The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA) is pleased to announce that Jason Harrell will join the FICPA as Chief External Affairs Officer, effective July 17, 2023.
Harrell will be stationed at the FICPA Governmental Affairs office in Tallahassee and will direct all aspects of the FICPA’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory efforts. He will serve as the liaison to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida Board of Accountancy and will be responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns aimed at increasing the value of the CPA license. Alongside FICPA’s longtime external public affairs agency, Liberty Partners of Tallahassee, Harrell will establish and implement the FICPA’s lobbying strategy.
“I’m extremely honored to join the FICPA as its new Chief External Affairs Officer,” Harrell said. “I understand the important role CPAs play in our economy, and I welcome this incredible opportunity to represent the organization and the profession in Tallahassee. I look forward to working with the FICPA leadership team and accounting professionals across the state to promote the profession and further grow our legislative advocacy program.”
As a member of the executive team, Harrell will work alongside FICPA President & CEO Shelly Weir, Chief Growth & Innovation Officer Carrie Summerlin, and Chief Financial Officer Kristin High to lead and execute the strategic direction of the FICPA.
“Advocacy is at the core of what we do at FICPA. Jason’s rich experience in public policy and governmental affairs make him a perfect fit for the FICPA,” Weir said. “After our extensive search to fill this role, it was Jason’s expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm that truly stood out. I am excited to work alongside him as we continue our efforts to protect and promote the CPA profession in Florida.”
Prior to joining the FIPCA, Harrell was the Director of Government Relations for the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers (FCCC) since 2018, leading five successful legislative sessions for the FCCC’s in-house advocacy program. He also previously served as budget and communications director of the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation (CCOC).
Harrell previously served in the Florida House of Representatives Majority Office as deputy staff director under former speakers Will Weatherford and Steve Crisafulli. He also served in the Governor’s Office of Policy and Budget and in the Office of the Chief Inspector General.
Harrell holds a master’s in public administration (MPA) and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Florida State University.
The FICPA engaged Korn Ferry, the world’s largest executive search firm, to conduct the search for its new Chief External Affairs Officer. A national search was conducted by the project team led by Audra Cross, Trenholm Boggs, and Jeremy Gold.
Latest News
IRS Sends Special Mailing to Taxpayers in Certain Disaster Areas
The IRS is sending a special follow-up mailing to taxpayers in several states affected by disasters to let them know they have additional time to pay their taxes.
The IRS is taking this special step to help reassure taxpayers affected by disasters that they do have extra time to file and pay their taxes. This new mailing is going to residents in California and seven other states in designated disaster areas that received a CP14 notice from the IRS in late May and June. The earlier mailings are for taxpayers who have a balance due, and they are sent out as a legal requirement. While the notice received by taxpayers says they need to pay in 21 days, these taxpayers actually have until later this year to timely pay under the disaster declaration.
Given the large reach of these disaster declarations and partner feedback, the IRS took an additional step to do a follow-up mailing to let these taxpayers know they have more time. The mailing, known as a CP14CL, will occur during the next few weeks. The letters are in English and Spanish.
Auditor General Publishes FY 2022-23 Draft Rules
Pursuant to 11.45(8), Florida Statutes, the Auditor General, in consultation with the Board of Accountancy, adopts rules for the form and conduct of all financial audits performed by independent certified public accountants pursuant to Sections 215.981, 218.39, 1001.453, 1002.395, 1004.28, and 1004.70, Florida Statutes.
The Auditor General draft rules for the 2022-23 Fiscal Year audits are now available. Comments regarding the draft rules may be sent to dereknoonan@aud.state.fl.us by July 30.
IRS Offers Free Employee Retention Credit Webinar
The IRS is presenting a free webinar on July 25, 2023. Attendees will gain from-the-source insights on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), including key areas of compliance, characteristics of potential ERC fraud, and ways to report potential fraud and steer your clients away from it. There will also be a live Q&A to answer all your ERC questions. Earn 2 Federal Tax CPE when you attend.
