Washington DC tax expert Thad Inge joins the show again for a deep dive into the Big Beautiful Bill. He breaks down the tax legislation that extends TCJA provisions and introduces new benefits like tax-free tips and overtime. Together with Annie and Roger, they explore the surprising speed of the political process, the complex implementation challenges ahead, and what small business owners and individuals need to know right now. From ERC changes to new car loan deductions, this comprehensive bre...
Jul 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 57
Tax professional data breaches have exploded in 2025, with 327 reported incidents affecting over 342,000 taxpayers in just half a year. Glenn Gizzy, a 36-year IRS veteran now specializing in data breach prevention, reveals the sophisticated tactics criminals use to infiltrate tax practices. From phishing emails disguised as client referrals, to hackers who wait until returns are filed before changing bank account information. This conversation covers essential protection measures including Writt...
Jul 14, 2025•59 min•Ep. 56
Annie and Roger break down the political maneuvering around the "big beautiful bill" extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, explaining why seemingly simple provisions like no tax on tips and overtime could create major headaches for the 2026 filing season. They examine proposed IRS budget cuts of 37% and workforce reductions of 20% at the same time new tax complexities are being added. The hosts also celebrate the success of the 2025 filing season while questioning whether similar results are poss...
Jun 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 55
Giles Pearson, co-founder of Accountests and former PwC partner, shares how one disastrous hire led him to revolutionize recruiting in the accounting profession. The conversation explores why traditional hiring methods fail, how skills and personality testing can predict job success, and reveals the shocking statistics about resume dishonesty. Roger and Annie also dive into New Zealand's streamlined tax system where 90% of taxpayers never file returns, sparking a fascinating debate about whether...
Jun 16, 2025•59 min•Ep. 54
Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins Roger and Annie for a wide-ranging conversation about his tenure leading the nation's tax agency during a period of unprecedented funding and modernization efforts. Werfel discusses the challenges of rebuilding IRS operations, his decision to resign during the transition to Trump, and his concerns about maintaining tax system stability while pursuing automation and reform. Using memorable analogies—from unpowered refrigerators to football stadiums under...
Jun 02, 2025•59 min•Ep. 53
Roger and Annie discuss important tax updates that occurred during the busy tax season, including new IRS guidance on Employee Retention Credits and the current status of Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements. They explore the significant staffing challenges and leadership turnover at the IRS, with insights from Roger's recent visit to Washington DC. The hosts then shift focus to post-tax season priorities for practitioners, offering advice on evaluating software, optimizing cl...
May 05, 2025•54 min•Ep. 52
For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax professional community, challenges facing the IRS today, and lessons from past filing season successe...
Apr 21, 2025•54 min
In this episode, Roger sits down with Catharine Madeley, a tax practitioner who recently experienced a data breach at her firm. Catherine shares her firsthand account of how the breach unfolded, the steps she took to respond, and the lessons she learned along the way. She offers valuable insights into the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, the critical role of communication with clients, and the need to be proactive in protecting sensitive client information. *This is a replay of ...
Apr 07, 2025•51 min
Roger and Annie welcome guest Bob Kerr to discuss proposed changes to Circular 230, the regulations governing practice before the IRS. They explore contentious issues including contingent fees being classified as "disreputable conduct," expanded rights for non-credentialed preparers, and new requirements for reporting client errors. Bob shares insights from the recent hearing and explains why practitioners shouldn't expect final regulations until at least 2026. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 50
Roger and Annie provide critical updates on the Treasury Department's decision to halt Corporate Transparency Act penalties and enforcement requirements, bringing relief to tax practitioners and their clients. They break down the six-step reconciliation process for tax reform, offering clarity on where current legislation stands and what might be coming. The hosts also discuss concerns about potential IRS workforce reductions, upcoming technology improvements, and preview changes to Circular 230...
