CSTC Newsletter

January 2021

In This Issue...

  1. From the President
  2. January Events
  3. Running Start
  4. Welcome New CSTC Members
  5. Legislative Advocacy
  6. News from the IRS
  7. Join CSTC!

CSTC Member Benefits

CSTC members have access to benefits such as free payroll processing services for your tax practice, and the opportunity to earn new revenue through their flexible partnership options.

CSTC is pleased to include the VeriFyle ProTM premium secure online document and message sharing service at no cost to CSTC members!

Wolters Kluwer: Discounts on Tax, Accounting & Audit Resources, Software, Information & Services. 

 CSTC members receive the TaxBook WebLibrary at a special price

Other Member Benefits Include:

$ Savings on all Society Educational Events

$ Savings on Contact, Correspondence & Self Study Education

$ Savings with member specialty CSTC Connects (previouslyYellow Pages) list

$ Savings with E & O Insurance, plus specialty coverage relevant to your profession

$ Online CSTC Find-a-Tax Consultant search to help promote your business!

$ CSTC Member Listserv

Office Depot has partnered with us to provide exclusive savings in-store and online, plus fantastic additional benefits. This program is all about providing preferred pricing to our clubs, and the savings extend to almost every item.

Savings include 20% to 55% off item office supply core list, 20% to 55% off retail on cleaning  & break room items, 10% off branded; 20% off private brand  ink & toner core list, Average 10% off  retail on 200 technology core items, Free next-day shipping on orders of $50 or more, and SIGNIFICANT savings on copy & print. Become a CSTC member to sign up for our Office Depot Small Business Savings Program, administered by Excelerate America.


We are a professional full-service tax advisory firm in San Diego. Our goal is to provide a level of service for our clients that will exceed expectations in every possible way. We strive to offer a diverse level of services to meet the needs of the diverse community we have been working in for more than 30 years.

TaxMama's® EA Exam Course prepares tax professionals to do so much more than just pass the IRS' Special Enrollment Examination. This is an in-depth course that teaches tax law from the ground up. It explains how tax returns work, with examples of basic 1040s, Schedule Cs, 1065s, 1120s, and 1120Ss; you learn tax law, tax research, client representation for audits, appeals and collections. 

 

If you are interested in buying or selling a practice, contact us today! ATB is operated by Enrolled Agents ensuring a complete understanding of our profession. Please give us a call at (855) 428-2225 or visit us online at www.ATBCAL.com for more information and to view our current listings.
CA DRE 02002824

 


CSTC Mission Statement

CSTC advances professionalism within the tax industry by:

  • Providing quality education
  • Creating networking opportunities
  • Advocating professional standards

 

From the President
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Renew. Refresh. Recommit. 

The alarm on my wrist went off at 5 am giving me 45 minutes to load my bike and gear, pick up Jacob, and get to the trailhead by 5:45. Paul and Jose joined us as we put on helmets and head lights and rode to the to the top of the hill for a fun morning of Mountain Biking. After racing down a short warm-up trail, we returned to the top of the hill again to conquer Circus Circus. Not the Las Vegas Casino, but a steep, technically challenging, and very exciting trail. It was just getting light and I led the charge down the narrow trail. Due to the low light conditions, I was taking things a little slower than I would in broad daylight. The challenge with going too slow, is that you might not have enough momentum to ride over an obstacle or clear a gap in the trail. The ride was going really well until I slowed too much on a very steep rock section we call “the Waterfall”. My weight was too far forward when the front wheel dropped into a dip in the trail sending me over the bars. In an instant I was at the bottom of the waterfall on my back with bike on top of me. Paul was following right behind me and after he figured out that I was OK, he laughed, and we completed the trail.

Paul’s conclusion about my crash: I needed to go faster down the waterfall section and trust my equipment. The result: I rode it again 30 minutes later and had an exciting and crash-less time.

What is motivation? What inspires you?

Motivation is the internal or external reason we take action on a task or activity. External motivation is typically a reward like money, fame, grades, praise, or acceptance. Internal motivation is driven by our innate psychological needs like competence, autonomy, and psychological relatedness. This means we like to feel we are good at something, are making a difference, and enjoy being self-directed and connected to others. For example, I am motivated to ride mountain bikes because the more I ride, the better I get and the more I enjoy riding. Even though I crash often, riding makes me feel better because it challenges me and helps keep me fit. When I am fit, I can keep up with my wife, kids, and grandkids. When I can keep up with my wife, kids, and grandkids, I feel more connected. When I feel more connected, I am motivated to ride more and harder so I can stay fit.

Motivation at work is similar. External motivation in the form of money rewards is great. For some people, fame, money, and praise is enough to keep them going, others rely more on internal motivation. Internal motivation comes in the form of competence, helping others, and making a difference in the world. For some, “doing good” is all the motivation they need to keep working. For others, more is needed. At the top of this piece, there is a picture of what continues to inspire me to keep going. My family and all the craziness and love that comes with it are my real inspiration. For others, inspiration comes in the form of a successful career, church, volunteer work, or partnerships.

