Roger and Annie lay out what tax pros should tackle between the October 15 extension deadline and next tax season, from IRS online accounts, WISP updates, and adding a second principal to your EFIN to pricing, hiring, and letting go of problem clients. They also cover what changes for year-end 2026 information returns, including the retirement of the FIRE system in favor of IRIS, higher 1099-NEC and 1099-K thresholds, and new W-2 codes for tips and overtime with no transition relief this time. Plus, an update on the Taxpayer Assistance and Service (TAS) Act, which passed the Senate and now needs the House to act before this Congress ends.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome Back Annie
• (02:22) - Online IRS Accounts
• (06:50) - WISP Cybersecurity Refresh
• (10:16) - PTIN Renewal Checklist
• (11:19) - EFIN Backup Principal
• (14:12) - Pricing Hiring Client Cleanup
• (19:26) - Appointment Scheduling Tools
• (22:04) - Year End Payroll Filing Prep
• (25:05) - 1099 Threshold Changes
• (25:44) - Missing 1099s Compliance
• (27:22) - 1099-K Threshold Reset
• (29:07) - W-2 Tips Overtime Codes
• (32:55) - Year-End Tax Payment Moves
• (34:44) - Fix Books Before Busy Season
• (36:48) - W-4 Adjustments And Fees
• (38:34) - Organizers Process And Software
• (41:19) - No Paper Checks Banking Info
• (44:22) - Trump Accounts And New Forms
• (45:12) - TAS Act And Congress Clock
• (47:34) - College Sports Bill Update
• (48:45) - Election Outlook And Wrap-Up
• (50:11) - Final Thanks And Next Guests

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger Harris is joined by Amanda Aguillard, COO of Padgett, to share what they heard from accounting firm owners on this summer's IRS and association conference tour: owners are tapped out and don't know where to start. Amanda walks through Padgett's right-sizing framework (the right work, for the right clients, at the right price, with the right staff). She covers why a "simple" $1,000 business return can hide $7,000 to $8,000 of unbilled cleanup, how to grade every client A through F, and why fewer than 10% of clients walk away from a price increase. With next tax season approaching, she argues that pricing is the one fix that makes everything else possible, from hiring to advisory work.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Link to Resource
https://www.padgettadvisors.com/join/the-rightsizing-playbook/

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro
• (02:29) - Amanda’s Career Journey
• (05:08) - Conference Pain Points
• (06:20) - Right Sizing Framework
• (11:09) - CEO Mindset Shift
• (14:01) - The Hidden Work Trap
• (19:41) - Advisory Capacity Opportunity
• (22:09) - Client Census and Grading
• (25:59) - Pricing Fears and Reality
• (29:25) - Emotionless Pricing Mindset
• (30:25) - Exceptions Not Strategy
• (31:22) - Drop The Guilt
• (33:10) - Objective Pricing Framework
• (34:07) - Complexity Risk Value
• (36:43) - Profitability Benchmarks
• (39:02) - Pricing Enables Hiring
• (43:50) - Case Study Cutting 1040s
• (46:27) - Raise Fees Now
• (47:42) - Clients Accept Increases
• (51:15) - Rip The Band Aid
• (52:57) - Pricing Beats Tech
• (55:42) - Wrap Up Resources

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger and Annie tackle a topic they've never covered before: the tax issues that come with aging, for clients and preparers alike. They break down the new senior deduction, Social Security claiming strategies across the 62/67/70 timeline, IRMAA appeals, RMD rules, and when long-term care costs are actually deductible. They close with a cautionary tale about gifting appreciated property too early and the recordkeeping every family should have in place before it's needed.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome and Forum Travel
• (00:59) - Listener Shoutouts and Podcast Origins
• (02:21) - Tax Talk Today Inspiration
• (04:23) - Senior Deductions and Filing Thresholds
• (07:51) - Social Security Tax Basics
• (08:48) - When to Claim Social Security
• (15:48) - Solvency Fears and Policy Fixes
• (20:21) - Medicare Premiums and IRMAA Appeals
• (22:29) - Retirement Plans and Inherited IRAs
• (24:57) - RMD Rules and Planning Ideas
• (27:29) - Long Term Care and Medical Deductions
• (28:25) - Senior Living Deductions
• (29:12) - Chronically Ill Criteria
• (30:35) - Spouses Insurance Statements
• (32:21) - Meals Fees Itemizing
• (34:38) - Facility Records Due Diligence
• (36:26) - Gifts vs Inheritance Basics
• (37:57) - Basis Step Up Valuations
• (41:43) - Estate Returns Advisory
• (43:32) - Gifting Appreciated Property
• (43:57) - Lake House Cautionary Tale
• (48:04) - Client Records Planning
• (51:01) - Bank Red Tape Death Certificates
• (54:21) - Advisor Role Wrap Up
• (55:25) - Podcast Closing Updates

