📝 The Memo: June 21, 2024

This week, we talk parsonage as taxable income, Joey Tribbiani attempts accounting, and we check out the best restaurants to try at our Boston conference.

Did you know you're entered to win a free CPE course each week just by receiving this newsletter? Scroll to the end to see if you're this week's winner. And don't forget to check out the Summer Sale, one of our biggest annual sales. If you're in a state with a 6/31 deadline, the clock's ticking.

Welcome to Dear Western, where you ask the Western Experts questions regarding your firm, tough clients, or general (non-tax) things. All submissions are anonymous. To submit questions, send an email to .

I have a client who is a Rabbi that is no longer an "employee" of a Synagogue. She doesn't have a contract with any one she works with at this time. However, she says that she has been told by the Rabbinical Assembly that as an independent contractor/self employee, she is allowed to take parsonage as a reduction of her taxable income for income tax purposes. Is this the case?

See the video below for a response from JJ the CPA:

New Courses

New courses added recently:

• Education Tax Guide by Steven M. Bragg, CPA
• What You Need to Know About Lease Accounting by Kelen Camehl, CPA, MBA
• Essentials of Corporate Bankruptcy by Steven Bragg, CPA

Wellness Corner

• Incorporate adaptogenic herbs, like ashwagandha or rhodiola, into your diet to manage stress. Adaptogens can enhance your body's ability to cope with stress and improve energy levels, according to recent studies.
• Get a little crafty and create a vision board to visualize your goals and aspirations. Vision boards can help clarify your intentions and motivate you to achieve your dreams. Looking for inspiration? Check it out here.
• Research shows that attending a sound healing session or use sound therapy tools like singing bowls to reduce stress and enhance relaxation. Sound healing can promote emotional and physical well-being and center you on your most stressful days.

Western Course of the Week

This week, we are highlighting Maximize Your Professional Presence Virtually taught byJennifer Elder, CPA, CFF, CIA, CMA.

This course equips you with the skills to project professionalism and credibility online. Learn to avoid the top 10 mistakes that can undermine your virtual presence and discover 24 tips for making a great first impression. Master 15 techniques for hosting successful virtual meetings and implement a 7-step process for preparing persuasive presentations.

Purchase this course by midnight on June 29th and receive 25% off by using coupon code VIRTUAL25.

Conference Highlight: Boston, MA

Our Boston conference is on October 14th-18th, and it features 10 live courses this year. But after a day of learning, we know you'll be hungry. We've highlighted some outstanding dining options in Boston that will blow you away.

Featured dining:

• Spoke, a local wine bar, works closely with local farmers to bring the best and freshest ingredients to the table. They specialize in American-inspired and modern dishes that "will open up the minds and appetites of guests."
• Take your meal while gazing out on the Boston Public Garden from the rooftop restaurant, Contessa. This restaurant brings the elegance of Northern Italy to Boston's Back Bay for an unforgettable experience.
• Featured in the New York Times as one of Boston's top 25 restaurants, Neptune Oyster is home to some the best sea-food around. They offer a rawbar, incredible lobster rolls, and platters of the freshest oysters, of course.

Coupon Clippings:

• The Summer Sale offers discounts on the 2024 Summer Federal Tax Update, bulk CPE credit packages, and CPE conference getaways.

Western Giveaway:

This weeks free CPE course winner is: Meghana Sharda. Megan, to claim your free course, please respond to this email, and our Customer Experience team will make sure its added to your account.

Want to win a free 1 CPE credit course? Theres only one thing you need to do: read The Memo each week. Every Friday, well announce the winner here.

This weeks free course is: S Corps Hot Topics by Robert Jamison, CPA, Ph.D, Check back next week to find out if youre a winner.