PICPA Government Relations and CPA-PAC: Working Hand-in-Hand to Support Pa.’s Accounting Professionals

From advancing licensure modernization to supporting tax reforms that promote fairness and efficiency, the PICPA government relations team and CPA-PAC work hand-in-hand to strengthen the environment in which CPAs and the businesses they serve operate.

As Pennsylvania enters a new year, PICPA’s government relations team and the Pennsylvania CPA Political Action Committee (CPA-PAC) continue to play a central role in ensuring the voice of the accounting profession is represented in Harrisburg. 

While PICPA’s Harrisburg-based government relations team is a constant presence in the hallways of the state Capitol, PICPA’s lobbying efforts would not be as effective without the political muscle provided by CPA-PAC. CPA-PAC is the only political action committee dedicated exclusively to the CPA profession in Pennsylvania. Every contribution made voluntarily by individual members goes to candidates who support PICPA’s legislative agenda.

From advancing licensure modernization to supporting tax reforms that promote fairness and efficiency, the PICPA government relations team and CPA-PAC work hand-in-hand to strengthen the environment in which CPAs and the businesses they serve operate.

This year’s legislative session demonstrated the value of that dual engagement. 

Together, PICPA’s government relations team and CPA-PAC successfully advanced Act 27 of 2025—a landmark measure that modernizes CPA licensure requirements and establishes clearer pathways for qualified professionals entering Pennsylvania’s workforce. The bill moved from introduction to enactment in an unprecedented 16 legislative session days, an extraordinary achievement that reflects PICPA’s strong advocacy presence and the high regard state lawmakers hold for the CPA profession.

Legislative Priorities for 2025–2026

As we hit the midway point on the 2025-2026 legislative session, several key measures are under active consideration:

• Resident Partner Credit Fix (SB 253 / HB 1471 / HB 1610): Corrects inequities in the taxation of resident partners in multistate partnerships. Progress continues following the inclusion of the fix in the House-passed omnibus tax bill (HB 1610) in June.
• R&D Tax Credit Expansion (HB 1004 / SB 792): Doubles the statewide program cap from $60 million to $120 million and improves administrability to encourage innovation investment across Pennsylvania.
• Act 55 Amendments: Seeks adjustments to new public school audit provisions that currently conflict with professional standards.
• State Implementation of the OBBBA: Provides technical expertise as Pennsylvania aligns its corporate tax structure with federal conformity requirements.

As the 2025–2026 budget impasse lingers, the PICPA government relations team and CPA-PAC are positioning the profession for the next major opportunity to modernize regulation and streamline compliance across Pennsylvania, including these initiatives:

• Charitable Audit Threshold Updates (HB 965): Raises financial reporting thresholds for charitable organizations to reduce unnecessary costs.
• Small Taxpayer Administrative Reform (HB 855 / HB 856): Streamlines tax processes and reduces administrative burdens for small businesses.
• Advisory Opinions from Licensing Boards (HB 1290): Authorizes boards to issue formal advisory opinions, giving professionals greater clarity when navigating complex regulations.
• Licensure by Endorsement (SBOA): Supports proposed regulations to facilitate cross-state mobility for qualified CPAs.

Each of these priorities aligns with PICPA’s goal of a modern, efficient, and predictable regulatory framework that supports both business growth and professional integrity.

As the 2025–2026 legislative session progresses, continued engagement through the PICPA’s advocacy efforts in Harrisburg and through your investment in CPA-PAC will help advance equitable tax policy, update professional standards, and preserve Pennsylvania’s reputation as a strong, well-regulated business environment.

The CPA-PAC’s effectiveness relies on collective participation. Member contributions sustain the relationships, technical expertise, and bipartisan collaboration that enable progress in Harrisburg.

Learn more and contribute today. 

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