CSTC education is designed for CTEC preparers, Enrolled Agents, CPAs, and attorneys and to fit the needs of all – from new preparers to highly experienced tax professionals. With one of the most affordable price points for educating tax professionals, we encourage you to explore how the CSTC Academy should be a must-attend for 2021. This webinar series will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday starting June 8 through June 24, 2021.

To make the most of your educational investment, the CSTC Academy is offering the 2021 Symposium Package where you can register for ALL sessions and enjoy significant savings off the individual session registration fee. Stretch your dollars while expanding your knowledge through this terrific savings opportunity.

We encourage you to explore our exceptional lineup of topics and speakers and give CSTC priority access to meeting your continuing education needs for 2021.

Schedule at a Glance
Registration Information and Fees
Session Descriptions
About the Presenters


CSTC Academy Schedule-at-a-Glance

 

Tuesday, June 8, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: California Property Taxes: How They Work and Post Prop 19 Strategies
Speaker: Frank Acuña, Attorney at Law
Hours: 2 California Hours
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar
10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: Biden Tax Proposals - Planning for Individuals & Business
Speaker: Jane Ryder, EA, CPA
Hours: 2 Federal Update Hours
Knowledge Level: Update
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar
 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

10:00 AM to 11:40 AM Topic: New Developments in Cryptocurrency - Reporting and Enforcement
Speaker: Michel Stein, Esq
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar
 

Thursday, June 10, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: California Updates
Speaker: Karen Joyner, EA
Hours: 2 California Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: The Impact of Tax Changes on Your Client's Real Estate Investments
Speaker: Steve Mecham
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar
 

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: FATCA Rules for Foreign Retirement Account Reporting
Speaker: Monica Haven, EA, JD, LLM
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Advanced
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: Releasing Levies on Paychecks, Bank Accounts and Assets
Speaker: Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

 

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

10:00 AM to 11:40 AM Topic: Multistate Tax Issues
Speaker: Shannon Hall, EA
Hours: 2 California Hours
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

 

Thursday, June 17, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: The Necessity of Preparing & Submitting a FOIA Request
Speaker: LG Brooks, EA, CTRS
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: Retirement Tax Planning Update
Speaker: Lawrence Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP, EA, USTCP, AEP
Hours: 2 Federal Update Hours
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: Form 990 and Unrelated Business Income
Speaker: Louis Michelson, Esq
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Advanced
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: Fundamentals of Entity Selection
Speaker: Jane Ryder, EA, CPA
Hours: 2 Federal Tax Law Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

 

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

10:00 AM to 11:40 AM Topic: ABC's of Family Member Theft
Speaker: Cynthia Healy, CPA, CFE, CSA
Hours: 2 Ethics Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

 

Thursday, June 24, 2021

8:30 AM to 10:10 AM Topic: California Collections - Start to Finish
Speaker: Veronica Marelli, EA
Hours: 2 California Hours
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar

10:45 AM to 12:25 PM Topic: Estate Planning - Funding and Maintaining Living Trusts - Tax Reduction Strategies
Speaker: Gary Quackenbush, Attorney at Law
Hours: 2 California Hours
Knowledge Level: Basic
Click here to learn more and register for this webinar


Registration Information and Fees

Category

EARLY BIRD PRICING!
(Available through February 28,2021)

Symposium Bundle!
ALL Courses - BEST VALUE!

Individual Purchase of a
Two Hour Course

Members

$420

$445

 $40

Non-Members

$570

$595

 $70

   


Session Descriptions

Topic: California Property Taxes: How They Work and Post Prop 19 Strategies
Speaker: Frank Acuña, Attorney at Law
2 California Hours
IRS: None
CTEC: 1000-CE-4866

Course Description:
California property tax planning has undergone a major shift with the passage of Proposition 19. Some reassessment exclusions have been eliminated. Some have been made better. No matter what, transferring a residence to a child has been made much more difficult. This course examines pre and post Prop 19 law, highlights the changes, and shares the most cutting-edge property tax strategies available in the post Prop 19 era.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

#1: Pre and Post Prop 19 law, and the changes that have occurred.

