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.

Audit

IRS's Nolan Joins Ernst & Young

Deborah Nolan, former commissioner of the Large and Mid-Size Business Division of the Internal Revenue Service, has joined Ernst & Young as a partner.

January 10
Tax practice

Taxpayer Advocate Criticizes Late Tax Code Changes

National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson released a report to Congress pointing out a variety of problems, including the impact of late-year Tax Code changes on taxpayers.

January 10
Tax practice

Tax Season Essentials: Form 1040 Changes

The Internal Revenue Service has made several changes to the 2007 instructions for Form 1040 and 1040NR as a result of the Tax Technical Corrections Act of 2007.

January 10
Tax practice

President Contemplates Tax Rebates

President Bush is considering a variety of options for an economic stimulus package to perk up the economy, reportedly including a possible tax rebate of $500 for individuals, along with business tax breaks to encourage equipment investments.

January 9
Technology

Amazon Sells Tax Prep via NBC's 'The Office'

Amazon.com has come up with an unusual way to sell its tax prep packages this season, featuring characters from NBC's TV series "The Office" as examples of the kinds of taxpayers who might try out different packages.

January 9
Tax practice

Tax Season Essentials: IRS Will Accept Mismatched ITIN/SSN Returns

The Internal Revenue Service said it is now possible to electronically file a tax return in which the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number and the Social Security Number don't match.

January 9
Tax research

Anchin Block and H.J. Behrman Merge

Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP has merged with H.J. Behrman, adding 26 accounting and tax professionals to Anchin's roster and building the firm's real estate practice.

January 9

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
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.