Podcast
Tax Section Odyssey
Hosted by AICPA & CIMA · EN
Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.
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Episodes
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Out of deadline mode: A post tax season reset
3w ago00:44:34Tap to summarizeAfter deadline season, it's tempting to move on and forget what didn't work — but this is the best time to make changes while the lessons are still fresh. In this episode, April Walker is joined by Nancy McClelland, owner of The Dancing Accountant, to discuss small, realistic practice changes that can dramatically reduce tax-season stress. From shifting annual tasks to year‑round workflows and setting clear client expectations to using technology that streamlines document collection and follow-up, Nancy shares practical strategies that help tax pros protect their time, teams and sanity — without overhauling everything at once. Questions answered in this episode: What's one practical change you can make right now that will noticeably improve next tax season? How can shifting "annual" work to monthly or year‑round workflows reduce deadline-season pressure? What are effective ways to set client expectations and boundaries — without damaging the relationship? How can technology reduce document-chaos, missing information and the constant chase for "one last form"? How do you define (and refine) your ideal client profile so you're working with clients you actually enjoy? AICPA resources ENGAGE 2026 conference session: How to Align Your Bookkeeper and Tax Accountant for Financial Success Optimizing your tax practice Reimagining your tax practice Tax Communities on Engage365 Other resources She Counts Ask a CPA - Nancy's YouTube channel Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →Protective claims, client alerts and Kwong: A practitioner playbook
Apr 3000:23:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, host April Walker is joined by Michael Waalkes of Kostelanetz LLP to discuss Kwong v. United States and why it has become a practical, time-sensitive issue for CPA firms after filing season. The episode discusses the facts of the case and what it held at a high level, why Sec. 7508A's COVID disaster relief period (through July 10, 2023) is driving renewed attention, and how the reasoning may affect deadlines, refund-suit timing, and potential interest/penalty arguments for certain clients. The conversation focuses on what firms are doing right now — client communications, internal triage, documentation, and risk management — along with how to think about tools like client alerts and protective claims while the law and potential IRS guidance continue to develop. Questions answered in this episode: What did Kwong v. United States actually hold, and why did it is a "post–April 15" priority for firms? How does Sec. 7508A's COVID disaster relief period (through July 10, 2023) affect statutes of limitation and other key deadlines? Which clients and fact patterns should firms' triage that might be affected by this ruling? What's the practical risk-management approach when the law is still unsettled? What is a "protective claim," and when might it make sense (or not) in the context of Kwong and potential interest/penalty arguments? AICPA resources AICPA IRS Practice & Procedures resource center Disaster Tax Relief Procedures and Processes Other resources National Taxpayer Advocate Blog: Tens of Millions of Taxpayers May be Eligible for Significant Tax Refunds - If they act by July 10 KWONG v. USA court decision Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →AICPA experts discuss minimum standards for tax preparers
Mar 1800:17:16Tap to summarizeIn this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato is joined by Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy and Todd Sloves, AICPA Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, to discuss why paid tax preparer oversight is back in the spotlight. The conversation looks at key findings from a recent Government Accounting Office (GAO) report, what "minimum professional standards" could mean for the largely unregulated preparer market, and how the Senate's Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act would implement guardrails and enforcement tools. The episode also explains a practical proposal from the SAFE Act that could simplify filing extensions and reduce penalty risk for taxpayers. Questions answered in this episode: What did the GAO find in its latest report on paid tax return preparers, and why does it matter to taxpayers and the IRS? Why are so many paid tax preparers considered "unregulated," and what risks can that create for taxpayers? What are "minimum professional standards" for paid preparers, and what role does the AICPA support for establishing them? How would the TAS Act change IRS authority and guardrails around PTINs (including the ability to revoke and restore a PTIN)? How would the SAFE Act's extension safe harbor simplify filing an extension and help reduce underpayment penalty exposure? AICPA resources AICPA Advocacy news and resources AICPA Tax Section Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →2025 filing season: What clients are getting wrong (and how to respond)
Mar 1300:25:05Tap to summarizeFiling season is here — and so is confusion. In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to break down the most common questions around the new H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provisions, from Trump accounts to the senior deduction as well as discussion around electronic payments and refunds. Practical guidance is here to help you cut through the noise and get it right. What you'll learn from this episode: How new Trump accounts are prompting new client questions while key issues remain unresolve How to clear up confusion around the senior deduction and social security taxation What additional information may be needed from clients for the new deductions for tips, overtime and auto loan interest Why practitioners might need to ask more questions related to energy credit expenditures That managing client misinformation and expectations is a core busy-season skill, especially as guidance continues to evolve. AICPA resources Planning after tax changes FAQs on qualified tip and overtime deductions IRS Payment Modernization: Sending and Receiving Funds Electronically IRS Practice & Procedures Trump accounts under Sec. 530A — FAQs and insights Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →Tariffs on Trial: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Tax Practitioners
