NASBA, AICPA Offer CPA Mobility Online Reference

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy and the American Institute of CPAs have launched a new Web site, CPAmobility.org, that provides up-to-date information on the status of CPA mobility laws across the country.

The online tool aims to help CPAs navigate the various practice privilege requirements that enable them to practice across state borders more easily. The site, which is a joint project of the two organizations, contains information on the status of the mobility laws for all 50 states and five U.S. jurisdictions.

“NASBA and the AICPA have been working together closely for several months on this project to ensure that the information is accurate and the technology and on-going technical support are in place to ensure the site is successful,” said NASBA president and CEO David Costello in an email. “We believe the launch of this site represents a key step in the on-going partnership between NASBA, the AICPA, state boards of accountancy, and state CPA societies to pass, implement and promote mobility.”

In four clicks, CPAs can find out whether their existing home state registration is mobile and lets them work in other jurisdictions without additional notice, or whether they need to do further paperwork. In most cases, no additional registration is required because mobility statutes recognizing CPA licenses granted by other states and jurisdictions have been enacted in 47 of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions.  The AICPA and NASBA have long been working on passing mobility laws across the country.

“Mobility has become a reality for CPAs and accounting firms from coast-to-coast and it is now time to open the system for business,” said AICPA president and CEO Barry Melancon in a statement. “We are very pleased to be able to offer this free service to CPA firms together with NASBA, which was a key partner in developing the technology and information to power the Web site, CPAmobility.org.”

The site asks CPAs who visit to answer three questions about their principal place of business, where they want to perform services, and the types of services they want to perform. It then produces information on the necessary licensing and registration requirements, enabling CPAs to pursue new business opportunities.

“CPAmobility.org is a valuable service that allows CPAs to take advantage of the benefits associated with state mobility laws with confidence,"said NASBA executive vice president and COO Ken L. Bishop. "We are happy to offer a free tool that will assist CPAs in determining whether or not they can exercise mobility in a particular jurisdiction at the click of a button, on their laptop or mobile device.”

The site can also be accessed through a mobile phone application for CPAs who need to confirm their eligibility requirements while they are on the road or away from their offices.

NASBA and the AICPA have been longtime advocates of mobility, providing support and resources to state boards and state CPA societies that are trying to change the current rules. As additional states continue to embrace mobility, the site will be updated to educate CPAs on the new requirements. The site will also feature links to other NASBA and AICPA resources. For more information, visit www.CPAmobility.org.

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