Dive Into IPT Insider

IPT's President's Message

Trisha Fortune, CMI, CPA
IPT President

Happy July!!  I trust you all had a wonderful holiday and enjoying the summer.  I am incredibly honored to serve as IPT’s President for the 2024 – 2025 term and am pleased to be part of moving IPT’s PROgression forward with the new website and outreach initiatives throughout the coming year.  

But first, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Immediate Past President Allan Wells, CMI, for his successful presidency and hosting an informative, productive, and entertaining Annual Conference in San Diego.  I truly appreciate his leadership; he has set a high standard for IPT Presidents and I will do all I can to reach it.

I trust you all have seen the updated website and may have seen the new brand video.  (If not, please click the link.) The vision and rollout are thanks to the hard work and dedication of Immediate Past President Wells, the Board of Governors, many volunteers, and IPT’s staff.  And a special thank you to Emily Archer for her leadership with the initiative.  The team’s efforts have refreshed IPT’s brand, making it clean, modern, and relatable.  Through this initiative, we can effectively tell IPT’s story.  IPT is the Tax Pro community, where education and community unite, and now it’s time to spread this message.

During my term, my primary initiative is to take the next step.  Our aim is to reengage members who have left IPT and demonstrate why they should return.  We also want to introduce IPT to SALT professionals and companies that do not yet know us.  We will achieve this by conducting a targeted marketing campaign, employing strategies and tactics we have never used before to reconnect with past members, broaden IPT’s visibility in the SALT community, and increase our membership.  And we ask that all members participate in this outreach.  Please encourage your network to visit the new website.  And let me, Executive Director Chris Muntifering, or other Board members, know if there are former or potential members you think would appreciate direct outreach.  Expanding our visibility with these vital audiences is critical to building IPT’s longevity and sustainability.  The ultimate objective is to position IPT and all its members for success in the years to come.

At this year’s Annual Meeting of Members, the membership elected a new slate of IPT Board Members and Officers. 

The new Officers are:
- First Vice President: Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI
- Second Vice President: Jeff McGhehey, CMI

The new Board Members are:
- Rodney L. Cole, CMI
- Kristina Friedman, CMI
- Martin Guenther, CMI, MAI

I extend my sincerest congratulations to these deserving individuals and look forward to working with them. Membership also approved the Board’s proposed Bylaw changes at the meeting. These changes involved electronic voting and changes to the Professional Designation Committees. The updated Bylaws are posted on IPT’s website and can be found here.

I anticipate an exciting year ahead for IPT. Symposium and School Committees are working hard to ensure upcoming programs are the best they can be. If you are interested in participating in this process, would like to suggest topics, or are interested in speaking, please reach out to the Committee Chairs. Our Standing Committees are actively supporting the Institute’s mission and objectives IPT would not exist without the commitment and dedication of its members. Thank you all for your time, participation, and the opportunity to represent IPT. Please feel free to reach out to me directly with feedback or questions on how you can get more involved with IPT.

Best regards,
Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA
IPT President

Meet IPT’s New Leadership!

At IPT’s Annual Meeting of Members, IPT Membership elected new Officers and three new Board Members. IPT looks forward to their leadership and guidance throughout their terms.

Welcome IPT’s 2024 - 2025 Officers

From Left to Right: (pictured here with Immediate Past President Allan Wells, CMI)
Second Vice President Jeff McGhehey, CMI The Home Depot
First Vice President Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI Grant Thornton Advisors LLC
President Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA Ryan, LLC

Introducing IPT’s new Board Members

From Left to Right:
Martin Guenther, CMI, MAI Director, Property Tax
Kristina Friedman, CMI Welltower Inc.
Rodney L. Cole, CMI Lithia Motors

Outgoing Board Members
IPT’s Membership extends its sincerest thanks to IPT’s outgoing Board Members, whose dedication and commitment to IPT is appreciated.

