This session will review recent North Carolina tax developments, including significant court cases, decisions of the Office of Administrative Hearings, statutory and regulatory developments and changes in tax administration.

Field of Study: Taxes
CPE: 1.30

If you're a CPA , you understand tax laws can change.  In addition to actual congressional actions, certain laws have an expiration date.  We know this as Sunset.  Many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are scheduled to sunset on December 31, 2025.  In this 50-minute session, you'll learn what tax provisions are scheduled to expire and what that means for you and your clients. The following tax provisions are set to sunset at the end of 2025: limitations of itemized deductions; the expanded standard deduction; the elimination of personal exemptions; the child tax credit; the expanded charitable contribution deduction; and the mortgage interest deduction limitation. Notably, the deductions for state and local taxes, pass-through business income, and certain types of expensing will also revert to previous limitations or expire. Changes will also affect the Alternative Minimum Tax thresholds, ABLE accounts, and estate and gift taxes, with the latter seeing a significant reduction in exclusion amounts.  Join us for this session and become an expert in sunset issues.

Field of Study: Taxes
CPE: 1.00

This course will cover what is going on at the AICPA with a focus on quality management. We will discuss how quality management will impact firms and things to do to prepare for the change including tools and templates available. We’ll also provide an executive overview of SAS 147 for NOCLAR which is effective this year and SAS 149 for group audits which will be effective in the future. 

Learning Objectives: 
     Identify the core elements of the quality management standards
     Describe changes to audit standards

Field of Study: Auditing
CPE: 1.00

Join us for an insightful session titled "Oh BOI - Updates on Corporate Transparency Act," where we delve into the Corporate Transparency Act, which requires “reporting companies” to file beneficial ownership information reports with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) disclosing information about companies and their direct and indirect beneficial owners. This one-hour session will cover the essentials of the Corporate Transparency Act and FinCEN rules and guidance issued thereunder, as well as steps that companies and their advisors should be taking to ensure compliance.

Field of Study: Business Law
CPE: 1.00

One thing that is nearly impossible to get away from as a tax practitioner is IRS notices. Even if you are not a tax attorney, it is important to know what to do when the client comes to you with a letter. What information do you need to collect? What types of notices are there? And more importantly, are there any remedies? In this class, we will explore some of the basic types of IRS notices. We will talk about the audit process and when the client might be eligible for relief. We will also discuss which penalties are eligible for first-time abatement – and which are not.

Field of Study: Taxes
CPE: 1.00

Equity-based compensation is often the largest, most impactful, and most heavily negotiated component of an executive’s compensation package.  In this presentation, we will cover the most common types of equity-based compensation, both for corporate and pass-through entities, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, profits interests, and phantom equity.  We will compare tax treatment of the various award types and consider pros and cons of each.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE: 1.00

In today’s workforce, just about everything is up for debate, and the give-and-take mentality is a daily reality. Knowing the fine art of persuasion can help you understand how you can state your case in a way that persuades others to follow the best path for success. In short, understanding persuasion can help you know how to influence others healthily, and be aware of the techniques that others might use to try and change your beliefs and behaviors This interactive seminar will help participants understand how persuasion can be used, for good, in the workforce. This is a 50-minute interactive seminar. Each participant will receive a workbook and interactive instruction.

Field of Study: Personal Development
CPE: 1.00

Explore the intricacies of pass-through entity taxes, with a spotlight on North Carolina's taxed pass-through entity legislation, and see how it stacks up against other states' provisions. Delve into the eligibility criteria, the election process, and the calculation of taxable income and tax payments for PTEs. Understand the implications for individual tax returns, the necessary compliance and reporting requirements, and common issues encountered with PTE taxes. This session will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of pass-through entity taxes with a focus on North Carolina’ taxed pass-through entity regime and its impact on individual owners.

Field of Study: Taxes
CPE: 1.20

In the last 12 months, how have your circumstances changed? Has the person you were last year met the person you are going to become this year? In this year's NC Professional Ethics course, we will look at several distinct moral leadership behaviors and examine opportunities for development of these behaviors in order to help shape the person you can become.

Field of Study: Behavorial Ethics
CPE: 1.00

The AICPA has developed a Practice Aid titled “Establishing and Maintaining a System of Quality Management for a CPA Firm’s Accounting and Auditing Practice” to assist Firm implementation of the suite of Quality Management Standards. We will discuss the content of the Practice Aid and how it can be used to efficiently design your QM system to comply with the new standards.

Field of Study: Auditing
CPE: 1.00

Microsoft Copilot Unleashed covers the evolution and application of generative AI tools in Microsoft's ecosystem, including the introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot and its integration into various Microsoft 365 apps. This course discusses the importance of perfecting prompts for effective AI interaction and the use of Copilot across the Microsoft Office Suite. Also covered are Copilot privacy concerns associated with AI tools, as they learn from user data, and the need for clear and specific prompts to ensure confidentiality and usability. The presentation emphasizes Microsoft's foundational principles of security, compliance, privacy, and responsible AI to protect data at all organizational levels while demonstrating how Copilot can improve you and your organization’s productivity.