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger and Annie broadcast live from the IRS Tax Forum in New Orleans, pulling four guests off the exhibit hall floor for individual segments. Larry Gray breaks down how he teaches digital assets and 1099-DA reporting to practitioners who've never touched crypto, and Alan Pinck talks through the "no tax on tips/overtime/social security/car loan interest" provisions and where AI fits into practice management. Kelly Myers (incoming NSA president) and returning guest Maggie Romanello close things out with career news and a look at how the IRS stakeholder liaison role actually works.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode
NATP (National Association of Tax Professionals)
https://www.natptax.com/

Tax Talk Today
https://www.taxtalktoday.com/

Alan Pinck's practice
https://apincktax.com/

NSA (National Society of Accountants)
https://www.nsacct.org/

IRS Stakeholder Liaison Contacts (
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/stakeholder-liaison-contacts

Chapters

• (00:00) - Live From Tax Forum
• (01:09) - Meet Larry
• (02:00) - Teaching That Sticks
• (03:11) - Hot Topics And Crypto
• (07:41) - NATP Roots And Advocacy
• (12:12) - Fighting Bad Tax Advice
• (14:47) - Larrys Forum Day And Family
• (17:12) - Meet Alan And His Session
• (21:37) - Forum Energy And Exhibit Hall
• (24:44) - Tax Talk Today Origins
• (25:30) - Discussion First Format
• (25:49) - Seven Shows Schedule
• (26:32) - CPE Packages And Clips
• (28:30) - New Orleans Plans
• (30:06) - Utah Move And Routine
• (31:51) - Alan Wrap And Tour Dates
• (32:38) - Kelly Joins
• (35:39) - Teaching And Mentoring
• (39:17) - NSA Community Benefits
• (40:37) - AI Needs Human Review
• (44:13) - Maggie New IRS Role
• (47:28) - Stakeholder Liaison Explained
• (49:53) - How To Contact Liaison
• (53:16) - Podcast Wrap Up

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger and Annie take a midyear look at how the IRS is holding up: call center struggles, a wave of CP2000, CP05, and CP14 notices, and the sudden departure of top Treasury tax official Ken Kies. They break down the new automatic penalty abatement replacing the old first-time abatement process, updates to Trump accounts, and a long list of OBBBA provisions kicking in for 2026, from the educator expense deduction to a higher 1099-K threshold. They close with practical tips for managing the fall extension crunch and a prediction on whether the TAS Act clears its Senate Finance Committee markup.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome and Catch Up
• (00:31) - Summer Tax Conference Circuit
• (04:06) - Why IRS Phones Struggle
• (06:22) - Digital Self Service Push
• (08:44) - Staffing Tech and Leadership Shift
• (12:34) - Tips and Overtime Reporting 2026
• (14:39) - Refund Notices and Paper Checks
• (16:53) - Most Common IRS Notices
• (21:05) - Trump Accounts Guidance Update
• (24:03) - Kwong Case Status and Deadlines
• (27:00) - Fall Extension Survival
• (28:43) - Client Info Deadlines
• (31:13) - Systems and Automation
• (33:07) - Midyear Client Touchpoints
• (34:00) - Advisory in AI Era
• (35:21) - Automatic Penalty Relief
• (38:00) - AEP Tradeoffs Explained
• (42:36) - Key Changes for 2026
• (45:59) - Business and Reporting Updates
• (48:50) - TAS Act Outlook
• (53:43) - Conference Plans and Farewell