Mar 11, 2025•53 min•Ep. 49
Roger and Annie explore major changes affecting tax professionals in early 2024, including significant staffing changes at the IRS and ongoing uncertainty around Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. They break down the new 1099-K reporting thresholds and explain how to handle various transaction types, from business payments to personal item sales. The hosts also discuss current legislative proposals and share practical insights for handling common client questions abou...
Feb 24, 2025•56 min•Ep. 48
Former IRSAC Chair Annette Nellen joins Roger and Annie to discuss critical challenges facing the IRS and tax administration. The conversation explores the growing tax gap, the importance of consistent IRS funding, and efforts to modernize taxpayer services through online accounts and digital solutions. The discussion also delves into proposals for tax preparer regulation, continuing education requirements for enrolled agents, and the complexities of implementing cryptocurrency reporting require...
Feb 10, 2025•56 min•Ep. 47
Roger and Annie dive into the complex political dynamics shaping potential tax reform in 2025, breaking down the strategic implications of pursuing one comprehensive bill versus two separate pieces of legislation. They provide critical updates on the ever-changing BOI regulations, including recent court injunctions and what practitioners should do while awaiting final resolution. The episode concludes with practical advice for tax professionals preparing for the upcoming tax season, covering eve...
Jan 27, 2025•56 min•Ep. 46
Crypto tax expert Amir Marmar of JFDI Accountants breaks down the complexities of cryptocurrency taxation and shares guidance on when tax professionals should handle crypto cases themselves versus partnering with specialists. He explains key concepts like wallet-level reporting requirements coming in 2025, the challenges of DeFi and staking transactions, and why traditional tax software may not be enough for complex crypto cases. This episode provides practical insights for tax professionals on ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 45
Three successful accounting firm owners share their journeys from small practices to achieving 10X revenue growth. Through candid conversations about hiring strategies, systemization, and community support, these Padgett franchise owners reveal practical insights for scaling an accounting practice. Their experiences highlight how strategic hiring, building scalable systems, and embracing a growth mindset transformed their firms from six-figure to multi-million dollar enterprises. Webinar Speaker...
Dec 30, 2024•53 min
Annie and Roger discuss crucial tax updates as 2024 draws to a close, including the recent injunction against beneficial ownership reporting requirements, the evolving landscape of ERC claims processing, and changes to the clean vehicle credit program. They examine how the recent election results might impact tax policy, particularly regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions set to expire. They also provide practical guidance for tax practitioners preparing for the 2025 filing season, addre...
Dec 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 44
Capitol Hill insider Thad Inge joins Roger Harris to unpack how the election results could reshape major tax policy decisions in 2024 and beyond. The discussion explores the potential fate of expiring Trump-era tax cuts, the future of IRS funding, and the complex political dynamics that will influence tax reform under Republican control. Thad provides unique insights into the budget reconciliation process, key congressional players, and offers tax practitioners valuable context on potential legi...
Nov 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 43
Special guest Wendy Walker, VP of Regulatory Affairs at Sovos and Chair of IRSAC's Information Reporting Committee, breaks down the latest developments in 1099-K reporting thresholds and the upcoming 1099-DA form for digital assets. The discussion explores the practical challenges facing tax professionals as payment platforms struggle with reporting requirements, while also examining how the IRS is modernizing its systems to handle electronic filing. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email J...
Nov 11, 2024•51 min•Ep. 42
In Part 2 of their BOI series, Roger and Annie tackle the most challenging aspects of beneficial ownership reporting requirements, focusing on determining who qualifies as a beneficial owner and the significant penalties for non-compliance. They dissect FinCEN's FAQs about substantial control while highlighting concerning gray areas that could put both business owners and tax professionals at risk. The discussion provides critical guidance for practitioners considering whether to offer BOI servi...
Oct 28, 2024•58 min•Ep. 41
In part 1 of this 2-part series, Annie and Roger dive into the complexities of the new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. They discuss who needs to file, key deadlines, and potential risks for tax professionals assisting clients with compliance. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the current guidance, primarily based on FAQs, and highlight areas where interpretation could lead to legal complications. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Ph...
