution, contact Jason Zaborske, FICPA educational foundation development manager, at (850) 251-7274 or edfound@ ficpa.org.

Governmental Affairs

Ocean Reef Retreat Co-chair Jason Chorlins, Paola Suarez and Co-chair George Gulisano (left to right) enjoy the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo.

F LO R I D A

By Justin Thames, governmental affairs manager

PAC looks to members as elections approach

T

Florida CPA Political Action Committee, Inc.

he 2014 elections are fast approaching and the Florida

CPA/PACs’ annual outreach efforts are in full swing.

Through the PAC, FICPA members help elect business-minded candidates and promote issues important to the CPA profession.

The PAC, funded solely by voluntary contributions from FICPA members and others, supports candidates for the Florida House of Representatives, Senate and Cabinet. In 2012, 88 percent of PACsupported candidates were elected to office.

PAC began an annual fundraising campaign among the Top 250 firms in the state. Participating firms will be recognized in Florida CPA Today, and on the FICPA website, for their commitment to the profession’s future.

Each year, the PAC asks FICPA members to contribute individually on their membership-dues statement. In July, the Florida CPA/

To see last year’s leading firms, read more about the PAC or contribute, visit www.ficpa.org/Top250.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

During the last 10 years, the FICPA has recognized over 80 of the leading firms in Florida for their generous support of this annual campaign. FCT

www.ficpa.org

25

NEWS

briefs

From FICPA staff reports

Governor appoints Keegan to BOA Gov. Rick Scott recently appointed Tracy Keegan to the Board of Accountancy. Keegan, of Naples, is the executive vice president and chief financial officer of First Southern Bank. She succeeds Teresa Borcheck in one of the citizen positions and is appointed for a term beginning July 14, 2014 and ending Oct. 31, 2017. The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate. FCT If you’re interested in serving on a statewide board, email your bio and resume to the FICPA governmental affairs department at govaffairs@ficpa.org.

Tracy Keegan

Capturing the newest stars Do you know someone who deserves a star? The FICPA is looking for 26 Under 36 – the brightest young CPAs who have served our organization, advanced the CPA profession, and worked to better their communities. We’ll announce and highlight winners in the March/April 2015 issue of Florida CPA Today.

The Yellow Ribbon Club, which includes past FICPA presidents and board chairs, met during the 2014 Mega CPE Conference. FICPA President/CEO Deborah Curry invited club members to offer suggestions and feedback about the Institute while she updated them on our operations. FCT Pictured left to right, front: Mort Weinberger, Steve Stevens, Ken Strauss, Pat Knipe, Jim Lane, Jose Valiente and Jim Campbell. Left to right, back: Michael Pender, Bill Pruitt, Steve Nouss, Deborah Curry, Dave Dennis, Stam Stathis and Scott Price.

Anyone can nominate FICPA members for this honor, and there’s no limit on the number of nominations you can submit. The submission deadline is Oct. 31, 2014.

Help us capture the newest stars – visit the FICPA’s website at www. ficpa.org/26under36 and nominate a young CPA today! FCT

Houff serves on national financial literacy committee FICPA member William L. “Larry” Houff of Carr, Riggs & Ingram CPAs and Advisors in Tallahassee recently served on a committee that reviewed the Council for Economic Education’s (CEE) National Standards for Financial Literacy. Florida was first in the nation to institute the standards, which include lessons on subjects such as saving and investing.

William L. “Larry” Houff, CPA, ABV, CVA, CFF 26 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

In 2013, the Florida Legislature passed legislation requiring the addition of a financial

literacy strand to Florida’s Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS) for social studies. The committee of six economic and finance experts reviewed and adjusted the CEE standards, then deemed them appropriate to add to Florida’s NGSSS. FCT For more information visit www.fldoe.org, search for financial literacy strand and click on the first link. Or, visit www.councilforeconed. org, search for financial literacy 2013 and click on the first link.

