Even in a field known for its deadlines and routines, some weeks feel especially busy. New federal guidance is turning major laws into practical rules, platforms are making accounting and payments more connected, and the market is still figuring out what “AI-powered” really means for trust, service, and client expectations. Here’s what’s shaping the conversation right now.
In episode 159 of The Woodard Report Podcast, Heather Satterley chats with Amanda Aguillard, COO at Padgett, about what it takes to build a firm that can grow without becoming dependent on the owner for every decision. The conversation covers the operational realities behind sustainable growth (technology decisions, pricing, capacity planning and building enterprise value) along with a forward-looking discussion of consolidation, AI and why the “human factor” remains central. Listen now…
Clear communication is a practice management tool as much as it is a client service skill. This February 26 training focuses on a research-anchored approach to making complex ideas easier to understand and act on, including reducing cognitive load, using simple visuals and structuring information so the next step is unmistakable. This information is useful for everything from proposals and advisory deliverables to internal training and workflow documentation. Register now…
Woodard is hosting an interactive exploratory meeting focused on helping firm owners break through common scaling hurdles as they grow. The session will cover how Woodard’s Practice Advancement Program supports accountants, bookkeepers and business advisors who are wearing too many hats, working to standardize processes and aiming to grow while protecting profitability. The meeting takes place Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 12:00–1:00 PM Eastern. Register now…
Intuit announced a campaign positioned around reducing friction between taxpayers and “trusted financial expertise,” pairing AI-driven automation with local, in-person expert support. The release highlights an expanded network of expert offices and “stores,” along with a limited-time Uber ride offer (up to $25) to participating locations and promotional flat-fee pricing for Expert Full Service when filing by March 18, 2026 for certain filers. For practitioners, it’s another reminder that consumer tax experiences are increasingly focused on convenience, which raises expectations for firms to clearly differentiate themselves through planning, accountability, and ongoing advice. Read more…
Xero has introduced online bill payments that combine Xero’s accounting platform workflow with Melio’s payment processing. The practical value for many client accounting services teams is straightforward: fewer logins and fewer disconnected steps between AP and the ledger can improve cash-flow visibility and reduce rework, especially when firms are standardizing payables processes across multiple clients. Read more…
Treasury and the IRS issued Notice 2026-15 to help taxpayers determine whether certain clean electricity credits (Sections 45Y and 48E) and the advanced manufacturing production credit (Section 45X) may be impacted by “material assistance” from a prohibited foreign entity. The notice addresses how taxpayers may calculate the material assistance cost ratio, outlines interim safe harbors, and notes that Treasury and the IRS intend to propose regulations and further guidance, including new safe harbor tables. The notice requests comments within 45 days of publication. Read more…
In Notice 2026-16, Treasury and the IRS provided interim guidance tied to a provision allowing taxpayers to elect depreciation deductions up to 100% of the unadjusted depreciable basis of qualified production property placed in service during a taxable year. The release summarizes what counts as qualified production property and defines qualified production activities. The special allowance applies only to qualifying property placed in service after July 4, 2025 and before January 1, 2031, and taxpayers may rely on the notice until proposed regulations are issued. The notice requests comments within 60 days. Read more…
The IRS announced an expansion of Tax Pro Account to support tax professionals working within firms and other organizations, introducing business-level features allowing a designated representative to manage a practice’s Centralized Authorization File (CAF) digitally. The update is intended to help organizations serving larger numbers of taxpayers manage authorizations more efficiently and reduce paper-based processes, while establishing a foundation for future enhancements. Read more…
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize sweeping, unilateral tariffs, a decision with practical implications for importers and any clients with supply-chain exposure. For accounting and advisory teams, the ruling may drive questions around cash flow, pricing and the potential timing and mechanics of refund claims for tariffs already paid, depending on how agencies implement the decision and how related litigation proceeds. Read more…
UHY acquired CMJ, expanding UHY’s presence in New York State and adding CMJ specialties in construction and financial services. It’s reported that CMJ’s founders will join UHY as partners and CMJ staff will join the UHY team, reflecting the ongoing pattern of firms combining local market strength with broader platform capabilities. Read more…
Platform Accounting Group acquired Smeriglio Associates, a Greenwich, Connecticut firm serving clients across Connecticut and New York. The article notes Platform’s continued growth footprint and positions the deal within a broader consolidation trend where firms seek access to shared resources, broader advisory networks and operational leverage while maintaining local relationships. Read more…
A survey highlighted that a majority of respondents do not trust AI to prepare taxes, with only about 37% of Americans saying they would consider using AI to file this year over hiring a tax professional (down from 43% in 2025). While younger respondents showed more openness to AI, the broader takeaway for firms is consistent: automation may reduce friction, but trust is still tied to accountability, context and the ability to translate complexity into clear decisions, particularly when the perceived cost of a mistake is high. Read more…
These updates show that the profession is working on two fronts: turning new rules into practical steps and adjusting to changing platform strategies and client demands for speed and certainty. Practices that stay informed and make thoughtful choices about workflows, vendor partnerships, and communication will be ready to lead during this transition. We’ll be back next week with more updates on the forces shaping the profession.
This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.