Transcription
Checkpoint Guidance andLearning SolutionsFeaturing Gear Up seminars and year-end CPE solutionsPPC RIA WG&L QUICKFINDER CHECKPOINT LEARNING HOT TOPICS4Non-Technical SkillsTake the Spotlight44Crucial Organizer Tipsfor Avoiding Trouble58Focus on year-end tax planningand CPE solutions.WINTER 2017 TAX.TR.COM/WINTERCATALOGWhat Story Does YourAudit Documentation Tell?
CONTENTS2HOT TOPICS4Non-Technical Skills Take the Spotlight4458What Story Does Your AuditDocumentation Tell?Crucial Organizer Tips forAvoiding TroubleDIRECTORYLEARNING: SUBSCRIPTIONS67LEARNING: CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS8– 1742424242424242Premier Plus CPE PackageCPE Subscription PackagesLEARNING: GEAR UP911146–72017 ConferencesSeminars and Self-Study2017 Seminar ScheduleLEARNING: AUDITWATCH18 – 2219 AuditWatch University21 Revenue Recognition and A&A Training22 TaxWatch UniversityLEARNING: ONLINE23 – 3723 Virtual Conferences27 Webinars30 Online CoursesLEARNING: SELF-STUDY393939394141Video subscriptionsCombo packagestax.tr.com/wintercatalog 800.431.902544 – 57ResearchReturn PreparationHealth Care ReformIndividual Tax and Financial PlanningIRS Practice and ProceduresBusiness TaxationNews and Current AwarenessGUIDANCE: ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING38 – 39PPC Self-Study CoursesQuickfinder Self-Study CoursesRIA Federal Tax Review Self-Study CoursesCheckpoint Learning Print-Based Self-Study CoursesLEARNING: CPE NETWORKCompilation and Review Certificate Program NEWForensic Accounting Certificate ProgramRetirement Planning Certificate ProgramSmall Business Start-Up Certificate Program NEWTangible Property Certificate ProgramTax Fundamentals Certificate ProgramTax Research Certificate ProgramGUIDANCE: TAX4647525355565740 – 4160626364656658 – 67Audit and AttestCompilation and ReviewGovernment and NonprofitAccounting and Financial ReportingCheckpoint Tools — PPC’s SMART Practice AidsCheckpoint Tools — PPC’s Practice AidsTMTHOMSON REUTERS7070717142 – 43Ordering InformationAbout Thomson ReutersGuidance ProductsCPE Accreditation70 – 71
CONTENTS3Focus on year-end tax planning and CPE requirements.WHAT’S NEW25252635353542424646464664Governmental Accounting and Auditing Virtual ConferencePPC’s SMART Practice Aids Virtual User Conference2017 Year-End Mega-Conference for Practitioners2017 Corporate Tax Update2017 Individual Tax Update2017 Specialized Tax UpdateCompilation and Review Certificate ProgramSmall Business Start-Up Certificate ProgramRIA Complete Internal Revenue Code, Winter 2018 EditionRIA Federal Tax Handbook, 2018 EditionRIA Federal Tax Regulations, Winter 2018 EditionRIA Guide to Sales and Use Taxes, 2018 EditionPPC’s Guide to Revenue RecognitionORDER ONLINE AND YOUMAY WIN ONE OF FIVEAPPLE WATCHES*Use offer code CATALOG117 with any online order byDecember 31, 2017, and you’ll be entered for a chance towin one of five Series 3 Apple Watches with GPS Cellularenabled. Complete details at tax.tr.com/wintercatalog.Introducing Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular. Now you havethe freedom to go with just your watch. Answer a call from yoursurfboard. Ask Siri to send a message. Stream your favoritesongs on your run. And do it all while leaving your phonebehind.YEAR-END 6062Gear Up Royal Flush CPE Conference (Dec. 4-9)Gear Up Magic Week CPE Conference (Dec. 12-16)Revenue Recognition Virtual Conference (Dec. 5-6)PPC SMART Practice Aids Virtual User Conference (Dec. 7-8)Year-End Mega-Conference (Nov. 20-21, Dec. 13-14)Checkpoint Learning Webinars in NovemberCheckpoint