Left to Right:
Immediate Past President April M. Nevarez, CMI The Michaels Companies, Inc.
Carlos V. Hernandez, CMI Microsoft Corporation
Jan Nash, CMI Tyson Foods, Inc.
(Not pictured Jack M. Schindler, CMI – CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)

Welcome to IPT's New Brand!

IPT is excited to introduce our new brand! The new look is clean, fresh, and relatable, designed to reflect IPT’s commitment to SALT professionals by bringing them together and providing them with the best educational resources available. IPT is a hub for community and education where members can connect, learn, and grow in their professional journeys.

This rebranding effort aims to elevate IPT's visibility and reach, especially among those who may not yet be familiar with our organization. It helps members clearly articulate who we are and what IPT offers - IPT is the Tax Pro Community. IPT provides the best in SALT education and opportunities to advance careers. It is the place to connect to industry peers.

The new brand will help IPT attract new members and expand our vibrant community of SALT professionals.

Here’s a look at IPT’s new video that tells our story.

Thanks for being a part of IPT, and we look forward to continuing the journey together with this exciting new chapter. Because when you Know More, You Pro More.

IPT's Fall Symposiums - Join Us From Texas to Tucson!

2024 Sales Tax Symposium
September 22 – 25, 2024
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine, Texas

Join IPT at the Sales Tax Symposium, the premier program for advanced sales and use tax education. This Symposium offers a unique opportunity to stay updated with the latest industry information and connect with peers from across the country. There are 30+ breakout sessions planned and fun networking activities like a Texas Rangers baseball game, new evening networking activities, and much more. To register click here. 

2024 Value Added Tax Symposium
September 25 – 26, 2024
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Grapevine, Texas

IPT’s Value Added Tax Symposium is an exceptional resource for understanding the complexities of VAT. Sessions cover VAT's global impact, related issues, and practical strategies, providing a comprehensive understanding of this critical tax area. This Symposium also offers a unique opportunity for cross-training among multi-discipline attendees, enhancing SALT expertise. Stay informed with the latest industry information and network with peers from across the industry. To register click here.

2024 Credits & Incentives Symposium
October 20 – 23, 2024
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona

The Credits & Incentives Symposium is the only program dedicated to providing unparalleled education to C&I practitioners. Attend the Symposium to gain valuable insights from industry leaders, expand knowledge, and stay ahead of the latest trends and developments. With numerous networking opportunities, attendees can connect with fellow professionals, share experiences, and build lasting relationships. To register click here.

Property Tax Symposium
November 10 – 13, 2024
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona

It is one of the year's most anticipated property tax educational programs! The Symposium offers engaging content featuring dozens of sessions on legislative updates, property tax strategies, current events, regional updates, and the latest industry news. Attendees can also earn CPE and connect with fellow property tax professionals. Register now and be a part of this premier event!

State Income Tax Symposium
November 10 – 13, 2024
JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa
Tucson, Arizona

IPT’s State Income Tax Symposium offers in-depth insights into the field's most pressing issues. It provides comprehensive analysis and deep dives into the latest and most relevant topics in state income tax. This is the place to learn from the best in the field, gaining actionable strategies to apply in everyday practice. Attendees will hear from leading state income tax professionals from both corporate and advisory backgrounds, sharing their expertise and real-world experiences. To register click here.

Meet IPT’s New President

Trisha C. Fortune, CMI, CPA, is a Principal at Ryan, LLC, a company that provides an integrated suite of federal, state, local, and international tax services on a multijurisdictional basis. Trisha has been with Ryan for over twenty years in its Transaction Tax practice. She specializes in providing multi-jurisdictional consulting services, including research, planning, education, audit defense and recovery, to clients in the technology, energy, chemical, retail and manufacturing industries.

Trisha started her career as an auditor for the State of Texas and then spent eight years working in public accounting at three of the four national accounting firms. Prior to joining Ryan in 2001, Trisha led the Houston transaction tax practice for one of the national accounting firms. Trisha obtained a BBA in Accounting from Texas State University and is licensed as a CPA in Texas.

