This week’s In the News includes IRS filing changes, new tax professional tools, accounting technology updates, and more. We’re also sharing a new The Woodard Report Podcast episode on trust and accountability, along with articles on planning for 2027 growth and choosing technology for Amazon accounting.
What’s happening at Woodard
The Human Advantage: Why Trust and Accountability Matter (The Woodard Report Podcast)
In episode 196 of The Woodard Report Podcast, Heather Day is joined by Kenji Kuramoto to discuss the evolution of CAS, the impact of AI on accounting work, and the continuing importance of accountability and client relationships. Their conversation looks at why trust and professional judgment may become even more valuable as technology handles more of the work traditionally performed by people. Read more...
How to Build Your 2027 Accounting Firm Growth Plan (The Woodard Report)
Micky Deming outlines a seven-part framework for building a practical growth plan for 2027. The article covers choosing ideal clients, setting aside resources for growth, learning from existing clients, improving referrals, preparing for AI-driven search, and planning marketing activities before busy season begins. Read more...
Choosing the Right Tools for Amazon Accounting (The Woodard Report)
Rachel Dauchy looks at the technology needed to manage accounting for Amazon sellers, including tools for sales data, inventory, cost of goods sold, and reconciliation. She also explains why adding more applications is not always the answer and why practices should build a technology stack around each client’s actual needs. Read more...
IRS and tax updates
IRS to Extinguish FIRE Next Week (Accounting Today)
The IRS will stop accepting information returns through its Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system on November 19 as it completes the transition to the Information Returns Intake System (IRIS). Read more...
IRS Expands Tax Pro Account to Allow Business Client Payments (CPA Practice Advisor)
The IRS expanded Tax Pro Account to allow authorized tax professionals to make certain payments on behalf of business clients. The change gives tax professionals another way to handle routine client payment activity through the IRS’s online services. Read more...
IRS Offers Continuing Education Credits Via Nationwide Tax Forum Online Seminars (CPA Practice Advisor)
The IRS has made seminars from its 2026 Nationwide Tax Forum available online, giving tax professionals another option for earning continuing education credits. The courses address tax law, IRS procedures, professional responsibilities, compliance, security, and other topics relevant to the upcoming filing season. Read more...
Paychex Announces Tax Penalty Protection Service (CPA Practice Advisor)
Paychex introduced a Tax Penalty Protection Service designed to assist businesses with eligible payroll tax issues. The service gives customers additional support when addressing payroll tax penalties and related compliance matters. Read more...
Technology updates
Digits Introduces Budgets - Tracking Actual vs. Budget Functionality (Insightful Accountant)
Digits introduced new budgeting functionality that allows users to compare actual financial results with budgeted amounts. The feature gives businesses and accounting professionals another way to monitor performance and identify variances as financial information changes. Read more...
Canopy Coworker AI System Now Available to All Firms (CPA Practice Advisor)
Canopy expanded access to Coworker, its AI system for accounting practices. The tool is designed to assist with operational tasks such as identifying missing information, following up on work, reviewing practice data, and helping teams manage workflows across their client base. Read more...
Net at Work Acquires K&R Consulting, Grows Acumatica and Sage Presence (Accounting Today)
Technology consultancy Net at Work acquired K&R Consulting Group, a provider of Sage and Acumatica enterprise resource planning solutions. K&R employees will join Net at Work and continue serving existing clients, while the acquisition expands Net at Work’s presence in the ERP market. Read more...
Professional development and advisory
Tax Retreat Announces Minneapolis as 2027 Host City, Opens Registration (Tax Retreat)
Registration is open for Tax Retreat 2027, scheduled for July 28–31, 2027 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot, in Minneapolis. The event describes itself as an accounting industry “anti-conference,” with an emphasis on collaborative learning, networking, informal activities, and building relationships across the tax and accounting community. Read more...
Relay’s Updated Banking Partner Certification (Relay)
Relay updated its Banking Partner Certification for accountants and bookkeepers who want to incorporate banking conversations into their advisory work. The approximately one-hour program covers evaluating banking platforms, discussing banking with clients, identifying cash flow concerns, and using banking as part of broader client advisory services. Read more...
This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.
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