AICPA Advocacy

TOPICS

February 2, 2026

Department of Education notice clarifies ‘professional’ degree definition

The notice of proposed rulemaking states that the exclusion of certain degree programs, including accounting, from the definition “does not reflect a value judgment” but rather serves as a technical term to define levels of federal student loan limits. An AICPA statement expressed appreciation for the “recognition of the broad definition and various aspects of the word ‘professional.’”

January 16, 2026

AICPA tax policy and advocacy successes: 2025 highlights

The AICPA’s Tax Division volunteer committees and technical resource panels can point to many positive results last year from its advocacy to Treasury, the IRS, and Congress for law changes and administrative guidance.

January 14, 2026

AICPA pushes for congressional support of Fiscal State of the Nation Act

The AICPA also released survey results showing that 81% of Americans support an annual fiscal report to Congress.

January 6, 2026

AICPA calls on IRS to automate Sec. 1033 extension requests

The recommendation aims to cut delays that leave taxpayers uncertain about disaster related replacement deadlines for property.

December 15, 2025

Accounting profession ‘essential’ to economic stability, coalition says

A coalition’s letter to the Department of Education expresses opposition to draft regulations that would exclude accounting from professional degree designation.

December 11, 2025

Why 2026 is another ‘big tax year’

Get an inside look at the AICPA’s tax advocacy focus, including improving taxpayer service and shaping IRS processes for a smoother filing season. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A with the AICPA’s vice president–Tax Policy & Advocacy.

December 8, 2025

PTEs need more notice of changes, more time to respond, AICPA says

In a letter to Treasury and the IRS, the AICPA seeks changes to tax reporting requirements for partnerships and S corporations.

November 24, 2025

AICPA, state CPA societies call for accounting program recognition

A Department of Education proposal does not include accounting in its list of professional degree programs, a designation that helps determine education loan eligibility.

November 19, 2025

AICPA warns that merger of IRS offices would ‘confuse’ taxpayers

The proposed merger of the Office of Professional Responsibility and the Return Preparer Office would blur “the public’s ability to perceive the distinction between credentialed, uncredentialed, and unenrolled preparers,” the AICPA said in a letter.

November 6, 2025

Employers get reporting relief on tips, overtime; won’t face penalties for tax year 2025

An IRS notice says employers won’t face penalties if they don’t provide a separate accounting of cash tips and overtime compensation for tax year 2025 under H.R. 1.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.