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.

Treasury Department

Treasury weighing alternatives to ID.me over privacy concerns

The department is reconsidering the IRS’s reliance on facial recognition software ID.me for access to its website.

By Jennifer Epstein and Dina Bass

January 31
IRS

IRS warns Child Tax Credit portal may have wrong amounts

The dervice is urging people to use the information in their online taxpayer accounts for the most up-to-date figures on the amount of the advance CTC.

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

January 30
AT Think Navigating the complexities of use tax

The transaction tax landscape is rife with tricky and complex regulations, and when use tax comes into the equation, it gets even more confusing.

January 28

Larry Mellon

Vertex Inc.
IRS

Warren demands more IRS funding as ‘frustrating’ tax season begins

Democratic senators want more money for the agency to help taxpayers.

By Laura Davison
Capitol Hill tax reporter

January 28
State tax revenues

Massachusetts’ millionaire tax plan challenged by tech council

Opponents of the plan filed a lawsuit claiming a state summary of a November ballot question misleads voters.

By David Voreacos

January 28
Tax-related court cases

Tax Fraud Blotter: Always some relief in giving up

An airy idea of loans; did they have a deal for you; bar flies; and other highlights of recent tax cases.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

January 27
Tax credits

Biden ally in House floats lower child tax credit income cap

A top House Democrat suggested Thursday that his party scale back eligibility for child tax credits as a way to unlock President Joe Biden’s stalled economic agenda.

By Erik Wasson and Billy House

January 27

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

Web Seminar From tax question to tax strategy: Turning everyday client conversations into advisory opportunities

This webinar demonstrates how firms can uncover planning opportunities hidden within everyday client conversations and transform routine compliance discussions into higher-value advisory engagements.

Partner Insights from Intuit
Web Seminar From returns to revenue: A tax planning framework for every firm

Most tax professionals are already sitting on planning opportunities, they just don't have a system to find them, package them, or get paid for them. This session walks through a simple, repeatable framework for turning completed returns into planning conversations, billable engagements, and stronger client relationships. Attendees leave with concrete next steps they can apply right away.

Partner Insights from Holistiplan
Report Progress under pressure: The 2026 post-tax season report

Leading firms share the tools, process changes, and strategies behind a better tax season experience.

Partner Insights from Rightworks

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.