Learning Webinars in DecemberCheckpoint Learning Online CoursesPPC Guide-Based Self-Study with Online GradingRIA Complete Internal Revenue Code, Winter 2018 EditionRIA Federal Tax Handbook, 2018 EditionRIA Federal Tax Regulations, Winter 2018 EditionPremium Quickfinder Handbook1040 Quickfinder HandbookSmall Business Quickfinder HandbookDepreciation Quickfinder HandbookAll States Quickfinder HandbookHealth Care Reform Quickfinder HandbookPPC’s Guide to Health Care ReformCheckpoint IRS Response LibraryQuickfinder Tax Tips NewsletterPPC’s Guide to Audits of Nonpublic CompaniesPPC’s Guide to Compilation and Review Engagementstax.tr.com/wintercatalog 800.431.9025* Enter for a chance to win byplacing your online order ateither tax.tr.com or cl.tr.comof any available products (notlimited to products shown incatalog). Enter promotion codeCATALOG117 at check-out. Offerexpires December 31, 2017 andcannot be applied to priorpurchases. Apple is not aparticipant in or sponsor of thispromotion. Apple is a trademarkof Apple Inc., registered in theU.S. and other countries.Look for subscription and quantity savings opportunitiesthroughout the catalog!CHECKPOINT LEARNING PREMIER AND PREMIER PLUSLook for the orange star icon for information on productsthat are included with the Checkpoint Learning Premier Plusand Premier CPE Packages and on discounts available tosubscribers.QUANTITY DISCOUNTLook for this icon to highlight quantity savings offers onCheckpoint Learning webinars and self-study courses based onPPC Guides.
Non-Technical Skills Take the SpotlightBuilding a successful Curriculum PlanIn today’s evolving and dynamic market, it is perhaps more important than ever for firms to invest in and establish alearning vision. Firms that don’t have or communicate a learning vision and curriculum plan risk losing talented staffand falling short of the competition.”It is almost impossible to compete for talent today without a having a learning strategy, without having a learningvision,” said Varner. ” I think it is probably one of the more critical things today for a firm to consider.”Unfortunately, some firms fall victim to the mindset that if they invest in training and professional development, thoseassociates may then leave the company and use their skills elsewhere. It is no secret that as professional staff gainmore experience, opportunities become more prevalent. Research has shown that for two- to five-year experiencedstaff, 5.2 people leave voluntarily for every one who is let go. For the six- to 10-year group, the number climbs to 5.5professionals leaving for every one that is terminated, according to the 2016 AICPA PCPS/CPA.com National MAPSurvey. Industry sources, however, warn against taking a shortsighted view of learning.”A lot of times when associates leave, they go work for potential clients. So, you want to treat them right because thenyou have a potential client you might cross paths with again. Or they might go work with a client you already have. Inthat case, you want somebody competent to be working for that client,” said Shawn O’Brien, senior consultant andbusiness development with AuditWatch. ”The bigger issue is that sometimes employers think, ’Well, I’m going to investin training and then my associates are going to leave.’ Well, the problem with this thinking is, if you don’t invest in thetraining, what if they stay?”Developing a successful curriculum plan is no small feat, but it might not be quite as overwhelming as you think.According to O’Brien, breaking it down into phases may prove helpful.
