Learning to listen differently to your clients and expand your advisory role
Release Date: 02/28/2025
Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by , to discuss name, image and likeness (NIL) taxation issues for student athletes. Together they unpack common misconceptions, emerging revenue streams, unresolved classification issues and the growing complexity of state taxation. Highlights include key considerations — and opportunities — for CPAs advising clients in this rapidly changing area. What you’ll learn from this episode: Understand how NIL income is taxed — and why student athletes are often surprised at filing...
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Intentional tax practice — Setting the course for 2026
Tax Section Odyssey
Align your compass to the year ahead. In this episode, April Walker brings tax leaders together to share intentional, practical ways to run a better practice, focusing on advisory-first mindsets, using artificial intelligence (AI) with a purpose, collaboration around new legislation and sustainable operating rhythms. What you’ll learn from this episode: How to prioritize client outcomes and reinvest tech-enabled time into higher-value conversations Using AI with purpose — concrete use cases, role-based workflows and “AI stacking” for research, communication and tools Why we need...
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Reimagining firm ownership — Life after the sale
Tax Section Odyssey
In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the final in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by . This episode explores the personal and professional journeys that can follow selling a firm. This candid conversation offers practical advice for firm owners and professionals navigating major transitions in their careers. What you’ll learn from this episode: The importance of prioritizing self-care Why it is normal to expect identity shifts Ways to rediscover your purpose How connecting with others who have experienced...
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Reimagining firm ownership — Selling smart in a changing environment
Tax Section Odyssey
In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the second in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by . This conversation explores how accounting firm owners can successfully navigate the process of selling their firm in today’s competitive market. Gather actional insights for firm owners considering a sale, emphasizing strategic preparation, objective valuation and thoughtful communication throughout the process. What you’ll learn from this episode: Key qualities buyers look for, including strong people, pricing,...
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Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice
Tax Section Odyssey
In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is joined by , to kick off a three-part series on reimagining firm ownership. The conversation explores the lifecycle of a modern accounting firm, focusing on building a sellable practice, developing future leaders and overcoming common challenges such as owner dependency and process bottlenecks. Hear insights on leveraging people, processes, pricing and technology to create a sustainable, scalable firm. What you’ll learn from this episode: Practical strategies for delegation, leadership development and embracing...
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Tax planning unleashed
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, sits down with , to unpack key year-end tax planning strategies. They dive into new opportunities for individuals and businesses under the H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the increased state and local tax (SALT) cap, expanded deductions and the return of immediate expensing for domestic research and development (R&D) costs. Tune in for practical insights on proactive planning and multi-year modeling to help clients maximize benefits under the new law....
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Government Shutdown & IRS Updates
Tax Section Odyssey
In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato discusses the impact of the recent and ongoing federal government shutdown on IRS operations and tax practitioners with Melanie Lauridsen, VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy at the AICPA. The conversation covers the history and mechanics of government shutdowns, what we know about IRS contingency plans and the practical effects on taxpayers and professionals. Listeners can also gain timely insights into recent developments such as the transition away from paper refund checks and implementation of...
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Decoding Tax Misinformation on H.R. 1 with Annette Nellen
Tax Section Odyssey
In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato sits down with tax expert Annette Nellen, Esq., CPA/CGMA, to discuss the latest developments in tax legislation, specifically H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Annette shares her insights on the new tax provisions, effective dates and the importance of accurate information and research in the tax field. This episode also serves as a preview of the upcoming National Tax Conference in Washington, D.C., where Annette will be speaking on key tax updates...
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Navigating recent IRS guidance on R&E expenses
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, delves into the recently issued IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-28 with . Tune in to discover the implications of this IRS guidance and hear about the strategic decisions businesses can make to take advantage of presented opportunities. What you’ll learn from this episode: Details of Rev. Proc. 2025-28 Changes made by H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) to Sec. 174 research & experimental (R&E) expenditures Options for small businesses to be able...
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Unlocking the future of tax research with AI
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, , and , discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in tax research. They sift through the best practices for using AI tools, the importance of asking the right questions and the future of AI in the tax profession. The conversation also touches on the potential risks and cautions associated with using AI, emphasizing the need for professional judgment and client confidentiality. What you’ll learn from this episode: How to integrate AI tools into your tax research workflow Ways to evaluate AI output to determine accuracy The top cautions and risks...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jamie Lopiccolo, CPA, CGMA, Founder and Managing Member of Capocore Professional Advisors, and Will Hill, Owner of Will Hill Consults, discuss marketing and pricing tax advisory services. They explore the importance of identifying client needs through effective listening and highlight the significance of understanding clients’ pain points and gaps to move beyond traditional tax.
What you’ll learn from this episode:
- How to use effective listening techniques to identify client needs and help uncover pain points and gaps
- The importance of moving beyond traditional tax services to offer comprehensive advisory solutions.
- How to potentially classify tax advisory opportunities into different pricing buckets and the importance of adjusting pricing based on scope changes.
- The importance of involving team members in advisory services early on, even if they feel unprepared, as this helps them learn and grow in their roles.
AICPA resources
Broadridge Advisor Spotlight for Tax Section Members — Tax Section members can access sample resources from Broadridge Advisor which provides client education and communication tools on personal financial planning.
2025 Tax and Financial Planner — This digital, month-by-month planner is designed for Tax and PFP Section members and serves as a field guide to summarize key due dates, action items, client engagement ideas and financial planning tips.
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.