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger and Annie cover a mid-year batch of tax updates: new Trump account reporting rules and gift tax relief, the tangled world of NIL taxation (including a court case over an influencer's courtside Lakers tickets and concert deductions), a new automatic penalty relief program, IRS online account updates, practitioner succession planning requirements, and fresh AI guidance for tax practice.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode

Chapters

• (00:00) - Podcast kickoff and travel
• (01:49) - Midyear tax roundup agenda
• (02:37) - Trump accounts reporting changes
• (03:40) - Gift tax safe harbor update
• (07:29) - ERC claim extension option
• (09:43) - NIL taxes and missing guidance
• (14:39) - Influencer deductions court battle
• (23:13) - Sports tax talk and big events
• (24:40) - Automatic penalty relief program
• (28:22) - Automatic Penalty Relief Concerns
• (30:06) - Tax Pro Account Benefits
• (31:56) - Online Accounts Going Mainstream
• (33:50) - Helping Clients With IDme
• (34:50) - Paper Checks and Digital Push
• (38:13) - Succession Planning Best Practices
• (43:32) - AI Guidance Under Circular 230
• (48:12) - AI Fees and Due Diligence
• (50:12) - Minimum Standards for Preparers
• (51:22) - IRS Forums and Wrap Up

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger and Annie preview Roger's upcoming NATP presentation, using ERC and the Kwong case as case studies for how firms can turn disruptive tax changes into revenue rather than just extra work. They walk through the mistakes made during ERC (delayed action, existing-clients-only focus, missed growth opportunity), the closing window on Kwong refund claims, and what firms need in place internally and externally to capitalize on the next unexpected change. The conversation closes with a candid take on AI's role in reshaping the profession, and why proactive communication, not tax return production, is where firms will keep their value.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome Back Annie
• (00:50) - Previewing The Conference Talk
• (02:46) - Clients Want Advisory
• (08:09) - AI And The Future
• (10:03) - ERC Lessons Learned
• (15:16) - Tools For Fast Changes
• (17:29) - Marketing Beyond Clients
• (26:05) - OBBA And Data Mining
• (31:14) - Invest in Tech Stack
• (32:16) - OBB Client Communication
• (34:58) - Kwong Case Refund Window
• (39:29) - Data Mining and Online Accounts
• (41:45) - Communicate Even If Referring
• (46:18) - From Awareness to Action Plan
• (48:08) - AI as Drafting Assistant
• (49:39) - Future of Advisory Work
• (53:18) - AI Judgment and Pricing
• (58:08) - Wrap Up and Next Updates

This podcast is a production of 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.

Roger Harris is solo while Annie Schwab is on sabbatical, joined by John Lipold of the IRS Office of National Public Liaison for a look at this summer's IRS Nationwide Tax Forums, including the brand-new Day Zero sessions, the return of case resolution, early-bird pricing, and the cities likely to sell out first. The episode also covers an OPR alert urging every firm to build a succession plan, the IRS appeal in the Kwong case and the July 10 refund deadline it does not extend, renewed seasonal hiring, the new Tax Professional Management Office, and the bipartisan Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act moving through the Senate.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Links mentioned in this episode
https://www.irstaxforum.com/

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome and Guest Intro
• (01:03) - What National Public Liaison Does
• (03:50) - Tax Forum Season Overview
• (05:01) - Cities Dates and Logistics
• (05:57) - What Makes Forums Different
• (10:02) - Pricing and Registration Deadlines
• (11:27) - Case Resolution and Digital Help
• (13:48) - Day Zero Practice Management
• (18:08) - Exhibit Hall and Networking Perks
• (19:52) - Sellouts and Final Forum Tips
• (23:13) - Transition to Other Updates
• (24:12) - Kwong Case Appeal and Deadlines
• (29:54) - Succession Planning OPR Alert
• (39:56) - IRS Hiring and Practitioner Office Changes
• (44:17) - Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act
• (51:01) - Wrap Up and Next Episode

This podcast is a production of 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.