Giavante’ Hawkins – Page 2

Celebrating with Purpose: Anticipation Builds for MSATP’s Second Annual Holiday Soiree

Posted on October 20, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

The holiday season is often marked by festive gatherings, heartwarming moments, and memorable celebrations. And when the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) announces a party, one can be sure it won’t just be about the festivities. As we look ahead, the Second Annual Holiday Soiree by MSATP promises to be an event with purpose and passion.

An Upcoming Evening at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre
Come December 1, 2023, professionals from across the region will gather at the grand Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre. The anticipation is palpable. The venue, expected to be adorned with elegant holiday-themed embellishments, will undoubtedly provide a backdrop of holiday cheer intertwined with professional camaraderie.

Beyond the Celebration
The upcoming Holiday Soiree will stand as a symbol of MSATP’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and championing the future of accounting. It’s not just about immersing in the holiday spirit but about creating a platform for meaningful networking, recognizing milestones, and giving back.
With each ticket slated to include a $30 donation to the scholarship foundation, attendees will have a direct hand in supporting the education and aspirations of budding accountants. The Maryland Society of Accountants Scholarship Foundation, with its rich legacy of awarding over 1,200 scholarships amounting to more than $1,000,000 since 1987, is poised to further its impact.

What to Expect at the Soiree
* Purposeful Networking: Attendees will have a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to a noble cause.
* Celebrating a Legacy: The evening will spotlight the commendable legacy of MSATP’s Scholarship Foundation and its pivotal role in the accounting profession.
* Acknowledging Achievements: This year, 16 promising students benefit from scholarships from the MSA Scholarship Foundation. The event will offer a chance to meet these budding professionals, hear their inspiring stories, and celebrate their accomplishments.
* Entertainment & Culinary Delights: Guests can look forward to a two-hour open bar, a delectable spread of hors d’oeuvres, and a curated entertainment lineup to elevate the evening’s experience.

A Tradition with Vision
As preparations for the soiree are in full swing, the overarching sentiment is clear: The Annual Holiday Soiree isn’t just an event for MSATP; it’s a commitment. It’s about envisioning a bright future, empowering the next generation, and celebrating the boundless potential of the accounting field.

If you’re considering attending or are curious about MSATP’s initiatives, know this: The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals isn’t merely focused on the present. It’s fervently building a promising future. And with events like the Second Annual Holiday Soiree, that future will shine brilliantly.

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Are you keen on joining the MSATP community or learning more about our upcoming initiatives? Contact us today and be a part of a society that’s crafting the future of accounting.

Building a Strong Hispanic Accountant and Tax Professional Community in Maryland: A Partnership Between MSATP and Latino Tax Pro

Posted on September 23, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

The world of accounting and taxation is complex, fraught with regulations, client management, and endless hours of work. For small or solo firm owners, this can be especially challenging. Recognizing the unique needs of Hispanic accountants and tax professionals in Maryland, the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) and Latino Tax Pro have joined forces to create a thriving community of support, collaboration, and professional growth.

In the spirit of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, this partnership takes on an even more significant meaning. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15th to October 15th, is a time to recognize and honor the rich cultural contributions, achievements, and resilience of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. It is a period to reflect upon the diversity and strength that these communities bring to our nation.

The collaboration between MSATP and Latino Tax Pro is a testament to the recognition of the unique challenges and opportunities Hispanic professionals face in the accounting and tax industry. By supporting and empowering Hispanic accountants and tax professionals, we honor their heritage and contribute to a more inclusive and vibrant future for the entire profession. This partnership embodies the essence of Hispanic Heritage Month, fostering unity and growth within our community.

The 1040 Course:
One of the cornerstones of this partnership is the upcoming 2-day virtual 1040 course, scheduled for November 14th and 15th. What sets this course apart is that it will be conducted entirely in Spanish, ensuring that Spanish-speaking professionals can access high-quality education in their native language.
This comprehensive course offers 16 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for attendees. Upon completion, participants will have gained the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various aspects of tax preparation and financial planning.

Course Highlights:
* Form 1040 Mastery: Attendees will learn how to properly prepare, report amounts on, file, and deduct disaster losses from Form 1040, equipping them to handle even the most complex tax returns.
* Maximizing Tax Credits: The course covers strategies to help clients qualify for various tax credits, reducing their taxable income. This includes methods for saving for dependent children’s college education and understanding education-related credits and deductions.
* IRS Audit Handling: Participants will gain insights into the appropriate handling of IRS client audits, ensuring they can represent their clients effectively and ethically.
* Ethics and Compliance: Compliance with Circular 230 ethics regulations is essential in the tax profession. The course will provide guidance on maintaining ethical standards while serving clients.
* Military Special Taxation: The program also includes advice for handling tax matters unique to military personnel, expanding attendees’ expertise to serve a broader range of clients effectively.

