The IRS also is updating some income tax forms and instructions to help taxpayers claim the deductions.
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Tax
AICPA warns that merger of IRS offices would ‘confuse’ taxpayers
The proposed merger of the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Return Preparer Office would blur “the public’s ability to perceive the distinction between credentialed, uncredentialed, and unenrolled preparers,” the AICPA said in a letter.
Is the IRS just between shutdowns? Former IRS commissioners are worried
Three former IRS leaders, speaking at the 2025 AICPA National Tax Conference, discussed the agency’s future and what happens if a shutdown occurs during filing season.
AICPA honors service and professional contributions in tax
Arthur Auerbach, an AICPA volunteer for 23 years, and Cory Perry, the chair of the AICPA’s Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Task Force, received the tax profession’s highest honors.
Inflation adjustments to retirement account limits issued for 2026
The IRS announced inflation-adjusted limits on benefits and contributions for various retirement accounts on Thursday, including maximum contribution amounts for 401(k) plans and traditional and Roth IRAs.
Almost 1,400 IRS employees receive layoff notices, adding to staff losses
In court documents filed in a lawsuit, officials said 1,446 Treasury employees received reduction-in-force notices, including 1,399 at the IRS.
IRS ends Direct File, shifts focus to Free File upgrades and private sector
The IRS cited low usage and high costs as reasons for shuttering the program, which began during the previous administration.
Employers get reporting relief on tips, overtime; won’t face penalties for tax year 2025
An IRS notice says employers won’t face penalties if they don’t provide a separate accounting of cash tips and overtime compensation for tax year 2025 under H.R. 1.
From childhood tax surprise to CPA: A profession leader’s journey
Oscar Vives, who will speak at the AICPA’s National Tax Conference on retirement strategies, says the experience of growing up with a single mother who worked multiple blue-collar jobs strengthened his resolve to use his math skills and help his family.
Social Security wage base and COLA announced for 2026
Individual taxable earnings of up to $184,500 annually will be subject to Social Security tax in 2026, the Social Security Administration said. The SSA also announced a cost-of-living adjustment of 2.8% for both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for next year.
Congress passes bill requiring IRS to clarify math error notices
The AICPA praised the Senate passage of the bill, saying it will enhance IRS operations and improve the taxpayer experience.
AICPA seeks IRS guidance on tip, overtime tax deductions for 2025
The AICPA said taxpayers and tax professionals need certainty about how to claim the deductions for 2025. The IRS has said it will not update its forms until 2026.
IRS furloughs nearly half its workers, closes most operations
Under an updated contingency plan, nearly 40,000 of the approximately 74,000 IRS workers will stay on the job, including more than 24,000 in Taxpayer Services. In response to the plan, the AICPA recommended “fair, reasonable, and practical relief measures to mitigate the negative impact of the shutdown” on taxpayers and practitioners.
Annual inflation adjustments announced for tax year 2026
The IRS published annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions for tax year 2026, in addition to changes to the standard deduction for tax year 2025.
Social Security Administration head to also serve in new IRS role
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Monday that Frank Bisignano, the commissioner of the Social Security Administration, will serve in the newly created role of CEO of the IRS.
AICPA calls for fully staffed IRS regardless of shutdown length
With an Oct. 15 tax deadline looming for many and guidance needed on H.R. 1, the AICPA says it’s imperative that the IRS keep all employees on the job.
Job cuts mean strong 2025 tax season may be hard to repeat, IRS watchdog warns
Critical staff stayed on the job for this year’s tax season, but that won’t be the case in 2026, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said in a new report.
IRS withdraws prop. regs. affecting corporate spinoff transactions
The proposed regulations were withdrawn in response to comments that criticized the proposed guidance, according to the IRS.
IRS shutdown plan: Employees stay on the job for first 5 workdays
The IRS would use money from the Inflation Reduction Act to keep the agency’s over 74,000 employees working for the first five days of a potential government shutdown.
IRS trims PTIN fee as renewal season nears
The fee reduction comes as a result of a biennial review of PTIN fees.
TAX PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
2025 tax software survey
AICPA members in tax practice assess how their return preparation software performed during tax season and offer insights into their procedures.
