In this episode, Benjamin Alarie, CEO and co-founder of Blue J, and Ashley Francis, CPA/PFS, owner of The Francis Group, PLLC, discuss the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in tax research. They sift through the best practices for using AI tools, the importance of asking the right questions and the future of AI in the tax profession. The conversation also touches on the potential risks and cautions associated with using AI, emphasizing the need for professional judgment and client confidentiality. 

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• How to integrate AI tools into your tax research workflow
• Ways to evaluate AI output to determine accuracy
• The top cautions and risks associated with using AI for tax research
• The future of AI in tax research

AICPA and CPA.com resources

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tax Resource Center — Explore the AI Tax Resource Center for insights, tools and guidance on leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize tax practices and enhance compliance.

The future of tax research: Frameworks, use cases, and best practices for AI research — A practical framework to evaluate, adopt and scale AI-powered research tools

Bartlett, Pringle, and Wolf (BPW) Case Study: Learn how BPW turned to Blue J to confidently embrace generative AI — gaining instant, verifiable tax answers and high-quality drafts without compromising accuracy or authority

Blue J AI Tax Research — Sign up today to access preferred pricing through the CPA.com partner program.

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

On this episode, Chris Wittich, MBT, CPA, Partner — Boyum Barenscheer, joins again to discuss the latest updates on the employee retention credit (ERC) from H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Chris discusses how the legislation affects ERC claims and the implications for businesses with pending claims. He also delves into the extension of the statute of limitations for examination.

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• What H.R. 1 changes about ERC claims processing
•  An update on ERC claims processing
• What the extension of the statute for examination from H.R. 1 means for ERC claims
• Reminder about the IRS FAQs about income tax returns and ERC claims

AICPA resources

Employee retention credit guidance and resources — A library for comprehensive guidance, essential tools and the latest news on the ERC.

Planning after tax changes — The tax landscape has shifted. Now’s the time for CPAs to turn insights into action with proactive financial planning. Access FAQs, guides, summaries and learning solutions in one central hub.

IRS FAQs about the Employee Retention Credit — On March 20, the IRS provided updated FAQs on income tax and ERC.

 Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section podcast, host Cary Sinnett, Senior Manager, Personal Financial Planning — AICPA & CIMA, further discusses the latest tax legislation with guests Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown and Robert Keebler, CPA/PFS, MST, AEP (Distinguished), CGMA. Hear insights on the recently passed tax legislation, implications for clients and important considerations for tax professionals now that the bill has been passed signed into law on July 4, 2025. 

What you’ll learn from this episode:

• Discussion of what the permanent TCJA tax brackets and QBI deduction mean for tax planning 
• Details on the new income exclusions for tips and overtime
• Topics important to discuss with clients, including Roth conversions, entity structure decisions, as well as estate and gifting strategies

AICPA resources

2025 Reconciliation Charts: Key Tax Provisions and PFP Considerations — Tax and PFP downloadable charts provide clear, side-by-side comparisons of current tax law, the original H.R. 1 provisions and the Senate’s reconciliation version — highlighting where they align or diverge — and outline the final legislation

Planning after tax changes — CPAs need to not only brace for tax law changes but also be proactive in planning for them. Find more resources here to learn more about the latest updates.

 2025 Tax Reform Advocacy — The AICPA tax advocacy library on current tax reform developments that Congress is considering in 2025.

FAQs on Tax Reform via Budget Reconciliation — Tax reform FAQs that explain the budget reconciliation process, legislative timing, key issues and practical tips for CPAs.  

Tax Section news and member FAQ — Get the latest tax news, a digest of key tax topics and commonly asked questions about resources and benefits.

In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) podcast, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, discusses the latest tax legislation with guests Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown and Robert Keebler, CPA/PFS, MST, AEP (Distinguished), CGMA. Hear insights on current tax legislation, implications for clients and important considerations for tax professionals.

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• The next steps for this pending legislation
• Key points about state and local tax (SALT) cap, pass-through entity tax (PTET) and Sec. 199A, Qualified Business Income (QBI) provisions
• Legislative take on Sec. 174 R&E expenditures
• Other important conversations that may be necessary in the coming months 

 AICPA resources

2025 Reconciliation Charts: Key Tax Provisions and PFP Considerations — Tax and PFP downloadable charts provide clear, side-by-side comparisons of current tax law, the proposed changes in H.R. 1 and how the Senate Finance Committee’s proposal aligns or diverges with H.R. 1.

