September 2025

September 24, 2025

Paper tax refund checks on the way out as IRS shifts to electronic payments

The IRS will phase out the use of paper checks for refunds beginning Sept. 30 and will publish detailed guidance later.

September 24, 2025

Practice mobility update: New NASBA tool tracks changes for CPAs

The online resource features searchable state-by-state summaries to assist CPAs looking to practice across state lines with one license.

September 23, 2025

IRS keeps per diem rates unchanged for business travel year starting Oct. 1

In its list of high-cost and low-cost localities, the IRS kept per diem rates for travel, meals, and incidental expenses unchanged for the new annual period starting Oct. 1.

September 22, 2025

Managing teams, managing time: The importance of setting expectations

Leaders explain how making sure new employees understand what to expect in terms of work schedule is a crucial step for building successful teams with staying power.

September 19, 2025

Details on IRS prop. regs. on tip income deduction

The proposed regulations define “qualified tips” for purposes of the deduction and contain details on allowable forms of payment.

September 19, 2025

AICPA urges IRS to modernize estate and trust tax forms

In a letter to the IRS, the AICPA said the changes align with an executive order mandating that all federal tax payments and refunds be processed electronically.

September 19, 2025

Accounting for software: FASB issues improved guidance

The Accounting Standards Update aims to simplify the reporting of internal-use software costs.

September 17, 2025

NASBA, AICPA release proposed revisions to CPE standards

Comments are being accepted through mid-December on changes designed to address emerging learning methods and clarify CPE-awarding mechanisms.

September 16, 2025

Private equity and peer review: Proposed change targets consistency

The AICPA’s Peer Review Board is seeking public comment through Oct. 25 on a proposal that would involve the AICPA’s National Peer Review Committee in administration of peer reviews of firms backed by private equity investments and other alternative practice structures.

September 16, 2025

PEEC releases guidance on attest client association, simultaneous employment

The Professional Ethics Executive Committee guidance in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct adds a new interpretation that includes a reporting requirement triggered by a member’s intent to accept an attest client’s offer of employment.

September 15, 2025

IRS finalizes regulations for Roth catch-up contributions under SECURE 2.0

The final regulations are similar to the proposed regulations issued in January, with some changes that the IRS said were made in response to comments.

September 15, 2025

PEEC seeks feedback on guidance for providing tax services to attest clients

An exposure draft addresses potential threats to independence when members perform tax advisory and tax planning services. The comment deadline is Dec. 15

September 15, 2025

OMB announces plan to eliminate 60 accounting rules for federal contractors

The White House Office of Management and Budget’s Cost Accounting Standards Board published a final rule and a proposed rule that would eliminate “redundant” requirements.

September 15, 2025

IRS releases draft form for tip, overtime, car loan, and senior deductions

The IRS on Friday released a draft of Schedule 1-A (Form 1040), a single form that consolidates the calculations of the four temporary deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and seniors that are allowed under H.R. 1.

September 10, 2025

MAP Survey finds CPA firm starting pay on the rise

Starting salaries increase 17% over two-year period for master’s graduates, 11% for those with a bachelor’s degree.

September 9, 2025

Skilled for success? Accounting newcomers say yes, managers say no

Employees in their first five years give themselves high ratings on readiness skills, but those who manage new employees don’t see it that way.

September 9, 2025

IRS warns taxpayers: Social media advice can lead to costly penalties

Misleading posts about credits like the fuel tax credit are landing taxpayers in trouble — with fines up to $5,000 for frivolous returns.

September 8, 2025

Global tax deal could hurt US companies, says letter requesting OECD guidance

A letter from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants addresses guidance and recommendations on the Pillar Two framework co-existing with U.S. tax rules for U.S. multinational enterprises in a side-by-side system to the OECD.

September 8, 2025

Few companies strategically using risk management

Even though most leaders look at risk when evaluating new strategic initiatives and don’t view a lack of value as a barrier to implementation of risk management measures, few put it all together and turn enterprise risk management into a competitive advantage.

September 4, 2025

Treasury posts preliminary list of jobs eligible for no tax on tips

The list has a variety of occupations that customarily receive tips, including bartenders, dancers, and digital creators.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Flip out with the latest Tech Q&A

The September Technology Q&A column shows how to create dynamic to-do lists with Excel's checkboxes and also how to set up multifactor authentication texts that don't rely on phones. Flip through both items and view a video walkthrough in our digital format.