At the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP), we are dedicated to championing the interests of accounting and tax professionals, as well as taxpayers across the state. Our advocacy efforts focus on creating a supportive legislative environment that allows your businesses to thrive while upholding the highest standards of professional integrity.
Advocacy
Our Mission
MSATP’s mission is to support and protect our members’ businesses, advocate for the profession, and ensure the highest standards of professional integrity. We work tirelessly to represent your interests in the legislative process, striving to create a favorable and predictable tax environment for all.
Download the 2025 Legislative Report
At MSATP, advocacy isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. In 2025, we reviewed 101 bills from the Maryland General Assembly to protect and promote the interests of tax and accounting professionals. Our focus: stopping legislation that would negatively impact your practice and supporting reforms that help it thrive.
By the Numbers:
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101 bills reviewed
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20 bills opposed — 100% stopped or withdrawn
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8 bills supported — 3 signed into law
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In-person testimony delivered by our Executive Director against the proposed sales tax on professional services (SB1045/HB1554)—both bills died in committee.
Your voice was heard. Your profession protected.
Thanks to MSATP’s advocacy, Maryland enacted $0 in new taxes on accounting services and preserved a tax structure that supports both professionals and their clients.
For a comprehensive overview of all the legislative actions and details of the bills tracked by MSATP, you can download the full 2025 Legislative Report.
Legislative Initiatives
MSATP is proud to serve as the voice of Maryland’s tax and accounting professionals. Each year, we proactively shape legislation that protects the integrity of our profession, improves the business climate for our members, and ensures taxpayers have access to qualified, ethical service providers.
In 2025, our legislative priorities included:
🔹 Opposing Sales Tax on Professional Services
We led the charge against SB1045/HB1554, which would have extended sales tax to accounting and tax preparation services. MSATP’s in-person testimony and member mobilization were key in stopping this harmful legislation.
🔹 Protecting Small Business Interests
We reviewed and responded to multiple bills impacting small business tax policy, regulatory requirements, and compliance burdens—ensuring our members’ unique challenges were represented.
🔹 Monitoring Tax Reform & Equity Initiatives
Our team tracked changes in personal and corporate income tax law, child tax credits, earned income tax credit eligibility, and cannabis tax exemptions to help members stay informed and prepared.
🔹 Supporting the Profession’s Future
We supported legislation that strengthens licensure pathways and the State Board of Public Accountancy, including a 5-year sunset extension and the creation of an emeritus status option.
Join Our Advocacy Efforts
As an MSATP member, you have the opportunity to actively participate in shaping Maryland’s tax and accounting legislation by joining the MSATP Advocacy Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in:
- Reviewing proposed bills
- Providing insights and recommendations
- Representing the interests of tax and accounting professionals and their clients
By joining the Advocacy Committee, you can contribute your expertise to help MSATP develop positions on key legislative issues, draft testimony, and engage with lawmakers and other stakeholders.
Get Involved
If you are interested in making a difference and participating in MSATP’s legislative advocacy efforts, we encourage you to contact Gigi Hawkins, MSATP’s Executive Director, at ghawkins@msatp.org. Gigi will be happy to provide you with more information about the Advocacy Committee and how you can get involved.