Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions regarding TSCPA membership can be directed to Member Services (800.428.0272 ext. 260).


Questions by Subject

Benefits of TSCPA Membership
Chapters and Committees
Student Membership
Regulatory and Legislative
CPE
Peer Review
Texas State Board of Accountancy
Finance
Marketing and Communications
 

Specific Questions

What is my TSCPA membership number?
How do I know that my application has been processed?
When will I be billed for the next years dues?
How do I pay my local chapter dues?
How can I update or change contact information with TSCPA?
What do I get for my dues money?
How do I have my mail sent to either my home or work?
Who should I contact for information about monthly chapter meetings?
Question about insurance or have an issue with insurance through TSCPA?
Are my dues paid?
I'm a lifetime member and I received a dues statement. Why did I receive one?
What is the membership/reinstatement fee?
My dues statement shows Houston Chapter, but I have moved to Austin. What should I do to change the chapter information?
What if I don't want to be a chapter member?
I'm out of work right now. Can I wait to pay?
I just paid more than $200. Why did I get a dues statement?
I'm disabled, but would like to remain a TSCPA member. Is there a membership option?
I haven't received a TSCPA dues statement yet. Have we mailed the statements?
I'm retired and have been billed $230 plus chapter dues. Why?
I'm going to a career fair at a school next week or I'm making a presentation to a group of high school students in a couple of weeks. What materials does TSCPA have available for these types of presentations?
What information does TSCPA need to remove a deceased member's information from the database?

What is my TSCPA membership number?
The TSCPA member I.D. number is similar to the member's Texas State Board Certificate number with the exception that the leading number is a 1 instead of a 0. (i.e. TSBPA Certificate Number 012345...TSCPA Member I.D. Number 112345) For those members who don't have a Texas certificate. It will be on a mailing label or you will have to call TSCPA to get it (800.428.0272 ext. 260 or e-mail TSCPA Member Services). After August it will be on your membership card.

What do I get for my dues money?

  • TSCPA publishes a bi-monthly, award-winning magazine, Today's CPA , which helps keep members abreast of what's happening in the profession. An opportunity to earn one hour of CPE credit is included. Viewpoint, TSCPA's bi-monthly newsletter keeps members posted on hot topics.

  • TSCPA volunteers and staff of our Regulatory and Legislative department are very active in preserving the standard and integrity of the CPA certificate.

  • We offer reduced rates on CPE courses for our members and we now offer electronic classrooms.

  • Twenty local chapters offer great opportunities to network, provide referral services and tie the profession to the community.

  • There are many other benefits such as an MBNA credit card, discounts on office furniture and equipment. Contact Catherine Raffetto (800.428.0272, ext. 216) for more information. Contact Judy Todd (800.428.0272, ext. 227) for information regarding insurance programs.

How do I know that my application has been processed?
You should receive a new member packet that includes a membership certificate. The label on any mailings from TSCPA should have your membership number preceded by an “M” to the right of your name.

When will I be billed for the next years dues?
Dues statements are mailed out shortly after April 15 and payment is due by June 1.

How do I pay my local chapter dues?
In most cases, your billing will include your local chapter dues.

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How can I update or change contact information with TSCPA? Follow this link to update records online . Members can also phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 271; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

What information does TSCPA need to remove a deceased member's information from the database? Member services needs to be notified in writing of the death of a member. Once they receive a letter of notification, they will change the member's status to deceased. Mail to: Member Services, TSCPA, 14651 Dallas Parkway, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75254-7408.

How do I have my mail sent to either my home or work?
The preference should be communicated to member services. Members can phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 260; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.



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Who should I contact for information about monthly chapter meetings?
Monthly meetings are handled at the chapter level. Follow this link to Chapter information.

I have a question about insurance or have an issue with insurance I have through TSCPA?
Contact Judy Todd at 800.428.272 ext. 227.

Are my dues paid?
Inquiries between May 1 and September 1, call or e-mail TSCPA Member Services at 800.428.0272 ext. 271. Any other time contact to Sonya Brehm ext. 234.

Do I have to make all of the contributions appearing on my dues statement?
Amounts shown on the dues statements are suggested and completely voluntary. Members may pay all, part or none of these suggested amounts.

I'm a lifetime member and I received a dues statement. Why did I receive one?
Lifetime members continue to receive dues statements for the purposes of making the voluntary contributions and informing TSCPA of any contact information changes that should be recorded in our database.

What is the membership/reinstatement fee?
Call 800.428.0272, ext. 271 or e-mail TSCPA Member Services. for an explanation.

My dues statement shows Houston Chapter, but I have moved to Austin. What should I do to change the chapter information?
Change the chapter name on the dues statement and be sure to give us your new address(es), phone and FAX number(s), and e-mail address(es) on the database update form sent with the dues statement. Member services can also make those changes via phone or e-mail or by selecting this link to an online form . Phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 260; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services. Members should also contact member services for the correct dues amount now owed.

