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MNCPA Perspectives: Legislative & Government Affairs

Minnesota Qualified Opportunities Zones don’t provide tax relief for tax year 2026
September 30, 2026  |  By Geno Fragnito
Think the Minnesota Opportunity Zone tax fix took effect for 2026? Think again. The correction was not enacted for the 2026 tax year, which could affect how you advise clients with Qualified Opportunity Zone investments. Here’s what Minnesota CPAs need to know before filing season ... Read more
Before you vote: See where candidates stand
August 24, 2026  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Use the MNCPA Election Guide to compare candidates on CPA issues ... Read more
2026 MNCPA Election Guide helps members make informed choices
July 17, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
The MNCPA Election Guide gives members direct access to responses from candidates running for the Minnesota House and Senate. The guide is designed to help you understand where candidates stand on issues tied to the accounting profession, Minnesota’s fiscal health and the broader business climate ... Read more
Minnesota deserves better than legislative roulette
June 19, 2026  |  By Sara DeRoo, CPA
When major policy decisions affecting millions of Minnesotans are agreed in secret and pushed through, transparency suffers, public trust erodes and democracy weakens ... Read more
Gov. Walz signs tax bill — PTET extension included
May 28, 2026  |  By Geno Fragnito
The good news is that after months of emails, calls and conversations from MNCPA members, a pass-through entity tax election extension was included in the bill ... Read more
What did, didn’t happen as the Minnesota Legislature finished its work
May 21, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
Geno Fragnito, MNCPA government relations director, walked attendees through what passed, what did not and what CPAs should keep watching as they advise clients, respond to questions and prepare for the next session ... Read more
Rep. Dave Baker on taxes, workforce policy and the end-of-session endgame
May 1, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
On taxes, Baker emphasized the pass-through entity tax (PTET) election as a priority issue for many businesses and practitioners because of its interaction with federal SALT limits ... Read more
Legislative Digest Live recap: Budget pressures, tax policy and what comes next
April 17, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
After a brief post-break “glimmer” of bipartisanship, the Capitol quickly returned to stalemates and party-line fights — often ending in 67-67 votes ... Read more
PTET, other legislative updates at the Minnesota Legislature
April 10, 2026  |  By Geno Fragnito
While the strongly supported pass-through entity tax election extension was not advanced yet through the Minnesota House and Senate, hope remains that it will be approved this session ... Read more
Minnesota Legislature hits break with much work to do — or none at all
March 30, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
During the March 27 Legislative Digest Live, MNCPA members heard an update on key legislative and tax issues — and a reminder that CPA engagement matters, even during busy season ... Read more
Tax on professional services included in governor’s budget proposal
March 17, 2026  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday announced his supplemental budget proposal and priorities for Minnesota. The proposal includes good news and bad news for the MNCPA’s legislative priorities ... Read more
Minnesota Chamber’s outlook on the economy and 2026 policy priorities: Legislative Digest Live recap
March 13, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
Attendees heard a candid update from Laura Bordelon on Minnesota’s economic outlook, the business climate and the Chamber’s top legislative priorities this year ... Read more
PTE tax election extension bill advances
March 6, 2026  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Your engagement is making a difference at the Minnesota Capitol ... Read more
Two weeks in: What’s happening at the Minnesota Legislature
March 4, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
The tone and dynamics are already clear: This will be a difficult year to get things done ... Read more
Understanding Minnesota’s Opportunity Zone ‘whipsaw’: How a 2019 law created an unintended double tax
February 18, 2026  |  By Dan Kidney, CPA, JD
A conformity quirk could double-tax Minnesota Opportunity Zone investors. A legislative fix is urgently needed ... Read more
Advocate for PTET election extension
February 17, 2026  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Minnesota’s pass-through entity tax SALT election expired on Dec. 31, 2025. This change creates a disadvantage for partnerships and S Corporations compared to C Corporations ... Read more
Navigating change with strategy and expertise
January 23, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
From smarter KPIs to urgent legislative engagement, this Insight Hour reveals how CPAs can lead, influence policy and stay effective amid constant change ... Read more
Learn to use KPIs better at the MNCPA Insight Hour
January 21, 2026  |  By Corey Butler
Join the MNCPA’s free Jan. 23 Insight Hour for strategy around better using KPIs and managing the loss of institutional knowledge ... Read more
