Congratulations on surviving yet another tax season, especially this one.  A season plagued with software problems, late approval of forms by the IRS and, of course, a last minute fix by Congress.  But EA's are professionals and survive it we did.  So put your right hand over your left shoulder and pat yourself on the back.

While we were busy working on tax returns the world continued to function.  Audit and collection letters went out and representation issues continued to emerge.  Amazingly while we toiled away, NAEA continued to work for us.   NTPI level 2 was rescheduled to May to accommodate all of our members who had registered in the Fall only to have the class canceled by Hurricane Sandy.

On the NYSSEA front, our conference planning is moving right along with a strong program to be offered at the Villa Roma Resort in October.   We have continued the effort started by Judy Strauss last year to make NYSSEA and enrolled agents a force to be considered in tax administration at DTF. 

The Loving decision has not changed our requirement for continuing education and I urge you to consider not only the topics recognized by the IRS but to go beyond that and improve your practice management and, of course, be as knowledgeable as you can be about NYS issues.

Your society needs your input to become a stronger, more responsive group.  We do have plenty of comments on the Google Group.  What I would like to see is more of you stepping up to serve on the chapter or committee level.  From there we can recruit strong leaders for both NYSSEA and NAEA leadership. Please contact me at drosenb189@aol.com if you are ready to help our organization move forward.  I would be happy to discuss the various opportunities we have for involvement.

I am proud to say, although NYSSEA is only the third largest state affiliate with a little under 700 members, we were the largest contributors to the NAEA PAC both in number of contributors and total dollars. (see related article)  Thank you one and all.  I hope this year we can surpass last year.  The PAC is vital to our success in representing the interests of EA's in front of Congress and the IRS.  This year Congress is promising a major overhaul of the IRC.  If it comes to pass, it will be the most comprehensive tax legislation since 1986.  A separate issue very important to us is the codification of the EA credential.  After what has just happened with the Loving case, wouldn't it be nice to have our name finally part of the code? 

We have a lot to be done between now and next tax season.  I will be visiting as many chapters as I am able.  I have just returned from Western and hope to go to Nassau/Suffolk and Metro in the near future.  So, look for me on the road and enjoy the summer.

Donald Rosenberg, EA

President

NYSSEA