Federal Tax Updates

Giles Pearson, co-founder of Accountests and former PwC partner, shares how one disastrous hire led him to revolutionize recruiting in the accounting profession. The conversation explores why traditional hiring methods fail, how skills and personality testing can predict job success, and reveals the shocking statistics about resume dishonesty. Roger and Annie also dive into New Zealand's streamlin...

Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins Roger and Annie for a wide-ranging conversation about his tenure leading the nation's tax agency during a period of unprecedented funding and modernization efforts. Werfel discusses the challenges of rebuilding IRS operations, his decision to resign during the transition to Trump, and his concerns about maintaining tax system stability while pursuing auto...

Roger and Annie discuss important tax updates that occurred during the busy tax season, including new IRS guidance on Employee Retention Credits and the current status of Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements. They explore the significant staffing challenges and leadership turnover at the IRS, with insights from Roger's recent visit to Washington DC. The hosts then shift focus to...

For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax p...

In this episode, Roger sits down with Catharine Madeley, a tax practitioner who recently experienced a data breach at her firm. Catherine shares her firsthand account of how the breach unfolded, the steps she took to respond, and the lessons she learned along the way. She offers valuable insights into the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, the critical role of communication with cli...

Roger and Annie welcome guest Bob Kerr to discuss proposed changes to Circular 230, the regulations governing practice before the IRS. They explore contentious issues including contingent fees being classified as "disreputable conduct," expanded rights for non-credentialed preparers, and new requirements for reporting client errors. Bob shares insights from the recent hearing and explains why prac...

Roger and Annie provide critical updates on the Treasury Department's decision to halt Corporate Transparency Act penalties and enforcement requirements, bringing relief to tax practitioners and their clients. They break down the six-step reconciliation process for tax reform, offering clarity on where current legislation stands and what might be coming. The hosts also discuss concerns about poten...

Roger and Annie explore major changes affecting tax professionals in early 2024, including significant staffing changes at the IRS and ongoing uncertainty around Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. They break down the new 1099-K reporting thresholds and explain how to handle various transaction types, from business payments to personal item sales. The hosts also discuss...

Former IRSAC Chair Annette Nellen joins Roger and Annie to discuss critical challenges facing the IRS and tax administration. The conversation explores the growing tax gap, the importance of consistent IRS funding, and efforts to modernize taxpayer services through online accounts and digital solutions. The discussion also delves into proposals for tax preparer regulation, continuing education req...

Roger and Annie dive into the complex political dynamics shaping potential tax reform in 2025, breaking down the strategic implications of pursuing one comprehensive bill versus two separate pieces of legislation. They provide critical updates on the ever-changing BOI regulations, including recent court injunctions and what practitioners should do while awaiting final resolution. The episode concl...

Crypto tax expert Amir Marmar of JFDI Accountants breaks down the complexities of cryptocurrency taxation and shares guidance on when tax professionals should handle crypto cases themselves versus partnering with specialists. He explains key concepts like wallet-level reporting requirements coming in 2025, the challenges of DeFi and staking transactions, and why traditional tax software may not be...

Three successful accounting firm owners share their journeys from small practices to achieving 10X revenue growth. Through candid conversations about hiring strategies, systemization, and community support, these Padgett franchise owners reveal practical insights for scaling an accounting practice. Their experiences highlight how strategic hiring, building scalable systems, and embracing a growth...

Annie and Roger discuss crucial tax updates as 2024 draws to a close, including the recent injunction against beneficial ownership reporting requirements, the evolving landscape of ERC claims processing, and changes to the clean vehicle credit program. They examine how the recent election results might impact tax policy, particularly regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions set to expire. Th...

Capitol Hill insider Thad Inge joins Roger Harris to unpack how the election results could reshape major tax policy decisions in 2024 and beyond. The discussion explores the potential fate of expiring Trump-era tax cuts, the future of IRS funding, and the complex political dynamics that will influence tax reform under Republican control. Thad provides unique insights into the budget reconciliation...

Special guest Wendy Walker, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Sovos and Chair of IRSAC's Information Reporting Committee, breaks down the latest developments in 1099-K reporting thresholds and the upcoming 1099-DA form for digital assets. The discussion explores the practical challenges facing tax professionals as payment platforms struggle with reporting requirements, while also examining how the IRS i...

In Part 2 of their BOI series, Roger and Annie tackle the most challenging aspects of beneficial ownership reporting requirements, focusing on determining who qualifies as a beneficial owner and the significant penalties for non-compliance. They dissect FinCEN's FAQs about substantial control while highlighting concerning gray areas that could put both business owners and tax professionals at risk...

In part 1 of this 2-part series, Annie and Roger dive into the complexities of the new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. They discuss who needs to file, key deadlines, and potential risks for tax professionals assisting clients with compliance. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the current guidance, primarily based on FAQs, and highlight areas where i...

Zach Warren from Thomson Reuters Institute and Amanda Aguillard from Padgett dive into the pressing challenges facing modern accounting firms, particularly those in the mid-sized range. They explore innovative solutions to the talent shortage, discuss the surprising resilience of time-based pricing, and emphasize the critical role of technology adoption in driving efficiency. This data-driven conv...

Roger and Annie discuss the unique challenges tax practitioners face as 2024 draws to a close. They explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on tax law, ongoing issues with the Employee Retention Credit, and the looming deadline for Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. The hosts provide insights on how to approach tax planning amidst uncertainty and offer practical advice for m...

Join Roger and Annie on this special episode, as they take you behind the scenes at the IRS National Tax Forum in Dallas. Through interviews with key figures from the IRS, professional associations, and industry leaders, this special episode offers unique insights into the current state of tax practice and policy. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on critical issues facing tax professional...

Roger Harris and Annie Schwab explore recent tax policy changes, including updates to voluntary disclosure programs and new IRS enforcement efforts. They discuss the ongoing challenges surrounding Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements and their potential impact on tax practitioners. The hosts also preview their upcoming live podcast recording at the IRS Tax Forum in Dallas, offer...

This podcast episode features tax controversy expert Hale Sheppard discussing the latest developments and challenges surrounding Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. Sheppard provides insights into IRS audit processes, potential penalties for ERC promoters, and the complexities of defending ERC claims. The conversation covers recent IRS announcements, proposed legislation, and the long-term imp...

In episode, Jeff Phillips, CEO of Padgett and founder of AccountingFly, joins Roger Harris and Annie Schwab to discuss the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in the accounting industry. They explore innovative solutions including remote work, offshore talent, and domestic freelancers as part of a new "talent stack" for firms. The conversation covers practical strategies for attracting c...

This episode of the Federal Tax Updates Podcast explores recent changes in employment law that impact small businesses. Hosts Roger  and Annie discuss new overtime rules, including updated salary thresholds for exempt employees, as well as guidelines for hiring family members and the benefits of doing so. They also cover recent developments in non-compete agreements and offer advice on protecting...

In this episode, Roger and Annie dive into the world of IRS notices. They discuss the most common types of notices, like the CP2000 matching notice, and share strategies for responding effectively. They also highlight the benefits of setting up online accounts with the IRS for tax practitioners and taxpayers and provide tips for spotting potential IRS scams. Tune in for valuable insights on naviga...