THE MARCONIAN
Volume II, Issue 48
February 14, 2014 - In This Issue:
Friday, February 14
Chance of Snow
High 30 Low 14

Saturday, February 15
Partly Sunny
High 27 Low 25

Sunday, February 16
Cloudy
High 36 Low 16


Weekend Sports

 Thursday, February 6 -  Sunday, February 23 
 Winter Olympics 
        2014; NBC
  
Networking Events
FEI Chicago Chapter February Dinner Meeting and Student Awards Night
Willis Tower, Metropolitan Club
Thursday, February 20; 5:30 pm
233 S. Wacker Dr.
Chicago
 
Join the FEI Chicago Chapter as they welcome Howard Tullman, CEO of 1871, speaking on "2014 Tech and Social Media Game-Changers for Business."  In addition, the FEI Chicago Chapter will present their student awards.   
  
Weekend Events
ComedySportz
ComedySportz Theatre
Friday, February 14; 8 pm
929 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago

 

Two teams of professional comedians compete in this short-form improv show that's appropriate for all ages. A referee calls fouls and awards points, although the audience's applause determines the ultimate winner.

  

Chicago Beer Experience Beer Tours

Harrigan's

Saturday, February 15; 3 pm

2816 N. Halsted St.
Chicago

 

These beer tours are funeducational 

and are led by a trained guide.  Not only will you learn about and drink delicious beer, but you'll walk in more off-the-beaten path Chicago neighborhoods, visit locally owned establishments, and learn a lot of fun Chicago history.  

Top 10 Tax Resources for the 2014 Tax Season
Ann Marie Maloney, AICPA Insights, January 30, 2014

Caffeine, check. Office supplies, check. Patience for lost or late documents, check. What else do you need for tax season besides, of course, sympathetic family and friends?  Knowledge and technical resources help, as does convenience in finding them - so keep these resources from the AICPA bookmarked to help you prepare returns, manage your office, advise and communicate with clients, and even keep a sense of humor.

  1. Busy Season Survival Strategies - Get other practitioners' tips for work-life balance, maintaining staff morale, and staying productive in the Tax Power Hour - normally reserved for Tax Section members, this webcast has been opened for AICPA members. 
  2. Tax Season Resource Page - Find tax news, useful resources and products like the AICPA checklists, and updates on hot topics such as the net investment income tax. It will be updated regularly with IRS releases, regulatory changes and special events.
  3. Tangible property tools - There isn't enough coffee in the world to help you review over 300 pages of regulations, is there? Good news - the AICPA volunteer tax experts did the work for you. Review this summary chart and get more information and tools at this dedicated web page.   
  4. Marketing and client outreach materials - the Tax Practitioner's Toolkit is your one-stop shop for communication resources. Download tax law brochurestwo-pager on tax extensions for clients, press interview FAQstweets, you name it, to reinforce your value to current and prospective clients as well as your community.
  5. Client termination checklist and letter - Sometimes, you have to let go of a client who is not a good fit with your practice. After the season is over, use this checklist to evaluate whether to retain the more challenging clients.  And if you decide that this client is not for you, customize this letter to inform them.
  6. Professional standards - Refresh your memory on CPAs' obligations for standards that need to be followed when preparing returns with the Statements on Standards for Tax Services #3.
  7. Facts on third-party verification requests (sometimes referred to as comfort letters) -  Learn the answers to Frequently Asked Questions about CPAs' obligations and tax and disclosure issues. Links to many additional resources are included.
  8. Affordable Care Act info - Get answers to questions you and your clients have on the health care reform law at the Health Care Reform Resources Center that includes helpful summaries and links to related guidance.
  9. State Tax Compliance - Check out Defense of Marriage Act Guidance resources, which AICPA updates regularly, to help clients know whether to they can file married returns in specific states. Also, the State Tax Compliance Resources page links you to state tax deadlines, revenue departments  and numerous other websites you need
  10. Peace and laughter - Need a moment of tranquility?  Take a minute to walk in the woods or watch beautiful  landscapes.