Congress approves IRS reform bill, drops Free File language

The bill establishes an independent appeals office and requires the IRS to develop a customer service strategy. A controversial provision codifying the Free File program was dropped from the bill.

GASB proposes guidance on PPPs and APAs

The guidance is designed to improve accounting and financial reporting for public-private and public-public partnership arrangements. Comments on the proposal were requested by Sept. 13.

Develop a coaching culture in your organization

Listening and asking the right questions are two keys to coaching employees, said ENGAGE speaker Melisa Galasso, CPA, CGMA, founder of Galasso Learning Solutions in Charlotte, N.C.

What tax firms need to know now about technology

Artificial intelligence and robots get a lot of attention, but automation and cloud computing-enabled outsourcing are the technology-related terms that should be top of mind for tax practices, according to a session at AICPA ENGAGE 2019 in Las Vegas.

SALT deduction cap rules finalized, safe harbor proposed

Here are details on the new rules that deny a federal tax deduction to taxpayers who donate to a state charitable fund and receive a state or local tax credit in return.

Tax law changes join staffing as a top issue for CPA firms

Finding qualified staff was once again most CPA firms’ top concern, according to the 2019 PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey.

NASBA and AICPA seek input on evolving licensure model

NASBA and the AICPA are seeking feedback from the profession and its stakeholders as they consider ways to evolve the model for initial CPA licensure to support a growing need for new skills amid rapid technological advancement.

PEEC updates 2 ethics interpretations

The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) has issued revised ethics interpretations addressing state and local government client affiliates and provision of information system services to attest clients.

Liquidity, regulation among not-for-profits’ top challenges

Not-for-profits are facing restrictions on funding that have lingered for more than a decade, growing requirements from regulations, and an increased demand for their services, according to a BDO USA LLP survey.

A refined approach to auditing accounting estimates

Auditing accounting estimates can be challenging. New auditing standards may help by encouraging deeper professional skepticism.

4 ways to protect your data from the dark web

Your credentials might already be for sale on the dark web without your knowledge. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to monitor the dark web and shore up your cybersecurity defenses.

When choosing technology, put clients first

Evan Carroll, an author and the founder of Evan Carroll and Associates, shares his philosophy for choosing the technology that can help you improve relationships with your clients.

What to say to grieving clients

Grief expert Amy Florian, CEO of consulting company Corgenius and a speaker at ENGAGE, suggests some dos and don’ts when supporting clients who have suffered a loss.

How to motivate and retain your talent

Invest in employees’ growth and development, and they’ll stay loyal to you, said ENGAGE speaker Philip Palaveev, founder of business management consulting firm The Ensemble Practice.

Ninth Circuit upholds IRS cost-sharing regulation

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a Tax Court decision that had held that a cost-sharing regulation that required allocation of stock-based compensation was invalid.

Tips for a smooth CECL implementation

FASB’s new current expected credit losses standard contains big implementation challenges for the financial services industry but also applies to companies in other industries.

AICPA set to be awarded ‘.cpa’ internet domain

The AICPA is in final contract talks with the internet’s global governing body to oversee a new internet domain for CPAs.

U.S. finance execs hold on to positivity

The gap narrows, but expectations are still stronger for the U.S. than the global economy, according to a quarterly survey.

ASB seeks alignment of materiality definitions

The definition of materiality used in the AICPA Professional Standards would be aligned with that of U.S. regulators under proposals issued by the AICPA Auditing Standards Board.

Changes coming to tax transcript availability

To fight identity theft, starting June 28 the IRS will no longer fax transcripts to taxpayers, tax professionals, and other third parties. And in July it will stop providing an option for mailing transcripts to third parties.