Post-April 15: Top-of-mind tax advocacy topics, including the ERC
Tax Section Odyssey
Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA & CIMA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy, provides an update on IRS service improvements and the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act funding. She also discusses other key tax advocacy tax initiatives that are top of mind right now. AICPA resources — Access resources to learn the latest on the employee retention credit (ERC). — Access resources to learn about the beneficial ownership information reporting requirement under FinCEN’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). For a full transcript, see
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From filing cabinets to cloud — Records management in the digital age
Tax Section Odyssey
Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown LLC, discusses the importance of having processes around retaining documents for accounting firms as well as advising clients on what information is important for them to maintain. It is imperative to manage files in an efficient manner, and, often, there are different considerations for physical storage versus digital storage. AICPA resources — Having a written document retention policy for your firm is a must-do along with advising clients on taxpayer record retention. — Formalize your tax firm’s policies about retaining...
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A radical approach to client relationship building
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, listen to a conversation with Jody Padar, the Radical CPA, about the evolving role of CPAs in the face of technological advancements. Jody emphasizes the need for proactive communication, year-round tax planning, and restructuring business models to prioritize client needs so that CPAs can maintain their relevance in the accounting industry. To learn more about Jody and her new book coming out soon, please visit her . AICPA resources — Tackle today’s top practice management issues with insights and tips from pioneers in the tax community. — “Transform”...
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Deadline Dilemmas: Navigating Tax Extensions and Risks
Tax Section Odyssey
the new Director of the AICPA & CIMA’s Tax Practice & Ethics team joins the podcast to discuss the importance of clear communication with clients, especially during the tax filing season. Liz emphasizes the need for valid contracts and signed engagement letters before filing extensions. Common risks and pitfalls associated with not having them in place include improperly filed extensions, missed deadlines, fee disputes and potential loss of revenue. Sharing her passion for safeguarding the profession and futureproofing it for upcoming generations, she is focused on...
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Digital asset playbook: Part 3 — Reporting requirements
Tax Section Odyssey
Steve Turanchik from the AICPA’s Digital Assets Tax Task Force discusses upcoming reporting requirements for digital assets. Sec. 6045 will require brokers to report transactions involving digital assets, similar to how they report securities transactions currently. This is meant to combat anonymity concerns and improve tax compliance. However, the reporting rules have been delayed multiple times. The AICPA continues advocacy efforts in this area, providing comments to highlight issues and gaps in reporting requirements. AICPA resources — This hub is your go-to library for AICPA...
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Clearing up BOI confusion and other tax advocacy updates
Tax Section Odyssey
Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA & CIMA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy, provides an update on several key tax initiatives that are top of mind right now. Highlights include the latest updates on beneficial ownership interest (BOI) reporting as well as what to expect from pending tax legislation. AICPA resources , The Tax Adviser, March 12, 2024 , The Tax Adviser, March 5, 2024 , The Tax Adviser, March 5, 2024 — Access resources to learn about the beneficial ownership information reporting requirement under FinCEN’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). — Share some...
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What's under the hood — Superseded returns
Tax Section Odyssey
Superseded returns — essentially a replacement for an originally filed tax return — can be a useful tool, especially as it relates to partnership returns which operate in the centralized partnership audit regime (CPAR). Learn more about when these “do-over returns” should be considered and what implications they may have for statutes of limitations. AICPA resources , July 1, 2021, The Tax Adviser — Gain answers to frequently asked questions about the centralized partnership audit regime under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (BBA). Other resources — Information from the...
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Digital asset playbook: Part 2 — The loss ledger
Tax Section Odyssey
The tax treatment for digital asset losses can be a complex area. Not to mention, misleading information can cause confusion for tax practitioners and taxpayers alike. Learn more about the intricacies of how realized digital asset losses are reported and why it likely makes sense to avoid having the digital asset be considered worthless or abandoned based on the current tax treatment. AICPA resources —This hub is your go-to library for AICPA guidance and resources as well as current legislation, IRS initiatives and tax advocacy project — With the prevalence of recent virtual...
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Digital asset playbook: Part 1 — Questions and misconceptions
Tax Section Odyssey
Misconceptions about digital asset tax compliance are common. With business tax returns now requiring taxpayers to affirm their taxable digital asset transactions, it is even more important to ask the right questions. Educating yourself and your clients in this area is important to fulfill your due diligence requirements as a tax practitioner. AICPA resources —This hub is your go-to library for AICPA guidance and resources as well as current legislation, IRS initiatives and tax advocacy projects. — Before accepting clients that are engaged in digital asset...
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Worker classification 101 and the risks of misclassification
Tax Section Odyssey
Daniel Moore, CPA, Owner — D.T. Moore and Company, LLC, discusses the recent Department of Labor rule on determining the classification of workers as either employees or independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act. He also highlights the potential legal and financial risks associated with worker misclassification. The rule, effective on March 11, 2024, aims to align with judicial precedents, reduce misclassification risks and offer more flexibility for businesses engaging with independent contractors. Factors for worker classification under this rule are: Opportunity for...
info_outlineIn this episode, Mike Whitmore, CPA, Shareholder — HMA CPA, a member of the AICPA Tax Practice Management Committee, chats with April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Lead Manager — Tax Practice & Ethics, AICPA & CIMA, about a checklist of items to consider when in the market for acquiring a CPA firm. He highlights red flags to look out for and green lights that signal a firm is a “go” for acquisition, and what due diligence is needed to ensure the perfect fit.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- The most crucial due diligence aspect when shopping for a CPA firm (2:08)
- Ideal time commitment you should dedicate to the due diligence stage (7:52)
- Red flags to watch out for (9:43)
- Green lights to follow (13:00)
- Lessons learned and a real-life example (16:07)
- A page from Mike’s travel journal (18:54)
AICPA resources
- Practice Management & Professional Standards — The AICPA Tax Section provides the guidance and tools you need to manage a successful tax practice and maintain the highest level of ethical standards in tax.
Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.
This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.