➡ Continued from Pg. 27

FICPA recognizes excellence The FICPA presented awards to outstanding members and staff members during the 2014 Mega CPE Conference. To see pictures and read a recap of the conference, visit www.ficpa.org/MegaWrapUp. Outstanding Committees CIRA Committee, Lena Combs, chair International Taxation Committee, Lawrence Chastang, chair Outstanding Committee Chairs Lawrence J. Chastang, International Taxation Committee Joe Handy, Florida State Tax Section Board of Governors Outgoing Member Service Recognition Stam Stathis, 1998-2014 Anthony Palermo, 2008-2014 Will Qilliam, 2008-2014 Special Chair Awards Bradley R. Gould, LGBT Task Force chair George Gulisano, Educational Foundation president Donna M. Son, Extraordinary Institute Service FCT

FICPA Wins FMA, FPRA Awards The FICPA recently received two awards in the Florida Public Relations Golden Image Awards competition. The Institute received an Award of Distinction and a Judges’ Award for its work to plan and promote the 2014 Mega CPE Conference.

Florida CPA Today (FCT) received two awards in the Florida Magazine Association’s Charlie Awards competition. FCT received a Bronze Award for Best Service Feature, for Yanick J. Michel’s article entitled “The New Goodwill and Intangible Assets Testing Rules: ASUs Amend Topic 350,” in the July/August 2013 issue. FCT also received a Silver Award for Best Special Theme or Show Issue, for the September/October 2013 Elder Care Issue. FCT 28 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

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29

C PA s I N

the spotlight

Transitions

Renee Allison Campbell

Clearwater: CBIZ MHM LLC announces promotions of Jon Beaulieu and Jeffrey Wombacher to assurance senior associates, and Chris Nix and Liz VanBroekhoven to managers in the assurance department. Renee Allison Campbell has joined the firm as a tax associate.

Construction Central Florida Chapter. Additionally, the firm was awarded a No-One-LeftBehind commemorative plaque.

Joe Berkovits of Mallah Furman in Miami has been elected to the 2014-2015 Executive Committee for the Region of the Americas of JHI International.

Liz VanBroekhoven

Daytona Beach: Kimberly Pepe has joined Vision HR Inc. as a controller. She is responsible for all operating financial aspects of the firm.

Tami L. Cindrich

Florida Offices: James Moore welcomes Scott Balloon to the firm as a senior accountant and announces these promotions: Jennifer Blackburn and Jeremy Dunn to associate accountant; Zach Chalifour and Natalie Clagget to senior manager; and Jane Lastinger, Kelly Shaer and William “Webb” Shephard to senior accountant.

Fort Lauderdale: Keefe, McCullough & Co. LLP has promoted Wade Greaton and Ari Laski to the position of manager.

Wade Greaton

Fort Myers: Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company PA announces the addition of Daniela Georgieva as a member of the firm’s tax team.

Miami: Mallah Furman announces that Ramon Martinez has joined the firm as a tax manager.

Miami Beach: Ann McCowan has started A.C. McCowan CPA PLLC, a full-service tax and accounting firm.

Ramon Martinez

30 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Kerry Yeager

Orlando: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP announces that Tracy Junger has been admitted as an assurance partner.

Tallahassee: Lanigan & Associates PC announces the promotion of Walker Bridges to tax senior II and David Strange to audit senior II.

Who’s News Susan Atherton has joined the Manatee Community Foundation as the director of charitable legacy planning and development in Bradenton.

Averett Warmus Durkee in Orlando and Altamonte Springs announces they have been recognized for their 2013-2014 sponsorship of the National Association of Women in

Becky Bokrand of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company PA in Fort Myers has been appointed to serve a three-year term on the Florida Bar’s Twentieth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee.

Tami L. Cindrich and Victoria Loyola of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company in Fort Myers have met the requirements and passed the examination to become certified healthcare business consultants by the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants.

Kimberly Clarizio of Lynch, Johnson & Long LLC has been elected president of the Rotary Club of Fort Pierce for 20142015.