Mar 600:20:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Kasey Pittman, Managing Director of Tax Policy — Cherry Bekaert. A recent Supreme Court decision invalidated key tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — raising major questions about refunds, executive authority and what comes next. We discuss the ruling itself, explain what tariffs are impacted and outline practical steps tax practitioners should consider right now for importer clients. What you'll learn from this episode: · Why the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA tariffs · Which tariffs are affected and which remain in place · What we know (and don't know) about potential refunds · How tax practitioners with importer clients can add value right now · What to watch next in tariff policy AICPA resources Supreme Court decisions: Implications for the tax and accounting profession Tariff Resource Center Tax implications of tariffs Other resources Global Business Alliance (GBA) Tariff Tracker Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →Trump Accounts are coming — and you need to be ready
Feb 600:20:01Tap to summarizeIn this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) podcast, hosts Cary Sinnett, CPF, CAP, CFT-1, CExP, and April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, are joined by is joined by Sebrina Ivey, CPA/PFS to explore Trump accounts, also known as Sec. 530A accounts. These accounts are a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children created under H.R 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The episode focuses on what CPAs need to know now to advise families on coordinating these accounts with broader tax, estate and financial plans. NOTE: Gift tax return/GST tax return requirements for contributions to a Trump Account: At this time, Treasury and the IRS have not provided guidance under Sec. 530A clarifying that contributions to Trump Accounts are considered a completed gift of a present interest in property eligible for the annual gift tax exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026 gifts). Without further guidance, it appears any contribution to a Trump Account will be considered a taxable gift of a future interest and therefore subject to both gift and GST tax — effectively reducing a taxpayers' federal estate tax lifetime exclusion ($15M for deaths occurring in 2026). What you'll learn from this episode: What Trump Accounts are and how they fit alongside 529s, Roth IRAs and custodial accounts Understand who can contribute and how much to Trump Accounts Key contribution, investment and compliance rules for these accounts How to plan ahead for key transition points Resources Trump Accounts under Sec. 530A — Timeline and insights IRS Trump Accounts IRS Notice 2025-68 Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs
Jan 3000:27:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Edward Jenkins, CPA, CGMA, Professor of Practice in Accounting — Penn State University, to discuss name, image and likeness (NIL) taxation issues for student athletes. Together they unpack common misconceptions, emerging revenue streams, unresolved classification issues and the growing complexity of state taxation. Highlights include key considerations — and opportunities — for CPAs advising clients in this rapidly changing area. What you'll learn from this episode: Understand how NIL income is taxed — and why student athletes are often surprised at filing time Learn where the biggest compliance risks and reporting pitfalls are for student athletes Explore the unresolved questions around worker classification and self‑employment (SE) tax Hear why state tax, dependency and multi‑state issues make NIL especially complex Resources · State and Local Tax (SALT) Resource Center · Student Athlete Income Recognition: State and Federal Tax Care Required Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices. This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.
Transcribe →Intentional tax practice — Setting the course for 2026
Jan 900:19:20Tap to summarizeAlign your compass to the year ahead. In this episode, April Walker brings tax leaders together to share intentional, practical ways to run a better practice, focusing on advisory-first mindsets, using artificial intelligence (AI) with a purpose, collaboration around new legislation and sustainable operating rhythms. What you'll learn from this episode: How to prioritize client outcomes and reinvest tech-enabled time into higher-value conversations Using AI with purpose — concrete use cases, role-based workflows and "AI stacking" for research, communication and tools Why we need to be ready for digital asset taxation with Form 1099-DA on the way How to be intentional with your operations — creating boundaries, systems and prioritizing consistency over intensity AICPA resources - Tax Section landing page - Tax Section news and member FAQs
Transcribe →Reimagining firm ownership — Life after the sale
Dec 1900:20:38Tap to summarizeIn this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the final in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners. This episode explores the personal and professional journeys that can follow selling a firm. This candid conversation offers practical advice for firm owners and professionals navigating major transitions in their careers. What you'll learn from this episode: The importance of prioritizing self-care Why it is normal to expect identity shifts Ways to rediscover your purpose How connecting with others who have experienced similar transitions can ease the journey AICPA resources Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 1 in the reimagining miniseries) Reimagining firm ownership - Selling smart in a changing environment | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 2 in the reimagining miniseries) Engage365 Key considerations when selling a CPA practice PCPS Transforming Your Business Model Reimagining Your Tax Practice
Transcribe →Reimagining firm ownership — Selling smart in a changing environment
Dec 1100:17:27Tap to summarizeIn this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, the second in a three-part miniseries on reimagining firm ownership, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is again joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners. This conversation explores how accounting firm owners can successfully navigate the process of selling their firm in today's competitive market. Gather actional insights for firm owners considering a sale, emphasizing strategic preparation, objective valuation and thoughtful communication throughout the process. What you'll learn from this episode: Key qualities buyers look for, including strong people, pricing, processes and technology Common mistakes sellers make, such as accepting the first offer or neglecting competition The important role of due diligence, transparency and cultural fit in successful transactions AICPA resources Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice | Tax Section Odyssey (episode 1 in the reimagining miniseries) Engage365 Reimagining Your Tax Practice PCPS Transforming Your Business Model
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