2019 tax software survey
This annual survey shows how CPAs rate the tax preparation software they used during last tax season and how it handled the recent tax law changes.
Tax Practice Management
Implementing tax automation and digital workflow
Firms can "wow" their clients by embracing tech tools that streamline many processes, including creating seamless onboarding, using e-signatures for engagement letters, and automating procedures for filling out annual checklists.
Ethical considerations of e-business for practitioners
Social media and cloud computing create more challenges for CPAs to protect client information from unauthorized disclosures and to avoid making false or misleading claims about their services — violations that could even be buried in webpage metadata.
A preparer-client decision: Whether to rely on the Sec. 199A proposed or final regulations
Taxpayers can rely on either the proposed or final Sec. 199A regulations for 2018, and CPAs must evaluate which would be most beneficial for each client.
Reflect, reboot, reengage: Emerging from busy season smarter and wiser
By using the summer to go through the process of reflecting, rebooting, and reengaging, CPAs can find ways to better serve clients, especially with a year of experience in the TCJA’s tax reforms under their belts.
Embracing a tax staff mentoring program
A formal mentoring program can play a key role in the development of future leaders.
A substantial-authority scorecard and example for excluding Sec. 1202 gain for a carried partnership interest
Keeping a “scorecard” of the weight of authorities on a particular position can be helpful to determine the objective merits of a tax position.
The TCJA: A disruptive factor for the 2019 tax filing season
CPAs can reassure an unsettled client base by confidently providing coherent explanations and advice relating to the many changes brought about by last year’s tax reform legislation.
The importance of engagement letters for small firms
A well-drafted engagement letter can prevent a misunderstanding with a client over the scope of services from turning into an expensive liability claim.
Preparing clients for tax surprises: How to handle tax bills that clients cannot pay
CPAs can advise clients about several IRS programs for paying past-due taxes.
Third-party verification requests
When CPAs are asked to provide comfort letters, they must be clear about facts they are affirming, giving careful consideration to client confidentiality and other liabilities that could arise from a lender’s reliance on those facts.
2018 tax software survey
To get through the rigors of tax season, CPAs depend on their tax preparation software. Here’s how they rate the leading professional products.
The Sec. 7525 privilege relating to taxpayer communications
CPAs can protect tax advice to clients from disclosure by understanding the scope of the Sec. 7525 practitioner-client privilege, when it applies, and what actions can cause a waiver of this key protection.
Managing client expectations for IRS refunds
This column discusses reasons for delayed refunds and actions practitioners can take when a client is experiencing a delay.
IRS warns small businesses about tax return identity theft
The IRS urged small businesses to be wary of a growing amount of identity theft attempts aimed at employers and small businesses in general, and partnerships and trusts and estates.
Stellar tax professionals: How to recruit, retain, and develop them
Create and retain an all-star staff by selling the firm as a gateway to future success and providing development opportunities.
Best practices for firms to promote a culture of ‘due professional care’
A TPQC document plays a key role in helping a firm comply with relevant ethical requirements and promote an efficient and effective tax practice.
Requests by IRS and state departments of revenue for electronic accounting software records of taxpayers
The IRS has answered some concerns about taxpayers’ electronic accounting records.
Reporting publicly traded partnership Sec. 751 ordinary income and other challenges
Publicly traded partnerships can present challenges for reporting.
Preparing to work indirectly with the cannabis industry
As more states legalize marijuana, CPAs should consider not only whether to take on clients directly involved but also how to counsel clients whose own businesses are involved in the industry.