Cross, Fernandez & Riley LLP has been named one of the Top 10 Coolest Companies to Work for in Orlando by O.C. Tanner, an international human resources consulting and services company.

CS&L CPAs in Sarasota has been named the 2014 Small Business of the Year by the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP donated 431,475 pounds of food to the communities in which it serves in 11 states across the firm’s footprint.

For more news about members and other Florida CPAs, visit CPAs in the Spotlight at www.ficpa.org/Content/News/Spotlight.aspx.

The space for Who’s News, Transitions and other announcements published on this page is limited to news focusing on promotions and new hires for FICPA members; speeches by members at professional conferences; and other firm news, such as recognition of business achievements. We do not publish FICPA committee appointments as a part of this feature because of space limitations. Submissions for On the Move can be emailed to communications@ficpa.org.

Thomas Howell Ferguson in Tallahassee congratulates Julian Dozier on his recent acceptance into Leadership Tallahassee Class 32.

Stroemer & Company, LLC successfully completed a rigorous peer review of its accounting and auditing practice.

Management Center, announces the 2014 Insurance Conference on Financial Reporting to be held Oct. 1516 at The Alfond Inn in Winter Park.

The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners awarded David J. Goddu with the audit services department of the City of St. Petersburg the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential.

Thomas Howell Ferguson in Tallahassee, in partnership with Florida State University, College of Business, The Florida Catastrophic Storm Risk

Kerry Yeager of Myers, Brettholtz & Company in Fort Myers recently became a licensed community association manager. FCT

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. in Sarasota has been selected as one of the Best Public Accounting Firms for Leadership Equity by the 2014 Accounting MOVE Project, which recognizes the best public accounting firms for women.

The firm also announces that its Young Professionals, in conjunction with the Leading Edge Alliance, participated in the fourth annual Global Volunteer Week and collected 970 pounds of food and more than $1,010 in donations for All Faiths Food Bank. The Young Professionals also volunteered their time to clean up and beautify the garden area at Sarasota Memorial Hospital’s Child Care Center.

Erin Koski of Averett Warmus Durkee in Orlando was appointed to the advisory board of the University of Central Florida, College of Business.

Moore Stephens Lovelace PA in Winter Park is celebrating 40 years in business in 2014.

Karen Mosteller of Markham Norton Mosteller Wright & Company PA in Fort Myers has been appointed chair of the Healthcare Statistics Committee with the National Society of Certified Healthcare Business Consultants.

Mosteller is serving a three-year term on the board of directors and was awarded the Leonard Schwartz 2014 Go-Getter Award for her contributions to the organization.

Terry Parker of Clifton Lipford Hardison & Parker LLC in Macon has been elected chair of the Georgia Society of CPAs. Scott Robey of Warren Averett CPAs and Advisors in Tampa has been approved as an accredited estate plannerÂŽ by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils.

FLORIDA CPA TODAY

www.ficpa.org

31

MARKET

place

Positions available Kendall-area CPA firm is seeking to hire a tax manager(s) CPA w/nearterm partnership potential. The candidate(s) must have a strong tax background & personal skills. Compensation will be commensurate w/the candidate’s ability. Our firm has a good reputation & is well-established & profitable. Reply to reply@ficpa.org & reference file number F PA 09 10 14 P. Duggan, Joiner & Company, CPAs, an established firm in Ocala, seeks experienced CPA with 3-5 yrs of recent public accounting experience in financial, tax and/or audit services. Attention to detail with advanced communication and organizational skills are needed for this position, as well as computer proficiency using accounting, tax and audit software. The firm offers excellent compensation, fringe benefits and flexible hours. Visit us at www.djcocpa.com. Fax resume to (352) 867-1370, attn: A. Furman.

Well-established Clearwater CPA firm seeks experienced tax accountant. Four+ yrs of exp & CPA designation preferred. Must be able to efficiently complete complex business & personal returns. Excellent communications skills & computer proficiency required. Knowledge of Thomson Reuters products & QuickBooks a plus. Email resume to amccabe@ crowncpas.com.

