The Vermont Department of Taxes has been working diligently to assess the impacts of federal tax reform. Coordinating closely with other departments and agencies, the department is focused on determining how aspects of the proposed bill will impact Vermonters, and what the magnitude of that impact may be.
Douglas Farnham, Tax Department Economist and Director of Policy is coordinating a discussion across all state agencies and departments to ensure that the administration has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the federal changes.
“The impacts of this bill go well beyond taxes, working with our partners in other agencies and stakeholders, we will explore the impacts, both positive and negative, and provide this analysis to the Governor, along with the policy responses worthy of consideration in the short and long-term,” Farnham said.
Governor Scott’s priorities are to ensure the changes do not impair the state’s ability to expand the workforce, grow the economy and make the state more affordable for families and businesses.
To further examine this topic, the Vermont Department of Taxes will host a Federal Tax Reform Panel on Jan. 2, 2018, 10 a.m. to noon in Montpelier in the Pavilion Auditorium. A panel of experts, including tax practitioners, economists, and members of the business community, will offer their perspectives as they explore how federal tax reform will affect individuals and businesses in Vermont. Tax Commissioner Kaj Samsom will moderate the panel.
“I’m very pleased with the depth and breadth of expertise on this panel, including members of our Tax Advisory Board and Tax Technical Working Group. The Tax Department is grateful for their willingness to offer their insight for this upcoming event. This is an opportunity for tax practitioners and the general public to learn more about the impacts of federal tax reform,” Commissioner Samsom said.
Current confirmed panelists include:
- Patricia Bisson, Enrolled Agent, Tax Advisor, Business Strategist, and Instructor
- Richard Wolfish, CPA and Partner, Gallagher, Flynn & Company
- Rebecca Walsh, Certified Financial Planner, Pathway Advisors
- Joseph. S. Pieciak, Jr., CPA and Managing Partner, Pieciak & Co, P.C.
- Patrick Walsh, PhD, Professor of Economics, Saint Michael’s College
- Douglas Farnham, Tax Department Economist and Director of Policy
The Federal Tax Reform Panel is free and open to the public (pre-registration is required). Continuing Professional Education credits are available. For more information on the panel, visit our website at www.tax.vermont.gov/registration or contact Kate Strousse.