#2: Strategies for over-55, disabled, and disaster victim taxpayers.

#3: Cutting edge strategies for parent to child transfers after Prop 19.


Topic: Biden Tax Proposals - Planning for Individuals & Business
Speaker: Jane Ryder, EA, CPA
2 Federal Update Hours
IRS: 18QC1-U-01468-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4867

Course Description:
This course will review and evaluate President Biden's proposed tax changes and help us identify which of our clients may benefit the most and which may feel some pain at tax time. Consideration of the proposed Biden tax plan will help us advise clients regarding some 2021 moves they want to think about for the coming year. Moves, marriages, stocks and other investments, real estate investing, business start-up, business sale or investment may all be affected by potential tax changes. Also, identify moves which may make sense as a preemptive strike before some potential tax changes. Get a feel for which provisions are most likely to pass, and which may have little chance of passage this year.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Review potential Biden tax changes for the coming year and the next few years.

#2: Identify which clients we need to engage with for tax planning opportunities and who may see the most benefits and the most cost of the proposed tax changes.

#3: Understand which proposed changes have the greatest likelihood of passage and are the most impactful for businesses, families, investors, students, and retirees. 


Topic: New Developments in Cryptocurrency - Reporting and Enforcement
Speaker: Michel Stein, Esq
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01469-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4868

Session Description:
The program will provide tax advisers and compliance professionals with a practical look at IRS guidance to calculating and reporting income and gain on cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin) transactions. We will discuss the IRS position on cryptocurrency as property rather than cash, analyze IRS efforts to increase compliance and define proper reporting and the tax treatment for hard forks, "mining" and exchanging cryptocurrency. We will address recently released IRS Revenue Ruling 2019-24 and the updated FAQs regarding the taxation of cryptocurrency, with a particular focus on the recent IRS enforcement initiatives to identify virtual currency activity, how the IRS soft letter campaign fits into the voluntary disclosure practice and the risks of criminal prosecution related to unreported and improperly reported cryptocurrency transactions.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Discuss various types of cryptocurrency and exchanges.

#2: Valuation issues, tax reporting requirements for cryptocurrency exchanges. Taxpayer disclosure requirements for cryptocurrency ownership.

#3: Likelihood of criminal investigations and prosecutions for failing to properly report cryptocurrency transactions.


Topic: California Updates
Speaker: Karen Joyner, EA
2 California Hours
IRS: None
CTEC: 1000-CE-4869

Course Description:
In this session, we will review all the changes and conformity from 2020 and look into 2021. Changes to AB5 and all those exclusions and who really qualifies, CA Health care mandate, PPE Equipment, IRA contributions and Schedule S extended statue. Let’s not forget about the PPP loans and did California conform. We will review a non-conformity table, make it easy for you to identify which adjustments you will need for California.

•Explore changes to AB5
•Working remote, where do the taxes fall
•California Health care mandate
•Business changes

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Explore changes to AB5

#2: Working remote, where do the taxes fall

#3: California Health care mandate•Business changes


Topic: The Impact of Tax Changes on Your Client's Real Estate Investments
Speaker: Steve Mecham
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01478-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4880

Sessions Description:
In the last two years, President Trump has signed into law the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, commonly known as TCJA, as well as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as CARES Act. The passage of these acts has provided the most significant and comprehensive overhaul of the US Tax Code since the Reagan Administration. Their effect is wide-reaching and impacts individuals, businesses, and trusts in both the US and international arenas.


Certain provisions, including lower business and individual tax rates, and the complex tax breaks for passthrough entities, are receiving most of the attention. One area that is not receiving much focus, although it provides substantial tax benefits, is the Impact of the TCJA and CARES Acts on Cost Recovery and Real Estate. The objective of this course it to help Real Estate Investors understand how the new law benefits real estate holdings. We will review in depth several of the less understood changes to the tax law that can increase cash flow and maximize ROI.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Update on the changes to 1031 Exchanges.