Planning for tax changes and tax reform — CPAs need to not only brace for tax law changes such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and expiring provisions but also be proactive in planning for them. Find more resources here to learn more about the latest updates.

AICPA submits recommendations to Senate Finance Committee on reconciliation bill — The AICPA submitted a letter to Senate Finance Committee leadership outlining its endorsements, concerns about the PTET SALT deduction and a request for clarification and two additional recommendations.

2025 Tax Reform Advocacy — The AICPA tax advocacy library on current tax reform developments that Congress is considering in 2025, including the expiring provisions of the TCJA.

FAQs on Tax Reform via Budget Reconciliation — Tax reform FAQs that explain the budget reconciliation process, legislative timing, key issues and practical tips for CPAs.  

Tax Section news and member FAQ — Get the latest tax news, a digest of key tax topics and commonly asked questions about resources and benefits.

This discussion with Katie Thomas, CPA, Founder and Owner of Leaders Online, covers three key phases related to making the most of attending professional conferences: pre-conference preparation, strategies for networking and attending sessions during the conference and post-conference activities to reinforce learning and capitalize on connections.

The conversation includes practical tips for setting clear goals, engaging with vendors, navigating networking events and balancing various activities to ensure a productive and enjoyable conference experience. 

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• How to plan your schedule in advance and the benefits of doing so
• Tips for navigating networking events and making meaningful connections
• Strategies for maintaining momentum after you leave the conference 

AICPA resources

ENGAGE 25 — Registration and information page for the upcoming conference

AICPA Tax Practitioners LinkedIn group — This specialized group keeps members up to date on tax legislation and regulatory developments and fosters peer discussions on technical tax issues and practice management.

Tax Division Committees and Technical Resource Panels — Volunteering is an excellent way to build a network of professionals to help you with tax matters. Visit Volunteer Central or contact the AICPA Tax Section at [email protected] to find out how you can get involved

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, prior to the House of Representatives vote early Thursday morning May 22, 2025 — 215 in favor, 214 opposed, 1 voting present. See this Journal of Accountancy (JofA) article for updates on the bill that occurred overnight prior to the vote.

In this joint episode with the JofA podcast, host Neil Amato discusses with Melanie Lauridsen, Vice President of Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, the AICPA’s perspective on several aspects of the budget bill that was voted and approve by the House of Representatives in the early morning hours of May 22, 2025.

What you’ll learn from this episode:

·       An explanation of the pass-through entity tax (PTET) state and local tax (SALT) deduction

·       Some of the AICPA “wins” in the legislation

·       The top concern from a survey of members just after tax filing season

·       The definition of “fractures”

AICPA resources

2025 Tax Reform Advocacy  — AICPA tax advocacy efforts on current developments on the tax changes that Congress is considering in 2025, including the expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA).

Planning for tax changes and tax reform — CPAs need to not only brace for tax law changes such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and expiring provisions but also be proactive in planning for them.

FAQs on Tax Reform via Budget Reconciliation — Tax reform FAQs that explain the budget reconciliation process, legislative timing, key issues and practical tips for CPAs.  

Tax Section news and member FAQ — Get the latest tax news, a digest of key tax topics and commonly asked questions about resources and benefits.

This discussion with Nik Fahrer, Director and Digital Assets practice leader at Forvis Mazars, and Shehan Chandrasekera, Head of Tax Strategy at CoinTracker, centers around the complexities of digital asset tax reporting. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate tracking and reporting of digital asset transactions, the nuances of the new regulations and the need for tax practitioners to stay informed and seek expert assistance.

What you’ll learn from this episode:  

• Current tax reporting regime for Form-DA, Digital Asset Proceeds From Broker Transactions.
• The distinctions between custodial and non-custodial brokers
• Anticipated compliance challenges due to the complexity of digital asset transactions.
• The importance of accurate tracking of digital asset transactions and cost basis, including why using software is a good idea.

AICPA resources

Digital assets and virtual currency tax guidance and resources — Sharpen your tax knowledge on digital asset and understand the tax complexities and strategies involved with virtual currency and cryptocurrency.

