January 2000

Committee Unveils New Column

This is the inauguration of a periodic column on international taxation. Many companies and CPA firm clients are now part of or are entering the global marketplace. Even "ma and pa" operations, once limited to their local neighborhood, now can expand their horizons thanks to the Internet and e-commerce. Cross-border activity, whether by sales and shipping, purchasing, or entering into a joint venture may subject your company or client to the international provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

This first column introduces the NYSSCPA International Taxation Committee and its members and acts as a recruitment poster for the committee, which serves as a resource to Society members regarding cross-border tax issues. Future columns, written by committee members, will address technical international tax issues.

The committee provides the following technical, educational, and networking activities:

* Addressing technical questions from NYSSCPA members;

* Monitoring federal and state legislation and rules relating to cross-border tax issues, including reporting obligations;

* Conducting educational conferences and technical sessions;

* Providing a format for commenting on pending tax laws and regulations affecting cross-border tax issues;

* Affording networking opportunities at committee meetings and conferences;

* Disseminating information through articles in The CPA Journal, The Trusted Professional, and other media; and

* Affording members the opportunity to write articles and lecture as well as share ideas with other practitioners.

The committee's members include CPAs from large firms to sole practitioners, from partners to senior managers. We are young and old, people with decades of experience and people who are getting their feet wet. We have a common interest in the taxation of cross-border activities, and our focus ranges from businesses in corporate form to unincorporated businesses and a variety of forms in between, some structures unknown in the United States. At present, the committee has no representatives from private industry, and needs such members to help provide a broader viewpoint. We encourage all interested NYSSCPA members to join this committee.

Future columns will deal with happenings in the international tax arena. To suggest a topic, pose a question, or for more information on the committee, contact me at (212) 375-6847 or lshoenthal@mrweiser.com. *

Lawrence Shoenthal is chair of the NYSSCPA International Taxation Committee and a principal with M.R. Weiser and Co. LLP.