The report by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration called on the IRS to include more phone lines and to cover the entire fiscal year when reporting on its level of service and wait times.
NEWS
Calculating AI’s impact on CPAs: New study quantifies time savings
Researchers determine the real difference that generative AI can have on the average accountant in terms of time spent on routine data entry versus time available for client support and billable hours.
Prop. regs. would modify reporting obligations for Form 8308, Part IV
The IRS issued proposed regulations that would modify partnerships’ reporting obligations for Part IV of Form 8308 with respect to sales or exchanges of certain interests in partnerships owning inventory or unrealized receivables.
The No. 1 risk to retirement – and one way to guard against it
Retirees are living longer than ever, increasing the challenge facing financial advisers charged with the responsibility of making sure they don’t run out of funds.
IRS clarifies that Appeals case memos should be shared with taxpayers upon request
National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins wrote Tuesday in her blog that the IRS reminder of the language in the Internal Revenue Manual is a “meaningful step toward transparency.”
AICPA unveils new QM resources to help firms meet Dec. 15 deadline
The AICPA updated its SQMS No. 1 practice aid, released a new resource on monitoring and remediation, and is hosting live webcasts to help firms implement the new quality management standards by Dec. 15. Key features of the 2025 practice aid on complying with SQMS No. 1 include expanded discussions, tailored guidance for firms of all sizes, and tools for documentation, evaluation, and effective compliance.
Comfort with crypto: Big North American companies have big plans
Nearly one-quarter of CFOs surveyed see their companies using crypto in the next two years and nearly all see crypto in their long-term plans, although the list of concerns remains long.
Billy Long out as IRS commissioner after less than two months
Long said Friday on X that he’s leaving the IRS and instead will be nominated to be ambassador to Iceland.
No 2025 information return or withholding table changes under OBBBA
The IRS announced Thursday that it is delaying changes to certain information returns, withholding tables, and reporting and withholding procedures until tax year 2026 “to avoid disruptions.”
AICPA presses IRS for guidance on domestic research costs in OBBBA
In its letter, the AICPA said small businesses that have not filed returns for the 2024 filing period face uncertainty about how to treat domestic research and experimental expenditures.
Date to start filing season not set despite IRS commissioner’s comment
Commissioner Billy Long said last week that the next filing season would start around Presidents Day, but the IRS said Tuesday that it has not set a date.
Wipfli partners with private equity for the latest top 25 firm deal
The already growing firm agrees to a “significant minority investment” from New Mountain Capital, an active player in the growing world of private-equity investment activity among large firms.
IRS includes several AICPA recommendations in corporate AMT interim guidance
In a notice issued Tuesday, the IRS said it intends to partially withdraw proposed regulations and issue revised proposed regulations.
The case for outsourcing: 3 ways to win
While some organizations take a quick glimpse at outsourcing and conclude that it’s not a viable option, those that look closer often unearth alternative uses that can bring value.
FASB updates guidance on measurement of credit losses
The optional guidance aims to address concerns shared by private company shareholders related to the cost and complexity of measuring credit losses for accounts receivable and contract assets.
AICPA supports bill that lets married domestic violence victims file taxes as single
The bill would empower survivors of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment to file taxes without contacting their abuser.
New commissioner confident IRS can implement OBBBA’s tax provisions
Commissioner Billy Long explained his management philosophy at the 2025 Tax Summit of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, where he said IRS employees will be able to implement the OBBBA’s tax provisions.
Dealing with natural disasters: How to avoid fraudulent activities
More than one-third of Americans have been the victim of fraudulent activities after being personally or professionally affected by a natural disaster, according to a Harris Poll conducted on behalf of the AICPA.
IRS staff cuts could put burden on practitioners to explain OBBBA
A retired IRS communications executive told the AICPA’s Town Hall that employees will be challenged to explain tax changes in the massive law.
IRS advises of Tuesday deadline to maintain Business Tax Account access
The IRS warned that those who do not revalidate accounts by Tuesday will need to request access to the account again, either as a designated official or other user type.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
How a CPA beat burnout after strokes, depression
Randy Crabtree, CPA, suffered two strokes in four days and struggled with his mental health for years before he learned to recognize, address, and prevent chronic stress. Learn from his insights on how CPAs can avoid professional burnout.