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What if I don't want to be a chapter member?
Effective June 1, 1999, chapter membership is required of all TSCPA members. The Board of Directors approved this at the Midyear Board meeting in January 1999. Unified membership stresses the importance of local involvement by bringing the advantages of a chapter to all members. Getting involved will multiply the benefits of TSCPA membership. Out-of-state members are exempt.

I'm out of work right now. Can I wait to pay?
Total amount of dues must be received by July 15 at the latest. If a member can't pay by then and is dropped, you can be reinstated whenever the full amount has been received. Members in this situation may want to change to inactive status and pay $90 plus appropriate chapter dues. Please contact member services for the total amount owed. Phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 271; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

I just paid more than $200. Why did I get a dues statement?
It is possible that this $200 payment could have been in payment of your license renewal fee to the Texas State Board of Accountancy. The Texas Society of CPA's fiscal year begins June 1. TSCPA sends out the first dues statement in the middle of April.

I'm disabled, but would like to remain a TSCPA member. Is there a membership option?
Members can request in writing that dues be waived. TSCPA will need some backup documentation such as a physician's statement, a copy of the member's State Board renewal card showing disabled status, or a copy of the letter from Social Security granting disabled status. If a member has been granted a dues waiver in the past, you should have received a form to return requesting that a waiver be granted again for the 2001/2002 fiscal year. The waiver will be granted automatically upon request - no documentation required.

I haven't received a TSCPA dues statement yet. Have we mailed the statements?
Dues statements are sent in late April every year. TSCPA sends members an e-mail, so statements can be accessed and paid online. Receipts are attached to the e-mail for members. Members can also print a receipt by accessing their account. Members who have requested that TSCPA not send e-mail to them are sent statements via the U.S. postal service. TSCPA Member Services can answer all membership-related questions. Call 800.428.0272, ext. 271; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

I'm retired and have been billed $230 plus chapter dues. Why?
Dues are now based on age. If a member is not working, he/she may pay the inactive rate of $90 plus appropriate chapter dues. Please contact member services for total dues and the correct procedure to change your status. Phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 271; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

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Regulatory and Legislative

I would like to contribute to the CPA-PAC, how can I receive more information on this program?
Select this link on the CPA-PAC. Contact Diane Joiner at 877.592.0526 ext. 113.

I want to contact my state representative/senator/U.S. Congressman. How can TSCPA help?
Contact Linda Messing at 877.592.0526 ext. 124. Look up My Legislators.

Who do members talk to about a certain candidate, lawmaker, or piece of legislation?
Contact either Diane Joiner at 877.592.0526 ext. 113 or Linda Messing at ext. 124.

Who should I speak with about regulations or any issues that I have regarding legislation?
Contact either Diane Joiner at 877.592.0526 ext. 113 or Bob Owen ext. 114. Any questions regarding state tax issues can be referred to Diane Joiner and/or referred to the State Comptroller's office, Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, by calling 800.248.4093.

Additionally, TSCPA members are encouraged to submit questions to the State Taxation Committee for discussion during their quarterly meetings with Comptroller staff. Submission may be made directly to Diane Joiner .

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Marketing and Communications

I would like to advertise in the TSCPA magazine/Web site. Who do I speak to?
If you are interested in placing a classified ad in Today's CPA or on our Web site, contact Donna Fritz at 800.428.0272 ext. 201. For display ads in Today's CPA or on the Web site contact DeLynn Deakins at 800.428.0272 ext. 250. Information on classified ad rates and banner advertising on our Web site can be found in Classifieds .

Deadline dates for classified advertising? Call 800.428.0272 ext. 216.

I would like to use the TSCPA logo. What do I need to know about using it?
The TSCPA logo can be obtained from of our Web site. We also have a flier available on the guidelines of usage for the TSCPA logo. Any special inquiries about the TSCPA logo should be directed to member services. Phone: 800.428.0272, ext. 260; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

I'm having trouble logging in to the Web site.
Contact the Web Specialist at 800.428.0272 ext. 251 or the Web Master at 877.592.0526, ext. 123.

What is the status of my results from the CPE self-study exam in Today's CPA ?
Call or e-mail Dorothy Kirby 800.428.0272, ext. 694.

What is the deadline for turning in CPE self-study exams from Today's CPA ?
Exams must be postmarked by the last day of the month for the second month of the current issue. For example, if the self-study article appears in the May/June issue, the deadline is the last day of June.

I'm going to a career fair at a school next week" or "I'm making a presentation to a group of high school students in a couple of weeks. What materials does TSCPA have available for these types of presentations?
TSCPA can provide volunteers with a presentation outline and 15-minute video. TSCPA will ship career guides for the students along with an education handbook for teachers. Select this link for more information.
Donna Fritz (800.428.0272 ext. 201) or Melinda Bentley ext. 279 can be contacted for more information as well.

