March 2000

New York City Finance Commissioner Meets with Society

By Fong Chan

Andrew Eristoff, commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance, visited the NYSSCPA on January 10 to talk about city tax policies and his vision for the department.

Invited by Barry Horowitz, chair of the Society's New York State, Municipal, and Local Taxation Committee, the commissioner and his executive staff discussed topics such as enhanced technology to assist taxpayers and their representatives, increased cooperation between the city Department of Finance and the state Department of Taxation and Finance, the mayor's 2000­2001 proposed budget, and the city's financial plan for the next four years.

Horowitz presented various proposals developed by the Society committee to address pertinent city tax issues, including conforming unincorporated business tax rules with the general corporation tax rules with respect to certain allocations; reducing the small business tax rate; and power of attorney. The commissioner and his staff welcomed the committee's input and said they want to work more closely with the Society on city and state tax policies and procedures.

Jonathan Robin, deputy commissioner for audit and enforcement, Israel Schupper, associate commissioner for tax policy, and Ellen Hoffman, assistant commissioner for tax law and conciliation, accompanied the commissioner. In addition to Horowitz, New York State, Municipal, and Local Taxation Committee members Steve Eller, Jain Jacob, and Mark Levin and Real Estate Committee member Robert Reitman attended. *