Tax Section Odyssey

Latest Episodes:

2025 filing season: What clients are getting wrong (and how to respond) Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

Filing 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.

Tariffs on Trial: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Tax Practitioners Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

In 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

Trump Accounts are coming — and you need to be ready Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

In 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

Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

In 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

Intentional tax practice — Setting the course for 2026 Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Align 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

Reimagining firm ownership — Life after the sale Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In 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

Reimagining firm ownership — Selling smart in a changing environment Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

In 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

Reimagining firm ownership — Building and growing a modern practice Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this Tax Section Odyssey podcast episode, April Walker, CPA, CGMA, is joined by Adam Shay, CPA, a former firm owner turned business coach for accounting firm owners, to kick off a three-part series on reimagining firm ownership.

The conversation explores the lifecycle of a modern accounting firm, focusing on building a sellable practice, developing future leaders and overcoming common challenges such as owner dependency and process bottlenecks. Hear insights on leveraging people, processes, pricing and technology to create a sustainable, scalable firm.

What you'll learn from this episode:

Practical strategies for delegation, leadership development and embracing innovation.
Actionable advice for navigating growth, preparing for transition and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in today's rapidly evolving tax profession.
How process documentation and technology adoption drive consistency in a firm.
How to use a pricing model to reflect value provided to your clients.

AICPA resources

Engage365

Reimagining Your Tax Practice

PCPS Transforming Your Business Model

Tax planning unleashed Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, sits down with Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to unpack key year-end tax planning strategies. They dive into new opportunities for individuals and businesses under the H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including the increased state and local tax (SALT) cap, expanded deductions and the return of immediate expensing for domestic research and development (R&D) costs. Tune in for practical insights on proactive planning and multi-year modeling to help clients maximize benefits under the new law.

What you'll learn from this episode:

The impact of H.R. 1 on income tax planning
Learn more about new and expanded deductions
Hear about year-end actions that might be beneficial for taxpayers
Why entity choice conversations might be necessary given the current law

AICPA resources

Government Shutdown & IRS Updates Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato discusses the impact of the recent and ongoing federal government shutdown on IRS operations and tax practitioners with Melanie Lauridsen, VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy at the AICPA.

The conversation covers the history and mechanics of government shutdowns, what we know about IRS contingency plans and the practical effects on taxpayers and professionals. Listeners can also gain timely insights into recent developments such as the transition away from paper refund checks and implementation of guidance and updates to forms related to the new tax legislation.

What you'll learn from this episode:

Government shutdown impacts on IRS operations
Important information from the IRS on electronic refunds and payments
Updates on guidance received from Treasury and the IRS on H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) implementation
Concerns about IRS service levels in a government shutdown

AICPA resources

· Navigating the government shutdown

· Client letter and FAQ for a government shutdown during tax season

· Planning after tax changes

IRS resources

· FY2026 IRS Lapse in Appropriations Contingency Plan