Unreported income from prior years may trigger a Circular 230 compliance issue that forces you to end the relationship.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayIn the latest Quick Tax Tip from CPA Trendlines, tax guru Art Werner dives into a sticky — but all too familiar — scenario facing tax professionals: discovering a client’s unreported income years after the fact.Click here for more Art WernerCatch more Art Werner, Wednesday, Sept. 3, for Tax Rumors, Episode 3, with CPA Steve Yoss, and hosted by CPA Trendlines’ Rick Telberg.It begins innocently enough. A client brings in a Form 1099-K — perhaps for the first time — showing payments received through online sales platforms. The conversation reveals that this “new” activity isn’t new at all. The client has been running an internet-based side business for years, but never disclosed it to their preparer.“Now you have a Circular 230 problem,” Werner warns.

Attention CPAs and accounting pros! Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? Then it’s time to upgrade to CPA Trendlines PRO Membership—your all-access pass to premium insights, strategies, and tools designed just for YOU!See today 's best PRO  offers here.Get exclusive access – Over 10,000 articles, tools, and expert guidance—keeping you ahead of the curve in practice management, growth, and industry trends.Enjoy VIP perks – Be the first to get new content, receive special handling on orders, and unlock priority concierge service just for PRO members.Save big– In the CPA Trendlines Shop, plus deep discounts on membership plans!And here’s a bonus: New PRO members receive welcome gifts worth over $300!Stay informed – With exclusive member surveys, studies, and expert insights that help grow your firm and boost your success!More support, more value, more power for your practice!Upgrade today at CPA Trendlines and start maximizing your potential!

Equity pathways, training, and culture—not payouts—will determine which firms thrive in the P.E. era.Big 4 TransparencyBy Dominic Piscopo, CPAFor CPA TrendlinesIn an era when private equity’s arrival in public accounting has been met with suspicion, Nishaad Ruparel is reshaping the narrative. As president of Ascend, a $400+ million PE-backed platform that has quietly acquired or partnered with 17 accounting firms in just two years, Ruparel joins the Big 4 Transparency show to unpack what’s driving this wave and why it may be an interesting path forward for talent, succession, and innovation. Unlike the caricature of firms selling to PE “grabbing the bag,” Ruparel says the firm leaders choosing to join Ascend are doing it not for a quick payday, but for future growth and legacy. MORE Dominic Piscopo MORE Private Equity MORE Pay & Compensation“These firms are looking at their clients and saying, ‘I’ve served this market for 50 years - how do I keep doing that in a way that’s synonymous with excellence?’” Ruparel explains. “Then they look at their people, at their deep bench, and ask how they can secure their future. And they realize: the cost of independence is rising fast.” 

A password shorter than 15 characters makes your encryption practically meaningless.Quick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayMost professionals know that PDF files are one of the most reliable ways to share contracts, reports, and sensitive documents. But here’s a question: are your PDFs truly secure—or just locked with a flimsy password that a hacker could break in minutes?MORE Steve Yoss here | MORE TECHDid you know you can set not one but two passwords on a PDF? One encrypts the document, preventing unauthorized access, while another restricts editing or modification. Together, these measures give you control over who can read and who can alter your files.

Double revenue with a smaller team and a healthier culture. The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrAfter 26 years in accounting, multiple gigs emceeing accounting conferences, and coaching a college softball team, Dawn Brolin knows a thing or two about leadership. “Empathy is, to me, the number one characteristic that a leader should follow,” she told Liz Farr in her second appearance on The Disruptors.  CPA TRENDLINES CELEBRATES:The 100th Episode of The DisruptorsMORE STREAMING: Gertrudes: How EOS & “Unreasonable Hospitality” Reshaped GrowthLab | Vilms: The Power of People in a Tech-Driven World | Dickerson: From Diagnosis to Disruption | Kapilovich: Treat People Like People | Martha Yasso: From Wall Street to Main Street | Jackie Meyer: Tax Plans in 90 Seconds? Believe It | Erica Goode: Build a $200K Firm in 15hrs/Week | In her new book, "The Elevation of Empathy: Leading for the W.I.N.," Brolin delves into empathy as a key superpower for accountants. However, many accounting firms have prized other qualities, resulting in what Brolin calls “appointed leaders” versus true leaders. “You could be appointed a leader because of a skill or the amount of revenue you bring in. That doesn’t mean you are one,” she explains. The distinction is crucial – being placed in a leadership position doesn't automatically confer the emotional intelligence and people skills necessary to guide others effectively. 