#2: 5-year Net Operating Loss Carry Back

#3: Qualified Opportunity Zones - New Tax deferral program with similarities to 1031 Exchanges. 


Topic: FATCA Rules for Foreign Retirement Account Reporting
Speaker: Monica Haven, EA, JD, LLM
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01470-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4870

Session Description:
Beyond the basics of FBARs and Form 8938, taxpayers who live and work abroad may have additional reporting obligations. This class will unveil the complexity of the mandated reporting regime for clients invested in foreign “trusts” and passive foreign investment companies (PFICs) such as foreign money market accounts [yikes!], mutual funds, hedge funds, insurance products and [oh my!] pension and retirement accounts that do not enjoy the same tax benefits of their American counterparts.

Knowledge Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives:

#1: Identify a taxpayer’s foreign investment as a PFIC and understand the reporting requirements for foreign pension and retirement accounts.

#2: Recognize which foreign investment may be deemed to be a trust subject to FATCA reporting.

#3: Properly complete Forms 8621 and 3520 and help clients remain compliant.


Topic: Releasing Levies on Paychecks, Bank Accounts and Assets
Speaker: Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01479-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4881

Session Description:
Despite the IRS’ Taxpayer Relief Initiative, they are sending out CP504 notices warning of impending levies, they are claiming taxpayers owe balances even though they have paid by check. This year will be filled with erroneous levies. Your clients need your help! Here are some steps to ensure levy release.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Get a foundation for understanding the levy process and the procedure for getting a levy released, along with some tricks to ensure your client's funds are not attached by the IRS.

#2: Recognize what documents must be signed and what information should be gathered, prior to calling the IRS for your client. The more you know, the more effective and efficient the call will be - perhaps being able to resolve the entire problem on one call.

#3: Understand all the different types of levy releases – and their uses - and which will have the least detrimental impact on your clients' credit and financial health.


Topic: Multistate Tax Issues
Speaker: Shannon Hall, EA
2 California Hours
IRS: None
CTEC: 1000-CE-4871

Session Description:
With so many taxpayers working remotely this year, chances are you'll wind up with more than a few clients filing multistate tax returns. We’ll take an in-depth look at what makes a resident, explore income sourcing issues (keep an eye on those RSUs), and work our way from sea to shining sea on a virtual road trip through filing requirements, unusual state reporting issues, and much more!

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

#1: In-depth discussion of residency

#2: Filing requirements and non-resident issues

#3: Income sourcing


Topic: The Necessity of Preparing & Submitting a FOIA Request
Speaker: LG Brooks, EA, CTRS
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01471-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4872

Session Description:
During the process of representing a taxpayer before the Internal Revenue Service or a State tax authority, the need for internal tax authority records and information maintained by the tax authority concerning your client is not only essential but procedurally necessary. These internal taxpayer records include information and statements made by tax agents, officers and third party contacts that are potentially inaccurate, incomplete, and totally misleading. Without the preparation and submission of a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, you and your client would never be aware of such improprieties. This presentation is designed to thoroughly review, explain, discuss, and demonstrate the suggested technique(s) and of preparing a proper FOIA request as well as when, where, why and how to submit the FOIA request.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

#1: The attendees will learn and understand why the preparation & submission of a FOIA request is necessary in this volatile tax administrative & legal environment.

#2: The attendees will learn how to prepare a proper and effective FOIA request which is deemed adequate to satisfy federal and state legal guidelines.

#3: The attendees will also learn how to file or submit the FOIA request via several remittance methods which are recognized and recommended by the Government.


Topic: Retirement Tax Planning Update
Speaker: Lawrence Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP, EA, USTCP, AEP
2 Federal Update Hours
IRS: 18QC1-U-01472-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4873

Session Description:
There have been significant changes made to retirement plans with the CAA, CARES, and SECURE Act along with numerous IRS Notices, Rulings, and Revenue Procedures. You will learn about how these changes affect your clients and the tax returns that you work on. You will become a better-informed tax advisor so you can get more referrals from your clients and their financial advisors. You will learn about the special retirement account tax breaks when there is a disaster. You will also learn about how to take advantage of Roth conversions to help your clients reach their financial goals.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

#1: Get up to date on the latest tax changes for retirement plans.