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Finance

Questions regarding accounts payable invoices should be directed to the following staff members in the following order: Call 800.428.0272 Margie Washington ext. 239 or Faye Ellis ext. 237.

Are my dues paid?
Between May 1 and September 1, direct that question to Member Services 800.428.0272, ext. 260. Any other time of year call or e-mail Sonya Brehm , ext. 234.

Questions regarding Investments and Bank Relations can be answered by: Steve Phillips call 800.428.0272 ext. 230.

Questions regarding the Accounting Education Foundation can be answered by: Stephanie King , ext. 233 or Steve Phillips ext.230 at 800.428.0272

Questions regarding scholarships should be directed to: Stephanie King , 800.428.0272, ext. 233.

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Peer Review

My firm needs the information required for Scheduling Reviews, Enrollment and Status Change forms?
Refer the inquiry to Lina Musick for firms whose names begin with A-F, T-Z and Sa-Sm; Jeanette Landers G-R and Sn-Sz and Sharon Gibson for Engagement CARTS and related fees.

How can I find out more about the Peer Review process?
The American Institute of CPAs Peer Review Program Manual can be ordered from the AICPA Order Department at 800.862.4272 or 888.777.7077. Or go to either the AICPA Peer Review or click on TSCPA Peer Review.

How often will a firm have a Peer Review?
The initial review is within 18 months of performing a reviewable engagement, and then once every three years thereafter.

Are the results of a firm's peer review available to the public?
Yes. However, only firms enrolled in the AICPA's Center for Public Company Audit Firms have their reviews available to the public. Reviews of firms not enrolled in the AICPA program are confidential and must be requested from the reviewed firm.

Where can a copy of my practice unit license be obtained?
Members can call the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy 512.305.7825.

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TSCPA Chapter and Committees
TSCPA State-Level Committees


What is the deadline to volunteer to serve on a TSCPA committee?
Volunteer information must be turned in to Rhonda Ledbetter 800.428.0272 ext. 208 by December 1 in the year preceding the fiscal year in which the member wishes to serve.

I need information on the chapter committee I serve on.
Follow this link to the Chapters section of this site.

I need contact information for my chapter? Follow this link to the Chapters section of this site.

I would like to belong to a different chapter, or would like to belong to an additional chapter?
Members are assigned to the chapter in the area in which they reside. Questions regarding this policy can be answered at 800.428.0272, ext. 260; E-mail: TSCPA Member Services.

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Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)

What is the role of the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy?

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy is the state agency that governs the practice of public accountancy in Texas. The Board is charged with protecting the public by ensuring that those licensed to practice public accountancy in Texas have the necessary skills and experience to perform competently in that role. 

In administering the Public Accountancy Act, the Board has responsibilities in several areas:

  • Qualifications evaluates the qualifications and experience of applicants to determine if they have met all statutory requirements to take the uniform CPA examination and become a Texas CPA.
  • Licensing handles the renewal of individual licenses and registration of firms, reciprocity, continuing professional education (CPE), sponsor review, and peer review.
  • Enforcement Division investigates complaints against Texas licensees and protects both the public and the profession by taking action against anyone holding out as a CPA without meeting the statutory qualifications for licensure.

You can reach specific Board departments at the following numbers or go to the website, www.tsbpa.state.tx.us, and click on Contact the Board for a more detailed menu:

Main Contact Information
333 Guadalupe Suite 3-900
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 305-7800

Qualifications
(512) 305-7851
exam@tsbpa.state.tx.us

Enforcement
(512) 305-7866
enforcement@tsbpa.state.tx.us

Licensing
(512)-305-7853
licensing@tsbpa.state.tx.us

Licensing – CPE
(512) 305-7844

Licensing – Peer Review
(512) 305-7820

How do I find out if someone is a licensed CPA in Texas?

Go to the Board’s website, www.tsbpa.state.tx.us, and use the pull-down menu under License Lookup to search the Board’s database for licensed CPAs and firms.

How do I file a complaint against a CPA?

The procedure for filing a complaint with the Board is outlined under the Enforcement heading on the Board’s website, www.tsbpa.state.tx.us.

I am licensed in another state. How do I go about becoming licensed in Texas?

Get information on reciprocity by contacting the Board’s Licensing Division, (512) 305-7853.

How do I find out if I’ve fulfilled my CPE requirements?

Go to Online Services on the Board’s website, www.tsbpa.state.tx.us, to report CPE, review the status of your license, and manage all aspects of the annual license renewal process. 

I want to start a CPA firm. How do I go about it?

Contact the Board’s Licensing Division, (512) 305-7853, to learn about firm registration and licensing.


Questions regarding TSCPA membership can be answered by e-mailing Member Services staff or calling 800.472.0272 ext. 271

LAST UPDATED 10/16/2009