Why This Partnership Matters:
The partnership between MSATP and Latino Tax Pro is a significant step toward building a thriving Maryland Hispanic accountant and tax professional community. It provides a platform for professionals to come together, learn from experts, and collaborate on industry challenges and opportunities.

By offering courses in Spanish and addressing the specific needs of Hispanic professionals, this partnership ensures that language is not a barrier to accessing high-quality education and resources. This inclusivity allows for a more diverse and empowered group of professionals who can better serve their clients and advance in their careers.

Earmark Announces Landmark Partnership with the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals

Posted on July 6, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOENIX, July 6, 2023 — Earmark, the only free, podcast-based continuing professional education provider for accountants, is thrilled to announce its first society partnership with the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP). Effective July 6, 2023, this strategic collaboration offers an enhanced Unlimited Subscription as a benefit to all MSATP members, adding significant value to their memberships.

Earmark’s Unlimited Subscription includes unlimited free CPE courses each week, an ad-free experience in the app, and the ability to opt out of sponsor messages during registration for sponsored courses. Designed for professionals from small firms, the subscription aligns seamlessly with Earmark’s and MSATP’s shared vision of high-quality, affordable, and accessible education.

As a NASBA-approved CPE sponsor and IRS-approved CE provider, Earmark boasts hundreds of course offerings spanning accounting, tax, technology, fraud detection, personal development, practice management, and more. MSATP’s professionals, including CPAs, CMAs, and EAs, can now conveniently satisfy all or most of their continuing education needs by listening to podcasts. One anticipated standout is the Federal Tax Updates podcast exclusive to Earmark, providing biweekly federal tax news and analysis.

MSATP members can unlock their Unlimited Subscription simply by registering for Earmark using the same email linked to their MSATP account. Should they encounter any issues, assistance is readily available at support@earmarkcpe.com.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide every accounting and tax professional worldwide with high-quality, cost-effective, and effortless CPE. We’re excited to collaborate with one of the world’s most innovative professional organizations to make this vision a reality,” said Blake Oliver, CPA, founder and CEO of Earmark.

Giavante Hawkins, Executive Director of MSATP, added, “Our partnership with Earmark underscores our commitment to empowering our members with accessible and affordable professional education. This is a great opportunity for our members to expand their knowledge base, meet their CPE requirements, and ultimately, provide better services to their clients.”

Our partnership with Earmark underscores our commitment to empowering our members with accessible and affordable professional education. This is a great opportunity for our members to expand their knowledge base, meet their CPE requirements, and ultimately, provide better services to their clients. – Giavante Hawkins, Executive Director of MSATP

About Earmark: Earmark is a leading podcast-based continuing professional education provider for accounting and tax professionals. The company offers both free and paid CPE courses on various topics. Earmark CPE is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a CE provider and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education. State Boards of Accountancy have the final authority on accepting individual courses for CPE credit. For more information, visit https://www.earmarkcpe.com.

The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals Welcomes New Board Members for 2023

Posted on June 22, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) proudly announces the election and appointment of its new board members, whose tenure will commence on July 1, 2023. The recent elections reflect the Society’s commitment to leadership excellence and dedication to serving Maryland’s accounting and tax professionals.

Meet the New Board
Donya Oneto has been elected as the new President of the MSATP. With her vast experience in accounting and strong leadership skills, she is poised to lead the Society in achieving its goals and objectives. Her innovative thinking and dedication to excellence will undoubtedly steer the Society to new heights.

Ellen Silverstein will be serving as the First Vice President. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Her appointment promises to strengthen the Society’s core values and ensure steady growth.

Hannah Coyle has been chosen as the Second Vice President. Coyle’s expertise and commitment to the profession’s development will be a great asset in her new role.

Jonathan Riviln will be taking on the role of Secretary. His organizational acumen and meticulous attention to detail will serve to bolster the Society’s operations and documentation processes.

Ann F. Elliott has been elected to the important position of Treasurer. Her financial prowess and ethical standards make her the perfect fit to oversee the Society’s financial matters.

Barbara Smith will assume the role of Immediate Past President. Her continued involvement ensures that the board will benefit from her experience and insights as they chart the future direction of the Society.

