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“I am impressed with the leadership of this organization and truly respectful of what [alliantgroup] is doing to help businesses in this country.”

One of our country's enduring strengths is the entrepreneurial spirit of our people and it is widely recognized that small and middle-market businesses fuel our economy with jobs and innovation. As trusted advisors to these vital businesses, it's critical that CPAs deliver insights and opportunities to help these businesses thrive.

In our continuing series of Think Tank events, alliantgroup brings together top legislative insiders, leading business consultants, and our premier CPA firms from around the country to share ideas and voice concerns with tax issues and other challenges impacting businesses, including the uncertainty of the economy.

The two-day program in Houston featured special guest, U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT); alliantgroup Vice Chairman and former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson; alliantgroup Director and former Congressman (NY) Rick Lazio; alliantgroup National Managing Director and former Tax Counsel to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee Dean Zerbe; and alliantgroup co-founders Dhaval Jadav and Shane Frank. Accounting industry practice development expert Jeff Pawlow of The Growth Partnership also presented an informative CPE. In addition, several alliantgroup industry specialization team leaders shared inspiring stories about a number of the businesses we have helped.

“We couldn't do what we do to help so many small and mid-sized businesses without the great relationships we have with our CPA firms. We value these trusted partnerships and work hard every day to help our CPA clients make a difference for their clients.”

 - DHAVAL JADAV, alliantgroup CEO

Jeff Pawlow, who works with 50 of the top100 accounting firms, kicked off the first day with his compelling presentation on seizing real opportunities to grow and sustain your practice. Jeff challenges CPA partners to move from their technical expertise comfort zone, into thinking more like the entrepreneurs they advise. Creating true customer loyalty comes from building strong client relationships and delivering added value.

Tools to achieving exceptional client loyalty and becoming more than just a commodity firm to clients:

• Leading and unleashing talent; developing your next generation of professionals
• Dedicating time to work “on” your business each week, not just “in” your business
• Deepening relationships with existing clients by proactively adding value
• Focusing on niche experience and providing exceptional service
• Conducting regular client satisfaction surveys; asking for feedback and listening!

“alliantgroup's services can bind a client to you for life.”

 - JEFF PAWLOW, The Growth Partnership CEO

Senator Orrin Hatch led day two of the event with a visit to alliantgroup's Houston headquarters for discussions with our CPAs. Because Senator Hatch is the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance and a member of the Joint Committee on Taxation, his willingness to share insights, and more importantly, to listen to the CPA community, is extremely valuable to making material changes to the tax code, which directly impacts business activity.

“Businesses should have self-assurance on what to expect with regard to their taxes. It's impossible for businesses to plan and the uncertainty is killing confidence in this country.”

 - Senator Hatch

Because the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) turn off in 2010 was so vital for small and middle-market businesses, and since Senator Hatch was instrumental to including it in legislation, the topic of AMT was at the forefront. Many tax incentives, such as the powerful R&D tax credit that has become available to so many more businesses and industries in recent years, often are non-starters for small and medium businesses because of AMT. Senators Hatch and Max Baucus are co-authors of the Greater Research Opportunities with Tax Help Act of 2011 (GROWTH Act), which seeks to simplify and make the R&D tax credit more robust and permanent.

“The tax code is too complex and full of problems and inequities that are eating us alive. Big companies that are making billions need true tax liability and accountability, and need to pay their fair share.”

 - Senator Hatch

Senator Hatch speaks regularly with current IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman and they both agree the tax code must be altered and simplified so that businesses – not just big corporations – can thrive in this country. Senator Hatch noted that Congress hears quite frequently from Fortune 500 companies, and urged the CPAs attending to write him and their Congressional representatives regarding issues that are impacting the middle market such as AMT, the permanency of the R&D credit, S-Corp changes, estate rules, and carried interest. He acknowledged that Congress needs input from those who have hands-on experience working with the tax code and that CPA leaders should offer solutions.

Global stability impacts us all and Senator Hatch spoke about the significance the economy abroad has on our country and the world. He also acknowledged that we need a balanced budget, and that the private sector should be empowered to get this country back on track.

“The R&D tax credit is all too often a lifesaver for companies. alliantgroup is a proven leader in helping businesses capture these critical funds.”

 - MARK W. EVERSON, alliantgroup Vice Chairman and former IRS Commissioner

Senator Hatch showed extreme respect and appreciation for the jobs that Dean Zerbe and Mark Everson performed at the Senate Finance Committee and the IRS, respectively. Senator Hatch then seriously encouraged Mark, Dean, and Dhaval Jadav to provide insight to him on the issues they are seeing with regard to middle-market businesses, and asked for their recommendations to improve the tax code.

In response to Senator Hatch's request, Zerbe, Everson, and Jadav will be garnering input from alliantgroup's VIP CPA firm partners and businesses and will present to Senators Hatch and Baucus, ‘the alliantgroup proposal for tax reform.'

Stay tuned for more information on how alliantgroup wants you to get involved with this!

Former IRS Commissioner Mark Everson, former Congressman Rick Lazio, and former Senate Tax Counsel Dean Zerbe led a roundtable discussion on the latest news from Washington, DC. With the presidential election this year, tax reform and balanced budget issues will continue to be at the forefront of debates. In the national election, the independent vote will be the critical swing; with results likely to polarize the country.

In this Congressional election cycle, Senate Democrats will be defending far more seats than Republicans, and there is a stronger chance of a Republican majority in the Senate after the 2012 elections.

“Major policy decisions such as healthcare and budget are likely to be impacted by the Supreme Court; also expect more headline news at the state and local levels as those governments become overwhelmed by exploding pensions, debt service, Medicaid, and other healthcare costs.”

 - Rick Lazio, former U.S. Congressman

Our experts echo Senator Hatch's concerns that the current economic uncertainty in this country is curbing growth and business spending, and hindering us from a true recovery. The Occupy Wall Street movement is emblematic of the perceived gap between the haves and have-nots, with corporate tax reform, government spending, and jobs in this country at issue. With the abundance of complex issues impacting the economy, unemployment, and taxes, our DC insiders believe Congress will be debating these critical issues for months to come.

Entitlements continue to be the largest portion of the U.S. budget, but there will be enormous pressure on both parties to come up with savings (and revenues) in areas that are less politically risky. Tax extenders are likely to pass mid to late 2012.

“Congress needs to hear from the middle market if we are going to amplify the voice of this sector.”

 - Dean Zerbe, former Senate Tax Counsel

Long-term economic growth will come from technology, innovation, and research in this country with new developments likely in industries such as biotech, medical technology, and alternative energy. Retention of certain tax incentives, such as the R&D tax credit, will support business competitiveness in our country.