CPE Catalog & Events

Minimizing estate and gift tax penalties is important for preserving wealth and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Beth Kaufman and Melissa Wiley, Partners with Lowenstein Sandler in Washington DC, join this segment to discuss best practices and compliance strategies with respect to estate and gift taxes. This includes discussion of reasonable cause and willful neglect, building a persuasive case for reliance on tax professionals, and understanding penalties for appraisers under IRC Section 6695A. They also discuss strategies to manage late filing and payment penalties, how to leverage the Internal Revenue Manual for penalty abatement/reasonable cause statements, and considerations when applying first-time abatement (FTA).

Self-improvement and the ability to motivate others is a cornerstone of great leadership. Learn about the importance of good feedback, recognition and rewards; explore the need to lead authentically by getting past simple labels to understand people as unique individuals; and understand the role of status differentials and how leaders must break down perceived communication barriers. The webcast was originally broadcast on May 30, 2013. Note: There is a minimum passing rate of 70% for this course.

Accountants advising clients with valuable art collections must navigate the complexities of the evolving art market to optimize financial outcomes, ensure proper estate planning, and mitigate risks. Wendy Battleson, Private Banker at Bank of America, explains key strategies for managing art assets, focusing on the importance of provenance and clear title, effective use of auction guarantees, and leveraging art collections to minimize capital gains taxes through mechanisms like step-up in basis. She also emphasizes the critical role of open communication between accountants and clients about art assets, addressing the unregulated nature of the art market, and the necessity of proper documentation and appraisal to safeguard investments.

Providing a practical overview of the IRS Power of Attorney, Form 2848, and IRS Tax Information Authorization, Form 8821. Participants will explore the differences between these forms, understand when each is required, and how to comply with IRS requirements for representing clients and accessing their tax information. The course will cover practical issues, ethical considerations, and best practices for managing client authorizations through the IRS Centralized Authorization File (CAF) system.

This course is designed for tax professionals seeking to understand and navigate the IRS collection process effectively. Participants will gain indepth knowledge of the various collection methods employed by the IRS, including liens, levies and wage garnishments. Additionall, participants will leand strategies to avoid or halt collection actions and the implications of the statute of limitations on tax collection.

Participants will learn how to interpret the most common IRS correspondence, adhere to response deadlines, and effectively communicate with the IRS to resolve issues and minimize risks. It provides professionals with knowledge and strategies needed to handle the most common notices including audit requests, collections & return inquiries as well as error notices. Focusing on best practices to ensure compliance and avoiding penalties or escalation.

Understanding Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET), Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT), and Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) tax is important for identifying strategies to minimize tax liabilities for owners and partners of pass-through entities. David Kirk, Tax Partner and leader of the Private Tax Group of Ernst & Young LLP's National Tax Department, joins this segment to discuss key tax issues for PTEs and explains the differences between credit and corporate taxation models for PTET, state-specific rules, and the impact of default elections. This includes discussion of how pro rata allocation affects deductions and credits, potential S Corporation status issues, and the role of grantor trusts.

The construction industry faces unique challenges when adapting to changes in tax laws. This session will explore recent federal and California tax developments, including the Inflation Reduction Act's green construction incentives, bonus depreciation updates, and key changes affecting the Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A). We'll also examine strategies for tax credit maximization and proactive tax planning tailored to the commercial construction sector.  This session was recorded on March 25, 2025 for CalCPA's Construction Management Conference.

The final step in a tax controversy is Tax Court. Over 70% of all Tax Court cases are filed by taxpayers representing themselves. Most of these "pro se" taxpayers have a non-lawyer assisting them. There can be significant advantages to filing a Tax Court case to resolve a dispute. This class will explore these strategic uses of the Tax Court process and provide a basic understanding of navigating your client through the case.

Today's competitive environment requires CPAs to be strong negotiators. This course will teach you to ask for the business and close the deal. Topics emphasize negotiation skill-building, effective communication, telephone techniques, and the negotiation "process." It also covers the importance of the "human" side of negotiations, including "empathy," "ego," and "needs."  The webinar was originally broadcast on April 21, 2017. Resource update: March, 2026.

This course discusses accounting for the net assets of NFPs.

Stay up to date on key federal and California tax changes shaping today's family law landscape. This session highlights recent income and reporting updates, California tax considerations for alimony, and a practical refresher on Family Code § 4055, with insights into how these developments impact divorce and support matters. The topics covered include the One Big Beautiful Bill income changes, the Secure 2.0 Act, California taxes related to alimony, the 1099 threshold changes, and a refresher on Family Code § 4055. This session was recorded on February 12, 2026 for CalCPA's Tax Issues in Divorce Mini-Conference.

The third in a four-part series takes a deeper dive into the keys to becoming an effective leader. You'll understand the components of self-awareness—understanding who you are, how others perceive you, and how to course-correct when necessary. We'll also cover the ability to effectively communicate and influence others, how to drive achievement and results and learn about the willingness and the ability to develop others.

Second in a four-part series, take a deeper dive into the keys to becoming an effective leader. Understand the components of self-awareness—understanding who you are, how others perceive you and how to course-correct when necessary. Cover the ability to effectively communicate and influence others. To drive achievement and results. Learn about the willingness and the ability to develop others. Identify your reactive leadership tendencies and how they show up, especially under pressure. Recognize what is driving your desire to be liked and where you're giving away your power. Learn the importance of building trust and relationships with team members and develop tools to get started. Learn steps to gain influence with your team to generate results.

Fourth in a four-part series, take a deeper dive into the keys to becoming an effective leader. Understand the components of self-awareness—knowing who you are, how others perceive you, and course-correct when necessary. Cover the ability to effectively communicate and influence others, to drive achievement and results. Learn about the willingness and the ability to develop others. Understand the basics of employee engagement. Identify what gets in your way when it comes to Delegation. Learn the four steps to using delegation as a development and engagement tool. Learn how to effectively provide feedback, both formally and informally.

Organizations try to stay successful in the expansion of operations. To do this, business models must adapt as part of the business growth strategy. In this course, you will learn how to use Porter's diamond models to analyze global growth strategies and select the best action plan to implement them.

Customer Service is moving to Customer Experience, and modern firms must keep up with their clients, or fail at sustainability. Learn to compete when will be measured by value, contribution, impact and sustainability.

First-time supervisors face unique challenges as they transition to management. This course will give new supervisors, managers, and leaders the skills and understanding needed to successfully navigate the transition.

Good performers can become bad performers, and bad performers get comfortable and stay. This presentation is a fast-paced look at some clever and aggressive new engagement and retention processes that are both effective and legally compliant, mixing fr

Most "Generational" discussions focus on the differences of discrete groups within our population, and the result can be somewhat divisive, learn to focus on communication methods to bridge the gaps.