Federal Tax Updates

By Roger Harris, EA and Annie Schwab, CPA

CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and Tax Preparers can keep up-to-date with the latest federal tax information while earning NASBA approved CPE credits and IRS approved CE credits by listening to the bi-weekly ... more

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FAQs about Federal Tax Updates:

How many episodes does Federal Tax Updates have?

The podcast currently has 65 episodes available.

Federal Tax Updates episodes:

July 21, 2025One Big Beautiful Bill Passes: Everything You Need to Know
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 breakdown separates the reality from the hype surrounding one of the most significant tax bills in recent years.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
(02:14) - Overview of the Big Beautiful Bill
(02:43) - The Legislative Process and Political Dynamics
(06:53) - Key Provisions and Extensions in the Bill
(09:33) - Tax Policy vs. Political Strategy
(11:33) - State and Local Tax (SALT) Debate
(17:25) - Cost and Budget Considerations
(26:24) - New Tax Provisions: Tips and Overtime
(29:07) - Implementation Challenges and Guidance
(34:18) - Transition Relief and State Standards
(37:16) - Overtime and Salary Dynamics
(38:17) - IRS Withholding Rules
(42:24) - Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Updates
(48:17) - Business Deductions and Expensing
(52:22) - New Tax Provisions for Seniors and Car Loans
(54:59) - Energy Credits and Legislative Negotiations
(56:35) - Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with Thad Inge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thad-inge-9342155
Website: https://www.vsadc.com/
Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

Review
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Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
...more
1h 3min
July 14, 2025Your Client Data Is Under Attack: An IRS Agent's Warning
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 Written Information Security Plans (WISP), IP PINs, proper cyber insurance coverage, and the critical steps to take immediately after discovering a breach.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Introduction and Greetings
(02:21) - Today's Guest and Topic: Scams and Data Breaches
(02:56) - IRS Statistics on Data Breaches
(05:33) - Common Scams and How They Work
(09:48) - Phishing Emails and Ransomware
(14:51) - Fake Charities and Donation Scams
(17:30) - Refund Thefts and Data Breaches
(21:28) - IRS Communication and Taxpayer Awareness
(30:10) - Signs of a Data Breach for Practitioners
(32:42) - Immediate Steps After a Data Breach
(34:32) - Multi-Step Process and Insurance Involvement
(37:42) - Filing Returns After a Breach
(40:54) - Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
(48:10) - Written Information Security Plan (WISP)
(53:06) - Protecting EFIN, PTIN, and CAF Numbers
(55:25) - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Connect with Glenn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-gizzi-4b6ab5205
Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
1h
June 30, 2025The Big Beautiful Bill: Summer Tax Drama Unfolds
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 possible given the challenges ahead, including new Commissioner Billy Long's appointment and the ongoing uncertainty about when and what form the final legislation will take.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
(02:14) - The Big Beautiful Bill: An Overview
(02:37) - Republican and Democrat Perspectives
(04:04) - Understanding Cuts and Dynamic Scoring
(06:10) - Medicare and Eligibility Changes
(08:23) - State and Local Tax Deduction Debate
(11:13) - House vs. Senate: Political Dynamics
(17:24) - New Proposals: Tips, Overtime, and More
(29:16) - Temporary Tax Law and Its Implications
(33:55) - Challenges with No Tax on Overtime
(39:34) - Successful 2025 Filing Season Recap
(44:45) - Proposed Budget Cuts and Their Impact
(51:44) - New IRS Leadership and Future Outlook
(56:43) - Conclusion and Future Updates

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
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Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
59min
June 16, 2025Beyond the Resume: Why Skills Testing is the Future of Accounting Hires
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 such simplicity could ever work in the United States.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
(01:40) - Introducing the Guest: Gilles Pearson
(03:06) - Challenges in Hiring and the Birth of Accountests
(05:10) - The Importance of Testing in Hiring
(08:13) - The Role of Personality and Skills Tests
(13:57) - Developing Effective Tests for Accountants
(24:29) - Personality Profiles and Team Dynamics
(31:33) - Using Tests for Employee Development
(34:35) - Succession Planning in Smaller Firms
(36:50) - Accountant Stereotypes and Communication Challenges
(40:42) - The Role of Personal Interaction in Accounting
(44:56) - Streamlined Hiring Process with Account Tests
(48:56) - Comparing Tax Systems: US vs New Zealand
(56:56) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Giles Pearson
https://nz.linkedin.com/in/giles-pearson-fca-8a175843
https://www.accountests.com/
Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
59min
June 02, 2025Former Commissioner Danny Werfel Speaks on the Past and Future of the IRS
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 construction—he offers frank insights into what it takes to run a healthy tax system and why strong tax administration is essential for economic stability.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel to Federal Tax Updates
(03:21) - Commissioner's Background and Expertise
(07:01) - Challenges and Opportunities at the IRS
(11:27) - IRS Modernization and Future Vision
(23:27) - The Importance of a Tax System
(28:59) - Why Commissioner Werfel Left the IRS
(30:56) - Navigating the Transition Period
(31:30) - Seeking Guidance from the Incoming Treasury Secretary
(34:30) - The Importance of Listening and Feedback
(42:41) - Challenges with the Employee Retention Credit
(49:58) - What Changes Would You Implement if You Had Total Control
(53:47) - Future Plans and Reflections
(56:09) - Georgia Football and Final Thoughts

