[Pat]

Just want to ask if there is anybody applying for CPA license in MA? Could you please share your current situation?

I am pretty upset with my situation. I have applied for the license since Nov 2017 but have never heard anything back. I don’t know what happens with my application as I mailed in instead of sending online. No even check cashed. They have never answered my emails. I was able to contact them last month but they said they could not check it if they received my application.

I have been calling to the office since 1st of Jan everyday more than 100 times but it’s super weird! Nobody answer the call 🙁

I don;t know if they move the office but could not find any on google. I call this number (617) 727-1806.

[Sweet]

I am sorry to hear about that. I had similar experience a while back from a different state. I mailed in initially only to found out weeks later that they no longer accept application in mail. They transitioned to online only while the mail in application packet is the first result when you google the cpa application packet for that state. I am not sure if you are having the same issue as it can varies by state.
I would say try emailing the state specific mailbox instead of the general license@nasba and hope they response. It should be malicense@nasba.org but I am NOT sure.

[ZzzCPA]

Sorry to hear about your situation! We are having the same situation in CA. The examination unit phone rings and rings without voicemail. It is likely they have the ringer off. Perhaps, you can try calling other extensions and get internally transferred?

[tferriter]

Hi Pat,
I have the same issue. Mailed my application at the beginning of November, my cash hasn't been cashed and none of my emails returned. I did get a hold of someone by phone last month. First, they said they had too many to search for mine, then they said I was in “review” two weeks ago. Honestly, I don't think that is the case. I think they just said that to appease me. I think I may need to go there.

[Pat]

Thank you Sweet & ZzzCpa, I will try other email. I think MA does not have even the reception number as I cannot choose “0” extension. They direct me to individual CPA department with no one answer. I have tried other extension e.g. corporate license and renew license but they came out the same 🙁

@tferriter – Did you mail your app to MA Board?
Same as mine, someone picked up my phone in Dec and said that she could not search mine as they had too many of them. If they need anything they will contact me 🙁 Since then, I have not been able to contact anybody there.

I plan to contact them in person next 2 weeks as it is not too far from my office.

[tferriter]

Hi Pat,
Yes, I mailed my application. When I called they said the same thing. First, they had too many to search through. The next time they said I was in review. However, that was weeks ago and I don't think the girl even looked.
I wish I could go there but it is 3 hours each way and I would need to take a day off. I am trying to avoid that but may have to do it anyway.

[MFG_over_my_head]

The below from November 2017, not sure what has changed since…

“As you may have read on the HUB, or experienced yourself, the Board of Public Accountancy (BoPA) has been backlogged by license applications and licensee correspondence over the last few months. Unfortunately, the already stretched BoPA staff lost two employees, reducing the staff to one. While we appreciate the solid working relationship we have with BoPA, we are frustrated on behalf of our members who have been experiencing completely unacceptable levels of service.
We are working with the Baker Administration to ensure BoPA has adequate staff and resources moving forward. We will post updates here and also on the HUB. In the short term, if you are having issues contacting BoPA staff, or if you haven’t received confirmation of a license application or renewal, please contact”
https://hub.mscpaonline.org/blogs/amy-pitter/2017/11/10/board-of-public-accountancy-bopa-backlog-issue

[jhachey5]

Pat and tferriter,

Will you let us know how it goes if you go visit in person? Or regardless, keep us updated on when your application actually gets approved? I submitted mine in early December and was getting pretty frustrated that I didn't hear back or couldn't get a hold of anyone at the board, but clearly there are other people in the same situation. Any updates you can provide would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Pat]

Thank you everyone for your help. I am going to meet them in person by this Friday and will update to you guys.

[Pat]

Just giving you guys an update as promise 🙂

I went to MA Board on last Friday. They searched for my file and asked few questions about the required docs. I've got a chance speaking to an officer there. She told me that they are working on Nov applications and expect my app to be completed within 3 weeks. If I do not hear back, I can contact directly to her email.

[tferriter]

Thank you, Pat! I'm hopeful that our applications will be processed soon!

[Pat]

@tferriter

I got an email yesterday afternoon that my license was approved! That's pretty qucik. Hope you get it soon 🙂

[tferriter]

That is fantastic!!! Congratulations Pat!!!

[jhachey5]

Congrats Pat! Glad to hear they are working through the applications. Another quick question for you (or anyone on this forum I suppose) – what was the time-frame between receiving confirmation that your payment was processed to the actual approval of your application? I received confirmation regarding receipt of my payment last week but still haven't heard anything on the application approval. Wondering if I should have received something by now and need to visit in person since it's been tough to contact the board by phone and email. Any insight you can provide would be great.

[Pat]

Thank you @tferriter and @jhachey5

Here is my timeline
11/28/17 – mailed out the application and they received it next day
2/8/18 – walked in to their office
2/13/18 – received an email that my CPA license was approved and the license wallet will be delivered within 4 weeks (nothing received yet)
2/14/18 – received an email that my payment was received
2/20/18 – check was cashed

in your case, you might get approval already but missing their email. You can check if you got the license here https://elicensing.state.ma.us/CitizenAccess/_SearchaLicense.htm

Hope this helps
Good luck!

[I’dlovea75]

Thank you Pat for starting this thread and congratulations!

@jhachey5 I'm having the same question too, I also received an email saying my check was cashed but the receipt doesn't have a license ID on it. I'm thinking they don't have a standard process of doing things. Or Pat's process might be different because she personally went to the office. I have a feeling that we will know pretty soon though. good luck to us!

[Author]

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