UCLA Extension celebrated its 40th annual Tax Controversy Conference on Oct. 24, bringing together practitioners, attorneys and policymakers to discuss key issues in current tax law and administration.
The conference, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, has long been recognized as a leading forum for high-level discussion among tax experts, giving public and private sector stakeholders an opportunity to meet and exchange ideas, said Dean of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension Eric Bullard.
"The Tax Controversy Conference has an incredible history and plays an important role in bringing people together to share best practices and find solutions to challenges in tax policy," Bullard said. "It's a demonstration of UCLA Extension's ability to provide space for communities to grow and work together."
The day-long event featured panel discussions on a range of pressing issues in tax administration, from how employers can make use of government initiatives designed to soften the blow of COVID-19 to the risks and opportunities of cryptocurrency. Speakers and attendees came from across the country to share local experiences and consider broad national trends in tax and tax policy.
The conference also included keynote remarks from representatives of the IRS and the U.S. Tax Court, intended to provide clarity on the current administration's policy priorities and update attendees on new projects and initiatives. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, addressing the conference in a fireside chat with event co-chair Steven Toscher, spoke to the importance of events such as the conference in bringing together diverse stakeholders to exchange views and ideas.
"I'm really happy to be here for a second year in a row with this important community," Werfel said. "I know that this is an exciting, stressful time for the country for tax administration and I'm excited to unpack all of it."
A key theme of the event was the importance of pro bono work as a means for tax professionals to provide underserved communities with resources to navigate potential tax issues. National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins, who was awarded the conference's Bruce I. Hochman Award, gave attendees a list of low-income tax clinics in California and challenged them all to work on at least one pro bono case before the end of the year.
In a Tax Controversy Conference tradition, Sid Machtinger addressed the crowd to provide information about UCLA Extension's Vets Count program, which offers scholarships for current and recently retired military personnel to take courses in accounting and related fields. Machtinger, a WWII veteran and former tax lawyer, also underlined the importance of the conference and UCLA Extension's broader efforts to support careers in tax administration.
"I can't wait to be back next year," the 102-year-old Machtinger said.