In the News – March 9, 2026

This week’s updates show the profession continuing to shift on familiar fronts. The IRS is making changes that affect how practitioners work with the agency and manage newer reporting requirements. AI is also moving from experimentation into more deliberate planning inside firms, including how services are priced and delivered. For many firms, this is another nudge to stay current on regulatory updates, adopt technology with intention, and keep client communication clear.

What’s Happening at Woodard

AI Fluency, Pricing Strategy, and Accounting’s Future (The Woodard Report Podcast)

A recent episode of The Woodard Report Podcast explores how artificial intelligence is influencing pricing strategy and the future structure of accounting services. The discussion examines why firms that develop AI fluency may be better positioned to adapt their pricing models and service offerings. Rather than viewing AI solely as a cost-saving automation tool, the episode encourages accounting professionals to consider how AI can enable new advisory services and strategic insights for clients. Read more…

You Are Probably Not as Clear as You Think (The Woodard Report)

Communication remains one of the most critical yet overlooked skills in professional services. This Woodard Report article examines how professionals often assume their message is clearer than it actually is to clients or team members. It highlights the importance of intentional communication, structured explanations, and confirming shared understanding when discussing financial information or strategic recommendations. Read more…

AI Readiness Gap Widens as Practices Navigate Change (The Woodard Report)

A recent analysis highlights a widening gap between accounting practices that have begun developing structured AI strategies and those still experimenting with tools informally. The article suggests that readiness involves more than adopting software. It requires policy development, data governance, and workforce training. Read more…

IRS Updates

2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum Registration Is Now Open (IRS)

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that registration is open for the 2026 IRS Nationwide Tax Forum, a series of in-person conferences designed for tax professionals. The forums provide continuing education opportunities, updates on tax law changes, and direct access to IRS subject matter experts. Read more…

Treasury and IRS Propose Rules to Support Electronic Delivery of Form 1099-DA (IRS)

Treasury and the IRS proposed an optional process for digital asset brokers to deliver Form 1099-DA electronically with streamlined consent, as long as brokers provide stronger notices and ongoing access to the statements. If finalized, it could apply to statements furnished on or after January 1, 2027. Read more…

IRS Plans Extended Hours at Taxpayer Assistance Centers During Tax Season (Accounting Today)

The IRS said it will extend weekday hours at select Taxpayer Assistance Centers through April 30 and open many locations on some Saturdays through June 2026, citing expected higher demand for in person help this filing season, including questions tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Taxpayers can check participating sites and current schedules using the TAC Locator on IRS.gov, and the agency noted availability can change. Read more…

Regulation & Policy

AICPA Recommends Expansion of First-Time Abatement Program (AICPA & CIMA)

The AICPA asked the IRS to expand First Time Abatement to cover more penalty types, including certain information return penalties, and to refine how relief is applied so taxpayers can reverse an automatic abatement when they have reasonable cause and save the one time relief for later. The group also urged steps to reduce complexity and improve awareness of the program. Read more…

All of this is another sign that the profession is moving through a modernization phase that is showing up in everyday work. Regulators are updating taxpayer services and rules for newer areas like digital assets, professional organizations are pushing for tax administration that works better in practice, and the pace of AI investment keeps rising across firms and vendors. Staying close to these shifts helps practitioners support clients with more confidence and make smarter decisions about how they deliver work in a more technology driven economy.

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