[LD]

I called and emailed last Monday the 18th and also have called and email numerous times since then – is it common that the Board just doesn’t answer or call back for over a week? My application was not considered in the latest meeting even though I submitted it two months ago, and I haven’t been able to reach anyone to find the answer as to why. Not even sure who I can escalate this to if they don’t reply back. Anyone have any similar experiences/advice?

[Pete]

Not in Massachusetts, but my state was really bad, like yours was about replying back for a long time. Luckily, they've improved and at least, typically, respond. Unfortunately, their only response will be a copy of or a link to the state's CPA board website, every-time. You ask if a school qualified, then get directed to a website, stating something like “the state board will determine, which school's qualify for credit hours.” This is the response you'll get, if you ask which specific school qualify for the license.

B=84 This exam was such a b**** that I thought I failed-don't know how these things work
A=76 Slacker I am, I'll happily take it
R=81 I LOVE taxes
F=80 I don't wanna get banned for an expletive I'm thinking with "yea" proceeding it

[Soon2bCPA]

@LD Yes, same exact boat. I had a question regarding what type of documentation they would want for an experience level (government experience). I called about 3 times, left message, and then emailed. That was two weeks ago. No response. Nothing. I'm still trying to figure out this application.

[JG3445]

@ld Same here. have you heard anything from anyone? 4 voice mails and 2 emails from me and no response.

B - 2015
A - 74, 1/15
R - 2015
F - 74,78

[tskits75]

Did they tell you if you are missing something? I mailed my application to Mass on 10/2/17 and received my license on 10/19/17.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[Soon2bCPA]

Just an update on my experience so far. I reached out to the Mass Society of CPAs and was able to talk with Barbara Iannoni. She is great and she works with a lot of students trying to get their CPAs in MA so she is well versed with the Board's requirements. I would recommend reaching out to her. Her contact info is available on the Mass Society of CPAs website I believe. I never heard anything back from the Board. Barbara mentioned that the Board lost an admin individual so things have been getting backlogged.

@tskits75 Did you mail the application or submit it online through the portal? I submitted mine online on 10/11/2017 and still waiting. Congratulations on receiving your license!!

[tskits75]

I put everything in the mail.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[Radez]

I thought there was language on the MA application indicating original documents were required for character references and work experience. I'm surprised that uploading scans of documents was acceptable.

I mailed mine two weeks ago, certified, return receipt, and according to USPS, my documents have been in Boston out for delivery since October 27th. Kind of annoyed.

[tskits75]

Yes that is how I read it too, plus the application had to be notarized so I made sure I mailed everything.

@Radez, hopefully when they actually get it it won't take too long. I kept checking mass.gov under their check a license tab for my name, but you should get an email first that everything is processed. So I would look out for that.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[Soon2bCPA]

The instructions were contradictory in that the portal said initial licensing supporting documents can be uploaded, but the application said originals were required. One of the contacts at the Mass Society of CPAs that is in contact with the Board said that some of the language on the website/application has not been changed for the new use of the portal. They said “the Board's e-licensing portal does allow application of an initial license so you should be all set to submit the letters you have despite the instructions”. Again, I submitted my app on 10/11/2017 so I'm hopeful they will look at it soon and if not, I might just mail it in to be safe.

[Radez]

As an update on this, my application was (finally) delivered on November 6th. I received an e-mail receipt acknowledging payment of my application fee this morning. When I check the board's website under my name, I have a license number with an issue date of yesterday. That means it took them just two days to process my mailed application from receipt to issuance of a license? I'm suspicious. I am not sure if I can claim the title yet.

[Soon2bCPA]

@Radez Congratulations! That's pretty impressive to have a two day turnaround like that, but as long as you have a license number issued I think you are safe to be considered a CPA. Again, congratulations! I did hear that the Mass Society of CPAs was lending some hands of help to the Board so hopefully that will expedite things for everyone. I can tell you that no one there seems to know the phone is ringing. I've called several times the past few days with no answer and their mailbox is full. Frustrating. I sent everything through the portal thinking that would be faster and more efficient for everyone and yet it still says Submitted and that's it. I'm thinking I should just mail everything in at this point.

[Radez]

Thank you! It probably couldn't hurt to send by mail as well. Did they already acknowledge payment? You could maybe include a cover letter indicating you had submitted/paid via the e-portal but were submitting via mail as well in there were system issues or some such. That way your bases are covered.

Oh, and for what it's worth, my experience letter was for 3 years of non-public experience as well. I used two pages to describe my company and the roles I held therein for the period of time my director (who was an active CPA) was attesting to. This appears to have been acceptable.

Good luck.

[tskits75]

@Radez Yes I would also agree that since you have your license number its safe to say you are a CPA. I got an email titled “CPA Approval Letter” from them even before the site was updated from the board saying congrats and all that and my number did you get that too? As soon as I got that I added CPA to my email signature and linkedin.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[tskits75]

Dont forget to order your wall certificate. $27 is pretty reasonable I thought. I actually got my paper license in the mail the other day and they approved my application 10/19, so relatively quick to get the paper version.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[Soon2bCPA]

@Radez Thanks for the advice on writing a cover letter explaining the situation, I will definitely do that. Again, congrats!

[Author]

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