LEARNING5PHASE I: Go Backward First.Firms, regardless of size, should take a historical look at what they’ve done in terms of learning/education within thepast two or three years — the courses professionals (from associates to partners) have completed and where they haveobtained their hours. Are these hours adding value? Are these hours being used on the job? How much return is the firmgetting for this investment of time and dollars?”I think you connect your training policies with your quality control policies and how they relate to continuing educationand, ultimately, what you’ve spent on it,” O’Brien said.”As an example, I’ve seen firms that may send a number of people to the same conference. Conferences are good; they aregreat for networking, but did the firm need to put all their eggs in one basket? Or could they have sent them to five different[conferences] for the same spend and part of what the attendees bring back is knowledge sharing across the firm?”PHASE II: What Do Associates Need?”Where I think firms don’t always make the connection is what courses have been taken or what courses should betaken compared with the competencies needed for each level within a firm” O’Brien said.A great way to determine if associates are obtaining the proper training to effectively do their job is to simply ask them.For example, does your firm have an associate who is well-versed in audit but is also expected to be a tax expert despitenever having done taxes or taken a tax course? Firms may want to consider using online survey tools or incorporatingsuch a discussion into the annual evaluation process to ensure they have input from team members at every level.PHASE III: Develop a Learning Plan.This can be achieved through the proactive work of a learning and development director or a team within the firm.Working with associates, through evaluations and mentoring, firms can develop personalized, multi-year growth plansfor associates.”What is current state? Start with the creation of a needs assessment and then figure out howto fill those gaps between the needs and the current training offered. To me, that’s the flow of how I create a curriculumplan,” said O’Brien. ”And then, after that, I think it just takes some proactive work — by a learning development directoror whether it is somebody who is assigned to it as an audit person or a tax person — to work through an evaluationprocess, through mentoring. This is how we are going to lay out your next 12 months.”As mentioned earlier, technology is paving the way for a variety of delivery formats. In addition to the traditional liveseminars and conferences, in-house training and print-based courses, professionals today can also leverage online andmobile courses and webinars. For many firms, it makes sense to take a blended learning approach, which is one wheremore than one learning format is used, given the flexibility it can provide.Technology is enabling training solution providers for tax and accounting professionals to offeran array of products and delivery formats to appeal to everyone, regardless of one’s preferred learning method.Checkpoint Learning from the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters offers hundreds of online CPE courses,nationwide seminars and week-long conferences, customized in-house seminars, group study and self-study programsavailable both online and in print.”Checkpoint Learning is like going to a Brazilian steakhouse, where you flip the card and you put the arrow up whenyou’re ready for more meat. There are a ton of different courses and delivery options, and you make the decisions onwhat is going to work best for your professionals and your firm” O’Brien said.— Excerpted from Creating a Learning Vision for Your Firm. Download the full free white paper at: or-your-firm
8LEARNING: GEAR UPGear UpCONFERENCES SEMINARS SELF-STUDY COURSESGear Up has more than 45 years of experience providing nationwideseminars, destination conferences and self-study courses. Our speakers andauthors are leading tax and accounting practitioners who provide insightfulapplication of tax and accounting information. Full-day seminar attendees receive beverage and breakfast pastries, lunch, breakrefreshments and comprehensive manual. Week-long CPE conferences combine work and play, enabling attendees to earn40 – 48 CPE credits in exciting locations. Most self-study courses are available in print format with optional video and audiopresentations. Manuals for our flagship 1040 and Business Entities courses are now available forfree on ProView eReader with qualifying self-study purchase or Gear Up seminarregistration at a Thomson Reuters-sponsored event.tax.tr.com/wintercatalog 800.231.1860PREMIER AND PREMIERPLUS SAVINGS ONPAGES 9 – 17Subscription packages include 40%off regular price of self-sponsoredGear Up events. Combined GearUp/AuditWatch annual max: 24 hrsPremier, 40 hrs Premier Plus.No expiration. Details on page 7.