Senior staff auditor for Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A. in Fort Myers – We are looking for someone to join our financial reporting team. Must have 3+ yrs of financial reporting exp & be licensed or a current CPA candidate. We offer challenging engagements & advancement opportunities w/competitive salary & benefits. Fax resume to (239) 9390554 or email lwing@hughessnell. com.

Staff accountant for Hughes, Snell & Co., P.A. in Fort Myers – Must have a desire to work in the estate & trust environment. Exp & CPA

license/CPA candidate preferred, but not required. Join our strong estate & trust team to exp challenging work & advancement opportunities w/competitive salary & benefits. Fax resume to (239) 9390554 or email lwing@hughessnell. com.

Sarasota County sole practitioner looking for similar CPA or EA for partnership/merger or staff accountant/jr partner w/ buy-in potential. Position includes writeup work, financial statement prep & review, tax research & corporate taxes. Email resume to flcpas@ gmail.com.

Tampa –Two CPA positions being considered w/Fortune 100 Co. Eight+ yrs exp; proficient w/tax filings for all entity types. Financial reporting/consulting & private sector exp a plus. One part-time position w/flexible schedule 2-3 days/week – perfect for semi-retired or sole practitioner. Another fulltime position for right candidate.

Reply w/resume & contact info to tampacpa1@gmail.com.

Crystal River CPA firm of 4 outstanding individuals seeks a tax accountant w/5+ yrs public accounting exp who will be responsible for preparing all types of tax returns & write-up work including creating & maintaining financial reports. Partnership potential for the right person.

Candidate should have knowledge of a variety of industries & possess excellent computer skills (Lacerte/ Qbooks/Office). Qualifications – great attitude; dependable; able to run client engagements from start to finish; attention to detail & professional appearance a must. Please reply w/resume & salary requirements to ed@ edserra.com. Applications without salary requirements will not be considered.

Manager of accounting – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) is a municipal electric utility. Salary range: (low) $34.13- (high) $48.12.

Excellent benefits. To apply, please visit www.kuajobs.com. EOE.

Pompano Beach two-partner CPA firm looking for a practitioner w/ audit exp, $50K+ in revenue to join us w/eye toward future affiliation & partnership. Email inquiries to bfink@mfwcpa.net.

Jacksonville-area established firm seeks experienced CPA w/5-8 yrs recent public accounting exp. Must have exp preparing & reviewing individual, corporate & partnership returns as well as reviewed & audited financial statements. Also must have great people skills & ability to work w/a team. Exp w/ construction accounting & taxes a plus. This position has partnership potential for the right candidate. We offer competitive salary & benefits.

Email resume & cover letter to caldav@bellsouth.net.

Director of finance & tangible personal property CPA – the Clay County Property Appraiser in Green Cove Springs is in search of a director of finance & tangible personal property. Responsibilities: responsible for the accounting functions of the office including accounts payable, payroll & financial reporting. Assure the compliance w/all federal & state laws concerning the financial matters of the office. Supervise the production of a tangible personal property tax roll for the county.

Educational requirements: CPA certificate issued by the State of Florida. Exp requirements: applicant should have an employment history in public accounting w/exp in client write-up & a strong background in payroll, including benefits accounting. An alternative employment history would be in a corporate setting where the applicant is involved in all phases of accounting & finance. Other qualifications: Good communication skills & computer proficiency. Benefits: competitive salary & benefits. Detailed job description & employment application at www.ccpao.com.

Send resume & application by Sept. 1 to Clay County Property Appraiser, Attn: HR-DRTPP, PO Box

For complete classified policies, visit www.ficpa.org/Content/CPAResources/ClassifiedsJobs/Classifieds.aspx.

32 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

38, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043, or email to info@ccpao.com. EEO/ ADA Employer.

as desired. Please contact Larry Nones at larry@jnccpas.com or at (305) 274-1200.