Learning Objectives: 
•    Understand the capabilities and applications of Microsoft 365 Copilot within the Microsoft ecosystem, including its integration with various Microsoft 365 apps and upcoming features.
•    Recognize the importance of constructing effective prompts for AI interaction and the foundational principles of security, compliance, privacy, and responsible AI in the context of generative AI tools.
•    Explore the advancements in AI tools, and how these innovations can enhance productivity and decision-making processes across different Microsoft applications.

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.00

This session will provide an in-depth exploration of nearshoring, a strategic approach to outsourcing business processes to nearby countries. Participants will learn about the business drivers prompting the shift to nearshore talent, including cost savings and risk management.   The presenter will cover the benefits and considerations of nearshoring, practical steps for getting started, and best practices to ensure success. Through industry examples, attendees will understand the do's and don'ts, commonly nearshored roles, and how to effectively manage nearshore engagements for optimal results.

Field of Study: Personnel/Human Resources
CPE: 1.00

Join us for a fast-paced session where we'll delve into the latest 2024 updates on Employee Benefit Plans and the significant impact of the Secure Act 2.0. This presentation will cover the new regulatory changes, strategic planning opportunities, and critical compliance requirements that professionals in the field need to know. Don't miss this essential update to stay ahead in your practice.

Field of Study: Auditing
CPE: 1.00

Join us for an in-depth 50-minute session where we will explore the IRS requirements for Written Information Security Plans (WISP). This session is designed for Certified Public Accountants in North Carolina seeking to ensure compliance with the latest federal regulations. We will cover the key components of a WISP, strategies for implementation, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Stay ahead of the curve and safeguard your practice with actionable insights from industry experts.

Field of Study: Management Services
CPE: 1.00

Transform your professional workflows with ChatGPT's Custom GPTs. In this course, you'll gain the knowledge and tools to revolutionize the way you work by leveraging AI "apps" built specifically for accounting professionals. Unlock the potential to streamline complex tasks, automate routine processes, and boost your productivity like never before. From performing quick research to generating in-depth analyses instantly, Custom GPTs allow you to focus on high-value tasks that drive results. Whether it's automating repetitive actions or simplifying workflows, this course provides a clear path to elevating your efficiency and effectiveness.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:
1. Understand the fundamentals of ChatGPT Custom GPTs and their potential applications in your professional workflows.
2. Evaluate suitable Custom GPTs for integration into existing accounting workflows.
3. Assess the ethical considerations and best practices for implementing GPTs in accounting processes.
4. Develop strategies for effectively leveraging Custom GPTs to enhance productivity and maximize effectiveness.

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.20

When contemplating retirement income over a longer life, most begin with Social Security – and some key questions. When should I start collecting benefits? How do I estimate and maximize them? Is Social Security sustainable? How can I coordinate my benefits with other retirement income sources to maximize overall income? Find out how Social Security rules and strategies can work for you!

Field of Study: Finance
CPE: 1.30

Unleash the potential of AI in your professional services firm! Our "High-Value AI Use Cases" session spotlights proven applications that deliver real ROI. Discover how AI can revolutionize everything from document analysis and legal research to client engagement. Walk away with actionable strategies to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and unlock hidden value across your organization.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE: 1.50

In this session, we will explore the FTC Safeguards Rule, focusing on its application and the nine required elements your company must include to ensure compliance. We’ll also provide practical guidance on selecting the right IT vendor or working with your internal team to meet compliance needs. In addition, we’ll discuss the benefits of cyber liability insurance as part of your overall security strategy.

Key Points:
•    What is the FTC Safeguards Rule?
Overview of the rule and who it applies to.

•    What Are Companies Required to Do?
Step-by-step breakdown of the 9 required elements for an information security program.

•    Guidance on Selecting an IT Vendor and Questions for Your Internal IT Team:
Learn what to look for when choosing an external IT provider to ensure they meet compliance and security needs. For businesses with internal IT teams, discover key questions to ask to ensure best practices around the Safeguards Rule and data security are being followed.

•    Overview of Cyber Liability Insurance:
Highlight the benefits of cyber liability insurance, including financial protection and support in the event of a data breach.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear understanding of the FTC Safeguards Rule and its essential elements. Whether you're working with an external IT provider or managing internal teams, you'll leave with practical guidance and actionable steps to enhance your organization’s compliance efforts, strengthen its cybersecurity posture, and understand the role of cyber liability insurance in protecting against financial risks.

Field of Study: Information Technology
CPE: 1.50

As 2024 comes to an end, there are mixed views on the economy.   On the positive side, a recession has so far been avoided, and the inflation rate is nearing the Federal Reserve's goal.  This has resulted in the “Fed” signaling it is ready to begin reducing its key interest rate, which other rates follow.  But on the negative side, there are signs of slowness in the economy, particularly the labor market with downward revisions in job totals and a jump in the unemployment rate.  So which should we be, optimistic or pessimistic about the future economy? 

Dr. Mike Walden, a Reynolds Distinguished Professor Emeritus and 43 year veteran of teaching at North Carolina State University, will use his unique ability to explain the economy in an understandable way to bring his insights and forecasts to our current economic situation.  Walden will also look long-term and discuss both his worries and excitement about the future economy, both in North Carolina and in the country.

Field of Study: Economics
CPE: 1.30