National Society of Accountants

From Wikicpa

National Society of (Public) Accountants and its affiliates represent more than 30,000 independent practitioners who provide accounting, tax, auditing, financial and estate planning, and management services to 19 million individuals and businesses. Most members are sole practitioners or partners in small- to medium-size accounting firms. NSA protects its members' right to practice and protects the public by requiring its members to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Tap into a vital network of your peers and Join NSA today!

Membership in the National Society of Accountants (NSA) is the best competitive advantage you'll find to grow your business, enhance your knowledge, and achieve maximum potential for profitability and success. For more than 60 years, NSA has supported independent practitioners with leading information, resources and representation to protect your right to practice, build credibility and grow the profession. Join more than 12,000 colleagues.

Contact

National Society of (Public) Accountants

1010 N. Fairfax St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

Toll Free: 1-800-966-6679

Local: 703-549-640

Fax: 703-549-2984

Website: http://www.nsacct.org

History of NSA

A Brief History of the National Society of (Public) Accountants

The National Society of Public Accountants (NSPA) was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in 1945 in response to the need for a national organization to work for the welfare of public accountants, collectively and individually. The founding fathers wanted NSPA to secure public and legal recognition for the rights of accountants in public practice, promote professionalism, and obtain for its members the right to represent clients before the Treasury Department. Its first headquarters was in Oklahoma City, followed by a move to St. Louis in 1947 and then, in 1955, to Washington, DC.

NSPA’s first major nationwide initiative was working with the Treasury Department on the 1951 revision of Circular #230 to allow qualified individuals, other than attorneys or CPAs, to practice as Enrolled Agents before the IRS. It took almost another decade of work assisting the Treasury Department before a Special Enrollment Exam was developed to replace the exam previously prepared by the AICPA. NSPA solicited sample questions for the exam from its members – paying as much as $30 per question. NSPA also published a training course to help its members prepare for the exam. When Circular #230 was revised once more in 1959, NSPA members were prepared. Of the 1,264 individuals who passed the first Special Enrollment Exam, 46% were NSPA members. Today, NSA continues to support the Enrolled Agent program by offering an Enrolled Agent Preparatory Course.

Between 1965 and 1974, NSPA focused on regulatory issues. Battles were fought as accountants sought to retain their right to call themselves "accountants." As federal taxation matters became more cumbersome, the Federal Taxation Committee was created in 1970; previously this area had been handled by the Committee on Government Affairs. The Society grew in numbers and strength and established its own Scholarship Foundation (in 1969) to assist deserving students in fulfilling their dreams.

Continuing professional education was a major focus during the 1970s. In 1973, NSPA established ACAT (Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation) as an independent credentialing body to provide a standard of competency in the area of public accounting. In 1976, NSPA launched the National Accounting Forum, a two-day program featuring 16 hours of CPE. Later, to help our members provide high quality professional services, we introduced the National Estate Tax conferences and the ACAT Review Course.

NSPA’s fourth decade was one of growth and expansion; membership increased steadily, services expanded, and NSPA’s legislative efforts proved significant. In 1976, NSPA and the Small Business Administration signed a Technical Assistance Agreement. This agreement, still in effect today, has helped small businesses enhance their credibility and financial strength. The Small Business Paperwork Reduction