MNCPA members meet with Rep. Brad Finstad
September 25, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
Rep. Finstad discussed tax policy, rural housing, agriculture, trade, IRS issues and regulation, emphasizing certainty, efficiency and bipartisan efforts during a virtual town hall with MNCPA... Read more
Federal tax trends: What business professionals need to know
June 24, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
Read highlights from the latest proposals from the House and Senate versions of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” as well as other key tax and process updates in the fold. Read more
Minnesota legislative session wrap-up: Key takeaways for CPAs
June 12, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
The 2025 legislative work concluded this week — for now — after a one-day special session was called to pass budget and tax bills ... Read more
Urgent: PTE SALT deduction in jeopardy
May 21, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
This week, the House Ways & Means Committee released tax legislation that increases taxes by removing the SALT deduction on partners/owners of many service-based businesses ... Read more
Minnesota pathways licensure bill becomes law
May 20, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
​Late Monday night, Minnesota’s bill to create additional pathways to CPA licensure was passed with bipartisan support ... Read more
Minnesota legislative landscape: Key takeaways from the MNCPA
May 8, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
As the May 19 session deadline approaches, the possibility of a special session looms large ... Read more
Navigating professional challenges: Enforcement and leadership in accounting
April 28, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
The accounting profession is at a transformative moment. Success will depend on proactively addressing enforcement standards, developing leadership talent and ... Read more
Sharpen your skills at the April MNCPA Insight Hour
April 22, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
Let’s face it — the numbers don’t run themselves, and neither do successful teams. That’s why the MNCPA Insight Hour is back on Friday, April 25, from 10-11 a.m. ... Read more
Minnesota pathways bills move closer to law
April 11, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
The clock is ticking as the Minnesota House and Senate on Thursday advanced the MNCPA-backed legislation for additional pathways to CPA licensure and automatic mobility as part of their respective omnibus bills ... Read more
The Minnesota Capitol is a busy place this time of year
March 19, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
I wanted to share a couple of quick updates from a full week at the Capitol ... Read more
Legislative update: Tax proposals, additional pathways and legislative deadlines
March 18, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
An April 4 deadline is looming to move ahead bills in the Minnesota House and Senate ... Read more
Pathways bill advances in the Minnesota Senate
March 14, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
The MNCPA-backed bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill ... Read more
Tax on professional services bill receives hearing
March 14, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
It's important for CPAs to share your opposition to this proposal with legislators ... Read more
Hearings set for pathways bills in Minnesota Senate, House
March 13, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
Both the Minnesota Senate and House will hear the MNCPA’s bill to create additional pathways to CPA licensure and automatic mobility in their respective commitees ... Read more
CPA licensure, mobility exposure draft open for comments
March 6, 2025  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
A new UAA exposure draft supports broader pathways and modernized mobility. Learn how MNCPA led the charge and how you can make an impact before May 3, 2025... Read more
Legislative update: Proposed tax on professional services sparks debate
March 3, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
The most recent Legislative Digest Live covers CPA Day at the Capitol, a tax on professional services and updates about broadening pathways legislation ... Read more
Seeing double: Pathways bill introduced in Minnesota House
February 25, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
Two big moves for CPA licensure in MN! House File 1458 joins its Senate companion to expand pathways and boost mobility. Bipartisan-backed, it tackles key barriers ... Read more
Have thoughts about the national narrative? Contact your lawmakers today
February 20, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
Changes in leadership bring policy shifts that impact your work. Make your voice heard—share your thoughts with MNCPA and your elected officials to shape the conversation ... Read more
CPA pathways bill introduced in Minnesota Senate
February 17, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
Senate File 1536 was introduced today in the Senate State and Local Government Committee. The bill continues to have bipartisan support and is carried by ... Read more
Navigating the shifting legislative landscape: Key issues for Minnesota CPAs
February 17, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
