CPA Resources
CPA Resources

Higher licensure fees will support State Board

BALTIMORE, July 22, 2008 -- Throughout the years, the MACPA has received countless reports from members who have tried to contact Maryland's State Board of Public Accountancy for clarification or information, only to find it was almost impossible to get an answer due to the State Board's lack of adequate staffing. The MACPA also receives calls from the general public seeking guidance or assistance with a problem related to public accountancy. This often happens because people have not been able to reach anyone at the State Board.

In 2006, the MACPA supported a bill, approved by the General Assembly, that called for the creation of a "special fund" for the State Board. The fund is to be paid for by the licensure fees of Maryland CPAs and will provide the State Board with the resources necessary to carry out its duties and responsibilities. 

The State Board's fiscal-year 2009 budget is the first under the special fund. Licensure fees will be established based on calculations of the direct and indirect costs to provide services to licensees and members of the public. 

The objectives of this budget include:

  • increasing in the number of State Board staff members;
  • expanding online options for applicants and licensees by converting all paper applications and forms;
  • expanding public access to licensing information;
  • improving State Board communication with constituents; and
  • improving complaint processing and investigation.

To meet the projected expenses of this budget, the State Board has proposed the follow fee schedule:

Application fees

 

Current

 

Proposed

CPA exam application

 

$40

 

$60

CPA reciprocal application

 

$50

 

$60

CPA transfer of grades application

 

$50

 

$60

CPA firm permit Application

 

$25

 

$80

License fees

 

Current

 

Proposed

CPA original license fee

 

$15

 

$20

CPA renewal license fee

 

$40

 

$80

CPA inactive license fee

 

$20

 

$40

CPA inactive license renewal fee

 

$20

 

$40

CPA firm original permit fee

 

$25

 

$80

CPA firm renewal permit fee

 

$80

 

$160

Late fee -- active

 

$60

 

$120

Late fee -- inactive

 

$30

 

$60

Reactivation from inactive status

 

$40

 

$80

Other fees and services

 

Current

 

Proposed

License verifications

 

$10

 

$25

Duplicate certificates

 

$25

 

$50

Final action on the proposals will be considered by the State Board during a public meeting to be held on Sept. 2 at 500 North Calvert St., Third Floor Conference Room, Baltimore.