Advocacy
Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Advocacy News and Highlights!
The WSCPA's goal is to provide members with the most current news and advocacy resources. Find news and updates on a variety of issues such as legislation, proposals, and changes to regulation here on the WSCPA advocacy blog, All Things Advocacy.
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NASBA Amends CPA Exam Model Window to 30 Months
April 24, 2023
On April 24th, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) announced that they adopted Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA) Model Rule that allows exam candidates 30 months, from the time they receive their first section score, to pass all four sections of the CPA exam.
DOR wants your feedback on Washington Tax Decisions
April 18, 2023
On Monday, April 17, the Department of Revenue began a new pilot program to allow individuals to make comments on proposed Washington Tax Decisions (WTD). This program will allow individuals to comment on proposed WTDs before they are published.
Tell NASBA Proposed Amendment to UAA Rules Should Be Expanded
April 05, 2023
On February 15, NASBA released an exposure draft of the Uniform Accountancy Act Rule 5-7. The draft proposes multiple changes, but notably would increase the amount of time that a CPA candidate has to pass all required CPA exam sections from a rolling 18-month period to a rolling 24-month period. Comments are due April 17
WSCPA Board: NASBA’s Proposed Amendments to UAA Rules Don’t Go Far Enough
March 29, 2023
The exposure draft would increase the amount of time that a CPA candidate has to pass all required CPA exam sections from a rolling 18-month window to 24 months. The WSCPA Board wants 36+ months.
Supreme Court Upholds Washington Capital Gains Tax as an Excise Tax
March 24, 2023
On Friday, March 24, 2023, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld the capital gains tax. In a 7-2 ruling in the Quinn v Washington State case, the majority ruled that the capital gains tax is an excise tax and is, therefore, legal in Washington State. Since it was ruled an excise tax, they did not weigh in on the constitutional questions.
Legislative Session Update
March 21, 2023
The WSCPA has been closely watching two bills, one that would replace the B&O tax with a margin tax, and a potential wealth tax bill. Mike Nelson shares an update on whether these bills are expected to move forward in the legislative process.
New Rule: Sit for the CPA Exam at 120 Hours
February 02, 2023
At its meeting on January 27 in SeaTac, Washington, the Washington State Board of Accountancy adopted a rule that allows candidates in Washington to sit for the CPA exam after having earned 120 semester hours. This rule change does not modify the 150 hours required to be licensed as a CPA.
2023 Legislative Session Preview
January 11, 2023
With the 2022 elections behind us, we adjust our focus to the 2023 Legislative Session. As we prepare for the launch of the session, WSCPA members will be meeting with legislators in Olympia during Hill Day on January 19 to discuss key matters expected to come before the legislature.
Hill Day 2023
December 01, 2022
Join us in Olympia on January 19 for one of the year's most important advocacy events. This upcoming legislative session will be the first in-person session since 2020 and will be our first Hill Day in three years due to COVID-19.
A Margin Tax for Washington: Where Are We Now?
October 31, 2022
The Tax Structure Work Group is considering recommending that the legislature replace Washington State's B&O tax with what many are calling a Texas-style margin tax. How close is this to becoming a reality? Mike Nelson, WSCPA Manager of Government Affairs, takes a look at the current state of the margin tax proposal.