Tax, accounting, auditing news - Journal of Accountancy

August 31, 2026

IRS enforcement activity fell despite record tax collections, TIGTA says

Individual audit starts fell 30% in fiscal 2025, including a 27% drop among taxpayers with income above $400,000, as IRS staffing levels declined, TIGTA said.

August 28, 2026

Why many Americans don’t retire on their own terms

A third of middle-class Americans believe they’ll work until at least age 70, an annual retirement survey shows. But more than half of retired respondents left the workforce before age 65, suggesting that retirement timing is often shaped by factors beyond workers’ control.

August 25, 2026

IRS should automate name, address changes, AICPA says

A letter to the IRS says that processing times of six to eight weeks or longer for taxpayer name and address changes can create compliance risks and should be reduced through automation.

August 25, 2026

New AICPA guidance on stablecoins, mining revenue, current auditing standards

The AICPA’s updated digital assets practice aid addresses the most recent developments in an evolving area.

August 24, 2026

Taxpayers can now access IRS compliance report online

A new IRS Individual Online Account feature lets taxpayers download a digitally authenticated compliance report for use when applying for jobs, loans, government benefits, and other services.

August 24, 2026

AICPA supports disaster tax bill, presses for permanent relief

The bill, which awaits the president’s signature, would make disaster tax relief rules easier to find and more predictable by adding them to the Internal Revenue Code, a change the AICPA says should be made permanent.

August 20, 2026

Proposed rules would restrict Trump account eligible investments

The IRS proposed regulations that would limit Trump account investments to low-fee stock index funds and ETFs during the growth period.

August 20, 2026

ASB approves standard on auditors’ responsibilities relating to fraud

The AICPA Auditing Standards Board approved a new fraud standard to enhance and clarify auditor responsibilities in a financial statement audit.

August 20, 2026

IRS shifts approach to conservation easement disputes

The agency said it has ended its latest conservation easement settlement initiative and is creating a new office to coordinate strategy for such cases.

August 20, 2026

FASB proposal addresses whether certain digital assets are cash equivalents

FASB is seeking feedback on a proposal that aims to answer stakeholder uncertainty about how the definition of cash equivalents applies to stablecoins and other digital assets.

August 19, 2026

Pets influence Americans’ financial decisions, AICPA survey finds

Dogs and cats are more than pets for many Americans, who consider the animals family members. An AICPA survey found that pet owners often budget for their animals, prioritize pet spending, and include pets in estate planning.

August 19, 2026

SEC proposal aims to clarify securities rules for crypto assets

The framework proposed Tuesday includes two exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. The proposed rules will be open for public comment for 60 days.

August 17, 2026

PEEC adopts revised definition of ‘attest engagement team’

The change, effective Dec. 15, clarifies for practitioners who is and is not part of an attest engagement team when applying AICPA Code of Professional Conduct independence requirements.

August 17, 2026

4 Medicare rules that surprise clients — and some advisers

Clients may be automatically enrolled in Medicare before they’re ready and may incur penalties that last a lifetime by passing on a supplemental plan they don’t yet need. Also, learn why the best monthly price and the best bargain aren’t always the same thing.

August 12, 2026

IRS provides guidance on rollovers between retirement plans and IRAs

Use of the sample forms and proposed rollover procedures in the guidance is optional for plan sponsors.

August 12, 2026

IRS staffing cuts delayed paper returns and refunds, report says

For most taxpayers, the 2026 filing season was normal, a government report says. Those who filed paper returns or relied on paper refund checks faced delays because of a smaller IRS workforce and technology problems.

August 12, 2026

Final rule will eliminate BOI reporting for US entities

Treasury said a final rule will permanently end beneficial ownership information reporting requirements for U.S. companies and U.S. persons under the Corporate Transparency Act.

August 11, 2026

Trump account prop. regs. clarify $2,500 limit for workers

The proposed regulations, which the IRS said would affect millions of children, families, and employers, also address self-employed owners, Sec. 125 cafeteria-plan contributions, and employer matching of the government’s $1,000 pilot-program contribution.

August 10, 2026

Final regs. issued for Sec. 3406 backup withholding rules

Final IRS regulations reflect changes made by the OBBBA to rules governing backup withholding on third-party network transactions under Sec. 3406.

August 10, 2026

4 Social Security rules that surprise clients — and some advisers

A divorced spouse may qualify for benefits based on their ex’s work record. A surviving spouse may qualify before age 62. And some families may be eligible for benefits related to their children.