The PD&T Committee’s offering of the “Fun With Taxes” workshop on Wednesday February 3rd (held at Northeastern University’s Alumni Center) this year was a smashing success. And, due to the online registration-rush and demand for more seats, a 2nd offering was quickly put together and held the following Monday on February 8th at Worcester State College.

Most likely, one of the reasons for the huge demand had to do with the workshop’s well-known and popular presenter Jim Briggs (a.k.a. “The Tax Detective”). In years past, Jim has usually presented his workshop at The College Board’s annual Boston gathering each February –where most of us have had the previous opportunity to take in the show. Unfortunately, “Fun With Taxes” was not part of the Board’s docket at this year’s annual conference, thus creating a great opportunity for MASFAA and its PD&T crew to fill the breach.

Jim has been at this for more than 28 years and is a welcome & familiar face to the New England higher ed scene. His organization has provided targeted training & education to folks in the financial aid profession and is regarded as an expert in just about all areas when it comes to federal taxes, verification and financial aid. And, according to his website (www.thetaxdetective.com), “Jim was a practicing CPA and co-founder of Chesapeak Bagels, a regional chain of bagel bakeries and Brueggers Bagels, a national chain of bakeries. He also co-owned an automobile dealership that won many national sales and customer service awards.”

Finally, on behalf of the MASFAA community and all workshop attendees, the PD&T Committee would like to send out ‘props’ & gratitude to Tony Erwin and the folks at Northeastern University for providing the beautiful space and facilities at NU’s Alumni Center for the workshop. Without NU’s generosity, the day might not have been as successful as it was!