#2: Help your clients reduce the amount of tax they pay when taking distributions from a retirement account.

#3: Learn how we can still take advantage of the Coronavirus Related Distributions (CRD).


Topic: Form 990 and Unrelated Business Income
Speaker: Louis Michelson, Esq
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01473-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4874

Session Description:
This topic provides an overview the Form 990 and explains important disclosure issues. It identifies key filing considerations and the underlying tax exemption principles involved. In addition, it examine the core elements of unrelated business income and review strategies for recognizing and minimizing this tax liability.

Knowledge Level: Advanced

Learning Objectives:

#1: IRS Form 990 must be both a complete and accurate document as well as a transparent source of information that is relied upon by potential funders, beneficiaries, the media, and the public in general. This topic will provide an overview the Form 990 and will explain certain important disclosure issues that the presenter repeatedly has encountered. Disclosure issues include for example how to classify income on Part VIII, Statement of Revenues or Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors and what information needs to be disclosed what information is protected from disclosure.

#2: IRS Form 990 has many schedules that need to be prepared properly. Some schedules affect many public charities such as Schedule A, Public Charity and Public Support. This webinar will provide illustrations of both donative public charities and exempt function charities and how they complete Schedule A. This presentation explains points to consider in preparing sensitive schedules such as Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors, Schedule M, Non-Cash Contributions, Schedule L, Transactions with Interested Persons and Schedule R, Related Organizations and Unrelated Partnerships.

#3: After this topic, you will understand the core elements of unrelated business taxable income. You will be introduced to strategies for recognizing and minimizing this tax liability, including categories of income that are excluded from the calculation of unrelated business taxable income, whether as “modifications” or as “exceptions” for certain activities. The difference between exempt royalty income and taxable personal service income will be discussed. This presentation will also explain the use of controlled corporations and the unrelated debt-finance income rules the benefits and limitations of corporate sponsorships.


Topic: Fundamentals of Entity Selection
Speaker: Jane Ryder, EA, CPA
2 Federal Tax Law Hours
IRS: 18QC1-T-01474-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4875

Session Description:
This session compares and contrasts the filing requirements, tax implications, and other pros and cons for compliance matters and other considerations related to business entity selection; S-Corps, C-Corps, General Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, LLC filing choices, Sole Proprietorships, and individual investment real estate ownership. Learn how these entities have been impacted by TCJA and other tax laws including QBI, reasonable compensation, shareholder and partner reimbursement plans, new partnership audit rules, guaranteed payments, and more. Understand other entity considerations such as where to form, residency status of owners, favorable features for family members and related parties. Review tax practitioner risks and responsibilities related to helping clients make entity selections.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Identify favorable business entity choices for selected business models and ownership scenarios.

#2: Become familiar with various possible client pitfalls of entity selection that may impact taxpayer compliance matters and demonstrate the tax benefits and other tax matters related to a specific entity choice.

#3: Recognize tax practitioner risks and responsibilities regarding business entity selection.


Topic: ABC's of Family Member Theft
Speaker: Cynthia Healy, CPA, CFE, CSA
2 Ethics Hours
IRS: 18QC1-E-01480-21-O
CTEC: 1000-CE-4882

Session Description:
This course is designed to give the attendees best practice tools to prevent financial abuse of seniors by family members. Real-life cases are discussed and analyzed to teach what to do and what not to do when family members approach seniors for money or assets. Specific techniques are given to help seniors not feel overwhelmed or at the mercy of their family members.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: Attendees will learn the definition of Family Member Theft and how to identify it.

#2: Attendees will learn how financial elder abuse occurs.

#3: Attendees will learn how to protect themselves from the crime of financial elder abuse and still fulfill their desire to help loved ones.


