Tax Section Odyssey

In this episode of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, host April Walker talks with Jennifer Dymond, founder and CEO of Spire Consulting Services, about how improv techniques can help tax practitioners build stronger client communication and greater advisory confidence. Their conversation explores how skills like active listening, curiosity, flexibility and staying present can help practitioners move beyond scripted compliance conversations and into more effective, collaborative advisory discussions. Questions answered in this episode: What does improv actually mean in a professional setting? Why do tax practitioners often feel comfortable with compliance work but less confident in advisory conversations? How can the "yes, and" mindset improve listening, responsiveness, and client relationships? What should you do when a client seems disengaged, resistant, or not ready to collaborate? What practical questions or exercises can tax practitioners use to build stronger advisory communication skills? AICPA resources There is still time to register for the ENGAGE conference, coming up June 8 -11 in Las Vegas, NV. Dymond's referenced session is on Tuesday, June 9 at 4:10pm PT. Reimagining your tax practice – Register for roundtables and watch prior recordings Focused CPE for Tax Section members Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, sits down with Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to unpack key year-end tax planning strategies. They dive into new opportunities for individuals and businesses under the H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the increased state and local tax (SALT) cap, expanded deductions and the return of immediate expensing for domestic research and development (R&D) costs. Tune in for practical insights on proactive planning and multi-year modeling to help clients maximize benefits under the new law. What you'll learn from this episode: The impact of H.R. 1 on income tax planning Learn more about new and expanded deductions Hear about year-end actions that might be beneficial for taxpayers Why entity choice conversations might be necessary given the current law AICPA resources Planning after tax changes Tax Section Tax Section news and member FAQs Year-End Tax and Financial Planning Toolkit Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato sits down with tax expert Annette Nellen, Esq., CPA/CGMA, to discuss the latest developments in tax legislation, specifically H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Annette shares her insights on the new tax provisions, effective dates and the importance of accurate information and research in the tax field. This episode also serves as a preview of the upcoming National Tax Conference in Washington, D.C., where Annette will be speaking on key tax updates for individuals and businesses. What you'll learn from this episode: · What tax provisions from H.R. 1 are permanent vs. temporary · Where guidance and technical corrections are needed related to H.R. 1 · Learn more about recent IRS rules and significant court cases · The importance of accurate information and thorough research in the tax area AICPA resources Register here for the AICPA National Tax Conference – Nov. 17 – 18, Washington, DC Planning after tax changes Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this episode, Benjamin Alarie, CEO and co-founder of Blue J, and Ashley Francis, CPA/PFS, owner of The Francis Group, PLLC, discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in tax research. They sift through the best practices for using AI tools, the importance of asking the right questions and the future of AI in the tax profession. The conversation also touches on the potential risks and cautions associated with using AI, emphasizing the need for professional judgment and client confidentiality. What you'll learn from this episode: How to integrate AI tools into your tax research workflow Ways to evaluate AI output to determine accuracy The top cautions and risks associated with using AI for tax research The future of AI in tax research AICPA and CPA.com resources Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tax Resource Center — Explore the AI Tax Resource Center for insights, tools and guidance on leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize tax practices and enhance compliance. The future of tax research: Frameworks, use cases, and best practices for AI research — A practical framework to evaluate, adopt and scale AI-powered research tools Bartlett, Pringle, and Wolf (BPW) Case Study: Learn how BPW turned to Blue J to confidently embrace generative AI — gaining instant, verifiable tax answers and high-quality drafts without compromising accuracy or authority Blue J AI Tax Research — Sign up today to access preferred pricing through the CPA.com partner program. Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section podcast, host Cary Sinnett, Senior Manager, Personal Financial Planning — AICPA & CIMA, further discusses the latest tax legislation with guests Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown and Robert Keebler, CPA/PFS, MST, AEP (Distinguished), CGMA. Hear insights on the recently passed tax legislation, implications for clients and important considerations for tax professionals now that the bill has been passed signed into law on July 4, 2025. What you'll learn from this episode: Discussion of what the permanent TCJA tax brackets and QBI deduction mean for tax planning Details on the new income exclusions for tips and overtime Topics important to discuss with clients, including Roth conversions, entity structure decisions, as well as estate and gifting strategies AICPA resources 2025 Reconciliation Charts: Key Tax Provisions and PFP Considerations — Tax and PFP downloadable charts provide clear, side-by-side comparisons of current tax law, the original H.R. 1 provisions and the Senate's reconciliation version — highlighting where they align or diverge — and outline the final legislation Planning after tax changes — CPAs need to not only brace for tax law changes but also be proactive in planning for them. Find more resources here to learn more about the latest updates. 2025 Tax Reform Advocacy — The AICPA tax advocacy library on current tax reform developments that Congress is considering in 2025. FAQs on Tax Reform via Budget Reconciliation — Tax reform FAQs that explain the budget reconciliation process, legislative timing, key issues and practical tips for CPAs. Tax Section news and member FAQ — Get the latest tax news, a digest of key tax topics and commonly asked questions about resources and benefits.