Trisha has been a member of IPT since 1994, on IPT’s Board of Governors from 2018 through 2021, and serving as an officer since 2023. She served as the Chair of the Sales Tax Symposium (2016) and Annual Conference, Sales Tax (2013 and 2005). She served as Vice Chair of the Sales Tax Symposium (2015) and Annual Conference (2012 and 2004). In 2019, she was Co-Chair on the Sales and Use Taxation Textbook Editorial Committee. She is a past speaker at IPT’s Sales Tax Symposiums, ABA/IPT Sales Tax Seminars, Annual Conferences, IPT’s luncheon groups as well as other industry education sessions outside of IPT. In 2020, she was awarded IPT’s Distinguished Service Award.

Outside of work, Trisha enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, including skiing, hiking and time at the beach. She is celebrating her thirtieth wedding anniversary with her husband Pete this November and they have added a son and daughter-in-law to their family this year. Trisha and Pete currently divide their time between Colorado, California, and Alabama. They have three kids (Abbe, Emily, and Max), all in their twenties, and three dogs (Eli, Poncho, and Bentley).

2024 Personal Property Tax School

 

Personal Property Tax School
August 5 – 9, 2024
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta

Are you ready to elevate your expertise in personal property taxation? Join us at the IPT Personal Property Tax School, where property tax professionals like you will deepen your understanding and enhance your skills.

You'll explore the key areas of personal property tax:

• Classification
• Valuation of Machinery & Equipment
• Compliance
• Audits & Appeals

With approximately 40.5 continuing education credits available, including 1.2 IPT Ethics credit hours, this in-person program offers rigorous learning, engaging group exercises, and a comprehensive case study project.

The early registration deadline is July 8, 2024. Ensure you meet the prerequisite of having attended and passed the IPT Property Tax School or the Online Property Tax School Competency Exam. Don't miss this opportunity to advance your career. Register now and become a leader in personal property taxation!

2024 Property Tax School

Property Tax School
September 9 -12, 2024
Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center
Grapevine, Texas

IPT’s Property Tax School is specifically designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to build and advance your career in property tax. Whether you are new to the field or looking to deepen your understanding of property tax fundamentals, this comprehensive program is tailored for you.

The School offers an introductory but thorough study of business property tax management, including practical valuation techniques crucial to a tax professional's daily responsibilities. Based on valuable feedback, we are pleased to offer the School in September, accommodating your administrative commitments.

Sessions include:

• Property Tax Administration Management
• Valuation Theory and Principles
• Sales Comparison Approach
• Cost Approach
• Income Approach
• Reconciliation of Value Conclusions
• Personal Property Tax
• Tax Research
• Ethics in Property Tax

The esteemed faculty, composed of corporate, consultant, and legal professionals, will guide you through these core concepts, presenting the material in a clear and relatable manner. The curriculum includes interactive workshops, allowing for engaging peer-to-peer discussions on the topics covered.

This course has no prerequisites, making it accessible to all. Successful completion of the program and a series of quizzes throughout the school are required. This School serves as a prerequisite for the Real and Personal Property Tax Schools and can be challenged by passing the Online Property Tax School Competency Exam . Full attendance earns you 27.4 continuing education credits, including one IPT Ethics credit hour.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your property tax expertise and connect with industry professionals.

Register

2024 Real Property Tax School

Real Property Tax School
October 7 – 11, 2024
Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center
Atlanta

The Real Property Tax School is a five-day, in-person program is a must-attend event for professionals seeking advanced knowledge in real property taxation.

The School is designed for those with some experience in the field, building upon participants' foundational understanding to explore complex concepts and practical applications. Led by a diverse faculty with extensive real-world experience, this program provides invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of real property taxation.

