TAX TALK

• Jeff Markowitz is also the Chair of the Continuing Legal Education Committee and Bruce Johnson is Vice Chair. They will be coordinating numerous CLE programs with MICPEL and other Sections of MSBA.

• The Technology Committee was represented at our last council meeting by both Elissa Borges, Chair, and Jim Dawson, Vice Chair. They are seeking to improve the Tax Section Website and the provision of membership’ service through technology. The list of ideas put forth is impressive and we can see that good care is and will be given to our membership. Our website will include a link to the Tax Court website. The Tax Court’s website is expected to soon include all opinions ever published by the Tax Court, as well as rules, forms and a procedures manual. The Committee intends wide-ranging participation in various technological events in the coming year.

• On October l8th the Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Service honored "Outstanding" Volunteers. This included the Section of Taxation, and specifically Past Chair Mary Beth Beattie and Chair of the Pro Bono Committee, Richard Chisholm. The award was for the IRS Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, and Richard received the award from the Honorable Deborah Byrnes of the Court of Special Appeals.

• Under the guidance of Bryan Young, "Tax Talk" is beginning it’s tenth year of existence. He appreciates our input and will keep us informed of current events in the area of tax, and where possible, future desired accomplishments.

• Al Pasternak has been "drafted" back on board and has joined Marilyn Nelson as Vice Chair of the Program Committee. As Chair, Marilyn has put together what will be or has been ( again, depending on the date of publication) a terrific "Fellowship Dinner". We have an interesting and entertaining speaker in the form of Henry L. ("Hank") Gutman, and the participation of the MACPA’s, and the MSBA Estates and Trust Section. Clearly a fine example of "Fellowship".

• The Member Services Committee under the guidance of Courtney Blair is exploring the need for steps to maintain our high level of interest as a Section to all members of the Bar. Among other items of discussion, the Committee has given some thought towards the preparation of a "handout" brochure and is looking for a few creative volunteers for this purpose.

• The State Legislation Committee, being led by Andrea Gillespie, is seeking to build a group of interested persons who will explore recommendations regarding the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland. In addition to the inclusion of members of our Section, she would like to see participation from the MACPA and the Comptroller’s office. In addition, the Committee will be reviewing Maryland Tax Legislation and preparing reports and testimony as necessary.

• Lonnie Ritzer and Jessica Lubar, Chair and Vice Chair respectively of Tax Study Groups, are seeking to bring together the leaders of each group for a discussion of the positive steps taken in the provision of knowledge of the most recent events in the distinct areas of tax law offered by the groups. For those who do not regularly attend the Study Group meetings, Lonnie explains that the times are scheduled for convenience, and that speakers are sought who will provide information and views which allow us to stay current in our field. He asks that if you want additional information about the group’s meeting times or dates, please call.

• Other Committees are also busy during this "start up" period, and as their reports come in, we will pass on news, involving interesting, pertinent areas of concern. From where I sit, it looks like we have a very good year in store, and it will be interesting to see what these good people turn out.

Please have a safe and happy fall.