Topic: California Collections - Start to Finish
Speaker: Veronica Marelli, EA
2 California Hours
IRS: None
CTEC: 1000-CE-4876

Session Description:
This course will aid tax professionals in the understanding and use of the California Franchise Tax Board collections process from basic notices to advanced solutions. We will be covering individual and business issues. In addition to the basics, we will go over tips and tricks to aid us all in assisting our taxpayers through this intimidating and important process. Become a hero and build client retention and loyalty.

Knowledge Level: Intermediate

Learning Objectives:

#1: How to read and understand FTB collection notices.

#2: How to respond to FTB collection notices.

#3: Gain experience on how to proactively protect your taxpayers from entering the collection process.


Topic: Estate Planning - Funding and Maintaining Living Trusts - Tax Reduction Strategies
Speaker: Gary Quackenbush, Attorney at Law
2 California Hours
IRS: None
CTEC: 1000-CE-4877

Session Description:
Assuming it’s true that there can be nothing certain but death and taxes, it seems that a solid working knowledge of both taxes and estate planning is essential for every tax professional. After this class, you will be able to explain the basics of living trusts to your clients and how they might be affected by taxes. We will discuss the interaction between IRA, 401k, and other retirement accounts and a Living Trust. I'll explain what you need to know about IRA Conduit Trusts and the importance of trust accounting. Most people do not understand what is involved with 'funding' a living trust. We will explore how to completely fund a living trust and how to keep it funded year after year.

Knowledge Level: Basic

Learning Objectives:

#1: After this class, you will be able to explain the basics of living trusts to your clients and how they might be affected by taxes

#2: We will discuss the interaction between IRA, 401k, and other retirement account and a Living Trust. I'll teach you what you should know about IRA Conduit Trusts and the importance of trust accounting.

#3: We will explore how to completely fund a living trust and how to keep it funded year after year.


About the Speakers

Frank Acuña, Attorney at Law

Frank R. Acuña is a founding partner of ACUÑA ❖ REGLI. He is a California State Bar certified estate planning, trust, and probate law specialist. His practice includes estate planning; inheritance litigation; business succession planning; special needs trusts; and farm, ranch, and vineyard succession planning. Mr. Acuña has taught tax seminars for the National Tax Practice Institute, the California Society of Enrolled Agents, the California Society of Tax Consultants, a number of state and local chapters of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Acuña also is a featured speaker for the Professional Fiduciary Association of California, the National Guardianship Association, and the California Public Administrators, Public Conservators, and Public Guardians. He advises tax, fiduciary, and real estate professionals throughout the State of California.

LG Brooks, EA, CTRS

LG Brooks is an Enrolled Agent and is the former Senior Consultant of The Tax Practice, Inc., located in Dallas Texas. However, LG is now the Senior Tax Resolution Consultant with Lawler & Witkowski, CPAs and EAs which is headquartered in Buffalo, NY. LG has been in the field of taxation for more than 25 years and has been in practice full time since 1990. LG’s areas of practice include Tax Representation and Pre-Tax-Court Litigation Support Services. LG continues to provide tax presentations for numerous tax and accounting societies and has made presentations at several Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Annual Tax Forums. LG received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bishop College at Dallas, Texas in 1977 and is a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI). He is currently a faculty member of the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI) and he is extremely proud and honored to be an Enrolled Agent.

Shannon Hall, EA

 Shannon Hall spent three years studying classical theatre at an acting conservatory, so it was only a matter of time before she got into the tax business. She has been a member of CSTC since she began preparing taxes all the way back in 2012, though her tax career truly began many years before when, as a child, she would play with the tax forms in the library. Shannon has prepared taxes at respected places like her kitchen table and H&R Block, where she served as an instructor and office manager before moving in with some laid-back CPAs in Signal Hill, CA. She has been a presenter at several local CSTC chapters and the Summer Symposium, and has also been a guest webinar presenter for Spidell Publishing and a contributing author to Enterpreneur.com. More than anything, Shannon hopes to make tax education engaging and fun and strives to make taxes less taxing. Shannon is a proud member of the Greater Long Beach Chapter of CSTC.

