John H. Higgins 2004-2005 MACPA Chair of the Board

In the midst of another tax season and the growing debate over SBT, Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote rings louder than ever: “In the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes.”

Another certainty, from my perspective as chair of the MACPA, is that our members – from private industry, public accounting, government and education – are an amazing resource and are always willing to provide their expertise for the public good, regardless of what “season” it is.

A number of articles in Leaders’ Edge illustrate my point.

First, our cover story
on the Governor’s proposed changes to the Single Business
Tax (SBT). As rumors of SBT changes circulated, our State and Local Tax Task Force launched a CPA version of a “special forces team” – they created a subcommittee to develop a financial model that could be used to analyze proposed SBT changes.

The purpose was not to become embroiled in the politics of tax changes or to campaign on behalf of any special interest group. Rather, they took the stance that CPAs could provide objective analyses and unbiased review of the ramifications of potential changes to the SBT.

This special task force has made its model available to state lawmakers and administrators and has had an opportunity to discuss it with state officials.

Furthermore, other articles bring to light the many efforts of our members to improve the lives of others. For example, our New Professionals have taken on numerous community service activities including Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity and Race for the Cure. Our member volunteers – again, members from every segment of the profession – generously donate their time and expertise to other important initiatives such as our High School Leaders Conference, the Volunteer Accounting Service Team of Michigan Tax Assistance Program, tax call-in programs, Junior Achievement and our recently established Hospice of Michigan (HOM) partnership. (Read a recent article.)

Our HOM partnership is remarkable in that it has snagged the attention of the AICPA’s Financial Literacy Task Force. They’ve prepared a case study on our program to demonstrate “best practices” in state society financial literacy efforts.

Because the financial impact on end-of-life planning for families can be devastating, our Task Force is stepping in to provide support and education on financial matters. The key component is the development of a set of flowcharts that can be used by HOM social workers to guide patients and families through critical financial issues. This program has enormous potential for helping large numbers of people from all income and ethnic groups.

Our members are so passionate about this program, their work on developing the flowcharts has continued during tax season, often late at night or on weekends. The flowcharts will be completed by spring, and the Task Force will begin efforts to train social workers on how to utilize the materials.

Beyond these “high profile” Michigan projects, CPAs around the country are shaping the future of our profession. Whether it’s through our MACPA survey on web-based CPE, or AICPA’s effort to gather feedback on peer review transparency or any one of a number of important initiatives, your opinions matter. I encourage you to stay involved, or get involved.

While media attention often turns to CPAs during tax
season – and it’s great to be able to promote the value of the CPA – I know our members are busy with a range of significant projects. Our actions do speak to our commitment to serve and protect the public. Or, as Ben Franklin aptly said: “Well done is better than well said.”

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