1040 Tax training.

We have read article after article over the last couple of years about professionalism and standards in the accounting profession, some of the articles being less complimentary to the profession than others. One challenge that we face as accountants is to stay current with the ever-changing tax regulations. It is said that the "devil is in the details," and given the volume of laws and regulations affecting tax, there must be a whole lot of devil!

Most accountants are busy with clients, public service, family, golf and a whole myriad of other activities. Keeping up with and understanding the various changes encountered every year is a task that cannot be taken lightly. Training, particularly 1040 Tax training, must be planned for and budgeted--both in terms of time and money. Here are some resources to facilitate this on-going requirement, from workbooks to the web to conferences.

PPC 

PPC, a Thomson company (www.ppcnet.com), offers numerous options in the way of newsletters, research and training courses. PPC's Guide to 2004 Tax Legislation addresses the numerous changes made by the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004 and the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. As an added benefit and for only a nominal additional cost to the book, accountants can earn eight hours of optional book-based CPE (check state for eligibility) based on the book. Another option is PPC's Federal Tax Compliance Library on Checkpoint, combining one of the industry's most powerful online research platforms with PPC's Tax Deskbooks. Finally, for those who still have credits to earn before year end, PPC University offers instant CPE credit via the Internet.

CPE and Training via the Web

One example is presented by Continuing Academics for Accountants (www.cafacpe.com). Courses are grouped into five categories, one of which is its Taxation series.

Another option is provided by Surgent Associates, LLC (www.surgent.com). They offer live seminars, self-study courses and in-house seminars.

One of the benefits of the Web is how easy it is to find all types of solutions for your training needs. Online webinars, self-study classes, books, and seminars are just a few options out there.

Alamo City Hosts CSI Users Conference

Kris Hayter, Associate Publisher, recently attended the 24th Annual Creative Solution's Users Conference in San Antonio. The workshops were outstanding. Among other sessions, Tom C. Davis, CPA, presented, "Managing the Firm of the Future," with a technological perspective on what to expect in the short- and long-term, including software, practice management and "going paperless."

PPC's Linda Ketter-Craig's class on "IRS Enforcement Activities" offered interesting observations on the new 2004 Tax Act and the new Schedule M-3. Based on what's happened with companies like WorldCom and Enron, she says we can expect the IRS to return to its traditional form of enforcement, a.k.a., less of a kinder, gentler agency.

--By Robert B. Yudkin, CMA