Sessions Include:

• Comprehensive Study of Property Tax Valuation: In-depth analysis of the three approaches to value.
• Direct Capitalization, Yield Capitalization, and Discounted Cash Flow Models
• Building Cost Estimates and Types of Depreciation
• Analysis of Sales Information
• Summation of the Three Approaches
• Equalization, Sales Ratio Studies, and Mass Appraisal
• Interactions with Assessors, Appeal Boards, and Courts
• Ethics in Property Taxation

Pre-School Online Courses
Registrants will have access to two online, on-demand courses prior to attending:

• Real Property Tax School Primer
• HP12C Calculator Review

To attend the Real Property Tax School, individuals must have successfully completed IPT’s Property Tax School. Alternatively, those who have not attended can opt to take and pass the Online Property Tax Competency Exam . Successfully completing the Real Property Tax School is a mandatory requirement for earning the CMI - Property Tax designation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your expertise in real property taxation and network with industry professionals. Mark your calendar for this in depth study of real property tax.

Register

Upcoming Local Luncheons 

 

Twin Cities IPT Local Luncheon

August 14, 2024
More Information Forthcoming

Chicago Area Local Luncheon

August 14, 2024 at 12 pm
Maple Meadows Gold Course
$150/person or $500/foursome
Contact Ellen Berkshire, Esq. to register

CMI/CCIP Exam Schedule & Deadlines

2024 CMI State Income Tax Exams
*The CMI State Income Tax exams are administered by appointment only, and held at the IPT office in Atlanta, Georgia.  
*After completion of the application process, candidates must notify IPT of their intention to sit with at least 90 days’ notice.  The exam date will then be scheduled through coordination with the CMI - State Income Tax Professional Designation Committee. 
*Please contact Jake Lipps, IPT’s Certification Manager, for more information. 

Applications must be received via email on or before the deadline for receipt of applications. Applications received after this deadline will NOT be reviewed in time for consideration of the subsequent exams. 

September 2024 CMI Sales Tax Exams
Grapevine, Texas
Exam Dates: September 21-22, 2024

* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than August 9, 2024. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than August 22, 2024.

October 2024 CCIP Exams
Tucson, Arizona
Exam Dates: October 19-20, 2024

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the October 2024 exams is July 22, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than September 5, 2024. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than September 19, 2024.

November 2024 CMI Property Tax Exams
Tucson, Arizona
Exam Dates: November 9-10, 2024

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2024 exams is August 15, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than September 25, 2024. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 10, 2024.

January 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: January 31 - February 1, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the January 2025 exams is October 30, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than December 16, 2024. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than January 6, 2025.

February 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: February 28 - March 1, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the Febuary 2025 exams is November 25, 2024. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than January 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than January 28, 2025.

May 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams (Written Exam Only)
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: May 31, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the May Written Exam 2025 exams is March 10, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than April 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than April 30, 2025.

June 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams 
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Exam Dates: June 21-22, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the May Written Exam 2025 exams is March 10, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than May 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than May 21, 2025.

July 2025 CCIP Exam 
Atlanta, Georgia
Exam Dates: July 21-22, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the July 2025 CCIP exam is April 21, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than June 9, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than June 20, 2025.

August 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams 
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: August 22 - 23, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the August 2025 CMI Property Tax exams is May 21, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than July 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than July 22, 2025.

September 2025 CMI Sales Tax Exams 
Indian Wells, California
Exam Dates: September 27-28, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the September 2025 CMI Sales Tax exams is June 27, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than August 13, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than August 27, 2025.

November 2025 CMI Property Tax Exams 
Indian Wells, California
Exam Dates: November 1 - 2, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2025 CMI Property Tax exams is August 4, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than Septemer 15, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 1, 2025.

November 2025 CCIP Exam 
Dallas, Texas
Exam Dates: November 15 - 16, 2025

* The deadline for receipt of applications for the November 2025 CCIP exam is August 13, 2025. 
* All Examinees will be required to complete and submit verification of any needed final requirements no later than October 1, 2025. 
* Candidates must register for the examination no later than October 15, 2025.

The CMI Sales Tax written exams will no longer be administered in hardcopy format.  They will now be administered via ExamSoft, a computer-based assessment software.  Please note, you are still required to take the exams in person at the designated exam site.  Instructions and details on ExamSoft will be given to examinees approximately one month prior to the testing date.

