You Must Have Three Things to Succeed
in the Accounting and Tax Profession . . .

1. Quality Continuing Education

With business law, regulations, and the tax code constantly changing, you must invest in staying educated and on top of the issues. The Independent Accountants Association of Michigan has been a leader in offering top-quality education programs that insure you have the information and training to service diverse client needs.

In 1980, we partnered with an up-and-coming seminar team that was dedicated to providing education "by practitioners for practitioners." GEAR UP Seminars brought an exciting new focus to continuing education: high energy presentations supplemented by information-packed reference guides . . . all focused at the small to mid-level practice.

The IAAM was one of the first associations to reach out in partnership with GEAR UP, and through our continued collaborations we've developed many programs specifically focused on areas of profitability in your practice. For example, we offered a terrific seminar this past June on IRS Audits, Appeals, and Collections that members rated highly for content and profit potential. In September, we're offering an 8-hour session on "Assisting Small Business" that is guaranteed to enhance your small business expertise and expand your profitability in business consulting. Couple these with our outstanding annual programs on business taxes and 1040 taxes, and you've got programs guaranteed to expand your knowledge and business potential.

And in 2010, IAAM has officially entered the webinar business. Employing the industry's easiest-to-use virtual platform - GoToWebinar - we can offer a wide array of one and two-hour webinars at the most economical prices. We're focusing on specific target areas like professional ethics, technology, federal healthcare, estates, and trusts that impact what you do every day. You save on registrations fees, and more importantly you save on travel and time in continuing your lifetime learning requirement.

Visit our education events page to see everything we can offer to you INSTANTLY when you join for $160 per year!

2. Fast Information Services

Wise business men and women say "information is power." That is especially true when you provide the most valuable service to small business: tax and accounting consultation. As we have all seen, information in these important areas changes almost daily as new laws are passed, new regulations are implemented, or court rulings are rendered.

The Independent Accountants Association of Michigan is literally "plugged in" to the information system. Through our diverse and extensive subscriptions, we're monitoring all of the issues that affect you. Every Wednesday, we publish the "IAAM Info Connector, a compilation of the news that impacts you and your clients. The formatting allows you to quickly scan and link to information or file it for future reading. We literally alleviate you of the hours needed to scan wire services, internet sites, RSS feeds, and newsletters.

And when information breaks that impacts you and your clients . . . information that can give you an advantage . . . we get it to you in minutes with our Breaking News Alerts. Our alerts break it all down for you and provide quicklinks to expand on the issue at hand. If there are experts we can connect you with, we do that too.

Yes, information is power . . . and time is money. We save you time and provide you with the advantages to make more money!

  3. Government Representation

  Back in 1946, the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan

  was established for the sole purpose of defending the rights of

  non-licensed accountants to practice. Over our 63 year history, we

  have successfully repelled all attacks on practitioner freedoms,

  earned respect from our adversaries, and forged mutual

  compromises to avoid unnecessary conflict.
 
  As threats have diminished, the focus of the legislative program has

  shifted and expanded to include watchdogging Michigan business

  issues that affect small business and individual taxpayers.

IAAM maintains a daily presence at the capitol, proactive relationships within the Michigan Department of Treasury, and strategic alliances with small business advocacies to insure our members’ interests are effectively represented. In many cases, we’re able to help members cut through red tape to resolve client issues, communicate problems members may have with tax administration, and participate on advisory boards in finding ways to improve the tax system.
 
IAAM's legislative team is led by Executive Director Jon Hayes and Lobbyist Brendan Ringlever. Both men have extensive experience, with Hayes nurturing and maintaining connections within the Michigan bureaucracy and Ringlever handling direct legislative contacts. IAAM's national affiliate, the National Society of Accountants, represents member interests on federal issues in accounting, taxation, and business. The two organizations work together to insure all issues receive appropriate action.
 
And with the federal government's recent focus on tax preparer regulation, IAAM will remain active on the issue by communicating through the NSA on a federal level and monitoring Michigan's response to the initiative should additional state regulations be considered.

As a member, you are assured of active representation with the Independent Accountants Association of Michigan.

You Won't Find Another Michigan Association
that Provides Such Comprehensive Service
at $160 Per Year . . . NOBODY.

We encourage you to surf our website and see all of the great things we can do to help you be successful in this profession. We stand ready to welcome you, and we'll have you signed up in minutes so you can INSTANTLY gain the benefits of membership!

Call Us Today at 517-641-7505
and become a member of the IAAM!