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 season

Tax season stalled for U.S. citizens abroad after shutdown jam

Expats will have to wait to submit their returns and receive refunds.

January 29
Tax audits

The eternal question: What are a taxpayer's chances of an IRS audit?

IRS data provides all the information needed to figure out the answer.

By Jim Buttonow

January 29
Tax prep software

Canopy to begin beta testing professional tax prep software

The provider of cloud-based practice management software for tax pros and accountants will be launching tax prep software for next tax season.

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

January 28
State taxes

Sales and use taxes drove biggest state tax shifts in 2018

A study finds the area accounted for a revenue increase of $847.1 million.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

January 28
Tax debts

Private tax agencies collected just 2% on tax debts

The private firms that contract with the Internal Revenue Service to collect overdue tax debts fell short, according to a new TIGTA report.

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

January 28
International taxes

Global tax advisory services revenue grows to $20B, up $5B in 3 years

Tax advisory revenue at professional services firms expanded 8.6 percent to $20.3 billion in 2017, and grew by around $5 billion in just the three years from 2014 to 2017, according to a new report.

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

January 28
AT Think Art of Accounting: Free checklists for tax season

The IRS is back open for business and here are some handy resources to help clients with their taxes.

January 28

Edward Mendlowitz

Withum

Resources

The latest Accounting Today research and discussion:

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
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

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.