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Tax Conference (Day 1 Only)

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Brookfield Conference Center

325 S Moorland Rd
Brookfield, WI 53005

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8.90 Credits

Member Price $329.00

Price will increase by $50 after 10/26

Non-Member Price $429.00

Price will increase by $50 after 10/26

Overview

Your Source For Key Updates & Insights on Timely Issues

Get ready for an action-packed day of insights, strategies and timely tax expertise at this year's Tax Conference. Hear from leading professionals as they break down the latest federal and Wisconsin tax developments, OBBBA changes, AI tools for tax practitioners, advance tax planning strategies, SALT and multistate issues, M & A considerations, trust taxation, capital cost recovery, 401(k) opportunities, wealth planning, tax practice and ethics and more. Walk away with practical knowledge, fresh ideas and strategies you can put to work immediately for your clients and your practice.

Who Should Attend

Tax professionals, practicing attorneys, corporate counsel and business and financial managers will greatly benefit by attending.

Overnight Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn in Brookfield (attached to the Brookfield Conference Center) for the evenings of Sunday, Nov. 15, and Monday, Nov. 16, with a room rate of $136 (plus tax) per night. To reserve a room in the block, please book online here by Oct. 25 or call 262-330-0800 and mention you are attending the WICPA Tax Conference.

Online Option

For those looking to attend online, this conference will also be offered via WICPA CPE Livestream.
View livestream details >

Nov 16, 2026

General Session

- Registration & Networking

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Welcome & Opening Remarks

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Pay It Forward: Wisconsin's Scholarship Granting Organization to Improve Education Outcomes

Dale Kooyenga, President & CEO, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association Of Commerce

Dale Kooyenga

Dale Kooyenga is president & CEO of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC). He is also a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves and is currently serving as the Battalion Commander of the 407th Civil Affairs Battalion. Kooyenga has served in the U.S. Army for over 19 years and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He maintains his CPA license and has over twenty years of experience as a CPA, including 10 years at KPMG and twelve years working as a CFO for start-up, early stage and private equity companies. Prior to joining MMAC, Kooyenga was elected and served in the Wisconsin State Assembly followed by four years of service as a Wisconsin State Senator. He played NCAA Division III basketball at Lakeland University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He obtained an MBA from Marquette University.

Learn how Pay It Forward Wisconsin and a new federal tax credit can help individuals support students while receiving a corresponding federal tax benefit. Discover how eligible donations can fund scholarships for students attending public, charter and private schools, helping make tutoring, extracurricular activities and tuition more affordable. Gain practical insight into how this opportunity can benefit Wisconsin students, families and schools.

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Federal Tax Update: Digesting the OBBBA Part I

Douglas Van Der Aa, CPA, JD, President, Van Der Aa Tax Ed, LLC

Douglas Van Der Aa

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker - especially on the subject of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA Associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years.

Doug has over 25 years of professional experience, including tax practice in CPA firms and the practice of transactional business and real estate law as an attorney. As a CPA, Doug’s practice concentrated on the tax needs of closely held businesses, with their related pass-through entities, complex individual returns, estates and trusts.

Doug taught for 12 years as an Adjunct Instructor and for one year as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, where he taught in both the undergraduate and MST programs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in accounting from Dordt College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Doug is an avid sailor and lives with his wife Mary and three children in Byron Center, Michigan

After one year, there’s still a lot to learn about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) as significant provisions take effect in 2026. Explore key changes affecting Section 199A, charitable and itemized deductions, depreciation and more. Get practical insights into new IRS guidance addressing tips, overtime and other provisions, and learn what these changes could mean for taxpayers and accountants.

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Federal Tax Update: Digesting the OBBBA Part II

Douglas Van Der Aa, CPA, JD, President, Van Der Aa Tax Ed, LLC

Douglas Van Der Aa

Doug is a lively and energetic speaker - especially on the subject of taxes and ethics. He has been a highly rated speaker and seminar leader for CPA Associations and other organizations throughout the country for more than 15 years.

Doug has over 25 years of professional experience, including tax practice in CPA firms and the practice of transactional business and real estate law as an attorney. As a CPA, Doug’s practice concentrated on the tax needs of closely held businesses, with their related pass-through entities, complex individual returns, estates and trusts.

Doug taught for 12 years as an Adjunct Instructor and for one year as Assistant Professor of Accounting and Taxation for Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, where he taught in both the undergraduate and MST programs. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in accounting from Dordt College and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law.

Doug is an avid sailor and lives with his wife Mary and three children in Byron Center, Michigan

Take a deeper dive into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and the provisions that will impact tax practitioners during the upcoming filing season. Explore Qualified Production Property, major changes to key tax forms and other important provisions. Stay informed on the latest legislative, judicial and IRS developments and gain practical insights to help you navigate the evolving tax landscape.

