Date: Wednesday, Jan. 26
Speakers: Donald H. Read, Esq.; Michael T. Carolla, Leslie O. Dawson , CPA/ABV CVA; Beverly Brautigam , CPA, MBA; Hal D. Bartholomew, Esq. JD, CFLS; Eileen Preville, Esq., Mary Kay A. Foss, CPA; and Art Grater.
Register online.

Well, we do—and the application deadline—Sept. 30—is fast approaching.

For criteria regarding both scholarships and to download the application, visit our website.

The award is a memorial to LeVerne W. Garcia, who contributed extensively to the profession, including serving as chapter president and secretary of the California Board of Accountancy. Garcia also participated in numerous civic and professional organizations and was the first recipient of CalCPA’s Distinguished Service Award.

The winner will be recognized at the chapter’s Honorees Night in January. The nomination deadline is Oct. 15. Download the form today.

Washington, the nation, and the cable news outlets continue the buzz about the fate of the Bush tax cuts. Hey folks, they are everybody’s tax cuts. Bush seemingly left office a long time ago.

A client pointed out that tax professionals are in a no-lose situation. If the cuts go away, then tax advice will be at yet a greater premium; if cuts are re-affirmed for 2011 and beyond, tax-paying CPAs can enjoy a somewhat higher after-tax income.

Obviously, the client is an optimist. Or a tea drinker.

Hopefully, the cuts will be restored—or even enhanced. This economy needs funds out of government coffers and in hands of private citizens. By the way, in my 25-plus years dealing with taxpayers of all political stripes, I can tell you that even the most ardent progressive hates paying taxes.

Now, for some save the date events:

• Don’t forget ABC Night Sept. 28 at Scott’s Walnut Creek. Our board meeting will precede the festivities.
• Also, mark Oct. 26 for Sports Night, which will be preceded by a board meeting. Check future bulletins for more details. We will be lining up a speaker to talk about the local sports scene.
• Our 15th Annual Advanced Estate Planning Symposium will take place Nov. 2 at Round Hill Country Club.

One last note: If you are interested in being a chapter board member or if you have nominees to be considered, contact Nominating Committee chair Michele Day or chapter program associate Soco Davenport by Sept. 17. The committee will select a slate of candidates in September that will then be presented to the board of directors at its Oct. 26 meeting. The approved slate will be published in the December Bulletin and call for nominations from the membership will be made at that time in preparation for the ballot in January.

Apply today. Application deadline is Sept. 1.

Some helpful tips before taking the survey include:

• The following reports are needed to complete the survey: accrual basis balance sheet, profit & loss statement ending Dec. 31, 2009 (two-year comparative); payroll reports by employee (gross wages, hours worked); A/R aging report; partner draw/salary information; from billing system (hours & fees)—billing by service code; employee analysis by service code; and employee analysis of billable/non-billable hours and fees.
• Keep copies of all your supporting documents to refer to for future surveys.
• Set up memorized reports now, so they are available for future surveys.

If your firm is not yet a PCPS member, you can join for $35 per CPA (maximum $700). Nonmembers can purchase results reports for $300 (survey participants receive a $100 discount; AICPA members receive an additional $100 discount.)

The survey closes Friday, Aug. 13.

For more information, go online.

Golf is so popular simply because it is the best game in the world at which to be bad. — A.A. Milne

Date: Sept. 21
Download a registration flier. [PDF]

A planning meeting for future East Bay Not-for-Profit Committee meetings will follow the meeting. If you can’t attend the first meeting, but have ideas for future meeting and speakers, please contact committee chair Tammy Sugihara.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 23

Register online.

Date: Sept. 28
Register online.