ACCELERATING DISASTER TAX RELIEF Another Spring Council issue that state societies advocated for on the Hill addressed a critical gap in current law where filing and payment relief from the IRS could only come after a federal disaster declaration. The delay between the occurrence of a disaster and the federal disaster declaration—which could be days, or even weeks after a disaster—left disaster victims in limbo during an already difficult situation. This problem is exacerbated when disasters strike around filing deadlines. With our help, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act (H.R. 517) was passed unanimously in both chambers of Congress, empowering the IRS to extend tax filing and payment relief to taxpayers immediately following a state disaster declaration, rather than waiting for a federal designation. EXPANDING 529 PLANS Included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1), which was passed by Congress and signed by the President, was the expansion of the use of 529 education savings accounts to include fees and expenses required to obtain or maintain recognized post-secondary credentials, including professional credentials and certifications. This provides professionals, including those who are pursuing a CPA license, with greater financial flexibility as they decide how best to pay for the requirements associated with obtaining a license. This has been a long-standing priority for the accounting profession, and its inclusion in the new tax law is a direct result of the hard work by our members and our partners. From improving state-level tax administration to accelerating disaster tax relief to expanding education savings, these legislative wins underscore the accounting profession’s effectiveness in shaping tax policy that benefits both practitioners and the public. Moving forward, we will continue to advocate for accounting as part of a well-rounded STEM educational experience, as well as work on other efforts involving AI in the profession, the longer-term fiscal picture of the U.S., professional licensing, and more. As an NESCPA member, know that your voice matters—and the Nebraska Society of CPAs will make sure it is heard. Joni Sundquist is president and executive director of the Nebraska Society of CPAs. You may contact her at (402) 476-8482 or joni@nescpa.org. NESCPA Chairman Brian Klintworth, Past Chairman Lori Egger, and Chairman-Elect Jodi Eckhout meet with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., to discuss key issues impacting the CPA profession. Bacon represents Nebraska’s 2nd District. Nebraska Society of CPAs leadership meets with U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., to share perspectives on federal policy and its effect on Nebraska businesses and taxpayers. Smith represents Nebraska’s 3rd District. 9 nescpa.org
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