In the News: August 21, 2026

This week’s In the News includes new IRS guidance, security reminders, technology updates, and more. A new episode of The Woodard Report Podcast is live, with Joe Woodard and Heather Day discussing the evolution of AI. We’re also sharing new Woodard Report articles with practical ideas for building a sales tax service line and creating a better tax season process.

What’s happening at Woodard

Surviving or Thriving? The Future of Accounting in an AI-Driven Profession (The Woodard Report Podcast)

In episode 185 of The Woodard Report podcast, Joe Woodard and Heather Day discuss BOI updates, firm acquisitions, new NASBA CPE regulations, and the five hypotheses on the evolution of AI. Joe and Heather also have an honest discussion about how much perception matters and the concept of living your fullest life by embracing risk and change. Read more...

Building a Sales Tax Service Line Without Adding Headcount (The Woodard Report)

Ryan Le explains how accounting practices can build a sales tax service line without immediately adding a dedicated specialist. This article focuses on creating a clear workflow, assigning ownership, using automation for repetitive work, and reserving more complex decisions for experienced team members. Read more...

How a Better Process Moved Clients Ahead of the Tax Deadline (The Woodard Report)

Vicki Henry shares how redesigning the tax season client experience helped move more clients ahead of the filing deadline. She details how clear timelines, consistent communication, defined boundaries, and several smaller reminders increased early document submissions and reduced follow-up calls and long workweeks. Read more...

IRS updates

IRS Updates FAQs About the Limitation on the Deduction for Business Interest Expense (IRS)

The IRS updated its frequently asked questions on the limitation for deducting business interest expense. The revised guidance is included in Fact Sheet 2026-14 and replaces the version issued in December 2025. Read more...

IRS, Security Summit Remind Tax Pros They Need a Written Information Security Plan to Protect Client Data (IRS)

The IRS and Security Summit are reminding tax and accounting professionals that federal law requires a Written Information Security Plan to protect client information. Practices should regularly review, test, and update the plan as operations, technology, and security risks change. Read more...

IRS Regs Would Block Certain Immigrants From Claiming Refundable Tax Credits (CPA Practice Advisor)

Proposed Treasury and IRS regulations would clarify eligibility for the refundable portions of four individual income tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. Under the proposal, taxpayers would need to be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or qualified aliens when filing the return that first claims the affected credit. Read more...

Tax and technology updates

The IRS Just Made the Phone Call Obsolete. What Business Tax Account 2.0 Means for Your Workflow. (Insightful Accountant)

Recent updates to the IRS Business Tax Account give eligible businesses access to more notices, EIN verification letters, payment options, and other account details online. The expanded capabilities may give accounting practices more opportunities to handle routine IRS matters digitally instead of relying on phone calls or paper requests. Read more...

Thomson Reuters’ SafeSend & Remitian Integrate AI-Powered Tax Payments (Insightful Accountant)

Remitian is integrating its tax payment technology with Thomson Reuters SafeSend, creating a more connected process from tax preparation through payment. This will provide firms and their clients one place to review what is owed, authorize payment, and confirm it cleared across federal, state, and local authorities. Read more...

Workplace and productivity

Want to Be More Productive, Creative, and Focused? Oddly Enough, Science Says the Key Is to Take More Microbreaks (Inc.)

Certain types of short breaks during the workday may help improve focus, creativity, and overall performance. Research highlighted by Inc. suggests stepping away for several minutes can help people return to a task with renewed attention and may be especially helpful when creative thinking or problem-solving is needed. Read more...

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