Author: Giavante' Hawkins

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and reflection, and this year’s MSA Holiday Soirée was nothing short of spectacular. Hosted amidst the warm and cheerful ambiance of the season, overlooking the lake at the Merriweather Lakehouse in Columbia, MD, this event brought together members of the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) community to celebrate the holidays, honor excellence, and support the next generation of accounting and tax professionals.

Celebrating Scholarship Recipients

One of the highlights of the evening was recognizing the 2024-2025 MSA Scholarship recipients. These talented students represent the future of the profession, and we are proud to play a part in their educational journeys. This year’s scholarship recipients include:

• University of Baltimore: Katie Boettinger, Philip Clarke
• Towson University: Conner Utz, Tylek Simms, Andrew Polun, James Puii, Samuel Quinteros, Kenya Medrano, Carina Hernandez-Soto
• University of Maryland: Akishita Alousyes, Abby Benton, Urszula Cieslak, Dorian Houston, Jaclyn Jacobs, Sharon Lee, Mackenzie Thompson, Khanh Vi Doan, Wilber Villeda
• Salisbury University: Riley Bruce, Vanessa Virgil
• Stevenson University: Oyebowale Oyeniran, Anaya Harris

These students were selected not only for their academic achievements but also for their dedication to the field of accounting and tax preparation. We are thrilled to celebrate their hard work and commitment.

Strengthening Our Community

Beyond the awards and recognition, the Holiday Soirée was a chance to connect with peers, share stories, and celebrate our collective achievements. The event brought together professionals from all corners of the state to revel in the spirit of the season. Laughter, camaraderie, and shared aspirations filled the room, reminding us of the power of community in helping us all thrive.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Their contributions played a vital role in ensuring the success of the evening and the ongoing initiatives of MSATP. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors: CostSeg, Frost Law, and Magna5 IT, for their commitment to our community and mission.

Looking Ahead

As we close out another year, the Holiday Soirée served as a reminder of the incredible talent, dedication, and heart within the MSATP community. It was a celebration not only of the holidays but also of the bright future we are building together. We are excited for the opportunities that 2025 will bring, and we look forward to continuing to support and grow our thriving community of accounting and tax professionals.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this year’s Holiday Soirée such a memorable occasion. Together, we thrive!

To view photos from the event, click here.

The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) strongly opposes House Bill 1515, which aims to reduce the sales tax rate while simultaneously expanding it to cover a wide range of services. If enacted, this misguided legislation would place undue burdens on accounting and tax practices, as well as on the individuals and businesses they serve.

Under the proposed changes, many services provided by accounting and tax professionals would become subject to the sales tax for the first time. This means that in addition to paying more for these essential services, Marylanders would also face the headache of sales tax compliance on tax preparation and accounting. Small businesses and lower-income individuals would be hit especially hard.

But the impact goes far beyond our own industry. HB1515 would impose the sales tax on virtually all services, with only narrow exceptions. From haircuts to home repairs, Marylanders would pay more for services across the board. Businesses, already struggling with inflation and economic uncertainty, would be saddled with a slew of new compliance costs and recordkeeping requirements. This is the last thing they need.

The bill’s sponsors may believe that the sales tax rate reduction offsets the harm of taxing services. But this view ignores the disproportionate impact on service-based businesses and lower-income households. It also disregards the sheer complexity of complying with sales tax rules for the vast universe of newly taxed services. The rate cut is little more than a fig leaf.

We at MSATP stand united with our members and the broader business community in opposing HB1515. This bill is fundamentally flawed and cannot be salvaged. Lawmakers should reject it outright and pursue responsible tax policies that support economic growth and opportunity for all Marylanders.

To our valued members, rest assured that we hear your concerns and are working tirelessly to defeat this legislation. We will keep you apprised of developments and provide resources to help you navigate these proposed changes and make your voice heard. Together, we will continue to advocate for an environment in which accounting and tax professionals, and the clients we serve, can thrive.

As we come to the close of Black History Month, it is a poignant time for us at the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals to reflect on the progress made and the long road ahead in the pursuit of equity, inclusion, and diversity within the accounting profession. This month has provided us with a valuable opportunity to celebrate the achievements and recognize the contributions of African American accountants. However, our commitment to fostering an inclusive community does not end as February does. Rather, it reaffirms our resolve to continue this vital work every day of the year.

The strides we’ve made towards equity and inclusion are commendable. Initiatives like scholarships, mentorship programs, and diversity-focused recruitment strategies have begun to change the landscape, making the profession more accessible and welcoming to Black professionals. Yet, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also confront the challenges that persist. The underrepresentation of African Americans, especially in senior and executive roles, underscores the need for sustained effort—not just in hiring but in supporting and promoting Black accountants throughout their careers.

The challenges are multifaceted, involving unconscious bias, limited access to crucial networks, and systemic barriers that hinder career progression. It’s our collective responsibility to tackle these issues head-on, creating equitable pathways for leadership that are accessible to all talented professionals, irrespective of their background.

