2025 Legislative Wins

By Emily Webb

The Arizona Society of CPAs (ASCPA) had a successful legislative session on behalf of Arizona CPAs.  No matter the year or the issue, the ASCPA has your back at the legislature.

Fourth Annual Tax Conformity Debrief 

In December, newly elected and incumbent legislators heard from Arizona CPAs about changes made to the Internal Revenue Code. This event reiterated the importance of income tax conformity and encouraged lawmakers to get the ball rolling early. Income tax conformity legislation (HB 2688) was the first bill signed by Governor Hobbs on February 28 after the House and Senate expedited mirror bills through the legislative process. This is the second fastest income  tax conformity that has been signed in the past 25 years.

CPA Day at the Capitol 

The fourth annual CPA Day at the Capitol was held in February. In addition to building a stronger connection between state policymakers and the ASCPA, attendees advocated for early income tax conformity, maintaining the gold standard of licensure mobility and reciprocity, and a willingness to engage as nonpartisan resources to legislators.

Engaging Stakeholders 

The ASCPA Tax Legislation Review Committee (TLRC) collaborated with various stakeholders to provide insight on bill language. The TLRC worked with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to address an issue brought forth by ASCPA members regarding withholding for contract workers.

Thank you to the volunteers of the ASCPA’s Tax Legislation Review Committee, who serve Arizona and the profession by providing nonpartisan technical expertise on all tax legislation: Caron Mitchell, Chris Hallstrom, David Walser, Ed Zollars, Elizabeth Dennis, Gary Williams, James Busby, Michael Lemme and Michael Martin.

This year, ASCPA staff and key members visited Arizona’s congressional representatives to discuss important issues affecting the profession. Topics included expanding the uses of 529 plans, protecting the PTET SALT deduction, enhancing disaster relief and advocating for overall good tax policy.

Whether it’s local or on Capitol Hill, the ASCPA continues to be a voice for Arizona CPAs through its’ advocacy program and volunteers with policymakers, and legislators continue to seek feedback and review from the ASCPA and our expert members. Together, we will continue to advocate for the profession and the legislation that affect our members day-to-day. 
 

Emily Webb is the director of government relations at the Arizona Society of CPAs. You can contact her at ewebb@ascpa.com.

The ASCPA PAC acts as the collective, cohesive voice of the entire CPA profession in Arizona politics.

In supporting Republican and Democrat candidates who align with the profession and the ASCPA’s goals and priorities, the PAC serves as the “CPA Party,” ensuring CPAs have a seat at  the decision-making table when it matters.

Donate via www.ascpa.com/pac.