Monica Haven, EA, JD, LLM

Monica Haven, E.A., J.D. has a Masters in Taxation (LL.M.); she is an alum and former faculty member of the National Tax Practice Institute, a recognized speaker on the professional circuit, a sought-after guest lecturer on college campuses and at community organizations. She welcomes every opportunity to share her experience and expertise in the classroom even as she maintains her Southern California tax practice and serves her loyal clientele nationwide. Monica’s students have said, she’s a “fantastic speaker” who can take “hard subjects and put them into concepts or analogies that are easy to understand.” For additional information, published articles and extensive, useful tax information, please head for Monica’s website at www.mhaven.net.


Cindy Healy, CPA, CFE, CSA

Cindy Healy found her voice working for the past fifteen years as a trustee with a roster of clients confident in her ability to manage their money and confident in her respect of their interests and independence. A CPA for thirty-five years, Cindy has long recognized the need to lend a voice to those not able to speak for themselves, whether it be in management of their money, health, home or family relations.  As a trustee, she has combined oversight of her clients’ finances with advocacy for the individuals she serves, a unique protection that supports their engagement in life-impacting decisions. In her work with seniors, Cindy has made it her constant mission to educate others how to protect the elderly from crimes of financial abuse and to help families successfully navigate the path forward through the aging process.

It is the heart-rending conversations in which she has been involved as a trustee -- about declining abilities, restricted driving and assisted living -- and the inspiring stories Cindy has witnessed that have encouraged her to expand her work to promote awareness about protection of the elderly and disabled while maintaining respect for the voice of the individual. Cindy began her career as an accountant and learned first-hand the frequency of financial crimes targeting seniors, the challenges of successful prosecution and the great toll – far beyond financial – on those victimized.  She knows that all-too-often a few simple steps taken as a safeguard could have prevented the situations she has seen. In 2003, Cindy formed Security Financial Advisors, a company she specifically designed to combine the fiduciary duties of a trustee with the personal intervention necessary to preserve the senior’s independence and include their participation in the vital decisions about their future.

Karen Joyner, EA

Karen Joyner, EA started preparing taxes in 1988, opening her own practice in 1993, and earning her Enrolled Agents license in May 1995. Karen was active in local chapters of many professional organizations, including having served as President of the San Diego East County Chapter of CSTC, Chairperson for several CSTC education workshops and Director of the education committee for the CSEA San Diego chapter. Karen enjoys teaching others and finding the best approach to get client the best possible tax outcome. She welcomes the challenge of representing clients before the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, and CDTFA (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration) to settle their collection or audit needs.

Veronica Marelli, EA

Veronica has a formal education in Accounting, and has been an Enrolled Agent for almost 20 years. She is the owner of Tax Resolution Advocates with offices in Temecula California, SLC Utah, and Southern Idaho. Tax Resolution Advocates is a full service tax firm that specializes in tax problem resolution. She is also a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist.

She has recently added Profit First consulting to her firm. She is approximately one of only 140 tax professionals in the US to become a Profit First Professional. Profit First is an organization dedicated to eradicating entrepreneurial poverty.

Veronica served as 1st Vice President of the California Society of Tax Consultants at the State level. She also served the local North San Diego Chapter as second Vice President for many years. Both of these positions were as the Education Chair. It was her main responsibility to ensure Tax professionals Statewide were trained and up to date on all new State and federal tax laws and changes to the current tax code.

Veronica has a vast amount of experience serving and working on Board of Directors. She has, or is currently serving on five different boards of Not for Profit organizations. These organizations have helped our communities by providing shelter for abused women and homeless teenagers, feeding underprivileged children, and the planting of new Christian Churches.

Steve Mecham

Steve pursued his passion in life by applying his love of research and writing in successfully obtaining a degree in Legal Studies from Utah Valley University. In pursuing his degree, Steve successfully qualified for the Dean’s List in each semester. Steve also completed his Bachelor of Arts, emphasis in marketing, from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University.

