From tackling pipeline challenges to encouraging sound tax policy, the AICPA and state CPA societies are committed to advancing the profession — and the communities we serve. Our members represent all facets of practice, serving individuals, nonprofits, governments, and businesses across the United States. Together, we are improving access to accounting careers, ensuring state and federal regulations reflect modern practice, and promoting financial policies that benefit the public. Here are just a few of the ways the AICPA and state societies work together.
Encouraging simple and fair tax policies
Our organizations have a longstanding history of advocating for sound policies that benefit our members and taxpayers alike. In June, the AICPA and 53 state societies signed a joint letter urging Congress to preserve the existing state and local tax (SALT) deduction for all businesses. The AICPA and state societies continued to speak out against this provision in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and the revised version retaining SALT deductions was signed into law.
Protecting the public interest
CPAs are ultimately responsible for protecting the public interest by conducting quality audits, protecting sensitive data, and preventing financial fraud. This spring, the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA) defeated a bill that would have eliminated most licensing boards, including the Florida Board of Accountancy. If the bill had passed, Florida CPAs likely would have lost their ability to practice in other jurisdictions, and the state would have been one legislative action away from eliminating licensure. The AICPA will continue to assist the FICPA in future legislative sessions. The Nevada Society of CPAs (NVCPA) and AICPA also collaborated on an effort to defeat legislation that would have restructured the Nevada State Board of Accountancy, changing its public protection oversight mechanisms.
Addressing workforce challenges
Many states are spearheading initiatives aimed at growing the talent pipeline, such as university partnerships and mentorship programs. Forty-four state societies participated in the 2024 Accounting Opportunities Experience, a nationwide initiative to expose high school students to accounting careers. In addition to these grassroots efforts, the AICPA and all 55 state societies signed a letter asking the Department of Homeland Security to designate accounting as a STEM field. During the 2025-2026 legislative session, state societies are urging Congress to cosponsor a bipartisan bill that would allow K-12 grant funding to be used for accounting education.
Modernizing CPA licensure
State societies were instrumental in developing talent solutions recommended by the National Pipeline Advisory Group (NPAG), including increased support for CPA Examination candidates and exploring alternative pathways to licensure. To date, more than 20 states have passed or introduced legislation establishing new paths to CPA licensure. Feedback from state societies also influenced changes to the Uniform Accountancy Act (UAA), the profession’s model law, that will enable jurisdictions to adopt a third licensure pathway. Other revisions include shifting to an individual-based model where CPAs can practice across state lines with just one license.
To learn more about how the AICPA partners with stakeholders across the profession, visit our advocacy news center.