In the News - April 13, 2026

With tax season wrapping up, many practice leaders are taking time to regroup, finish any last tasks, and consider what changes to make before the next busy period. This week’s headlines highlight how quickly the profession is moving with AI, rethinking licensure, and putting more focus on consolidation and platform updates.

What’s happening at Woodard

Rebuilding Your Firm After Tax Season (The Woodard Report)

This article is a practical reminder that recovery after tax season should be intentional. Instead of rushing back into business as usual, practice leaders are encouraged to assess what broke down, what drained the team, and what can be rebuilt before the next cycle begins. It's an important read for practices ready to turn post season fatigue into operational progress. Read more…

Big Moves and Mindsets in a Changing Profession (The Woodard Report Podcast)

In episode 166 of The Woodard Report podcast, we explore the profession from both a strategic and personal perspective. The discussion centers on how firm leaders can handle change with the right mindset and actions. This episode is helpful for anyone interested in growth, adapting to change, and leading effectively in a fast-paced environment. Read more…

Microsoft Leans into Accounting Profession with AI Focused Sponsorship of Scaling New Heights (The Woodard Report)

Microsoft’s sponsorship of Scaling New Heights signals just how seriously major tech players are taking the accounting channel. The article highlights Microsoft’s growing interest in AI driven transformation inside the profession and what that may mean for practitioners who are trying to stay current with the tools shaping the future of work. Read more…

Technology & AI

The Scramble Begins: Accountants Plan Big Spend on New AI Powered Tech Solutions (CPA Trendlines)

CPA Trendlines reports that more than 55% of firms plan to implement AI and 46.3% plan workflow or practice management changes after tax season, with many firms treating 2026 as a transition year. This article makes a key point: stronger firms are not just interested in technology, they are already integrating it into their workflows, while weaker firms are still testing or reacting under pressure. Read more…

Juno Raises $12M Seed to Scale AI Tax Preparation Platform that Automates 90% of Busy Work (CPA Practice Advisor)

Juno has raised $12 million in seed funding to expand its AI tax preparation platform, which is positioned as automating as much as 90% of repetitive tax prep work while still keeping a human in the loop for review and judgment. This funding reflects ongoing investor interest in tools built to reduce manual work without removing accountability. Read more…

Basis Makes Its Move: Taps Kenji Kuramoto to Close AI’s Biggest Gap (CPA Trendlines)

Basis AI has brought in Kenji Kuramoto, positioning the move as a step toward addressing one of AI’s biggest challenges in accounting: bridging the gap between automation and real-world practitioner adoption. Read more…

Update About QuickBooks Bank Feed Changes (Insightful Accountant)

This update flags changes affecting QuickBooks bank feeds, an area that touches daily workflow for many firms and clients. Even small changes here can create outsized disruption, so this is an update practitioners should not ignore. Read more…

IRS & regulatory updates

IRS Issues Final Regs on Occupations Eligible for OBBBA Tips Deduction (CPA Practice Advisor)

The IRS has issued final regulations identifying which occupations qualify for the OBBBA tips deduction. The article notes that qualified tips can be deducted when properly reported on forms such as Form W 2, Form 1099 NEC, Form 1099 K, Form 1099 MISC, or Form 4137, but only if the worker’s occupation appears on the final list. This is an important development for advisors working with clients in tipping industries. Read more…

Maryland Approves CPA Licensure Pathways Bill (Accounting Today)

Maryland lawmakers have approved House Bill 643, creating a third pathway to CPA licensure that would allow candidates to qualify with a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience, and passage of the CPA exam, while keeping the existing pathways in place. The bill now awaits Gov. Wes Moore’s signature and, if signed, will take effect Oct. 1, 2026, making Maryland the latest state to expand licensure options as the profession works to address talent pipeline challenges. Read more…

Firm news & M&A

EisnerAmper to Merge in KLG Business Valuators & Forensic Accountants (CPA Practice Advisor)

EisnerAmper says its combination with KLG will strengthen national capabilities in forensic accounting, business valuation, litigation support, and expert witness testimony. The deal also gives KLG clients access to EisnerAmper’s broader infrastructure and gives EisnerAmper additional depth in the matrimonial and commercial litigation space. Read more…

Zone & Co Acquires Sudozi (CPA Practice Advisor)

Zone & Co has acquired Sudozi, extending its reach further into procurement and vendor management as finance technology platforms continue to broaden their capabilities. Read more…

This week’s stories suggest that life after tax season is about more than catching your breath. It is also a time to step back, make adjustments, and think about what comes next. Practices are exploring AI, reworking workflows, keeping an eye on regulatory changes, and continuing to pursue growth through consolidation and specialization. Practices that use this time to assess what worked, what did not, and where they need to adjust will be better positioned for the next busy season.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.