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 practice

Sears Teams with H&R Block on Free Tax Prep

Retail giant Sears is partnering with H&R Block this tax season, offering free federal 1040EZ tax filing online and in stores through Feb. 29.

January 30
Tax practice

H&R Block Offers Free Tax Prep and Filing via Smartphone

H&R Block launched an app for iPhone and Android smartphones Friday with an offer for free federal 1040EZ and state tax preparation and electronic filing through February 29.

January 27
Tax practice

IRS Does Outreach on EITC Awareness Day

The Internal Revenue Service re-launched its annual outreach campaign Friday to promote Earned Income Tax Credit Day.

January 27
Tax practice

State of the Union Tax Proposals Offer Peek into Re-election Campaign

The President’s annual State of the Union speech is traditionally more than just a memo of the past or a blueprint for the future.

By Roger Russell
Senior Editor

January 26
Tax practice

IRS Warns of Tax Refund Delays

The Internal Revenue Service warned Thursday that tax refunds could be delayed a week this tax season because of new identity theft safeguards.

January 26
Tax practice

Walmart Teams with Nonprofits on Free Tax Prep

The Walmart Foundation has teamed up with the United Way and other nonprofits to offer free tax filing services, along with education on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit and government nutritional assistance programs.

January 26
Tax practice

Foreign Earnings Repatriation Study Underscores Need for Improved Investment Climate, Not Tax Gimmicks

IMGCAP(1)]The impact of the financial crisis and resultant recession, even if now officially ended, continues to be felt.

January 25

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
On-Demand 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
On-Demand 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.