Tax

Tax News & IRS Insights for Accounting Professionals

Accounting Today delivers news and analysis for accounting and tax professionals on federal and state tax developments, IRS guidance,information reporting, and operational implications for practices and clients. Our coverage focuses on legislative and procedural shifts that tax practitioners must monitor in planning, compliance, and advisory contexts.

Tax-related ID theft

Tax pros warned of continuing cyberthreats

The IRS and state tax agencies are warning tax professionals of the continuing threat from cybercriminals.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

December 10
Tax practice

IRS says 2017 tax season starts Jan. 23

The Internal Revenue Service said Friday that next tax season will begin on Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, while warning some taxpayers to expect longer waits for their tax refunds.

By Michael Cohn
Editor-in-chief, AccountingToday.com

December 9
Technology

TaxAct Releases Free Online Edition

TaxAct has rolled out its TaxAct Online Free Edition, which allows filers with simple tax situations to prepare and file federal and state returns for free.

December 9
Tax practice

Estate Tax Repeal under Trump Would Benefit President, Cabinet

President-elect Donald Trump, who won the hearts and minds of millions of working-class voters, may help deliver a multibillion-dollar bonanza to Americas wealthiest families.

December 9
Tax practice

Tax Fraud Blotter: Zapped

A roundup of our favorite recent tax stories.

December 8
Tax practice

Tax Implications of Trump's Business Decisions

Donald Trump must confront major tax issues when deciding what to do with his real estate empire and other businesses in order to avoid conflicts of interest as he assumes the presidency.

December 8
Tax practice

McDonald's Moves Tax Base to U.K. as EU Attacks Burger Giant

McDonalds Corp. shrugged off Brexit by announcing plans to switch its non-U.S. tax base to the U.K., ditching tiny Luxembourg where its fiscal arrangements are under attack from European Union regulators.

December 8

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Web Seminar The most important supply for tax firms isn't found on shelves

In this webinar, we'll show you how tax and accounting professionals are leveraging new technologies to make their firms more efficient and to stay ahead of competitors.

Partner Insights from Thomson Reuters
Web Seminar The psychology of a modern tax workflow: Reducing anxiety, decision fatigue & compliance risk

In this session you'll learn practical, firm-tested principles to reduce confusion, improve predictability, and strengthen both client and staff confidence.

Partner Insights from SmartVault
Web Seminar Tax Planning for 2027

This webinar will look at key opportunities and stumbling blocks for practitioners

Sponsored by 8am CPACharge

Tax: Key Questions & Analysis:

What IRS guidance on forms and information reporting should practitioners prioritize?

The IRS continues to update thresholds and instructions for critical tax forms. This includes changes to information reporting requirements and guidance on evolving reporting standards, affecting 1099, W-2 and similar reporting obligations.

What procedural developments affect IRS automatic change consent for method changes?

Tax professionals must understand which accounting method changes qualify for automatic consent versus advance consent. This determines whether a Form 3115 must be filed with IRS National Office or via automatic procedures.

How are tip-related tax provisions evolving under current policy?

New tax provisions related to tip income will impact how service industry clients and payroll units handle tax reporting and compliance. This includes draft schedules and withholding considerations.

What IRS guidance will shape compliance for the 2026 filing season?

Practitioners will need to understand procedural updates, forms changes, and reporting shifts that will affect compliance workflows and client expectations for the 2026 filing season. This includes the implementation timeline for new schedules and reporting requirements as well as for emerging areas such as crypto broker reporting.