The most recent Legislative Digest Live covers a tax on professional services, a proposal to phase out the estate tax and an update on additional pathways to CPA licensure ... Read more
Pathways: AICPA, NASBA align with states seeking change
February 14, 2025  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Your participation in this developing conversation — from sharing your experiences with us, writing lawmakers and authoritative bodies, and discussing these issues with professionals across the nation ... Read more
Legislative update: Tax on professional services, pathways to CPA licensure and Capitol chaos
February 5, 2025  |  By Corey Butler
MNCPA’s first 2025 Legislative Digest Live covered key issues: a proposed tax on professional services, new CPA licensure pathways, and legislative gridlock ... Read more
Broadening pathways to CPA licensure update
January 6, 2025  |  By Geno Fragnito
The Minnesota Legislature convenes this month for the start of its new two-year biennium. With it came an air of uncertainty as the... Read more
MNCPA submits comment on licensure framework, UAA proposals
November 26, 2024  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
The Minnesota Society of CPAs has submitted comments on a proposed CPA competency-based experience pathway framework and new language for the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA)... Read more
Economic, election updates at new MNCPA Insight Hour
October 16, 2024  |  By Corey Butler
MNCPA launches a new program Friday, Oct. 18 — MNCPA Insight Hour — to address the rapid change in the accounting industry. Members receive 1 free CPE credit... Read more
Update: CPA licensure bills at the Minnesota Legislature
May 16, 2024  |  By Geno Fragnito
I write today with an update about the MNCPA bills at the Minnesota Legislature seeking to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure and tackle the talent pipeline challenge... Read more
CPA licensure and mobility: A deeper, updated look
May 15, 2024  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
With a growing number of states, including Minnesota, Hawaii, Arkansas, Oregon and California, now discussing or actively pursuing changes to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure ... Read more
A clearer pathway to CPA licensure vital to the financial health of Minnesota nonprofits
March 20, 2024  |  By Nonoko Sato
The current shortage of CPAs has hit the nonprofit sector especially hard because nonprofits cannot easily increase their funding to pay higher rates for the CPAs that are available ... Read more
Member testimony on Senate File 1660
March 14, 2024  |  By Corey Butler
The following texts are excerpts from each individual’s prepared remarks... Read more
Pathways CPA licensure bill advances in Senate
March 8, 2024  |  By Geno Fragnito
The MNCPA-backed bill to broaden the pathways to CPA licensure, advanced in the Minnesota Senate today. Watch the hearing now... Read more
Township association supports proposal to increase number of Minnesota CPAs
March 7, 2024  |  By Jeff Krueger
To be frank: CPA firms are needed to audit many of the townships in Minnesota, and there simply are not enough of them! Something urgent needs to be done... Read more
Connect with legislators concerning CPA pathways licensure bills
February 27, 2024  |  By Geno Fragnito
Can one voice have an influence? Yes! When you share how an issue affects you, your business or your clients, it elevates an issue for legislators... Read more
CPA licensure bills return to Minnesota Legislature
February 14, 2024  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
The 2024 Minnesota legislative session convened this week and bills introduced last year automatically rolled over into the second year of the biennium... Read more
Reaching high school students: Ideas from CPAs
February 13, 2024  |  By Corey Butler
As part of our annual MNCPA Tax Survey, we recently asked members a score of questions, including their ideas about what they have done or suggest for encouraging more students to get involved in the accounting industry... Read more
Recent grads dish on 150 hours, CPA licensure
December 13, 2023  |  By Corey Butler
Hear from six current and recent students from two Minnesota universities to see how they view the accounting profession, the requirements around accreditation and how these weighed into their professional choices... Read more
Choice in auditors is good for Minnesota
December 7, 2023  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
It is imperative residents engage with local governments and there is spending oversight. Whether we are discussing private businesses, not-for-profit or governmental entities... Read more
We must change the conversation around pathways to CPA licensure
October 5, 2023  |  By Boz Bostrom, CPA
It is no secret the field of accounting has both pipeline and diversity problems. There are many actions that should be taken to address these problems, and one of those is to follow Minnesota’s lead... Read more
The CPA pipeline: Students are the future
August 29, 2023  |  By Julia Shiota
The 2023 MNCPA Annual Meeting this month provided an opportunity to reflect on challenges by discussing areas of the profession that still need addressing, such as the CPA pipeline... Read more
Experiential learning: An evolution in how knowledge is obtained by prospective CPAs
August 15, 2023  |  By Joseph Petito, Esq.
