Blockchain

Jun 10, 2019 8:00am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 11:00am

Identification: PST19101

Just when you think the hype of blockchain and cryptos can't get any further inflated, you come across another article speculating the technology's disruption of EVERYTHING. The truth of the matter is, the disruption has already started in many industries, leaving many CPAs unprepared to consult and educate their clients. This interactive workshop will build upon your foundational knowledge of blockchain technology with exercises designed to illustrate why blockchain is so incredibly impactful and how your firm can prepare for, while keeping your client ahead of, blockchain's wave of disruption.

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand how blockchain supports the tokenization and digital assets
  2. Explore industries already leveraging blockchain and cryptoassets to improve accountability and transparency
  3. Conceptualize how your clients will be impacted and how to prepare them
  4. Learn key considerations and best practices for firms working with blockchain and cryptoasset clients

How to Build a Cybersecurity Advisory Practice

Jun 10, 2019 8:00am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 11:00am

Identification: PST19102

In this session, the attendee will learn how to monetize their practice from a cybersecurity perspective. The presenters will share best practices in this space, including how to identify and offer cyber advisory and attest services. Both presenters have years of experience in this space, providing these types of services to their clients.

Learning objectives:

  1. Obtain knowledge on how to monetize cybersecurity services in the CPA firm.
  2. Obtain best practices on selecting which cybersecurity services to offer.

Estate Planning Update

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: EST1902

This program will review recent changes in the estate, gift and generation-skipping tax rules, and provide updates on state law income tax of trust cases.

Learning objectives:

  1. Understand recent tax law changes related to estate, gift and generation-skipping tax rules.
  2. Become aware of planning opportunities associated with the expected reduction in the unified credit.
  3. Learn about a recent Supreme Court case regarding the ability of a state to tax income of a trust based on the residence of its beneficiaries that could change the ability of states to collect such tax.

ASB Update

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: NAA1902

The Auditing Standards Board Chair will discuss recently issued standards for audits (SASs) and attestation engagements (SSAEs). The discussion will also include the ASB’s active agendas including ongoing efforts to enhance the standard setters’ outreach to stakeholders regarding proposed standards and post-implementation reviews of issued standards. This session will feature a discussion of the current status of the ASB’s projects to: a) Revise and expand the auditor’s report, b) Enhance auditor attention on financial statement disclosures as part of the risk assessment process and throughout the audit, c) Revise the attestation standards to enable a practitioner to perform an examination, review, or agreed-upon procedures engagement without having to request a written assertion from the responsible party, d) Revise the auditor’s performance and reporting responsibilities with respect to ERISA audits, e) Explore potential changes to the audit evidence standard; and convergence efforts on estimates and auditor risk assessment.

Learning objectives:

  1. Obtain an understanding of the standards recently issued by the auditing standards board.
  2. Obtain an understanding of projects currently underway at the auditing standards board and in the profession overall.

Retirement Assumptions

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: PFP1902

With 10,000 baby boomers retiring every day for the next decade, now more than ever is a critical time to give thoughtful consideration to the variables playing a role in retirement planning advice. This dynamic panel of experts led by moderator Bob Veres will actively explore how current client trends along with the changing landscape impact key assumptions including investment returns, inflation, longevity/life expectancy, spending (and changes over time) and Social Security.

Learning objectives:

  1. Gather information about key variables and assumptions that impact clients who want to retire.
  2. Uncover the latest methodology and studies which lead to informed assumptions.
  3. Gain knowledge as to what your peers and other leading professionals are planning for in retirement forecasting.

Financial Planning Software

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: PFP1903

There is a revolution taking place in how advisors provide financial planning advice to clients, and how financial planning software is evolving. Join FinTech expect Joel Bruckenstein, and a panel of industry experts as they discuss the evolution of financial planning advice and the software that supports it. 

Objectives:

  1. Learn about the changes taking place in how financial planning advice is provided.
  2. Understanding the challenges that the next generation of clients wants advisors to solve for
  3. Explore new financial planning techniques 4. Understand how software is evolving to support the evolution of financial advice

College Planning For Every Client

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: PFP1904

This session will cover 2 parts.

In part 1, a brief overview will be provided of investing for higher education, and an update on changes happening in the legal and political landscape. Then we will dive into conversations you should be having with every client in every age group about college planning.

The second part of this presentation will be focused on the ABLE savings program, which allows people with disabilities to open tax advantaged savings accounts that do not count against income limits for government benefit programs. This presentation will provide CPA's and other professionals with an additional tool to help people with disabilities and their families save for the future.

By the end of this session participants will:

  1. Have an excellent understanding of the benefits of 529 plans, as well as how to discuss college savings with your clients.
  2. Learn about the benefits of the ABLE Savings Program.
  3. Be provided with an additional tool for people with disabilities to save for the future.

Factors Affecting Valuations of Smaller Businesses

Jun 10, 2019 8:05am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 9:45am

Identification: PFP1905

In this session, we will discuss complexities associated with valuation of small and lower middle market businesses in the context of the business owner’s objective to monetize wealth stored in the company. We will consider an overview of appraisal methods, adjustments commonly required in small business valuations and issues that can interfere with realization of the appraised value in an actual sale transaction. Finally, we will discuss how financial professionals can assist their business owner clients to maximize the value of their business interests. This session is relevant to financial professionals who work with owner managed businesses.

Key learning objectives include increased understanding of:

  1. Important valuation elements
  2. Mechanical adjustments peculiar to small business valuations
  3. Business issues peculiar to small business valuation
  4. The importance of the financial professional’s roll in transition planning

Basic 706 Preparation: Common Errors

Jun 10, 2019 10:15am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 11:05am

Identification: EST1903

Preparation of Form 706 is becoming a lost art. IRS inspects every return that is filed. You don't want to look like a rookie - prevent that by avoiding common errors.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify presentation methods that clearly describe assets and valuation.
  2. Understand how recent developments affect Form 706 preparation.

Decanting

Jun 10, 2019 10:15am ‐ Jun 10, 2019 11:05am

Identification: EST1904

In the Decanting Session, the speakers will discuss how to utilize decanting to make trusts more efficient for creditor, estate and income tax purposes. Specifically, the speakers will discuss trust design that is most advantageous for creditor, income tax and estate tax protection, and how an otherwise irrevocable trust can be improved through decanting.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Review the process of decanting and different state law approaches to decanting.
  2. Review what can and cannot be accomplished through decanting depending on state law.
  3. Review optimal trust design for creditor, income tax and estate tax purposes.
  4. Review decanting case studies.