CPE Catalog & Events

Surgent's Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Achieving Success in a Worker Classification Audit

The 20 common law factors in a worker classification audit that are used to distinguish an employee from an independent contractor How disgruntled independent contractors can use IRS Form 8919 against a former employer When and how to use §530 as a defense in worker classification audits What is "industry practice" for §530 purposes Common sense steps that will avoid the recharacterization of workers treated as independent contractors to employees The IRS’s Voluntary Classification Settlement Program — advantages and disadvantages The DOL Final Rule

Love it or Leave It: Engagement and Retention at Work

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Ethical Values and Engagement and RetentionEnhancing Employee engagementStrategic/Intentional Actions to Enhance RetentionGeneration X

Winning TaX Season with Better Workflow & Capacity Management

Surgent's Advanced Trust Issues: A Roadmap for Success in An Increasingly Complex Area

Key concepts of trusts, including recent trends; best practices; jurisdiction; and ways to avoid pitfalls Decanting Federal estate tax exemption and remaining relevance of trusts Irrevocable life insurance trusts The role of family dynamics Choice of trustee and other fiduciaries State trust-friendly considerations Charitable trusts Delaware Statutory Trusts Powers of attorney  Pet Trusts – the emerging necessities State, county, and local issues Portability QTIP issues Creditor considerations Potential IRA problems Problems with re-titling assets

Surgent's Getting Ready for Busy Season: Key Changes Every Tax Practitioner Should Know

Timely coverage of breaking tax legislation Comprehensive coverage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and SECURE Act 2.0  A tour of the most recent changes starting from gross income and ending with alternative minimum tax (AMT) and selected credits including the latest IRS guidance on recent tax legislation Hot developments affecting the upcoming tax season Review of new laws and changes in old forms to provide a familiarity for the upcoming tax season Key new tax and practice developments and how they impact the current-year tax forms for individuals

Forensic Accounting: Court Approved Methods of Proof

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:The role of methods of proof in forensic accounting.The various types of methods of proof approved by the courts.The weakness and strengths of the methods of proof.The formulas in calculating methods of proof.Applying the formulas in various circumstances.

MTCPA Montana Tax Update 2025 - VIRTUAL

Invest in Your Mental Health and Avoid Burnout

The major topics covered in this course include:How to recognize burnout and evaluate where you are on the burnout scale.How impostor syndrome drives coping reactions of overworking, over preparing and perfectionism.How mindfulness can reduce stress and save time.Silencing the critical inner voice.Tools to help you become more attuned to your needs and emotions.How attending to and regulating your nervous system impacts your mood and well-being.

Surgent's Understanding S Corporation Taxation: Late S Corporation Elections, Disproportionate Distributions, and Selling Shares

Making an S corporation election and late filing relief Disproportionate distributions Selling S corporation shares Redemption rules

Build a Data Model for Analysis in Power BI

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Data Modeling Essentials: Understanding the core concepts of data modeling in Power BI, including integration of various data sources.Building Relationships: Techniques to establish and manage relationships between different data sets.Calculated Columns and Basic DAX Measures: Introduction to DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) and its application in creating calculated columns and basic measures.Calculated Columns vs Measures: Insights into when to use calculated columns and when to opt for measures.Explicit vs Implicit Measures: Understanding the difference and appropriate application of explicit and implicit measures in data analysis.Hierarchies in Data: Creating and utilizing hierarchies to enhance data analysis and reporting.Using Pivot Tables to Validate Measures: Practical skills in using pivot tables within Power BI to validate and refine measures.

Leadershift: Drive Results Through Ethical Performance Mgmnt

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:How Inspirational leadership is the foundation that ethically drives results.Simplify the complex: Walk through the Results Model and discover practical how-to examples of execution.Hacks for getting great results with specific examples you can leverage in your business:The How: Empower your people to feel like an owner, managing difficult conversations well, leading with empathy and what that looks like, how it should feel, motivational coaching techniques to get your employee relationships back on track, and unleashing the power of appreciation and gratitude.The What: Powerful score-carding, transformational goal-setting conversations, and positive accountable follow- up.

Ethical Intelligence for Artificial Intelligence

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Benefits and pitfalls of artificial intelligence in the accounting professionSelecting and utilizing artificial intelligence resourcesApplying professional skepticism to resultsMaintaining independence while utilizing artificial intelligenceUpholding client confidentialityData security and retentionCitation of sources and related reporting considerationsApplication of the AICPA Code of Professional ConductEthical considerations when crafting policies and establishing best practices

Surgent's Preparation and Compilation Engagements Under the SSARS

Relevant sections of SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification SSARS No. 21, Clarification and Recodification, and updates to SSARS No. 21 due to the issuance of SSARS No. 23, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services SSARS No. 22, Compilation of Pro Forma Financial Information SSARS No. 24, Omnibus Statement on Standards for Accounting and Review Services – 2018 SSARS No. 26, Quality Management for an Engagement Conducted in Accordance With Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services Proposed changes to the SSARS guidance Comprehensive sample engagement work programs for preparation and compilation engagements Prescribed form, specified line item, pro forma, and other engagement variations Complete illustrations of relevant engagement letters, reporting and other required communications for preparation and compilation engagements

Internal Control - Testing for Operating Effectiveness

The major topics covered in this class include:Generally accepted audit requirements related to testing controls for operating effectivenessIdentifying key controls that may prove effective and efficient to test in a control reliance strategyResponses when deviations are discovered when evaluating the design or operating effectiveness of internal controlLeveraging audit evidence available for Service Organization Control (SOC1) ReportsGeneral computer control considerations when evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting

Surgent's The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act

Definitions of key terms under the FMLA, including covered employer, eligible employee, and serious health condition Timing and types of leave under the FMLA Calculating leave time under the FMLA Employer and employee notice requirements The definition of a “disability” under ADA An employer’s obligation to provide employees with a reasonable accommodation under the ADA Guidance on engaging in the interactive process Dos and don’ts of medical certifications The interplay between the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act

Securing Your Data with a Password Management App - Updated

The major topics covered in this course include:Introduction to the world of password management apps and what makes them so secureReview and demonstration of top selling password management appsSoftware features that will be reviewedPassword generationEmergency user accessEntity vs. individual password managementDesktop vs. cloud basedMulti device synchronizationPII (personally identifiable information) forms fillerCredit card storageDigital data vault

AHI: Advanced Management and Leadership Essentials (Mini Course)

Leading others Coaching and developing staff Building leadership communications skills

Money Laundering Awareness for Accountants

The major topics that will be covered in this class include:Money laundering overviewRole of tax examiners and auditorsTax return examinationPre-audit indicatorsAudit flagsReal estate issuesCash indicatorsInternational trade signalsLoan considerationsProfessional service provider concernsMoney laundering and ethics

Installment sales: Maximize Tax Benefits and Stay Compliant

The major topics that will be covered in this course include:Installment sale treatment eligibilityWhen to elect out of installment sale treatmentInstallment sale of business assetsInstallment sale default and the rules for personal property versus real propertyInstallment sales and depreciation recapture

Take Command of your Time

The major subjects that will be covered in this course include:Identify time wasters and adopt strategies for eliminating themRecognize the variety of causes of procrastination and apply techniques to overcome themUse practical techniques for prioritizing workDelegation strategiesIncorporate wellness and stress management into your day in short incrementsUnderstand their energy cycles and use it to manage your scheduleLearn techniques to decrease stress in the moment (based on neuroscience)