Demystifying IRS guidance on digital assets | Tax Section Odyssey — This podcast episode from October 2024 discusses the details of IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-28.

Other resources

Final Regulations 2024-07-09 — Guidance on gross proceeds and basis reporting by brokers and determination of amount realized and basis for digital asset transactions.

Rev. Proc. 2024-28 — Guidance to allocate basis in digital assets to wallets or accounts as of Jan. 1, 2025.

On this episode, Steve Wrappe, a National Technical Leader of transfer pricing at Grant Thorton and Reema Patel, a Senior Manager on the AICPA’s Tax Policy & Advocacy team, discuss the intersection of tariffs and tax. The conversation covers the basics of tariffs, their implications for US-based businesses and how tariffs interact with transfer pricing and inventory valuation. The guests also share practical advice for mitigating costs associated with tariffs and discuss the importance of careful planning and strategic decision-making in the current landscape.

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• Basics of tariffs, including how they apply and are collected
• The interaction between tariffs and transfer pricing
• The impact of tariffs on inventory valuation methods
• Practical advice for mitigating costs related to tariffs 

AICPA resources

International Taxation Resource Hub — Stay current on international taxation with the latest advocacy efforts, guidance and tools available in this AICPA & CIMA reference library.

Five actions finance teams can take on tariffs, AICPA & CIMA, April 11, 2025

Breaking down the reasons for a decline in economic sentiment, Journal of Accountancy podcast, March 11, 2025  

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

On this episode uncover the latest updates related to disaster tax relief with the “Master of Disaster” Jerry Schreiber, CPA, and Brandon Nishnick, Manager, Tax Practice & Ethics —  AICPA & CIMA. Hear valuable insights and practical advice for tax practitioners who are dealing with disaster-related tax issues. 

What you’ll learn from this episode:  •    The latest legislation related to tax disaster relief •    What’s considered a “qualified disaster” for tax purposes  •    Practical considerations around filing extensions for tax returns postponed due to disasters •    State disaster tax relief resources available •    How to obtain disaster relief when records are located in a disaster area

AICPA resources

Disaster Relief Resource Center — Preparing for disasters beforehand, deciphering tax relief opportunities and accessing resources during the recovery process help to protect personal and business assets. In the event of a disaster, AICPA & CIMA are here to help and provide resources to help you get on the road to personal and financial recovery.

State Disaster Tax Relief Guide — There is inconsistency in the tax relief states offer following federally declared disasters. This resource serves as a guide to reduce confusion.

IRS resources

IR-2025-41 — IRS reminder: Disaster victims in twelve states have automatic extensions to file and pay their 2024 taxes.

Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts — This IRS publication explains the tax treatment of casualties, thefts and losses on deposits.

Other resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) — Bookmark the FEMA website for FEMA responses to all declared domestic disasters and emergencies, whether natural or man-made. 

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.

On this episode (an updated version of the previous episode ERC updates & deadlines) Chris Wittich, MBT, CPA, Partner — Boyum Barenscheer, discusses the latest updates on the employee retention credit (ERC) as the five-year anniversary of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, P.L. 116-136, approaches. He emphasizes the upcoming deadline for submitting 2021 ERC claims by April 15, 2025.

Also covered is the latest guidance from the IRS on how to handle income tax returns for ERC claims, the challenges faced by clients related to slow IRS ERC claim processing and tips for addressing claim denial letters.

What you’ll learn from this episode: 

• Reminder of the upcoming April 15 deadline to submit ERC claims
• What the updated IRS FAQs say about reflecting salary deductions for claims and denials
• What to tell your clients about processing times for current ERC claims
• Different types of IRS correspondence that are being received related to ERC claims 

AICPA resources

Employee retention credit guidance and resources — A library for comprehensive guidance, essential tools and the latest news on the ERC.

IRS FAQs about the Employee Retention Credit — On March 20, the IRS provided updated FAQs on income tax and ERC.

Traction with the Tiger — Hosted by Chris Wittich, Traction with the Tiger is a podcast series for staying ahead in accounting, business and beyond. Chris covers hot topics, shares key business tips and welcomes engaging guests to provide expert insights, inspiration and actionable advice.

Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section Odyssey podcast includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.

This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The Tax Section is your go-to home base for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you’re not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You’ll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.