Steve is a business owner and understands the benefit of tax strategies, asset protection, and business structuring. Steve’s passion for education has led him to travel extensively educating business owners, real estate professionals, CPA’s, and wealth advisors in the proper methods of reducing taxes while minimizing their liabilities.

Steve has been married to his wife, Kerry, for 36 years. They are the parents of 8 children ranging in age from 34 to 19. Their youngest child was born with Down Syndrome which has created a unique culture for the children who are now all pursuing careers in the medical, legal, financial or educational fields with an emphasis on helping those with special needs. 

Louis Michelson, Esq

Louis E. Michelson focuses his practice on income tax planning, charitable giving and other federal, state and local taxation issues for individuals, corporations and tax-exempt organizations. Mr. Michelson advises public charities, private foundations, religious and educational organizations, and other nonprofit organizations on issues of formation, management, joint ventures, planned giving and board governance. He also has extensive experience with income tax planning for business transactions and estate planning.Mr. Michelson is AV® Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell effective December, 2003.

Mr. Michelson received his B.A. Degree, with general honors from the University of Chicago, his M.S. in Accountancy from DePaul University and his J.D. degree from UCLA School of Law. He has been admitted to practice with the U.S. Tax Court and the United States District Court, Central District of California.

Mr. Michelson is Immediate Past Chair of the Nonprofit Organizations Committee of the Business Law Section of the California Lawyers Association. He has served as Chair of the Tax-Exempt Organizations Committee of the Taxation Section of the State Bar of California, as Co-Chair of the Nonprofit Organizations Committee of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of California and as Chair of the Taxation Section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. In May 2001 he participated in the Los Angeles County/California State Bar delegation to the Internal Revenue Service, Treasury and staff of the Congressional tax committees in Washington D.C. to discuss proposed guidance, as set forth in a co-authored paper, “Getting Connected: Business and Politics of Charities on the Internet.” Together with other attorneys, he assisted in reviewing and suggesting revisions to portions of the California Attorney General’s Guide to Charities. Mr. Michelson is a lecturer at UCLA Extension on tax issues for nonprofit organizations. He is also Adjunct Professor at David Nazarian College of Business and Economics California State University Northridge for a class on income taxation of trusts and estates. He has lectured for business and professional organizations and written articles on various federal and California tax topics. He is a member of the American Bar Association, California Lawyers Association, and Los Angeles County Bar Association.

Lawrence Pon, CPA/PFS, CFP, EA, USTCP, AEP

Mr. Pon is a Certified Public Accountant, Personal Financial Specialist, Certified Financial Planner, Enrolled Agent, United States Tax Court Practitioner, and Accredited Estate Planner in Redwood Shores, CA.

Mr. Pon has been in practice since 1986 and enjoys helping his clients reach their financial goals. He frequently speaks on tax and financial planning topics.

Mr. Pon received his BS in Business Administration with emphases in Accounting and Finance from the University of California, Berkeley and MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University in San Francisco. 


Gary Quackenbush, Attorney at Law

Gary Quackenbush operates his Financial Solutions law practice, GQ LAW, out of the Rancho Bernardo area in San Diego, California. Since 1988 his emphasis has been tax and financial problem solving and implementing solutions for tax problem resolution such as: Offers in Compromise, audit reconsideration, appeals, installment agreements, bankruptcy, federal district court actions, federal tax court actions, etc.

His estate planning practice focuses on wills, trusts, and estate administration including probate court work. His office handles civil litigation cases such as personal injury, contract disputes, property disputes, and business matters. His business consulting involves choice of and formation of business entities such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and Limited Liability Companies.

Gary received his Bachelor of Science degree in business finance from Brigham Young University in 1984. He received his Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law in 1988. He is admitted to practice in all courts in the state of California and in all courts in the state of Colorado, US Bankruptcy Court in the Southern, Central, and Northern Districts of California, Federal District Court in the Southern and Central districts of California, Federal District Court and US Bankruptcy Court in the District of Colorado, and U.S. Tax Court.