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Advanced Section 1031 Transactions & Related Strategies

John Sikora, JD, Shareholder, von Briesen & Roper, s.c.

John Sikora

John Sikora is a Shareholder representing clients in tax planning, tax controversies and the buying and selling of businesses and real estate with a particular focus on corporate, partnership and other business matters.

John is an adjunct professor of law at Marquette University Law School, where he has taught the tax practice and procedure and corporate income tax courses. John has also taught the taxation of partnerships and S corporations course to graduate accounting degree candidates at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In addition he has served as the instructor for numerous continuing education programs, including courses offered by the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA).

John has served as the chair of the Taxation Section of the Milwaukee Bar Association, was the chair of the Board of Directors of the State Bar of Wisconsin Taxation Section, and the editor of the Wisconsin State Bar Tax News.

Richard Reuter, CPA, CGMA, Principal & Chief Tax Strategist, MLG Services Corp

Richard Reuter

Rick Reuter is a Principal and Chief Tax Strategist at MLG Capital, where he is responsible for the structuring and administration of MLG Funds and leads the firm’s tax and accounting functions. He is also a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Rick plays a key role in the development and management of MLG Capital’s tax-deferred products, including the MLG Legacy Fund and Managed Accounts.

Prior to joining MLG Capital, Rick worked for Deloitte & Touche LLP in Chicago, where he focused primarily on external audits for investment management and manufacturing clients.

Rick received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accountancy from the University of Wisconsin Madison, where he was a Top 10 Accounting Graduate.

He is a Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Global Management Accountant and Illinois CPA Excel Award Winner.

Go beyond the conventional Section 1031 deferred exchange and explore sophisticated strategies that can help real property investors achieve greater tax efficiency and flexibility. Learn how 1031 transactions and related nonrecognition provisions can support portfolio diversification, property development, owner separation, property management and estate planning. Gain practical insights into the structuring, tax considerations and implementation of reverse exchanges, build-to-suit exchanges, partnership contributions, “drop and swap” transactions, partnership divisions, tenant-in-common structures, Delaware statutory trusts and other tax deferral strategies.

This session is available to registrants only.

- AI 101 for CPAs: Core Concepts & Practical Applications

John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLC

John Higgins

John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.

New to AI? Start here. This beginner-friendly course explains how generative AI works, what terms like “LLM” and “agentic AI” really mean and how CPAs can safely put these tools to use. You’ll leave with a solid understanding of AI fundamentals and how they apply to accounting, tax and finance.

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Smarter Tax Services with AI Tools

John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLC

John Higgins

John H. Higgins, CPA.CITP, is the founder of Higgins Advisory, LLC, helping CPAs and CFOs navigate the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies. He delivers strategic advice, education, and coaching focused on applying AI in day-to-day services. John began his career with a local CPA firm, went on to found and sell two technology advisory startups, and later served as a national technology practice partner at a Top 10 U.S. accounting firm. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Thought Leader by CPA Practice Advisor for 15 years.

There has never been a greater opportunity to leverage technology tools to automate your tax services. This session will provide specific examples of how you can use AI-based tools to complement your tax planning, research and compliance services. You will learn how to leverage AI to automate the collection and organization of client data, the engagement management process, tax research and enhance client advisory services with AI tools.

This session is available to registrants only.

- What's New in Pass-Through Taxation: Self-Employment Tax & Other Selected Topics

Joseph Rekrut, JD, Attorney, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Joseph Rekrut

As an attorney in Reinhart’s Tax Practice, Joseph Rekrut provides counsel to mid-sized businesses, public charities, family foundations and high-net-worth individuals on tax controversy, planning and litigation matters, collaborating with clients to develop tax-efficient strategies that fully align with their goals.

Joe understands that wading through the complexities of the tax code is not for everyone and works to streamline the process whenever possible. His ability to effectively communicate the intricacies of federal and state tax law in a concise manner enables clients to make informed decisions. He takes the time to listen to their vision and asks questions to provide the best possible guidance, always keeping their ultimate goals firmly in mind.

Joe’s natural ability to translate complex matters for a specific audience makes him an engaging speaker, and he regularly presents at conferences and large gatherings of industry experts.

Outside the office, he enjoys fishing, learning about watchmaking and traveling to concerts and sporting events.

Education: University of Illinois College of Law, J.D. Gonzaga University, B.A.

Pass-through taxation continues to evolve at a rapid pace, creating both planning opportunities and compliance challenges for tax advisers and their clients. This session will examine the latest developments affecting partnerships and S corporations, including the rapidly evolving case law addressing the scope of the IRC § 1402(a)(13) limited partner exception to self-employment tax. Gain practical insights into the emerging judicial landscape, potential planning considerations and the significance of recent decisions for owners of closely held businesses, while also exploring other noteworthy developments shaping the pass-through tax landscape.