Tax Writer Needed – CPA w/writing exp to write easy-to-read articles for clients of a national association of CPA firms. Bi-weekly update, newsletter, planning letters & niche articles. All work handled by email.

Contact jmoore@cpamerica.org.

Established quality Fort Lauderdale CPA firm seeks to acquire practice from retirement-minded CPA w/ transition of your choice. Email inquiries to ajcpapa@aol.com or call Cary at (954) 985-1040.

South Pinellas County CPA firm is seeking a CPA candidate w/2-5 yrs exp. in public accounting w/strong QuickBooks, tax skills & auditing (optional). Email resume to INFO@ CPAPARTNERSLLC.COM or fax to (727) 398-5560.

Positions Wanted SW Fla. CPA – 25 yrs exp in tax, accounting, planning & IRS problem resolution. Seeking established CPA; retirement-minded CPA w/clients; flexible hours; fee arrangement. If interested, please call (941) 925-9660 or email wjwleklinksi.cpa@gmail.com.

Orlando-area CPA firm w/$1,000,000 plus in revenues.

Seeking to purchase practices, open to merger possibilities. Good mix of audit & tax. Good staff.

Respond to Chuck at newmancpa@ aol.com.

The Bean Team is looking to acquire accounting/bookkeeping/ tax firms in the Tallahassee area.

Favorable purchase terms & continuing employment for as long as desired. Please contact Charles Musgrove CPA at cmusgrove@ beanteam.com or (850) 893-7710.

For sale

19. Contact Erwin Rosenblatt (561) 666-6737 or Leon Faris (800) 7299031 w/Professional Accounting Sales or visit our website at www. cpasales.com.

Florida’s oldest & largest M&A firm representing CPAs exclusively. The longterm success of our transactions (100s), each w/uniquely structured terms, is our claim to fame. Strategic Alliance Advisors, Inc.’s expertise & exp can be found at www.4mergers.com or call (954) 536-1269. Revenue of practices currently for sale: Orlando Metro Area – $1.2m; Delray Beach – $341k; Hollywood – $1.1m; Fort Myers – $240k; Boca Raton – $425k; Bonita Springs – $150k; Merger Candidate Fort Myers – $200k.

Accounting business for sale on Big Pine Key. Doing tax returns since 1999 in the lower keys. A turnkey business. Call (305) 304-3235 or email oldesleuth@msn.com.

Office Space Miami/Dadeland-area executive ofc & cubicles available for lease in CPA’s suite. Furnished, floor-toceiling windows, conference room, kitchen, telephone & other ofc equipment, filing cabinets, Internet access included. Free parking.

Inquiries please call (305) 598-4478 or email ronweintraubcpa@ bellsouth.net or cmf16cpa@aol.com.

Practices wanted for purchase or merger Growing S Florida CPA firm looking to purchase a practice from a retirement-minded CPA in Dade or Broward County.

Favorable purchase terms offered w/continuing employment opportunities available. Please contact Jeffrey Taraboulos at info@ ksdt-cpa.com or (305) 670-3370.

Well-established South MiamiDade CPA firm looking to purchase practice from a retirement-minded CPA in Miami-Dade County.

Favorable purchase terms & continuing employment for as long FLORIDA CPA TODAY

Successful transitions require experienced, confidential, professional services you can trust.

This is what Akins Professional Brokerage provides. Specializing exclusively in the brokerage of CPA firms, we have no upfront fees.

List your firm with a professional.

Call David Akins, CPA, at (877) 277-0272. Visit our website at www.ProfessionalCPAbroker.com.

Practices Wanted. Cash Buyers Waiting. List your practice w/U.S.A.’s No. 1 Accounting Brokerage Firm. No upfront fees.

Recent references available. Selling practices in Florida for 30+ yrs.

Look for us at the FICPA Accounting Show in Fort Lauderdale Sept 18 & www.ficpa.org

33

DOR

update

By Renee Watters, chief of public information

DOR Enhances Security for Email, Electronic Files

B

ecause the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) handles a large amount of confidential information, security is one of its highest priorities. In June, DOR transitioned to an enhanced method of handling email and large file transfers. DOR previously used Tumbleweed for secure email communication, but it is no longer available. DOR now encrypts most email from employees to external recipients.