As we move forward, let us:
Continue to support and develop programs aimed at the advancement of Black accountants.
Foster organizational cultures that celebrate diversity, recognizing and nurturing the unique talents of all members.
Implement transparent promotion and leadership development practices, ensuring equal opportunities for every professional.
The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals is committed to leading by example, advocating for a profession that not only reflects the diversity of the society it serves but also benefits from the full spectrum of talents and perspectives African American accountants bring.

As Black History Month ends, let us carry forward the momentum, recognizing that our work towards creating a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse accounting profession is ongoing. Together, we can make a difference, ensuring that the future of accounting is vibrant, diverse, and inclusive. The journey does not end here; it is a continuous path we walk together, striving for progress each day.

In the ongoing fight against tax preparer fraud, the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) has taken a decisive stand, championing legislation that promises to enhance protections for Maryland taxpayers and uphold the ethical standards of our profession. The heart of our advocacy efforts is centered around the support for House Bill 452, also known as the Stop Scam Tax Preparers Act. This critical piece of legislation represents a significant step forward in our commitment to integrity within the accounting and tax preparation industry.

A Unified Front Against Fraud
Led by Maryland’s Comptroller Brooke Lierman, the initiative to combat fraudulent tax preparers has found a strong ally in the MSATP. Our involvement underscores the importance of protecting the public from those who seek to exploit the complexities of the tax system for their gain. The proposed legislation mandates the Maryland Department of Labor to oversee the tax preparers’ board, thereby fortifying enforcement efforts against unscrupulous actors within the tax preparation sector.

Testimony for Change
In a testament to our dedication, Giavante’ Hawkins, the Executive Director of MSATP, presented a compelling testimony in support of the Stop Scam Tax Preparers Act on Thursday in the House. Through his words, Hawkins not only conveyed our collective concern over the damages caused by fraudulent tax preparers but also highlighted the necessity of stringent oversight and regulation to safeguard Maryland’s taxpayers.

Our Vision for a Fraud-Free Future
The support for House Bill 452 aligns perfectly with the MSATP’s vision of a professional environment defined by trust, integrity, and the highest ethical standards. By advocating for this legislation, we aim to ensure that every taxpayer in Maryland has access to fair, transparent, and professional tax preparation services. Furthermore, our support extends beyond this bill to encompass a broader legislative package designed to protect Maryland taxpayers from scams while also promoting awareness of vital tax credits, such as the senior tax credit and the earned income tax credit.

Looking Ahead
As we continue our advocacy efforts, the MSATP remains committed to not only supporting legislation that combats tax preparer fraud but also to enhancing the professional standards that define our industry. Our support for the Stop Scam Tax Preparers Act and other related initiatives is a clear demonstration of our dedication to protecting Maryland residents and ensuring the integrity of the tax preparation profession.

We encourage all members of the MSATP and the wider community to stay informed about our advocacy work and to join us in supporting these essential legislative efforts. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against tax preparer fraud and work towards a future where the rights and interests of Maryland taxpayers are fully protected.

Your feedback and involvement are crucial to our continued success in these advocacy efforts. For more information on how you can contribute or to stay updated on the progress of these legislative initiatives, please visit our website or contact our office directly. Together, we can make a difference.

As we enter the legislative session this January, MSATP will be at the forefront, advocating for policies that support tax, tax preparation, and small business interests. Our 2024 Legislative Priorities are thoughtfully designed to reflect and further our mission statement.

Here’s how:

Business Tax Environment: We stand against complex tax rules like the throwback rule and mandatory unitary combined reporting. Our stance is based on fostering a thriving business environment for our members, especially for solo practitioners and small to mid-sized firms.
Sales Tax on Services: We oppose expanding sales tax on services, as it could adversely affect small and mid-sized businesses, which are less equipped to handle new expenses or administrative tasks.
Maryland’s De-coupling Provisions: We advocate for a careful evaluation of Maryland’s tax laws to ensure they are in harmony with federal regulations, allowing our members to provide accurate and current advice.
Remote Work Tax Policies: In light of the shift toward remote work, we push for clear and permanent tax policies so our members can offer reliable counsel and manage their businesses effectively in this new era.
Exploring Alternatives to Raising Taxes: We encourage the exploration of alternatives to tax hikes, aiming to create a business environment conducive to the growth of our member firms.
Guarding Against Deceptive Tax Practices: Protecting taxpayers, especially the elderly, from scams is paramount. We strive to maintain the highest ethical standards in our profession.

The legislative priorities of MSATP are a direct extension of our mission to support and safeguard our members’ businesses, advocate for the profession, and ensure professional integrity. Through these priorities, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to creating a supportive legislative climate that allows our member businesses to flourish while maintaining ethical standards and fostering a sense of community within the profession.