As the AICPA and NASBA consider new ways to enhance the attractiveness of the profession to counter a drop in accounting student enrollments and retain them... Read more
Why should a school district care about CPA licensure?
August 4, 2023  |  By Val Mertesdorf
Working in public education, I am acutely aware of how difficult it is to hire quality staff, but I never took a step back to think about what this means in other sectors throughout Minnesota... Read more
Broadening the pathways to CPA licensure discussion will continue
May 22, 2023  |  By Geno Fragnito
The MNCPA board-approved bill, with bipartisan support in both the Minnesota House and Senate, did not become law this year, but this is not the end of this bill... Read more
MNCPA submits amicus brief to the Minnesota Supreme Court
March 31, 2023  |  By Geno Fragnito
Recently, the MNCPA submitted a brief as amicus curiae to urge the Court to determine that Minnesota Tax Court decisions serve as binding precedent upon the Revenue commissioner... Read more
Response to Journal of Accountancy article, Feb. 10, 2023, ‘NASBA upholds 150-hour education requirement’
February 27, 2023  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
We believe we are closer to the AICPA and NASBA in finding solutions for this critical issue than the article leads readers to believe... Read more
An agile accounting profession requires adaptable licensing requirements
February 23, 2023  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
There are not enough CPAs now nor expected in the future to meet the needs of communities, entities and clients, setting up a perfect scenario for future financial failures. Introducing legislation was driven by several years of MNCPA member concerns and feedback... Read more
The questions (and questions) about Minnesota federal tax conformity
February 21, 2023  |  By Corey Butler
Following the surprising, but well-received passing of an early federal tax conformity bill last month there were, naturally, lots of questions about what this meant for tax preparers, businesses and individuals... Read more
Broadening the path to CPA licensure
January 31, 2023  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Last month, MNCPA members received an email that the MNCPA board approved moving forward with drafting legislation to broaden the path to CPA licensure in Minnesota... Read more
A front-row seat to tax conformity bill signing
January 16, 2023  |  By Geno Fragnito
Last week, Gov. Tim Walz signed a federal conformity bill after it moved through both the Minnesota House (132-0 vote) and Minnesota Senate (67-0) this week. This hit a suggested deadline by Paul Marquart... Read more
MNCPA members: What concerns us most about upcoming tax season
January 10, 2023  |  By Corey Butler
We asked our members as part of the annual MNCPA Tax Survey about what concerns them most about this upcoming tax season... Read more
The ins and outs of Election Day
October 19, 2022  |  By Anne Janotta Erickson
I served as an election judge in 2016. It was a fascinating opportunity to learn more about the rules of voting in Minnesota. But even for those of us who are more involved... Read more
Be a voter and leader
October 6, 2022  |  By Linda Wedul, CAE
Every Minnesota state senator, representative, state office holder (governor, attorney general, secretary of state, auditor) are on the ballot, along with... Read more
Elections matter: Your participation is important
September 9, 2022  |  By Geno Fragnito
This year’s election has an election dynamic that happens only once every 20 years. After redistricting this year, there are elections in all 201 legislative districts... Read more
Auditors: You’re in luck
August 30, 2022  |  By Kinzie Jensen
A $4 billion industry! Minnesota generates more charitable gambling income than any other state, according to a recent Gambling Control Board (GCB) Gaming News issue... Read more
Unresolved issues at the Capitol and still no deal on a special session
June 6, 2022  |  By Geno Fragnito
The 2022 legislative session ended on time, but it did not end as most people had hoped it would end... Read more
Your voice matters — use it
February 24, 2022  |  By Geno Fragnito
Your voice — the CPA voice — is invaluable to Minnesota lawmakers. Be heard today. Read more
MNCPA calls on Congress to address IRS service levels
January 31, 2022  |  By Geno Fragnito
As a CPA, you have, no doubt, seen a significant reduction in IRS service levels. It’s nearly impossible to connect with a representative to ask questions... Read more