Introducing the Delegates
In addition to the executive positions, five delegates have been elected: Sean Coggins, Matthew Eddleman, Michael Kohler, Michael McIlhargey, and Nicole Moore.
Although new to the board, Nicole Moore has been an active volunteer on many committees. Her first term as a board delegate is eagerly anticipated, as her previous involvement has demonstrated her commitment and contribution to the Society’s mission.

Christine Giovetti will be serving as the Board of Trustees Delegate. Her expertise and dedication to the profession make her a valuable addition to the MSATP governance structure.

Looking to the Future
These new board members will play a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the objectives of the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals. With their combined expertise and dedication, the Society looks forward to an era of innovation, growth, and excellence in service to Maryland’s accounting and tax professionals.

MSATP congratulates the new board members and expresses gratitude to the outgoing board for their dedicated service.

Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals Champions Taxpayer Advocacy at Governor Wes Moore’s Bill Signing Event

Posted on May 19, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

The Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP) has long been a stalwart advocate for the accounting and tax profession in the state of Maryland. Recently, the society’s Committee on Professional Regulation volunteers Betty Kohls Stehman and Jim Arnie and executive director, Giavante’ Hawkins had the honor of attending Governor Wes Moore’s bill signing ceremony for Senate Bill 660. This pivotal legislation establishes the Taxpayer Advocate Division within the Comptroller’s office, marking a significant milestone in Maryland’s commitment to protecting taxpayers’ rights. The event served as a testament to MSATP’s dedication to advocating for the profession and its clients.

Senate Bill 660 holds immense significance for both tax professionals and taxpayers in Maryland. The bill’s passage establishes the Taxpayer Advocate Division within the Comptroller’s office, serving as an independent entity focused on protecting taxpayers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment by tax authorities. This division will work closely with taxpayers, addressing their concerns, providing assistance, and resolving any disputes that may arise. By creating a streamlined process for resolving tax-related issues, the Taxpayer Advocate Division aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Maryland’s tax administration.

MSATP has always been at the forefront of promoting the highest standards of professionalism and integrity within the accounting and tax field. The society recognizes that an essential aspect of maintaining public trust in the profession is safeguarding taxpayers’ rights. This dedication to advocacy was exemplified by MSATP’s presence at Governor We Moore’s bill signing event, which showcased the society’s commitment to championing the interests of both tax professionals and their clients.

MSATP has fostered a strong and collaborative relationship with the Maryland Comptroller’s office. This partnership has been instrumental in advancing the society’s mission of advocating for the accounting and tax profession. The close collaboration with the Comptroller’s office has allowed MSATP to effectively address critical issues and concerns affecting tax professionals and taxpayers in Maryland. As we move forward, MSATP eagerly looks forward to continuing this partnership and working closely with the Taxpayer Advocate Division to ensure that the interests of both tax professionals and their clients are well-represented. By fostering this ongoing collaboration, MSATP aims to contribute to developing effective policies and initiatives that will benefit the profession and enhance the overall tax experience for Maryland taxpayers.

The Value of Volunteering

Posted on April 26, 2023March 12, 2024 by Giavante' Hawkins

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, it is essential to acknowledge the selfless efforts of volunteers who devote their time and energy to making a difference in their communities. Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations and contribute to the betterment of society in countless ways. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for helping others are admirable and deserve recognition. Therefore, MSATP would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for the invaluable contributions of our volunteers and encourage more people to join the noble cause of volunteering within their communities.

The act of volunteering has numerous benefits, both for those in need and for the volunteers themselves. By giving back, volunteers help build a stronger community by promoting a culture of generosity and kindness while often improving the lives of those they are helping. Moreover, volunteering offers opportunities to learn new things, meet new people, and gain valuable experiences.

In particular, volunteering for nonprofit organizations such as MSATP is one of the best ways to get involved. Aside from developing a better understanding of the organization’s mission, goals, and challenges, volunteers are presented with valuable networking opportunities. You can connect with other individuals in your field, find potential clients or partners, as well as promote your business. With more exposure and visibility, volunteering may lead to referrals and recommendations from other members of the organization.

Similarly, by assisting with a society committee or event, you can improve important business skills such as time management, organization, or marketing. You can also gain new leadership abilities, build legislative connections, and assist the next generation of accounting professionals.

Ultimately, volunteering is not only a selfless act but also a smart investment in personal growth and community development. Please take a moment this month to thank any volunteers you know, and click here if you’re interested in learning more about how you can volunteer with MSATP.