Due to the Pandemic, it is easy to lose the motivation to work or play and do anything for that matter, but that is not how it is supposed to be. We have the right to pursue happiness and we need to engage in that pursuit. The pursuit of happiness is life in its purest form. With all the changes we have been through in 2020, it is easy to fall into the pit of despair, but on the other hand, it is a great time to look forward to new and different times ahead. My Father-In-Law Alan Dayley said that to live well we all need 3 things: 1 - someone to love, 2 - something to do, and 3 - something to look forward to.

Keeping in mind Alan Dayley’s “3 Things”, at the beginning of what is looking to be an epic new year, now is the time to figure out what motivates us in our pursuit of happiness and write down a few things we want to accomplish in 2021. Let me suggest how wonderful it is to volunteer your time to help others. CSTC has been successful largely because it is run by people who love to help others. It takes time to volunteer, but sharing your time with others and sharing what you know with others could be a great thing on your “pursuit of happiness” path. It is not necessary that you donate hours or days of your time, perhaps you could simply send out a greeting or note occasionally to cheer someone up.  But, if you have time to give, CSTC has things anyone can do to help.

As we look forward to 2021 and prepare for another tax season with social distancing, please make it a goal to contact your fellow CSTC members and members of the tax professional community. We are all in the same boat. We are all striving to be helpful to our clients and make their lives better. We are all struggling with the pain of social distancing and want to be together again. The time to be together physically will come eventually, and it will be a much better journey if we remember each other in the meantime.

Thank you for all you do for CSTC and for your wonderful clients!

Here’s to a fantastic 2021!

Your friend, Gary Quackenbush, CSTC President


Calendar of Events
January 2021

January 8, 2021

Topic: Partnership Taxes - Update for 2020
San Francisco Bay Chapter Virtual Meeting
2 Federal Law hours (Topics covering existing tax law)
2 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
Click here to learn more and register

January 9, 2021

Topic: Tax Year 2020 Workshop Federal & California (Two-Part Webinar)
Inland Empire Chapter Virtual Meeting.
6 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
2 California hours (Topics covering California law issues)
Continued on January 11, 2021

Click here to learn more and register

January 11, 2021

Topic: Tax Year 2020 Workshop Federal & California (Two-Part Webinar)
Inland Empire Chapter Virtual Meeting
6 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)

2 California hours (Topics covering California law issues)
Click here to learn more and register

January 13, 2021

Topic: Individual Tax Law Updates & Business Tax Law Updates (Two-Part Webinar)
Orange County Chapter Virtual Meeting
4 Federal Law hours (Topics covering existing tax law)
4 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
Continued on January 15, 2021

Click here to learn more and register

January 14, 2021

Topic: TBA
Sacramento Chapter Virtual Meeting
Hours TBA
Click here to learn more

January 15, 2021

Topic: Individual Tax Law Updates & Business Tax Law Updates (Two-Part Webinar)
Orange County Chapter Virtual Meeting
4 Federal Law hours (Topics covering existing tax law)
4 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
Click here to learn more and register

January 16, 2021

Topic: Federal & California Update
San Jose Chapter Virtual Meeting
2 California hours (Topics covering California law issues)
4 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
Click here to learn more and register

January 20, 2021

Topic: Paycheck Protection Program
San Jose Chapter Virtual Meeting
2 Federal Update hours (Topics covering new tax laws)
Click here to learn more and register

January 27, 2021

Topic: 2020 California Update
Wine Country Virtual Chapter Meeting
2 California Hours (Topics covering California law issues)
Click here to learn more and register

Click here to view the CSTC calendar.


Register TODAY for Running Start
ON-DEMAND Webinar

Not just theory...Real-life application! All the latest news about how the CARES Act, the SECURE Act, the Disaster Act, and other recent legislation impact federal and CA tax returns, including new forms explained line-by-line.

Things you'll learn...
· Complete coverage of IRS & CA forms
· Latest news about the CARES Act, SECURE Act, Families First Relief Act, Disaster Act, and more...
· Reconciliation of advance payment (rebates) to stimulus credit
· How does PPP discharge affect tax return? Are expenses paid with loan proceeds deductible?
· New forms with real-life examples to show you how to complete them
· Line-by-line calculations on new forms & worksheets
· CA adjustments calculated and illustrated on Form 540 Sch CA
· Case studies – Client documents to completed tax return
· Court cases, revenue rulings, and more...
· Worksheets, flowcharts, and checklists to help you keep it all straight
· 400+ page manual mailed to you
· Free FAST FACTS reference card!
· NEW Free CA nonconformity reference card!
· Information you can use in the REAL WORLD!

This on-demand webinar will allow you to take the class whenever it is convenient for you, either all at once or a little bit each day. Attendees who register before December 1 will not receive their materials until December 1. Attendees who register after that date will receive their login information within three business days of registration. Books will be mailed to the address on the registration form within 7 business days of purchasing the course.

Available until March 31, 2021

 


Welcome New CSTC Members!

Please help us in joining our newest CSTC Members!

