PSTAP Meeting with DCED Aimed at Improving Online Local Tax Resources
PSTAP continues to strengthen its advocacy efforts on behalf of our membership. As part of this work, Philadelphia Tri‑County Chapter President James Newhard, CPA, (Jim is a practitioner and local tax expert involved in local tax consolidation - Act 32 of 2008 and provides a local tax focused webinar each year for our members) and PSTAP Executive Director Sherry DeAgostino met with a team at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) (Andrew Sheaf, DCED Deputy Executive Director, and DCED staff members Michael Williams and Saritha Menon) to discuss opportunities to improve the usefulness, clarity, and accessibility of the data contained in Pennsylvania’s municipal registers housed on DCED’s website.
Why We Met
Although municipal data is essential to the work of CPAs, EAs, and other tax practitioners for the preparation of local tax returns for individuals and businesses, the municipal registers were specifically designed for the use of employers under Act 32 of 2008. As a result, for practitioners, the data can be difficult to navigate and/or apply in practice without additional look ups and manipulation.
During the meeting, PSTAP offered examples and provided specific requests for improved formatting, more comprehensive data presentation, and expanded information that would better support taxpayer compliance and professional accuracy. DCED was receptive and the discussion was constructive and collaborative.
Building on Day at the Capitol
This meeting continues the dialogue that began during PSTAP’s Annual Day at the Capitol, held in Harrisburg this past June, where Andrew Sheaf, DCED Executive Director served as one of the program’s presenters. The follow‑up conversation reflects PSTAP’s commitment to turning member feedback into meaningful action.
Next Steps
DCED will provide a written response addressing PSTAP’s requests in the coming weeks. Once received, PSTAP will share all of this information directly with our membership.