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 Premier Tax Conference Drew Sell-Out Crowd
Michigan’s new business tax is the hottest topic around for CPAs and
attorneys. The state’s new tax was the primary focus at the MACPA’s two-day
Michigan Tax Conference on November 7 and 8 in Livonia. The MACPA’s
first-ever tax conference featured almost 30 general and breakout sessions
with speakers from around the country and drew nearly 1,000 attendees
anxious to learn about the state’s new tax law.
While the event showcased several national speakers, Michigan officials explained the nuances of the new tax. “Even though all the answers (about the MBT) don’t exist yet, I came to this conference to learn everything I could,” noted one CPA attendee. “This was an excellent event.” Highlights of the first day, November 7, included four general sessions followed by targeted breakout sessions. Michigan Speaker of the House Andy Dillon offered his Lansing-insider’s perspective on the development and impact of the MBT. A supporter of the controversial service tax, Dillon said he is embarrassed about how lawmakers have handled the state’s tax and budget matters. In the other general sessions, a panel containing tax experts and Department of Treasury officials reviewed specific technical aspects of the tax; two high-profile East Coast attorneys outlined significant case law issues in state taxation; and a panel of tax experts and Treasury Department officials discussed specific technical aspects of the tax. On November 8, Josh Linkner, founder and CEO of Pleasant Ridge-based ePrize, kicked off an inspiring breakfast session urging attendees to find creative ways to address challenges. Luncheon speaker Donna Donavon, deputy treasurer, explained the steps the Michigan Department of Treasury is taking to implement the MBT. She urged attendees to access the Department web site at michigan.gov/taxchanges for the latest information on the MBT, including FAQs organized by topic and chronologically. Other general sessions on day 2 included a panel discussion about economic development activities in Grand Rapids and the Detroit area; and a panel discussion highlighting how to effectively utilize business incentives and tax credits. A fourth general session featured Harley Duncan, executive director of the Washington-based Federation of Tax Administrators and Doug Lindholm, president and executive director of the Washington-based Council on State Taxation. The pair discussed multi-state taxation issues including remote sales tax collection, Internet tax, non-resident withholding, and more. The two-day conference drilled down to details on many issues in nearly 20 breakout sessions. The most popular breakouts were sessions relating to the MBT, such as “Consolidated/Combine/Unitary Reporting,” and “Tax-Based Apportionment & Sourcing.” For more information on the event, and to learn how you can order a CD containing conference handouts, click here. Mark your calendars now for next year’s event – slated for the Rock Financial Showplace on Nov. 5 and 6, 2008. |
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| PO Box 5068 Troy, MI 48007-5068 Phone: 248.267.3700 Fax: 248.267.3737 E-mail: macpa@michcpa.org | |
