Tax Season Postmortem
Small Firm Practice Management Committee Ends Year on High Note

By Edwin Kliegman

Members of the New York State Society of CPAs’ Small Firm Practice Management Committee saw a notable increase in electronic filing this year.

On May 5, the committee resumed its regular monthly meeting schedule, following a three-month tax season hiatus. Committee members discussed the efficiency of their respective tax software programs, comparing notes on the electronic filing process.

Most members noted an increase in their electronically filed returns during the 2003 season, and planned to continue this trend in the future.

Members also discussed their approach to maintaining an adequate level of fees and techniques for developing a base of good-quality clients.

Members further discussed providing assistance to small firms in distress in order to maintain a continuity of practice. A poll of members indicated that they were interested in pursuing development of a Society-based assistance program aimed at continuity of practice, although they said the exact nature of the committee’s involvement would be worked out in the coming committee year.

Members concluded the meeting with an evaluation of prior meetings in the 2003–2004 committee year. The members were enthusiastic about the speakers who had addressed the committee, finding the information to be valuable in their own practices. The general consensus was that similar programs should be planned for the 2004–2005 committee year.

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Edwin Kliegman is chair of the Small Firm Practice Management Committee.