Gary is a regular guest lecturer to tax professionals, attorneys, and volunteer organizations. He is the host of his own podcast radio show “GQ on the Law” available on iTunes, Podbean, and Stitcher Radio. Since 2010 he has been a weekly guest on the “Word on Wealth” radio program with Marty Schneider on KCBQ 1170 AM and KPRZ 1210 AM every Tuesday. He has been a guest on UTTV “The American Dream” and the “Taylor Baldwin Show” and has appeared on NBC, ABC, CBS, and KNSD TV. He is Past-President of the California Society of Tax Consultants, San Diego Chapter and currently is President of CSTC at the state level. You can contact Gary at [email protected]

Eva Rosenberg, EA, MBA

Eva Rosenberg, EA is the Internet’s TaxMama®. She is known for her award-winning books. The newest is “Small Business Taxes Made Easy.” The 4th edition includes updates through the SECURE Act. Eva teaches a unique EA Exam training course at IRSExams.school, and many other popular tax courses at https://www.cchcpelink.com/teamtaxmama

 



Jane Ryder, EA, CPA

Jane Ryder, EA, CPA has been providing tax preparation, accounting services, and tax collection resolution services since 1980. She runs her San Diego CPA firm and writes and speaks on many income tax, business compliance and accounting topics. Jane has a business centric practice, preparing and consulting on tax, accounting, and compliance matters for Corporations, S-corporations, LLC’s, Partnerships, and Trusts. She also specializes in IRS and state agencies collection problems, payment plans, audit representation, audit appeals, offers in compromise, and other compliance related issues. She earned a BS in Business Administration (Accounting) from SDSU and is currently licensed with the California State Board of Accountancy and admitted to practice before the the Internal Revenue Service as an Enrolled Agent.

Michel Stein, Esq

MICHEL R. STEIN is a principal at Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez, specializing in tax controversies, as well as tax planning for individuals, businesses and corporations. For more than 20 years, he has represented individuals with sensitive issue civil tax examinations where substantial penalty issues may arise, and extensively advised individuals on foreign and domestic voluntary disclosures regarding foreign account and asset compliance matters.

Mr. Stein is well respected for his expertise and judgment in handling matters arising from the U.S. Government's ongoing enforcement efforts regarding undeclared interests in foreign financial accounts and assets, including various methods of participating in a timely voluntary disclosure to minimize potential exposure to civil tax penalties and avoiding a criminal tax prosecution referral. He has assisted hundreds of individuals who have come into compliance with their foreign reporting requirements through the OVDP, Streamline or otherwise.

Throughout his career, Mr. Stein has represented thousands of individual, business and corporate taxpayers involved in civil examinations and administrative appeals, tax collection matters as well as with possible assertions of fraudulent conduct and in defending criminal tax investigations and prosecutions at every administrative level within the IRS. He has litigated tax cases in the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court, and various U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeal. He continues to provide tax advice to taxpayer's and their advisors around the world.

Mr. Stein is a frequent lecturer at national and regional conferences on topics including tax compliance sensitive issues, IRS examinations, State and Federal worker classification issues, etc. Mr. Stein received his LL.M. in Taxation from the NYU School of Law and graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. He gained further expertise as Attorney-Adviser to the Honorable Judge Larry L. Nameroff of the U.S. Tax Court. He is a Certified Specialist in Taxation Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization.


 Questions?

Contact the California Society of Tax Consultants at (949)715-4192 or [email protected]


The Symposium presentations have been designed to meet the requirements of the Return Preparer Office, the California State Board of Accountancy; and the California Tax Education Council including code 31 of Federal Regulations10.6 (g). This does not constitute an endorsement by these groups. A listing of additional requirements to renew tax preparer registration may be obtained by contacting CTEC at P.O. Box 2890, Sacramento, CA. 95812-2890, or phone CTEC at (877) 850-2832, or on the Internet at www.ctec.org.