Danny Werfel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-werfel-89441594
Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
1h
May 05, 2025Tax Season Aftermath
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 client relationships, and implementing strategies to improve profitability and efficiency for the next filing season.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome Back to Federal Tax Updates
(01:46) - Post-Tax Season Reflections
(03:02) - Employee Retention Credit Updates
(12:04) - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
(18:43) - Current Legislative Landscape in DC
(25:22) - IRS Staffing and Morale Issues
(31:25) - Challenges Facing the IRS
(37:15) - Post-Tax Season Business Strategies
(41:56) - Client Management and Pricing Strategies
(46:59) - Maximizing Client Relationships and Billing Opportunities
(50:55) - Preparing for the Next Tax Season
(52:34) - Summer Plans and Final Thoughts

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
54min
April 21, 2025Inside the IRS: A Conversation with Terry Lemons
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 successes and failures.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
(01:28) - Celebrating the 50th Podcast with Special Guest Terry Lemons
(03:07) - Terry Lemons' Journey to the IRS
(06:31) - The Role and Influence of IRS Commissioners
(11:17) - Preparing a Commissioner to Testify Before Congress
(22:12) - Challenges and Perceptions of Working at the IRS
(28:27) - Debunking IRS Agent Myths
(30:45) - IRS Efficiency and Transformation
(32:12) - Challenges and Improvements at the IRS
(33:34) - Reflecting on Filing Seasons
(35:52) - Historical IRS Challenges
(40:12) - Future Tax Law Changes and Implications
(44:19) - Terry's Retirement Plans
(45:55) - The Importance of Tax Professionals Community
(52:03) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
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...more
55min
April 07, 2025Replay: Surviving a Cyber Attack
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 an episode that originally aired in March, 2024.
(00:00) - Welcome to the Federal Tax Updates Podcast
(01:30) - Introducing Our Guest: Catharine Madeley
(03:26) - The Harrowing Tale of a Data Breach
(04:29) - The Initial Discovery and Immediate Response
(14:36) - Navigating the Aftermath: Investigation and Recovery
(23:42) - Reflections and Lessons Learned from the Cybersecurity Incident
(25:58) - The Aftermath of a Data Breach: A Personal Account
(26:45) - Law Enforcement's Response to Small Scale Breaches
(28:36) - Navigating IRS Procedures After a Breach
(29:51) - The IRS Practitioner Relief Opt-In Program: A Lifeline
(32:42) - Client Communication and Response to the Breach
(42:55) - Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
(49:28) - Final Thoughts and Advice

Connect with Catharine Madeley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catharine-drake-madeley
Website: https://www.sallingcpa.com
Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
...more
51min
March 24, 2025Circular 230 Changes: What Practitioners Need to Know
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 or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
(02:04) - Introducing Special Guest Bob Kerr
(03:16) - Overview of Circular 230
(04:43) - Proposed Changes to Circular 230
(15:01) - Contingent Fees Debate
(30:18) - Limited Practice Discussion
(36:10) - Voluntary IRS Programs and Their Impact
(37:58) - Competency and Practitioner Requirements
(39:21) - Knowledge of Errors and Omissions
(42:19) - Proposed IRS Regulations and Practitioner Responsibilities
(49:29) - Best Practices and Circular 230
(57:18) - Conclusion and Future Expectations

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with Bob Kerr
https://kerr.tax/about-us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerr-robert
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
1h 1min
March 11, 2025BOI Relief, Tax Reform, and IRS Restructuring
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 regulations that will impact tax practice management.
Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

(00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
(01:48) - BOI Reporting Updates
(02:34) - Corporate Transparency Act Penalties
(05:30) - Guidance for Clients on BOI Compliance
(10:47) - Government Shutdown Concerns
(15:15) - Reconciliation and Tax Reform Process
(26:03) - Debating the Impact of Tariffs
(26:45) - Abolishing the IRS: Feasible or Fantasy?
(28:56) - IRS Workforce Cuts: Immediate Implications
(29:42) - Challenges of Tax Season Amid Workforce Reductions
(32:27) - Potential Tax Reforms and Technological Advancements
(45:19) - Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid
(47:46) - Upcoming Changes to Circular 230
(51:07) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.
Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!
This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
...more
53min

FAQs about Federal Tax Updates:

How many episodes does Federal Tax Updates have?

The podcast currently has 65 episodes available.

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