Maria Alvarez
San Diego Chapter

Karen Amoruso
San Francisco Bay Chapter

Mher Arutunyan
Los Angeles Chapter


C Patrick Callahan
San Diego Chapter


Gary Capolino
Temecula Valley Chapter


Dennis Di Ricco
San Francisco Bay Chapter


Sharon Dupree
Los Angeles Chapter


Phuntsok Gaphel
San Francisco Bay Chapter


Brittany Guereca
San Gabriel Valley Chapter


Eric Lee
San Francisco Bay Chapter


Ruth Moran
San Gabriel Valley Chapter


Jose Neves
San Diego Chapter


Susan Olson
East County San Diego Chapter


John Ryan
San Francisco Bay Chapter


Marianne Sadler
Member-at-Large Chapter


Susan Tinel
San Diego Chapter


Legislative Advocacy

CSTC has been the leading Association in supporting legislation to provide protection for our profession, to support our profession, and to enhance our profession. CSTC continuously leads our industry through legislative advocacy, educational opportunities, and professional inclusion.

CSTC works closely with a Legislative Consultant to keep an eye on important bills that would affect taxpayers and small business owners.

Please click here to view the bills that CSTC is currently monitoring.


   

News from the IRS

Treasury and IRS begin delivering second round of Economic Impact Payments to millions of Americans

IR-2020-280, December 29, 2020 – Today, the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department will begin delivering a second round of Economic Impact Payments as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 to millions of Americans who received the first round of payments earlier this year.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2021

IR-2020-279, December 22, 2020 — The IRS today issued the 2021 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Year-end reminder: Expanded tax benefits help individuals and businesses give to charity during 2020

IR-2020-278, December 18, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today explained how expanded tax benefits can help both individuals and businesses give to charity before the end of this year.

Get Ready for Taxes: Stay home and stay safe with IRS online tools

IR-2020-277, December 16, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take necessary actions now to help file federal tax returns timely and accurately in 2021.

IRS: Volunteers needed for free tax prep help

IR-2020-276, December 11, 2020 — Safety and social distancing, along with virtual options, will be the emphasis now and for the upcoming tax season as the Internal Revenue Service seeks volunteers to provide free tax return preparation through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Treasury and IRS issue final regulations on the deduction for qualified transportation fringe and commuting expenses

IR-2020-275, December 9, 2020 — The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations on the deduction for qualified transportation fringe and commuting expenses following changes made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

IRS has begun sending letters to taxpayers that may need to take action related to Qualified Opportunity Funds

IR-2020-274, December 9, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service has started sending letters to taxpayers that may need to take additional actions related to Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOF).

IRS provides guidance on legislation that increases automatic enrollment cap percentage and eases burdens for certain safe harbor plans

IR-2020-273, December 9, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today issued Notice 2020-86 addressing certain provisions of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act) affecting safe harbor plans, including safe harbor 401(k) plans and certain 403(b) plans.

Get Ready for Taxes: What’s new and what to consider when filing in 2021

IR-2020-272, December 8, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take necessary actions in the final weeks of the year to help file federal tax returns timely and accurately in 2021.

National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 5: Security Summit alerts tax professionals to potential telework scams during COVID-19, urges all practitioners to use multi-factor authentication

IR-2020-271, December 4, 2020 — The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry marked the final day of National Tax Security Awareness Week with a warning to all tax professionals that they face additional challenges from cybercriminals seeking to exploit COVID-19 fears.

Interest rates remain the same for the first quarter of 2021

IR-2020-270, December 3, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today announced that interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning January 1, 2021.

IRS to employers: Remember February 1, 2021 deadline for Form W-2, other wage statements

IR-2020-269, December 3, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded employers that they must file Form W-2 and other wage statements by February 1, 2021, to avoid penalties and help the IRS prevent fraud.

National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 4: Security Summit urges businesses to tighten security, offers new protections against identity theft

IR-2020-268, December 3, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged businesses to be on guard as thieves try to use their stolen names and data to file fraudulent tax returns.

National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 3: IRS expands Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program to taxpayers nationwide

IR-2020-267, December 2, 2020 — As part of the Security Summit effort, the Internal Revenue Service announced today that starting in January the Identity Protection PIN Opt-In Program will be expanded to all taxpayers who can properly verify their identities.

IRS National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 2: 2021 online tax preparation products to offer multi-factor authentication for taxpayers, tax pros

IR-2020-266, December 1, 2020 — The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry today marked the second day of National Tax Security Awareness Week by announcing an improved feature that will be available on all 2021 online tax preparation products.

News Release and Fact Sheet Archive

Find an archive of news releases and fact sheets from November 2002 and news releases and a listing of fact sheets from 1997.

Click here for more information fro the IRS

Join the California Society of Tax Consultants!

Click here to fill out an online application.

CSTC advances professionalism within the tax industry by:

  • Providing quality education
  • Creating networking opportunities
  • Advocating professional standards

California Society of Tax Consultants | 320 Pine Ave, Suite #1050, Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone (949) 715-4192 | [email protected]