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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.