Tax Talk: from tax pros to practicing tax professionals

It's a challenging time for tax professionals.

Sign up and stay up-to-date!

Taxation is a vast and complex field that intersects with nearly every aspect of business and personal finance, making it a key area for CPAs and tax professionals. The topics within taxation that draw significant attention from CPAs reflect the ever-changing nature of tax laws, the intricacies of various tax jurisdictions, and the strategic importance of tax planning and compliance.

The complexities of tax preparation, planning, and compliance have increased geometrically.

Tax topics that CPAs track are IRS Tax Reform; International Taxation; State and Local Taxation (SALT); Taxation of Digital Economies; Tax Credits and Incentives; Estate and Gift Tax Planning; Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution; Pass-Through Entities and Sole Proprietorships; Retirement Planning and Taxation; Tax Technology and Automation; and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Tax Implications.

Staying current with the range of taxation topics enables CPAs to provide valuable advice to their clients, helping them to navigate the complexities of tax planning and compliance effectively. Here are some recent insights and actionable intelligence from CPA Trendlines Tax Influentials.

1. Accountants See a Host of Woes for Businesses

Author

CPA Trendlines Research

Summary

Capital, technology, and government regulations are among the top concerns accountants foresee impacting businesses over the next 12–18 months, according to the Busy Season Barometer survey. Practitioners voice a broad array of additional issues as the business environment remains volatile.

PRO Membership Required: Yes

2. Top Three Issues for Business: Tariffs, Taxes and Inflation

Author

CPA Trendlines Research

Summary

Survey data reveals a major shift: tariffs and inflation have overtaken technology as the leading concerns for businesses. Accountants must now prepare clients to tackle rising costs and regulatory uncertainty, reflecting a rapid change in economic priorities.

PRO Membership Required: Yes

3. Art Werner: Shift Gears Post-Tax Season | Quick Tax Tip

Author

Art Werner

Summary

Art Werner urges CPAs to transition from tax preparation to strategic advising. Using the just-filed tax returns as a starting point, he advocates proactive planning conversations with clients to build deeper advisory relationships and maximize post-season opportunities.

PRO Membership Required: No

4. Tax Refund Totals Up 4%

Author

Beth Bellor

Summary

Despite refund totals rising 4%, IRS data shows a slight dip in total filings and processed returns compared to 2024. The article highlights mixed signals in taxpayer behavior and electronic filing trends as the 2025 season concludes.

PRO Membership Required: Yes

5. Accountants Reporting a Pretty Good Year

Author

CPA Trendlines Research

Summary

While not as strong as early expectations, many accounting firms report revenue, profit, and client growth. Firms that anticipated a boom adjusted to more modest outcomes amid an unpredictable economic backdrop, according to CPA Trendlines' survey data.

PRO Membership Required: Yes

6. Tax Season Faceplant: Accountants Overrun by Late Chaos

Author

CPA Trendlines Research

Summary

Late-season chaos disrupted many firms, as unexpected tech issues and economic shocks surged. Accountants struggled to handle last-minute filings efficiently, exposing vulnerabilities in workflows and client management during peak periods.

PRO Membership Required: Yes

It's a challenging time for tax professionals. Sign up and stay up-to-date!

The complexities of tax preparation, planning, and compliance have increased geometrically.

Staying current with the range of taxation topics enables CPAs to provide valuable advice to their clients, helping them to navigate the complexities of tax planning and compliance effectively. Here are some recent insights and actionable intelligence from CPA Trendlines Tax Influentials.

It's a challenging time for tax professionals.

Sign up and stay up-to-date!