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.

Payroll taxes

The independent contractor filing blues

Due dates for reporting have been moved up, and worker classification remains a major problem.

By Roger Russell
Senior Editor

December 24
Corporate taxes

Trump's tax cuts have boosted bottom lines, but not much else

Experts suggest the lowered rates might have meant more in they'd come during a worse economy.

December 21
Tax prep software

Wolters Kluwer now integrates CCH Axcess Financial Prep with Xero

Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting in North America and Xero announce that CCH Axcess Financial Prep now integrates with Xero.

By Ranica Arrowsmith
Technology Editor

December 21
Tax-related court cases

Tax Fraud Blotter: Tear down that wall

Can’t impersonate guilt; Breakthrough busted; married lawyers plead; and other highlights of recent tax cases.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

December 20
Finance, investment and tax-related legislation

House passes year-end tax legislation

The measure is seen as doomed in the Senate, however.

December 20
Tax planning

Taxpayers confused by W-4s, Block survey finds

Misinformation about withholding is widespread, apparently – and an opportunity for tax pros.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

December 20
Tax returns

IRS closes transcript faxing service to boost security

Tax pros can get transcripts through their e-Services secure mailbox.

By Jeff Stimpson
Freelance writer

December 20

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.