DOR TIPs
Since the last issue of Advocacy Update, the Florida Department of Revenue has published these helpful Tax Information Publications (TIPS). For the full list of 2023 TIPs, click here.
Administration
Strong Families Tax Credit Cap Will Increase
June 19, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, an additional $10 million in credit allocations will be available for the Strong Families Tax Credit.
Communications Services Tax
Communications Services Tax Rates: Local Rate Increases Prohibited January 1, 2023 Through December 31, 2025
June 15, 2023
Section 202.19(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.), is amended to specify that the local communications services tax rates in effect as of January 1, 2023, may not be increased prior to January 1, 2026.
Corporate Income Tax
Florida Corporate Income/Franchise Tax Internship Tax Credit Program Renamed Experiential Learning Tax Credit Program; Program Availability Expanded
July 7, 2023
For taxable years beginning during calendar years 2022 through 2025, the Florida Experiential Learning Tax Credit Program allows a tax credit against the Florida corporate income/franchise tax for up to five apprentices, pre-apprentices, or student interns per taxable year, per corporation.
Estate Tax
Changes to Decedent’s Estate Information Requirements
June 19, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the following changes affect decedent estates.
Prepaid Wireless Fee
Prepaid Wireless E911 Fee Renamed to Prepaid Wireless Public Safety Emergency Communications Systems Fee
June 15, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the Florida Prepaid Wireless E911 Fee is renamed the Prepaid Wireless Public Safety Emergency Communications Systems Fee.
Reemployment Tax
2023 Legislative Changes: E-Verify System Requirements and Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Name Change
June 27, 2023
E-Verify System Requirements – Effective July 1, 2023, Florida public agencies and private employers with 25 or more employees are required to use E-Verify.
Sales and Use Tax
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Baby and Toddler Products
June 9, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the following baby and toddler products are permanently exempt from Florida sales and use tax.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Diapers and Incontinence Products
June 9, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, and incontinence liners for human use are permanently exempt from Florida sales and use tax.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Renewable Natural Gas Machinery and Equipment
June 12, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the purchase of machinery and equipment that is used at a fixed location and primarily used in the production, storage, transportation, compression, or blending of renewable natural gas is exempt from Florida sales tax.
Secondhand Goods Definition Revised
June 12, 2023
“Secondhand goods” means personal property previously owned or used, which is not regulated metals property, and which is purchased, consigned, or traded as used property.
2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday July 24, 2023 Through August 6, 2023
June 15, 2023
The 2023 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday begins on Monday, July 24, 2023, and ends on Sunday, August 6, 2023.
Indexed Tax on Asphalt Increases to $1.14 Per Ton for the Period July 1, 2023 Through June 30, 2024
June 19, 2023
The tax rate used by contractors who manufacture and use asphalt during fiscal year July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, will increase from 98 cents per ton to $1.14 per ton.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Oral Hygiene Products
June 19, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, oral hygiene products are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Firearm Safety Devices
June 19, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the following firearm safety devices are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.
Exemption for Fencing Used in Agricultural Operations Expanded
July 5, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, materials used to construct or repair permanent or temporary fencing used to contain, confine, or process cattle, including gates and energized fencing systems, used in agricultural operations on lands classified as agricultural lands under section 193.461, Florida Statutes, are exempt from Florida sales tax.
Sales Tax Exemption for Sales of Investigation Services by Small Private Investigative Agencies
July 5, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, the sale of private investigation services by a small private investigative agency to a client is exempt from Florida sales tax.
Exemption for Building Materials Used in Construction of Eligible Residential Units for Affordable Housing
July 5, 2023
Effective July 1, 2023, building materials used to construct eligible residential units for affordable housing are exempt from Florida sales and use tax.
Contribute
The Florida CPA/PAC supports the politicians who stand up for CPAs. We back the candidates and incumbents who will ensure CPAs and their clients are included in the legislative process. It is your voluntary contributions that help protect the CPA license.
Please note: Contributions are strictly voluntary and are not deductible for federal tax purposes. The Florida CPA/PAC is an entity completely separate from the FICPA. The Florida CPA/PAC is supported solely by the voluntary contributions of members of the FICPA and others.
