Tax Break

Mary Schapiro, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission REUTERS/Yuri Gripas

Some events in the week ahead:

Tuesday, February 21

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Small Business/Self-Employed Decreasing Non-Filers Project Committee telephonic open meeting, 10 a.m. EST.

Tuesday, February 21 – Thursday, February 23

The Tax Executives Institute will sponsor a three-day seminar in San Diego, California, on audits, appeals and tax controversies, covering topics including winning at appeals, international tax controversy and building an effective transfer pricing case. Sheldon M. Kay, deputy chief of IRS Appeals, will be the Tuesday luncheon speaker.

The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel Joint Committee open telephonic meeting, 2 p.m. EST.

Thursday, February 23

* The International Accounting Standards Board will meet in London. The accounting body, which is responsible for standards in 100 countries, has announced plans to make itself more accountable to the public, a move which may add to pressure on the U.S. to join.  The U.S. is considering the issue, but has delayed its decision.

* IRS  telephone forum on funding-based benefit restrictions. Michael Spaid and Tonya Manning, IRS actuaries, will be the discussants.

Friday, February 24 – Saturday, February 25

The Practising Law Institute will sponsor a two-day program in Washington called “The SEC Speaks.” Topics will include enforcement, compliance, corporation finance, accounting, and international development. SEC Commissioner Mary L. Schapiro will speak at the opening session, as will Meredith B. Cross, the director of the Division of Corporation Finance and Robert S. Khuzami, her counterpart at the Division of Enforcement. SEC Chief Accountant James L. Kroeker speaks Saturday. Other current SEC staff, former commissioners and others will speak as well.