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July President's Message

As we dive into June, I want to express my gratitude to our former president Sonia Vital for her outstanding contributions to our chapter. During her presidency, we enjoyed numerous engaging events and opportunities for involvement. She not only promoted participation but also fostered a new partnership with the Professional Financial Planners Association. Thank you! 

In May, I had the privilege of coordinating the annual state Committee on Taxation for CalCPA/IRS Liaison meeting for the first time. The IRS’s shift towards a more open and collaborative approach was evident in the excellent group of IRS speakers we had. We were fortunate to have senior managers and directors from various departments such as Criminal Investigations, IRS Counsel, Large Business & International and Stakeholder Liaison departments. 

For those involved in tax matters, you are likely aware that partnership audits have been on the decline despite the rise in partnership tax returns filed annually. Dealing with an audit related to ownership of a passthrough interest often exposes the IRS's limited knowledge and understanding of the partnership tax regime. This lack of expertise not only prolongs the audit process but also requires CPAs or tax attorneys to educate auditors on the intricacies of passthrough entities and ownership interests. With funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, a new passthrough department under LB&I for trusts, partnerships, and S corporations of all sizes is being established. The objective is to enhance audit coverage and offer a higher level of expertise to handle audit cases more effectively. This new division is expected to be operational by the end of this year. 

If you haven't had the opportunity to work with an IRS Stakeholder Liaison before, I encourage you to connect with your local liaison. They play a crucial role in maintaining open lines of communication between stakeholders (CPAs) and the IRS. Through the Issue Management Resolution System (IMRS), they escalate issues and feedback to the relevant departments, ensuring a smoother communication process. 

For a more comprehensive overview of the COT CalCPA/IRS Liaison meeting, please see the COT article in the August issue of CalCPA Magazine.

President's Message by Kelly Blocker

There are thousands of reasons to volunteer. Most importantly it allows you to give back to your community and make a difference in other people’s lives. However, volunteering is a two-way street where you receive just as many benefits as you provide to others. One of the less talked about benefits to volunteering are the friendships you make along the way and the value others add to your life in the process.

For those that may not be aware, CalCPA is doing some internal restructuring to meeting member’s needs more efficiently and effectively. It’s no secret that nobody likes change – literally NOBODY says, “I hope the IRS changes another tax law or deadline in the middle of tax season”. What choice do we have but to roll with it, and maybe whine to coworkers?

Many of you know Sarah Damotte and have had the privilege of working with her as our chapter’s Program Manager for 9 years or so. She is all the things – kind-hearted, considerate, giving, compassionate, thoughtful, easy going, and able to herd cats on her busiest day. I could go on and on. As part of CalCPAs Member Engagement restructure, she is moving to a different position within the organization. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank her for all she has done for our Fresno chapter and for us as individuals. She has made a difference in many lives, particularly for those that volunteer for CalCPA. Many people, along with myself, will miss seeing her on the regular.

I was able to meet our new Program Managers a few weeks back and want to welcome Tricia Galloway and Erica Farr to our Fresno chapter. It will be a change, but know that between them and Sarah, we are in good hands.

September President's Message

Program Manager

Director of Chapter Engagement & Operations

Kelly Blocker

I’ve been pondering a question around this time each year – sort of re-evaluating my relationship with the Fresno summers. Does anyone actually enjoy the heat in Fresno, especially in July? Possibly, but I have yet to meet anyone who thinks, “Thank you for this beautiful, scorching heat, Mother Nature”. 

If you’re trying your best to stay indoors this summer, please join us for our 

 at Sequoia Brewery (Champlain) on 7/17, where we will honor the new licensees, and the best and most competitive teams will battle for the title of “The ULTIMATE Trivia Nerds.” Except . . . there is no cool title to be had, unless you make one up for yourself upon winning of course. It will be a fun night of food, drinks and hilarious competition. 

Also, please consider sponsoring a table at our upcoming 

 on 9/24, where you can meet eager students curious about our profession, the possibilities available to them and potentially an internship for next season. We work all year to raise money to award scholarships to students. Please help us promote and continue our cool profession!