In the News: April 20, 2026

Tax season may be behind us, but the profession is not slowing down. This week’s headlines reflect the next phase of the cycle: firm recovery, platform updates, regulatory developments, and a growing focus on how AI and human judgment will work together in practice. Here’s what accounting professionals should have on their radar.

What’s Happening at Woodard

Scaling New Heights 2026 Highlights Socials and Special Events (The Woodard Report)

Scaling New Heights 2026 is shaping up to be more than a conference agenda. This new article highlights the week’s social lineup, including the Build A Bike charity event, new attendee orientation, member gatherings, and the larger conference social experience. For attendees heading to Orlando in June, it is a helpful preview of the relationship building and community moments happening outside the formal sessions. Read more… 

AI Agents, Human Judgment, and the Future of Work (The Woodard Report Podcast)

In episode 167 of The Woodard Report Podcast, Joe Woodard and Heather Satterley discuss the accelerating pace of AI, the rise of AI managers, and what these developments mean for accounting firms. The conversation ties current AI announcements to the bigger question of how firms should blend automation with human decision making rather than treating them as opposing forces. Read more… 

FREE WEBINAR: The Delegation Dilemma: A Framework to Build Team Autonomy (Woodard)

This upcoming Woodard webinar on April 23 focuses on one of the biggest barriers to sustainable firm growth: overdependence on the owner. This session will explore how better delegation, clearer decision boundaries, stronger documentation, and practical frameworks can help practices build team confidence and support smoother operations, easier transitions, and stronger growth. Register now… 

IRS & Regulatory Updates

IRS launches online tool to help taxpayers manage tax debt (Journal of Accountancy)

The IRS has rolled out a new online Tax Debt Help tool designed to walk individuals and businesses through payment and resolution options after filing season. The digital tool asks a series of simple questions, does not require personally identifiable information, and can guide users toward options such as payment plans, temporary collection delays, or offers in compromise. It is another sign of the IRS’s continued push toward more user friendly digital services. Read more… 

IRS issues final list of tip professions for OB3 (Intuit Tax Pro Center)

The IRS has finalized the list of occupations eligible for the OB3 tips deduction and expanded it to include visual artists, floral designers, and gas pump attendants. The article also clarifies what counts as a qualified tip, noting that tips must be voluntary, paid in cash or a cash equivalent, and properly reported on forms such as W 2, 1099 NEC, 1099 K, 1099 MISC, or Form 4137. This is an important update for firms serving clients in tipped industries and for self-employed workers who may qualify. Read more… 

Lancaster mother, son duo charged with filing 'entirely fabricated' tax prep documents (The Dallas Morning News)

Federal prosecutors have charged a mother and son tax preparation team from the Dallas/Fort Worth area with filing allegedly fabricated tax documents to generate refunds. While the case is extreme, it is another reminder of the reputational damage and legal exposure that come from weak controls, poor ethics, and nonexistent review standards in tax preparation. Read more… 

Technology & Practice Tools

QuickBooks Monday Minute: Annual QuickBooks ProAdvisor Recertification Starts April 28, 2026 (Insightful Accountant)

Annual QuickBooks ProAdvisor recertification begins April 28 and runs through June 30, 2026. For firms that rely on certification status as part of their credibility and client service model, this is an important reminder to plan time for team completion before summer gets busy. Read more… 

This week’s updates make it clear that post-tax season is not just about recovery. It is also about recalibration. From AI strategy and better delegation to debt resolution tools and certification deadlines, this is the time to strengthen systems before the next rush begins.

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