Contributing to Effective Issues Advocacy

By Emily Webb

Your membership dues and your investment in the ASCPA PAC help fund the important work the ASCPA advocacy team does to protect the CPA credential, advance the profession and advocate for sound policy in Arizona. In tandem, CPA volunteers contribute their professional expertise as guidance on issues that matter and dedicate their time to helping us develop relationships with legislators. All of these contributions, combined with the support of the best lobbyists, put our priorities into action.

2024 Legislative Wins

The ASCPA had a successful legislative session on behalf of Arizona CPAs. No matter the year or the issue, the ASCPA has your back at the Legislature.

Third Annual Tax Conformity Debrief

In December, newly elected and incumbent legislators heard from Arizona CPAs about changes made to the Internal Revenue Code. This event reiterated the importance of income tax conformity and encouraged lawmakers to get the ball rolling early. Income tax conformity legislation (HB 2379) was the seventh bill signed by Governor Hobbs on Mar. 18 after Senate President Warren Petersen expedited the bill through the House.

Tax Payment Parity

The ASCPA led the legislative effort to create parity between tax payments via snail mail and electronic funds transfer (EFT). Prior to HB 2875, state statute allows snail mail payments to be accepted on the date of the post mark where EFT payments needed to process before the bill was considered paid. HB 2875 included language that would allow the Arizona Department of Revenue to accept an EFT payment upon initiation of the transfer, like the postmark on a mailed payment. This created efficiency in statute and will save taxpayers money.

CPA Day at the Capitol

The third annual CPA Day at the Capitol was held in February. In addition to building a stronger connection between state policymakers and the ASCPA, attendees advocated for early income tax conformity, maintaining the gold standard of licensure mobility and reciprocity, and a willingness to engage as nonpartisan resources to legislators.

Engaging Stakeholders

The ASCPA Tax Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) worked with various stakeholders this session to provide insight on bill language. The TLRC worked with the Financial Planning Association (FPA) to address a conflict in statute  that would not allow taxpayers to use retirement distribution accounts to make tax payments. Not only did the TLRC meet with the FPA to add an amendment, but also with the ADOR and the bill sponsor, Sen. J.D. Mesnard. This is an example of how the ASCPA has enhanced the organization’s standing, its advocacy program and volunteers with state policymakers. Legislators on both sides of the aisle seek feedback and review from the ASCPA and our expert members on tax legislation.

Thank you to the volunteers of the ASCPA’s Tax Legislation Review Committee, who serve Arizona and the profession by providing nonpartisan technical expertise on all tax legislation: James Busby, Gary Williams, David Walser, Ed Zollars, Michael Lemme, Chris Hallstrom, Elizabeth Dennis, Michael Martin and Caron Mitchell.

Emily Webb is the director of government relations at the Arizona Society of CPAs. You can contact her at ewebb@ascpa.com.