This discussion with Katie Thomas, CPA, Founder and Owner of Leaders Online, covers three key phases related to making the most of attending professional conferences: pre-conference preparation, strategies for networking and attending sessions during the conference and post-conference activities to reinforce learning and capitalize on connections. The conversation includes practical tips for setting clear goals, engaging with vendors, navigating networking events and balancing various activities to ensure a productive and enjoyable conference experience. What you'll learn from this episode: How to plan your schedule in advance and the benefits of doing so Tips for navigating networking events and making meaningful connections Strategies for maintaining momentum after you leave the conference AICPA resources ENGAGE 25 — Registration and information page for the upcoming conference AICPA Tax Practitioners LinkedIn group — This specialized group keeps members up to date on tax legislation and regulatory developments and fosters peer discussions on technical tax issues and practice management. Tax Division Committees and Technical Resource Panels — Volunteering is an excellent way to build a network of professionals to help you with tax matters. Visit Volunteer Central or contact the AICPA Tax Section at taxsection@aicpa-cima.com to find out how you can get involved

This discussion with Nik Fahrer, Director and Digital Assets practice leader at Forvis Mazars, and Shehan Chandrasekera, Head of Tax Strategy at CoinTracker, centers around the complexities of digital asset tax reporting. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate tracking and reporting of digital asset transactions, the nuances of the new regulations and the need for tax practitioners to stay informed and seek expert assistance. What you'll learn from this episode: Current tax reporting regime for Form-DA, Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transactions. The distinctions between custodial and non-custodial brokers Anticipated compliance challenges due to the complexity of digital asset transactions. The importance of accurate tracking of digital asset transactions and cost basis, including why using software is a good idea. AICPA resources Digital assets and virtual currency tax guidance and resources — Sharpen your tax knowledge on digital asset and understand the tax complexities and strategies involved with virtual currency and cryptocurrency. Demystifying IRS guidance on digital assets | Tax Section Odyssey — This podcast episode from October 2024 discusses the details of IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-28. Other resources Final Regulations 2024-07-09 — Guidance on gross proceeds and basis reporting by brokers and determination of amount realized and basis for digital asset transactions. Rev. Proc. 2024-28 — Guidance to allocate basis in digital assets to wallets or accounts as of Jan. 1, 2025.

On this episode uncover the latest updates related to disaster tax relief with the "Master of Disaster" Jerry Schreiber, CPA, and Brandon Nishnick, Manager, Tax Practice & Ethics — AICPA & CIMA. Hear valuable insights and practical advice for tax practitioners who are dealing with disaster-related tax issues. What you'll learn from this episode: • The latest legislation related to tax disaster relief • What's considered a "qualified disaster" for tax purposes • Practical considerations around filing extensions for tax returns postponed due to disasters • State disaster tax relief resources available • How to obtain disaster relief when records are located in a disaster area AICPA resources Disaster Relief Resource Center — Preparing for disasters beforehand, deciphering tax relief opportunities and accessing resources during the recovery process help to protect personal and business assets. In the event of a disaster, AICPA & CIMA are here to help and provide resources to help you get on the road to personal and financial recovery. State Disaster Tax Relief Guide — There is inconsistency in the tax relief states offer following federally declared disasters. This resource serves as a guide to reduce confusion. IRS resources IR-2025-41 — IRS reminder: Disaster victims in twelve states have automatic extensions to file and pay their 2024 taxes. Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts — This IRS publication explains the tax treatment of casualties, thefts and losses on deposits. Other resources Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — Bookmark the FEMA website for FEMA responses to all declared domestic disasters and emergencies, whether natural or man-made. Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.