What does this mean for DOR’s external recipients/ customers?

Secure Email: Microsoft Office Message Encryption (OME) For email without attachments, or with attachments no larger than 25 megabytes (MB), DOR customers must use a Microsoft Live account to read the messages encrypted by OME. If a recipient doesn’t have a Microsoft Live account, Microsoft sends the recipient an email with instructions for creating the account. (DOR does not manage Microsoft Live accounts.)

34 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

Large Files: ShareFile DOR employees now use ShareFile to securely send email with attachments larger than 25 MB. If the cover email contains confidential information, recipients must use Microsoft Live to read the email message in decrypted format.

Recipients will use the link in that message to log in to ShareFile and access the attachment.

When a DOR employee sends a customer an initial ShareFile message, he or she must create a ShareFile login and password. ShareFile stores files for 30 days. Recipients should download documents they wish to retain. FCT

For more information about using Microsoft Live and ShareFile, visit dor.myflorida.com. At the top of the page, click on Secure Email Overview and Electronic Sharing of Large Files. Or contact Renee Watters, chief of public information, at wattersr@dor.state.fl.us.

SEMINARS

Contents Seminars................................... 36 Boca Raton............................. 36 Ft. Lauderdale........................ 36 Ft. Myers................................ 36 Jacksonville............................ 36 Miami..................................... 37 Naples.................................... 37

Tampa.................................... 39 West Palm Beach.................... 41 A&A........................................... 38 Tax/PFP..................................... 38

Ft. Myers

A&A

ETHICS Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Comprehensive Accounting Issues of Estates and Trusts: Fiduciary Accounting and Tax Issues Date: Nov. 5, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: FACT25 Location: Embassy Suites Boca Raton Instructor: Scott Emerson Early Bird Price*: $290 • Regular Price: $345

Orlando.................................. 37 Tallahassee............................ 39

Boca Raton

Jacksonville

TAX Getting More Active with the Passive Activity Rules and the New Net Investment Income Tax Date: Nov. 4, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: PAIT15 Location: Embassy Suites Boca Raton Instructor: Deborah Phillips Early Bird Price*: $290 • Regular Price: $345

Ethics........................................ 38

Ft. Lauderdale

LearnLinx Online CPE............... 42 PRICING RULES: *Registering more than 10 days before the course date to receive the Early Bird Price ($55 off the regular registration fee).

A&A Audit and Accounting Guide for State and Local Governments Date: Nov. 4, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: AUSL05 Location: UNF University Center Instructor: Bruce Shepard Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Recognizing and Responding to Fraud Risk in Governmental and Not-for-Profit Organizations

Value-Priced Seminars............. 39

TAX

Conferences ............................. 40

Date: Oct. 29, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 ETH Course Number: ETHFGC Location: Embassy Suites Hotel – Ft. Myers Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $99 • Regular Price: $154

Form 990: Comprehensive Approach Date: Sept. 23, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: EO-F9905 Location: Hilton Garden Inn Ft. Lauderdale Instructor: Robert R. Lyons Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Date: Nov. 5, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: FRGNP10 Location: UNF University Center Instructor: Bruce Shepard Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Nonmembers of FICPA are welcome to attend but are required to pay an additional $125 per full day of instruction or $65 per half day of instruction.

