AICPA experts discuss minimum standards for tax preparers
Tax Section Odyssey
In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato is joined by Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy and Todd Sloves, AICPA Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, to discuss why paid tax preparer oversight is back in the spotlight. The conversation looks at key findings from a recent , what “minimum professional standards” could mean for the largely unregulated preparer market, and how the Senate’s Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act would implement guardrails and enforcement tools. The episode also...
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2025 filing season: What clients are getting wrong (and how to respond)
Tax Section Odyssey
Filing season is here — and so is confusion. In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by , to break down the most common questions around the new H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provisions, from Trump accounts to the senior deduction as well as discussion around electronic payments and refunds. Practical guidance is here to help you cut through the noise and get it right. What you’ll learn from this episode: How new Trump accounts are prompting new client questions while key issues...
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Tariffs on Trial: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Tax Practitioners
Tax Section Odyssey
In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by . A recent Supreme Court decision invalidated key tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — raising major questions about refunds, executive authority and what comes next. We discuss the ruling itself, explain what tariffs are impacted and outline practical steps tax practitioners should consider right now for importer clients. What you’ll learn from this episode: · Why the Supreme Court invalidated the...
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Trump Accounts are coming — and you need to be ready
Tax Section Odyssey
In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) podcast, hosts Cary Sinnett, CPF, CAP, CFT-1, CExP, and April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, are joined by is joined by Sebrina Ivey, CPA/PFS to explore Trump accounts, also known as Sec. 530A accounts. These accounts are a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children created under H.R 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The episode focuses on what CPAs need to know now to advise families on coordinating these accounts with broader tax, estate and financial plans....
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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....
info_outlineAlign 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 to be ready for digital asset taxation with Form 1099-DA on the way
- How to be intentional with your operations — creating boundaries, systems and prioritizing consistency over intensity
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