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Capital Cost Recovery: Depreciation Strategies, Tax Savings & Planning Opportunities

Kyle Chuck, Tax Principal, CLA

Kyle Chuck

Kyle focuses on the preparation and review of corporate, individual, and partnership tax returns as well as providing tax research and planning. His primary focus includes working with manufacturers and distributors. Kyle is a member of our Wisconsin manufacturing and wholesale distribution niche team. Kyle has more than 18 years of experience.

Technical experience Preparation and review of corporate, individual, and partnership tax returns, including deferred tax calculations and consolidations Tax research and planning Manufacturing Wholesale distribution

Education and professional involvement Bachelor of business administration, accounting and finance, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Wisconsin Certified Public Accountant American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Allen LaCrosse, Tax Principal, CLA

Allen LaCrosse

Allen has over 18 years of experience providing tax planning, consulting and compliance for individuals and businesses in the manufacturing industry. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to develop tax-efficient strategies, optimize credits and incentives, manage multistate tax obligations and ensure compliance with evolving tax laws.

Technical experience

  • Tax planning and compliance for individuals and closely held entities
  • Multi-state taxation planning and compliance
  • Experience with mergers and acquisitions
  • Manufacturing and distribution industry

Education and professional involvement

  • Master of public administration in tax from University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee
  • Bachelor of business administration in accounting from University of Wisconsin—Whitewater, graduated cum laude
  • Certified Public Accountant in the state of Wisconsin

Discover practical strategies to turn capital investments into valuable tax savings. This session will cover depreciation, Section 179, bonus depreciation and other cost recovery opportunities that can help businesses improve cash flow, reduce taxes and maximize the return on their investments.

This session is available to registrants only.

- The Tax Questions Inside Your Clients' 401(k) Plans

Scott Pooch, CEPA, Consultant & Educator, 401Grow, LLC

Scott Pooch

Scott Pooch spent 20+ years working with business owners on employee benefits, operational efficiency, and growth — managing 160 retirement plans along the way. He presented at the Ohio Society of CPAs’ Employee Benefit Plan Audit Conference in April 2026. Today he runs 401Grow, a consulting and education practice built on a simple observation: most employers spend real money on benefits programs their employees barely use. His sessions run the same way — hands-on, jargon-free, built for practitioners.

Many business owners set up a 401(k), took the deduction and haven’t revisited the plan since. This session will explore the tax and planning opportunities that may be hiding within an existing retirement plan. Examine whether the plan design still aligns with the owner’s age, compensation and workforce, and how the right design can make a significant difference in deductible contributions. Explore whether plan expenses are being paid by participants or the business, along with SECURE 2.0 startup credits many business owners may have yet to claim. Gain practical insights into which client profiles warrant a second look and how a routine plan review can uncover broader payroll, operations and succession planning opportunities.

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

- Hot Tax Practice & Procedure & Ethics Issues

Michael Goller, JD, Shareholder, Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren s.c.

Michael Goller

Michael Goller is a shareholder in Reinhart’s Corporate and Tax Departments, where he served as Tax Department Chair for more than 10 years. He leverages his more than three decades of experience, accounting degree and strong relationships within the IRS and various State Departments of Revenue to be an especially effective lawyer. He assists clients with federal and state tax controversy, tax litigation and tax planning.

Michael’s clients vary from large public corporations to mid-sized, private businesses. He’s a self-described “tax geek who litigates,” pairing his outgoing personality with extensive, detailed knowledge and a dedicated work ethic. He represents clients involved in complex disputes with the IRS, the U.S. Department of Justice and various other authorities and has an impressive track record of favorable settlements.

He is the co-author of Federal Tax Practice and Procedure (CCH). Michael enjoys sharing his expertise through writing and speaking engagements on a variety of tax controversy, litigation and planning topics. He is a longtime faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Lubar School of Business and teaches Tax Practice and Procedure in the Graduate Tax Program.

Outside the office, he enjoys cooking haute cuisine, having taken cooking classes in both Italy and France. In fact, over the years, Michael has raised significant funds for a variety of charities by auctioning his services as a chef. He spends time with his wife and daughter, plays golf and loves to travel.

Stay current on timely tax, IRS practice and procedure, and ethics issues affecting today’s tax practitioners. Explore the latest “hot” developments, common blunders and mistakes to avoid, and key considerations for navigating increased IRS scrutiny. Explore strategies to help you stay informed, avoid potential pitfalls and meet your professional and ethical responsibilities.

This session is available to registrants only.

Breakout Session

- Closing Remarks

This session is available to registrants only.

- Will be attending the Networking Social

This session is available to registrants only.

- Will not be attending the Networking Social

This session is available to registrants only.

Non-Member Price $429.00

Member Price $329.00