LEARNING: GEAR UP — SEMINARS AND SELF-STUDYACCOUNTINGACCOUNTING BASIC16 CPE CREDITS (TWO DAYS)8 CPE CREDITS (ONE DAY)The 2017 Gear Up accounting course is designed to givepractitioners the information they need to provide audit, review,compilation and preparation engagements for small andmidsized companies. This course is more than just an updateand covers a wide variety of topics including core conceptsrelated to financial reporting and accounting and review services,in addition to critical updates to professional standards. Thiscourse also features many exhibits, examples and other practicaltakeaways to help you implement the content presented. 2017topics include SSARS 21 implementation and newer SSARSstandards 22 and 23 review, core concepts in financial statementpresentation and disclosure, practice management and qualitycontrol issues, specialized practice areas (divorce engagements,personal financial statements and industry-specific risks andconsiderations) and special considerations in performing auditsand reviews including using and improving analytical proceduresand understanding fraud risks. This course is also available ina one-day version that addresses many of the two-day topics inlesser depth.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.Accounting Self-Study Course (One-Day)Format: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 8Price: 149Available NowAccounting Self-Study Course (Two-Day)Format: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 16Price: 239Available NowSupplemental Materials Available: See cl.tr.com for additional print, audio orvideo options.PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENTBUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATION BASICMake more, work less and have fun doing it! We’ll teach you the 10secrets to a successful tax and accounting practice. Learn how todevelop relationships with clients and your team and build a firmthat has value whether you decide to continue working or sell.A CD with interactive forms that will help your office to work moreeffectively and efficiently and a step-by-step reference manualare included and available for sale individually.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.Supplemental Materials Available: See cl.tr.com for additional print, audio orvideo options.tax.tr.com/wintercatalog 800.231.186011TECHNOLOGY 3.1: THE NEXT STEP IN MAKING YOURPRACTICE TECHNOLOGICALLY SAVVYCOMPUTER SCIENCE BASIC8 CPE CREDITS (ONE DAY)4 CPE CREDITS (HALF DAY)Now, more than ever, we face serious technology issues in taxand accounting. This course helps the busy practitioner use thebest new technology in their practice and demonstrates practicalreal-world solutions to solve practice issues. We’ll cover identitytheft and cyber-attacks, data security, Windows 10 (how and whento switch plus security tweaks and performance enhancements),using the cloud to multiply your efficiency and effectiveness,BYOD (using smart phones, tablets and ultra-book in yourpractice), optimizing electronic documents and workpapers in themodern accounting and tax practice, the newest apps and utilitysoftware that can make life easier in the office, security includingremote access and backing up data and floware.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.Technology 3.1 Self-Study CourseFormat: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 8Price: 149Available NowSupplemental Materials Available: See cl.tr.com for additional print, audio orvideo optionsETHICS FOR THE TAX PROFESSIONALREGULATORY ETHICS BASIC2 CPE CREDITS (TWO HOURS)Circular 230 prescribes and proscribes our behavior beforethe IRS. These rules enable us to conduct our business whilesimultaneously assisting our clients and remaining within therules of proper practice. By studying Circular 230 and payingattention to recent and historical enforcement actions, we willbe able to work efficiently and effectively while staying out ofthe headlines. Learn about the new director of the Office ofProfessional Responsibility, Stephen Whitlock, and the continuingfallout from the Loving court case. In this interactive course, theentire class shares their experience working with the IRS andhelping clients. Come join the discussion!In many states, this course qualifies for CPA ethics. Pleasedetermine with your local licensing agency if this qualifies in yourstate. Not applicable in California for CPA requirements.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43Ethics for the Tax Professional Self-Study CourseFormat: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 2Price: 59Available November 2017
12LEARNING: GEAR UP — SEMINARS AND SELF-STUDY1040 INDIVIDUAL TAXBUSINESS ENTITIESTAXATION BASIC16 CPE CREDITS (TWO DAYS)TAXATION BASIC16 CPE CREDITS (TWO DAYS)8 CPE CREDITS (ONE DAY)This comprehensive course covers key tax issues for completingcomplicated individual returns. All topics include coverage of newlegislation, new cases, revenue rulings and procedures to helpthe busy practitioner stay current. Speakers are all practicingpreparers who share practical tips to help you get ready for thistax season. Some of the hot topics we cover include why AGImatters, resolving ID theft problems, using exceptions for healthinsurance penalties, updates on SE tax for LLC and LLP members,using a QSEHRA in a small business and reporting in specialindustries including shared economy businesses and marijuanadispensaries. Tax planning tips have been added to manysubjects.CTEC Members: The Gear Up 1040 self-sponsored seminar doesnot award CTEC Federal Tax Update credits. A three-hour webinar(no exam) will be held December 18, 2017, which satisfies thethree hour Federal Tax Update CTEC requirement. Purchase anyGear Up self-sponsored 1040 seminar and qualify for the freewebinar. Webinar invitations will be sent via email in November.