Mel Schwarz, JD, CPA
Director of Legislative Affairs
Taxation is one of the most complex issues faced by American business. This is particularly true for mid-sized businesses, who have not always been well represented before Congress. Eide Bailly is dedicated to alerting those businesses to what may be coming and helping them make their concerns and needs heard. I am proud to be part of that effort.
OVERVIEW
Mel has over 37 years of experience specializing in legislative affairs, including development and implementation of tax legislation at the national level. He spent 6 years on the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation and has served as the chairman of the Tax Legislation Committee of the AICPA. He spends his time at the capitol meeting with legislators, listening in on updates impacting tax processes and procedures and providing timely updates and education on issues and opportunities impacting clients. He is a sought-after speaker for many AICPA, TEI and FEI conferences.
When you work with Mel, you can expect a knowledgeable resource who can help connect the dots between what is happening in Washington D.C. and your situation. He will serve as a guide and assure that your concerns are heard.
Mel is an avid supporter of Washington, D.C. sports teams and local theater. Although he was a failed music major, he has been an active participant in the choral music program of the National Cathedral and other D.C. organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Memberships
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Member, AICPA Tax Executive Committee, 2015 – 2017
- Chairman, AICPA Tax Legislation Committee, 2013 – 2015
- Former member of the legislative staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation, U.S. Congress
Designations/Licensures
- Juris Doctorate
- Certified Public Accountant
Education
- Master of Professional Accounting, University of Texas at Austin
- Juris Doctor, University of Michigan
- Bachelor of Arts in History, Southern Methodist University
KNOWLEDGE
Client Work
- Actively monitors pending tax legislation and prepares for its implementation, using his contacts and presence in Washington, D.C. to uncover planning and compliance details beyond the written record. Has been a key member of firmwide efforts to implement the domestic production activities deduction and the recently enacted deduction for pass-through entities.
- Works with the AICPA and major trade groups as an active voice for rationalization of the tax law to ensure that the concerns of mid-sized businesses are taken into account in developing tax legislation.
- Frequent speaker on tax developments before business and professional groups, bringing his individual style (and political cartoon collection) to the presentation of the Washington scene.