Oct 21, 2024•52 min•Ep. 40
Zach Warren from Thomson Reuters Institute and Amanda Aguillard from Padgett dive into the pressing challenges facing modern accounting firms, particularly those in the mid-sized range. They explore innovative solutions to the talent shortage, discuss the surprising resilience of time-based pricing, and emphasize the critical role of technology adoption in driving efficiency. This data-driven conversation offers practical insights for firm owners looking to navigate industry pressures and positi...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Roger and Annie discuss the unique challenges tax practitioners face as 2024 draws to a close. They explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on tax law, ongoing issues with the Employee Retention Credit, and the looming deadline for Beneficial Ownership Information reporting. The hosts provide insights on how to approach tax planning amidst uncertainty and offer practical advice for managing client expectations during this complex period. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email ...
Sep 23, 2024•53 min•Ep. 39
Join Roger and Annie on this special episode, as they take you behind the scenes at the IRS National Tax Forum in Dallas. Through interviews with key figures from the IRS, professional associations, and industry leaders, this special episode offers unique insights into the current state of tax practice and policy. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on critical issues facing tax professionals, including combating tax scams, improving IRS services, and the future of tax preparation standard...
Sep 09, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 38
Roger Harris and Annie Schwab explore recent tax policy changes, including updates to voluntary disclosure programs and new IRS enforcement efforts. They discuss the ongoing challenges surrounding Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements and their potential impact on tax practitioners. The hosts also preview their upcoming live podcast recording at the IRS Tax Forum in Dallas, offering listeners a glimpse into this valuable industry event. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Ema...
Aug 26, 2024•50 min•Ep. 37
This podcast episode features tax controversy expert Hale Sheppard discussing the latest developments and challenges surrounding Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. Sheppard provides insights into IRS audit processes, potential penalties for ERC promoters, and the complexities of defending ERC claims. The conversation covers recent IRS announcements, proposed legislation, and the long-term implications for taxpayers and tax professionals. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phil...
Jul 29, 2024•54 min•Ep. 36
In episode, Jeff Phillips, CEO of Padgett and founder of AccountingFly, joins Roger Harris and Annie Schwab to discuss the challenges of recruiting and retaining talent in the accounting industry. They explore innovative solutions including remote work, offshore talent, and domestic freelancers as part of a new "talent stack" for firms. The conversation covers practical strategies for attracting candidates, evaluating talent, and building effective remote teams, offering valuable advice for acco...
Jul 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 35
This episode of the Federal Tax Updates Podcast explores recent changes in employment law that impact small businesses. Hosts Roger and Annie discuss new overtime rules, including updated salary thresholds for exempt employees, as well as guidelines for hiring family members and the benefits of doing so. They also cover recent developments in non-compete agreements and offer advice on protecting client relationships. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of accountants provi...
Jul 01, 2024•53 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Roger and Annie dive into the world of IRS notices. They discuss the most common types of notices, like the CP2000 matching notice, and share strategies for responding effectively. They also highlight the benefits of setting up online accounts with the IRS for tax practitioners and taxpayers and provide tips for spotting potential IRS scams. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating IRS notices with confidence and clarity. Sponsors Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phill...
Jun 17, 2024•53 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Roger and Annie discuss a variety of tax-related topics, including updates on the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements, and the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). They also cover issues with the postal service causing delays in tax payments reaching the IRS, the benefits of taxpayers and tax professionals setting up online accounts with the IRS, and recent changes to overtime pay thresholds and non-compete clauses. Additionally, they provide tips for tax p...
Jun 03, 2024•46 min•Ep. 32
Roger testified April 30th, before the House Committee on Small Business. Roger was asked to speak on the small business perspective during a full committee hearing titled, "Under the Microscope: Examining FinCEN's Implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act." Roger's goal in attending this hearing on behalf of Padgett's firm owners and small business clients was to help clarify the current issues with the implementation of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement th...
May 20, 2024•1 hr 25 min