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.1040 Self-Study CourseFormat: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 16Price: 239Available December 2017Supplemental Materials Available: See website for additional print, audio orvideo options.The 2017 Business Entities seminar focuses on the latest taxstrategies for small business. This year’s course covers an array ofchanges related to the recent PATH and Surface TransportationReauthorization Act. Besides a complete analysis of variousforms of business entities, this year’s course will cover changes inreturn and extension deadlines, maximizing depreciation benefitsunder recent regulations, understanding the new variationin partnership interest rules, understanding IRS reasonablecompensation calculations and a myriad of other business issues.This course is also available in a one-day version that addressesmany of the two-day topics in lesser depth.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.Business Entities Self-Study Course (One-Day)Format: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 8Price: 149Available November 2017Business Entities Self-Study Course (Two-Day)Format: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 16Price: 239Available November 2017Supplemental Materials Available: See website for additional print, audio orvideo options.CALIFORNIA TAX UPDATETAXATION UPDATE5 CPE CREDITS (HALF DAY)1040 AND BUSINESS ENTITIESPROVIEW EBOOK MANUALSNow available free with seminar* or self-study purchase!Travel light with this electronic format, accessible on yourtablet, smart phone or computer. You can take notes andmake highlights as you would with a printed manual, andthey will be saved no matter where you next access yourProView manual. Internet service required only to download— after that, use your ProView manual anytime, anywhere.Please call 800.231.1860 to order your copy.* Thomson Reuters-sponsored seminars only; does not apply tosociety-sponsored events. See pages 38 – 43.California has many of the highest tax rates in the country,making it critical to plan accordingly. We review California taxlaw updates and how the many changes in federal tax law haveimpacted California tax returns. Topics will include the court’sdecision on Proposition 8, changes on reporting use tax on outof-state purchases, major sales tax issues, mortgage forgivenessdebt relief repercussions to Californians, high-income tax rates,California property tax issues, deducting property tax, the impactthe hero program may have on current and future law, residentstatus, non-resident tax returns, timing of income in relationto moving out of state prior to selling a business, the issue of”nexus,” Proposition 30, state health exchanges, other impactsof health care reform on California tax returns and recognizingincome from an out-of-state K-1.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.California Tax Self-Study CourseFormat: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 5Price: 99Available December 2017Supplemental Materials Available: See website for additional print, audio orvideo options.tax.tr.com/wintercatalog 800.231.1860
LEARNING: GEAR UP — SEMINARS AND SELF-STUDY 13ESTATES AND TRUSTSTAXATION BASIC8 CPE CREDITS (ONE DAY)This is a two-pronged course designed to get you started inthe practice of estates and trusts and is a great update for theexperienced tax professional, covering all major developmentssince 2011. The morning session covers estate and trustterminology, fiduciary income taxation, trust accounting principlesand a comprehensive explanation of income distributiondeduction. In the afternoon, Form 706 is examined in detail. Themany changes enacted since 2011 are reviewed with particularemphasis on portability (with detailed examples) and coverage ofthe new consistency reporting requirements. The ”What’s New”chapter has been completely updated with recent rulings andinteresting new cases. Post-mortem elections, including alternatevaluation date and disclaimers, are discussed as these areas areof particular interest to the tax preparer.Live Seminars: See pages 38 – 43.Estates and Trusts Self-Study CourseFormat: Print-Based Manual and ExamCPE Credits: 10 (Self-Study Only)Price: 149Available November 2017Supplemental Materials Available: See website for additional print, audio orvideo options.IRS AUDITS, APPEALS AND COLLECTIONS:SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIESTAXATION BASIC8 CPE CREDITS (ONE DAY)As staffing at the IRS becomes more stressed, understandinghow to navigate the IRS can save the practitioner time that cantranslate to more effective and profitable representation of yourclient before the IRS. Audits have become more difficult withthe increasing reliance on correspondence exams. Notices areat an all-time high as the IRS kicks their computers into highgear trying to encourage compliance from taxpayers. Duringthis time, knowing how to effectively communicate with theIRS, presenting your response in a manner that the IRS expectsand understanding IRS timelines has grown in importance.The IRS continues to present opportunities to taxpayers whohave fallen out of compliance with programs such as theEXPANDED Streamlined Installment Program, offering moretaxpayers the opportunity to voluntarily reclassify workers (VCSP)as employees with a much lower cost, removing liens fromtaxpayer credit records and providing expanded tolerances forthe Offer in Compromise Program. Come away with confidencein your understanding of audits, appeals, penalty ab
25 PPC SMART Practice Aids Virtual User Conference (Dec. 7-8) 26 Year-End Mega-Conference (Nov. 20-21, Dec. 13-14) 28 Checkpoint Learning Webinars in November 29 Checkpoint Learning Webinars in December 31 Checkpoint Learning Online Courses 39 PPC Guide-Based Self-Study with Online Grading 46 RIA Complete Internal Revenue Code, Winter 2018 Edition
