In the News: May 1, 2026

This week’s updates show the profession continuing to change across both policy and technology. The IRS is offering a new option for taxpayers dealing with Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim disallowances, while accounting and finance organizations continue expanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) training, cloud capabilities, and connected spend management tools. For practitioners, the common theme is practical adaptation through better processes, clearer guidance, and more intentional use of technology.

What’s Happening at Woodard

From CAS Firm to Franchise: Decimal’s New Direction (The Woodard Report)

In this week’s The Woodard Report Podcast, Joe sits down with Matt Tait, CEO and co-founder of Decimal, to discuss the company’s shift from a client accounting services (CAS) firm to a franchise model. The episode highlights Decimal’s view that helping more firms scale may create a broader impact than serving clients directly. Read more…

Intuit Login Basics for Accounting Pros (The Woodard Report)

This article explains a common source of confusion for accounting professionals by separating login credentials from product access. It offers a practical reminder that a valid sign-in does not always mean a user has access to the correct QuickBooks or Intuit service. Read more..

PlanGuru Launches PlanGuru Analytics for Reporting and FP&A (The Woodard Report)

PlanGuru has introduced PlanGuru Analytics, a new offering aimed at improving reporting and financial planning and analysis (FP&A). The launch emphasizes dashboards, AI-driven insights, and more standardized reporting workflows for advisory-oriented practices. Read more...

IRS Updates

IRS announces new option for certain taxpayers to request more time after ERC claim disallowance (IRS)

The IRS announced a new streamlined option that allows certain taxpayers to extend the time available for the IRS and the Independent Office of Appeals to review a response to an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim disallowance. The agency said the process is intended to help taxpayers avoid refund litigation while preserving more time for administrative review. Read more...

Technology Updates

Sage Expands Partnership with AWS to Accelerate SMB Cloud Migration and AI Adoption (CPA Practice Advisor)

Sage is expanding its partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to support small and mid-sized business cloud migration and wider AI adoption. The announcement includes plans around AI-powered financial software, Sage Developer Solutions on Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, and broader access through AWS Marketplace. Read more...

AICPA and CIMA Launch AI Accelerator Skills Program to Prepare Finance Leaders for an AI Enabled Future (AICPA & CIMA)

AICPA and CIMA launched a new AI Accelerator Skills Program designed to help accounting and finance professionals build the mindset, skills, and governance frameworks needed for responsible AI adoption. The program is positioned as a response to a widening capability gap as AI use expands across the profession. Read more...

BILL Launches New Travel Offering to Help SMBs Take Control of Travel Spend (Financial IT)

BILL announced a new travel offering built into BILL Spend & Expense to bring booking, policy controls, and reconciliation into one workflow. The company said the product is intended to reduce manual work, improve visibility into travel spending, and strengthen oversight before and during employee travel. Read more...

Policy Updates

New Social Security Proposal in Congress Would Do Away with Major Benefits Cut (CPA Practice Advisor)

A new congressional proposal would eliminate the retirement earnings test that can reduce Social Security benefits for people who claim early retirement while still working. Although not an accounting-specific development, it is a notable policy item for practitioners whose clients are planning around retirement income and ongoing employment. Read more...

This week’s developments show how many moving pieces accounting professionals are balancing right now. From tax administration changes to cloud platforms, AI training, and connected financial tools, the profession continues to evolve in ways that affect both firm operations and client service.

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