For complete CPE policies, visit www.ficpa.org/policies

>A&A = Accounting & Auditing

36 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

TAX Cut Your Client’s Tax Bill: Individual Tax Planning Tips and Strategies Date: Nov. 6, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: CYCT00 Location: TBA Instructor: Robert R. Thelen Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Naples

A&A Advanced CFO and Controller Leadership Skills Date: Nov. 5, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: ACCS05 Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Instructor: John H. Cox Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

TAX

ETHICS Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Miami

Orlando

Date: Nov. 3, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 ETH Course Number: ETH65 Location: McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant Instructor: Michael S. Kridel Early Bird Price*: $99 • Regular Price: $154

Form 990: Comprehensive Approach Date: Sept. 24, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: EO-F9906 Location: Rosen College of Hospitality Instructor: Robert R. Lyons Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

A&A Advanced CFO and Controller Leadership Skills

Date: Nov. 4, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: ACCS00 Location: TBA Instructor: John H. Cox Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Audits of 401(k) Plans

Date: Nov. 5, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: AFKP00 Location: TBA Instructor: Randy Dummer Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

ETHICS Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Date: Nov. 3, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 ETH Course Number: ETH70 Location: TBA Instructor: Irving Uncyk Early Bird Price*: $99 • Regular Price: $154

>GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

>TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

37

A&A COURSES Florida Institute of CPAs A&A Courses Date

Course Number

City

Title

Oct. 23

CHA415

West Palm Beach

Condos and HOAs: Accounting Update (4 Hour)

Oct. 28

SUT10

Tampa

Florida Sales and Use Tax Issues

Nov. 4

COMP405

Tampa

Compilation and Review: Issues and Updates (4 Hour)

TA X / P F P C O U R S E S Florida Institute of CPAs Tax/PFP Courses Date

Course Number

City

Title

Oct. 28

SUT10

Tampa

Florida Sales and Use Tax Issues

ETHICS COURSES Florida Institute of CPAs Ethics Courses Date

Course Number

City

Title

Oct. 23

ETH60

West Palm Beach

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Oct. 29

ETHFGC

Ft. Myers

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Nov. 3

ETH65

Naples

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Nov. 3

ETH70

Miami

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

Nov. 4

ETH75

Tampa

Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980)

>A&A = Accounting & Auditing

38 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

Annual Accounting and Auditing Update

Tallahassee

**Value-Priced Seminar Date: Nov. 5, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: ACAU65 Location: Tampa Law Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

A&A Certified Audit Training Course Date: Oct. 27-29, 2014 CPE Credit: 11 AA / 9 TB Course Number: CATROO Location: Tallahassee Community College Instructor: David L. Bowman and Scott Chunn Early Bird Price*: $745 • Regular Price: $745

BEHAVIORAL NEW! Interpersonal Leadership – Building Trust and Resolving Conflict Date: Sept. 10, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 BEH Course Number: BTRC400 Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy Instructor: Karl Ahlrichs Early Bird Price*: $150 • Regular Price: $150

Tampa A&A

NEW! Strategies for Delivering Exceptional Customer Service More Often

Compilation and Review: Issues and Updates (4 Hour)

Date: Sept. 10, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 BEH Course Number: DECS400 Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy Instructor: Karl Ahlrichs Early Bird Price*: $150 • Regular Price: $150

Date: Nov. 4, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 AA Course Number: COMP405 Location: Tampa Law Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $150 • Regular Price: $205

Quality Courses for Cost-Conscious Professionals Annual Accounting & Auditing Update 8 Accounting and Auditing hours

Get exceptional value from our ValuePriced CPE line. These streamlined, highquality courses enable you to gain essential

Oct. 23

CMPWBR02

Webcast Replay

Oct. 24

ACAUWBR2

Webcast Replay

Oct. 24

ACAU60

West Palm Beach

conveniently located around Florida. We

Nov. 5

ACAU65

Tampa

may not serve you lunch, but we’ll serve

knowledge and skills at a lower price — our most popular courses, taught by our best educators, in modest facilities that are

you valuable CPE at great savings.

