Just as for other businesses, tax considerations come to the fore when CPA practices combine. This article delves into some of the possible entity deal structures for CPA firm mergers and acquisitions and the potential tax issues they present.
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Practice Management & Professional Standards
Return preparer reliance on third-party tax advice
Advisers must be competent, reliable, and free from conflicts of interest for signing preparers to use their advice on a return or claim for refund.
IRS broadens Tax Pro Account for accounting firms and others
The update allows firms that serve larger numbers of taxpayers to manage centralized authorization file access, view client information, and streamline authorizations online.
Representing taxpayers with IRS identity protection and theft victim assistance
Tax-related identity theft remains widespread and a potentially serious problem for victims, for whom authorized representatives can provide vital help.
New law, IRS workforce cuts raise red flags for tax season, reports say
Separate reports from two federal oversight bodies warn that the IRS may struggle to maintain service levels between now and April 15, possibly causing delays in tax refunds and in getting answers by phone.
Managing tax practices in response to new legislation
Firms can follow these guidelines to position themselves as the trusted advisers clients need to navigate the many tax law changes in H.R. 1.
Government withdraws defense of retirement fiduciary rule
The Justice Department dropped its appeal in a case challenging a Biden-era regulation, leaving financial advisers free from new fiduciary duties for now.
Practitioner engagement letters: Strategies for increasing compliance
A well-drafted engagement letter provides essential protection and important benefits to CPAs in tax practice and in other engagements and to their clients.
Preparer’s intent to evade tax extends taxpayer’s limitation period
‘Intent to evade tax’ can be the intent of a taxpayer’s tax return
preparer.
SSTS 1.4: A practical discussion of software reliance
In their reasonable reliance on software under Statement on Standards for Tax Services 1.4, AICPA members should evaluate its source, results, and appropriateness to current requirements.
Leadership in tax practice: Inspiring teams and driving growth amid industry change
Amid turbulence in the tax profession, firm leaders can impart clarity, empathy, and inspiration to inculcate lasting loyalty and success.
Technology and tax standards: Understanding new SSTS Section 1.4 — Reliance on Tools
AICPA members in tax practice must adhere to the updated Statements on Standards for Tax Services, including in their use of such emerging resources as artificial intelligence.
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.
From practitioner to influencer: Managing the risks of online content for tax professionals
Practitioners must exercise awareness of how their tax-related social media and other online posts may implicate professional standards.
Results of recent academic research may aid practitioner planning
Five tax research articles published in the past year in academic journals provide potentially valuable insights for practitioners.
Tax ethical challenges when representing taxpayers
AICPA members providing tax representation or return preparation services need to comply with both the AICPA Statements on Standards for Tax Services and Treasury Circular 230.
Unlocking the power of partnerships: How accounting firms can integrate advisory services and wealth management
David Winslow, CFP, managing director, Wealth Management, Choreo, discusses why building relationship-based advice platforms and leveraging strategic partnerships have become essential for firms aiming to meet the evolving needs of their clients.
It’s no joke: Being nice is among this attorney’s top ways to deal with the IRS
Being nice is one of tax controversy attorney Melissa Wiley’s ways of getting answers from the IRS, which also includes knowing the Internal Revenue Manual and using self-service tools.
What I wish I’d known when partners exit a firm
Members of the AICPA Tax Practice Management Committee discuss how firms can best prepare and adapt when partners retire.
Tax season insights for CPAs: Solutions that match your valuable tax insights
Clint Costa CPA, J.D., LL.M., Senior Wealth Strategist, Choreo, LLC, discusses three tax insights that CPAs may encounter during filing season and actionable solutions.
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.
