Skip to main content

News

Melancon leaves AICPA with a legacy of change

December 02, 2024

The transformative leader, who is retiring on Dec. 31, guided the organization and the profession for nearly three decades.

  • aicpa
  • careers

Application of Sec. 72(e) to annuity advisory fees

December 01, 2024

In a letter ruling, the IRS stated that investment advisory fees paid by an annuity contract would not be considered an amount received in gross income by a contract’s owner.

  • tax

Creating a more efficient firm: Best practices, offshoring, and preparing for a successful season

December 01, 2024

In today’s competitive business environment, accounting and tax firms must continually strive for efficiency and effectiveness. The path to achieving a more efficient firm involves adopting best practices, exploring offshoring options, and meticulously preparing for the peak season.

  • practice management
  • tax
  • technology

Life insurance proceeds not includible in estate

December 01, 2024

Rejecting the IRS’s assertion that the step-transaction doctrine applied to a series of transactions with respect to life insurance policies, the Tax Court held that the proceeds of the policies were not includible in a decedent taxpayer’s estate.

  • advisory services

Surprisingly taxable partnership distributions

December 01, 2024

In general, distributions from a partnership do not result in a taxable transaction and generally only reduce the partner’s basis in their partnership interest. Unfortunately, this is not always true, and some very unexpected taxable transactions may result from the distribution of money or property from the partnership.

  • tax

Tax planning for physicians

December 01, 2024

Tax planning is a crucial aspect of wealth management, particularly for high-income professionals such as physicians. Many physicians, whether they are transitioning from residency or have been attending physicians for decades, must navigate complex decisions related to benefits, retirement contributions, and tax strategies.

  • advisory services

Using Excel’s Scenario Manager for decision-making

November 26, 2024

Want to learn more about how to quickly list financial projections? This Tech Q&A column item shows how to model and compare multiple “what if” possibilities using Excel Scenario Manager.

  • technology

Ed Zollars - IP-PINs, divorced parents and children

November 25, 2024

This week we look at: IRS announces program using IP-PIN to allow taxpayers who find a dependent on their return has already been listed on another to get their return processed immediately; The ERC Second Voluntary Disclosure Program ends but the IRS gives some additional relief for withdrawing a claim filed via third-party payer such as a payroll service

  • tax

Offshoring for CPA firms: The how and the why

November 25, 2024

Offshoring can open the door to a global talent pool, but firms should follow best practices and avoid common pitfalls.

  • careers
  • practice management

2025 tax preview: Perspective from an AICPA tax policy advocate

November 22, 2024

An AICPA tax leader explains advocacy efforts related to beneficial ownership information reporting and discusses the potential extension of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.

  • aicpa
  • tax

Exposing the hidden disqualified individuals of Sec. 280G

November 20, 2024

Potential denial of a deduction for the corporation and an excise tax on individuals receiving “excess parachute payments” could pose a hazard as a company approaches a change in control.

  • tax

Financial planners and caregiving: Helping clients manage the challenges

November 20, 2024

Caregiving comes with many challenges — financial and emotional. CPA financial planners can help clients and their families prepare for both the expected and unexpected.

  • esg

American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month Spotlight: Stuart Ketzler

November 19, 2024

In celebration of American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we’re honored to share insights from Stuart Ketzler, a proud Alaska Native and Nenana Native Council member. Learn how his deep connection to the land, community, and gratitude have shaped his path in accounting.

  • member news

NIL organization denied tax-exempt status

November 19, 2024

Compensating student-athletes for their name, image, and likeness does not serve an exempt purpose, the IRS again rules. This is at least the third IRS letter ruling this year involving organizations seeking tax-exempt status for activities involving student-athlete NIL deals.

  • business + industry
  • tax

Ed Zollars - End of partnership suspense account at the IRS

November 18, 2024

This week we look at: IRS may stop putting “taxpayer may rely” statements on proposed regulations; Tax Court rules partnership basis calculations are cumulative in nature and not stand-alone annual calculations under IRC §705; Latest speculations on what will get through Congress in 2025 - if anything

  • tax

The time value of capital losses

November 18, 2024

Capital gains in the forecast? Stockpiling losses may make sense. For certain investors, systematically harvesting capital losses in a portfolio in anticipation of future capital gains can be a beneficial strategy.

  • accounting + auditing

At ERISA’s 50th anniversary, a legacy of IRS-practitioner collaboration

November 15, 2024

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, which established or clarified the minimum funding rules, overarching fiduciary rules, vesting rules, and more.

  • irs/dor

Employers focusing on starting salaries and workload to ease pipeline pain

November 15, 2024

Accounting graduates are seeing higher initial pay, and a majority of large firms plan to address workload issues in the next six months. These trends are welcomed, but more is needed, writes Sue Coffey, CPA, CGMA, CEO–Public Accounting for the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

  • careers
  • pipeline

Using AI for an R&D Study?

Member Only Content November 15, 2024

Rick Meyer, CPA, cautions CPAs against over-reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) for complex tax matters, such as R&D credit studies, emphasizing that AI lacks the nuanced judgment and expertise required for such tasks. While AI can assist with routine tasks, Meyer advises CPAs to remain vigilant and uphold their critical advisory role to protect clients from potential financial risks and IRS scrutiny.

  • technology

AICPA to Congress: Delay needed in BOI reporting deadline

November 14, 2024

Without a delay, “millions of small business owners become accidentally and unknowingly delinquent in their compliance,” a letter from the AICPA said.

  • aicpa