Visit www.ficpa.org/valuepriced to review our extensive online CPE catalog. >GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

>TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

39

CONFERENCES 2014 University of Florida Accounting Conference (17 CPE)

29th Annual Accounting Show (23 CPE) Fort Lauderdale Sep. 17-19, 2014

Gainesville Oct. 16-17, 2014

Florida Keys Conference (8 CPE)

Tax & Financial Planning Conference (16 CPE)

Key Largo Oct. 17, 2014

Fort Lauderdale Oct. 23-24, 2014

USF Accounting Conference (16 CPE)

Construction Industry Conference (8 CPE)

Tampa Oct. 23-24, 2014

FGCU Accounting Conference (16 CPE)

Orlando Oct. 24, 2014

CIRA Conference (16 CPE)

Orlando Nov. 6-7, 2014

Fort Myers Oct. 30-31, 2014

West Florida Conference (8 CPE)

Pensacola Nov. 13, 2014

www.ficpa.org/Conferences >A&A = Accounting & Auditing

40 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2014

>Industry = Business & Industry

>BIZTECH = Business Technology

Of Course!

ETHICS Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980) Date: Nov. 4, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 ETH Course Number: ETH75 Location: Tampa Law Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $99 • Regular Price: $154

TAX NEW! Powerful Communication – The Eight Hour MBA Date: Sept. 30, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: MBA805 Location: Maggiano’s Little Italy Instructor: Peter A. Margaritis Early Bird Price*: $275 • Regular Price: $275

Florida Sales and Use Tax Issues Date: Oct. 28, 2014 CPE Credit: 6 TB, 2 AA Course Number: SUT10 Location: Tampa Law Center Instructor: Joseph C. Moffa Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

West Palm Beach A&A Preventing and Detecting Identity Theft Date: Oct. 22, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: IDENT05 Location: Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport & Conference Center Instructor: Douglas Warren Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

Condos and HOAs: Accounting Update (4 Hour) Date: Oct. 23, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 AA Course Number: CHA415

Location: Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport & Conference Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $150 • Regular Price: $205

Annual Accounting and Auditing Update **Value-Priced Seminar

Date: Oct. 24, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 AA Course Number: ACAU60 Location: Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport & Conference Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $200 • Regular Price: $255

ETHICS Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (4980) Date: Oct. 23, 2014 CPE Credit: 4 ETH Course Number: ETH60 Location: Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport & Conference Center Instructor: Cecil Patterson Early Bird Price*: $99 • Regular Price: $154

TAX Cut Your Clients Tax Bill: Individual Tax Planning Tips and Strategies Date: Nov. 7, 2014 CPE Credit: 8 TB Course Number: CYCT05 Location: Holiday Inn Palm Beach Airport & Conference Center Instructor: Robert. R. Thelen Early Bird Price*: $280 • Regular Price: $335

>GOV/NFP = Government/Not-For-Profit

>TAX/PFP = Tax/Personal Financial Planning

To register, call 800.342.3197 or 850.224.2727, or visit ficpa.org/cpe.

>VFALS = Valuation, Forensic Accounting & Litigation Services www.ficpa.org

41

Right Time. Right Place. Right Price.

Your busy schedule can make earning CPE credits difficult. LearnLinx lets you choose when and where to take convenient and affordable online courses, including webcasts, webinars and OnDemand. Check out these upcoming sessions!

Webinars Sept. 10

WEBNAR24

Planning with a Roth IRA in Today’s Tax Environment (1 Hour)

Oct. 2

WEBNAR25

Ethics for Governmental CPAs in Florida (6957) (4 Hours)

Oct. 9

WEBNAR26

Social Security: Strategies and Advice for Your Clients (2 Hours)

Oct. 22

WEBNAR09

Current Federal Tax Developments Tax Update (2 Hours)

Webcasts Sept. 10

ASWR06

Preparing for Peer Review Webcast Replay

Sept. 12

ASWR03

10 Steps to Take Now in Light of Estate Tax Legislation (1 Hour)

Oct. 8

ASWR08

Fiduciary Accounting Update Webcast Replay (2 Hours)

Oct. 23

CMPWBR02

Compilation and Review: Issues & Updates Webcast Replay (8 Hours)

Oct. 24

ACAUWBR2

Annual Accounting & Auditing Update Webcast Replay (8 Hours)

www.ficpa.org/LearnLinxCPE

F L O R I D A

Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants P.O. Box 5437 Tallahassee, FL 32314-5437