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Become an IPT Sponsor One of the best ways to get your business's name in front of the best and brightest tax professionals is to become a sponsor of IPT programs. Your support at the Gold or Silver level will help IPT continue its mission of providing the best state and local tax available and will heighten your profile with industry decision makers. See below for the 2024 Sponsorship Form and a list of benefits you will receive through your sponsorship.

IPT also has multiple opportunities to sponsor events and activities at the symposiums and Annual Conference. These events may include crowd pleasers like a specialty coffee cart, professional portraits, or craft beer tasting. Each program has its distinct offerings of networking activity sponsorships, and availability and pricing depend on the specific program and host location. Click here  to see the availability and pricing for these sponsorship opportunities. Please note, these activities tend to get sponsors quickly, so acting quickly is imperative.

Please visit IPT's Sponsorship Page for more information on Gold, Silver, Bronze and Event Sponsorships and the associated benefits of each. You can also contact Helen Johnson regarding IPT's sponsorship programs and pricing.

• 2024 Sponsorship Form
• Benefits of IPT Sponsorship
• 2024 Event Sponsorship Opportunities

IPT’s 2024 Award Winners

Each year, the Awards Committee reviews nominations to recognize IPT members who have made outstanding contributions to the Institute. The Awards Committee selected this year’s recipients from many deserving nominations and eligible candidates. During the Tuesday morning general session at the Annual Conference, Awards Committee Chair Heidi R. Thomas, CMI presented IPT’s 2024 Awards Winners. IPT Membership thanks the Committee for their efforts and appreciates these award-winning members' inspiring commitment and service.

Instructor of the Year:

Duane W. Dobson, Jr., CMI, CPA – State Income Tax


Garfield A. Grant, CMI, CPA – Sales Tax


Amy Reilly Sallusti, ESQ. – Property Tax


Blair Burns Westmoreland, CCIP – Credits & Incentives

Emerging Leader:

Matthew Ryder, CCIP

Special Service:

Barbara Walker

Distinguished Service:

Aaron Young, CMI, ESQ.

Billy D. Cook Lifetime Achievement Award:

Arlene M. Klika, CMI

IPT’s New CMIs

IPT’s Board of Governors has bestowed the CMI designation to the following members, after successfully completing the necessary education, experience, and testing requirements. Please join IPT in congratulating the following members for achieving their respective CMI designations!

CMI Sales Tax
Lorenza S. Cancado, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP
Gina Elizabeth Chen, CMI - Vertex Inc.
Jordan Bradley Eisma, CMI – Weaver
Jody L. Fink, CMI - MasTec North America Inc.
Gabe Garcia, CMI – Grant Thornton LLP
Angel Harden, CMI - Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
Maria Hatzipetros, CMI – Grant Thornton LLP
Austyn Ipock, CMI - RSM US LLP
Steven Jordan, CMI - Peisner Johnson
Lily Loredo, CMI - Moss Adams LLP
Nicolas Panelli, CMI – Grant Thornton LLP
Nikhol Remedios, CMI - Texas Tax Group, Inc.
Alan Riede, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP
Nicholas John Rot, CMI – Grant Thornton LLP
Ronald T. Saavedra, CMI – Axiom
Khayam Sharwani, CMI - Texas Tax Group, Inc.
Sandra Shea, CMI - TC Energy
Jasmine Shepherd, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP
Jennifer Smithson-November, CMI – Grant Thornton LLP
Robin G. Teeters, CMI - Dean Dorton
Henry Tracy, CMI - Deloitte Tax LLP
Maria Angelica Virguez, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP
Antoinette Williams, CMI - Alvarez & Marsal Tax, LLC
Jill Williams, CMI - Ernst & Young LLP

CMI Property Tax
Jared Goodrich, CMI – Ryan, LLC
Tyler McCourtney, CMI – Ryan, LLC
Imran Thobani, CMI – Global Vision USA, LLC
Kyla Wenger, CMI – O’Keefe Lyons & Hynes, LLC

CMI State Income Tax
Wesley Culberson, CMI – Andersen