From business owners to high-net-worth individuals, OBBB affects every income tier—and tax advisors are urged to act now.The Concierge CPAWith Jackie MeyerFor CPA TrendlinesIn the latest episode of The Concierge CPA, Jackie Meyer, a nationally recognized tax strategist, and Dave Lukas, CEO of TaxPlanIQ, walk through the most significant provisions of the new law. The hosts emphasize that while the changes add complexity, they also create what Meyer calls “a once-in-a-generation opportunity for accountants to step up as trusted advisors.”More Jackie MeyerOne of the biggest wins for business owners is the permanent return of 100% bonus depreciation. Companies can immediately expense the full cost of qualifying assets—including used property—placed in service after Jan. 19, 2025. “Timing matters more than ever,” Meyer stresses, urging CPAs to model scenarios carefully to avoid unintended consequences with Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductions.

Attention CPAs and accounting pros! Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? Then it’s time to upgrade to CPA Trendlines PRO Membership—your all-access pass to premium insights, strategies, and tools designed just for YOU!See today 's best PRO  offers here.Get exclusive access – Over 10,000 articles, tools, and expert guidance—keeping you ahead of the curve in practice management, growth, and industry trends.Enjoy VIP perks – Be the first to get new content, receive special handling on orders, and unlock priority concierge service just for PRO members.Save big– In the CPA Trendlines Shop, plus deep discounts on membership plans!And here’s a bonus: New PRO members receive welcome gifts worth over $300!Stay informed – With exclusive member surveys, studies, and expert insights that help grow your firm and boost your success!More support, more value, more power for your practice!Upgrade today at CPA Trendlines and start maximizing your potential!

Connect emotionally with top talent through real experiences.Sponsored by Small Office / Home Office Cyber Security Protection for Accountants. Learn more here Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA TrendlinesIn the latest episode of Gear Up for Growth, powered by CPA Trendlines, Jean Caragher, president of Capstone Marketing, speaks with Karen Waga, chief marketing officer of WilkinGuttenplan CPAs & Advisors, about the firm’s award-winning recruiting campaign, which resonated deeply with job seekers, employees, and peers across the profession.Waga says the campaign was built entirely on real employee experiences and candid storytelling, leveraging the firm’s flexible, people-first culture. The campaign offered a compelling and authentic view of life at WilkinGuttenplan from summer Fridays to paternity leave and personal caregiving.See full episode notes here551_GUFG Ep 38

In this episode of Student-led Conversations, accounting leaders and emerging pros share how staying open can change everything.Accounting ARCWith Arpan Grewal and Harshita MultaniCenter for Accounting TransformationIn an era where the definition of success is increasingly personal, a recent Student-led Conversations episode of the Accounting ARC podcast brought together two Gen Z hosts and two seasoned accounting leaders to unpack a deceptively simple question: What does “freedom to be” really mean?MORE Accounting ARC: Students Challenge Accounting's Traditional Career Path | True Grit: Recognizing Struggles That Shape Our Successes | More Admins, Fewer Students, No Plan | What Career Advice Gets Wrong for Gen Z - And How to Fix It |Your Identity is Not a Liability | What Happens in Vegas… Gets Reported on a Tax Return | Burnout, Be Gone: Accounting Needs a Boundary Breakthrough | The Ultimate Business Hack You’re Probably Ignoring | Resilience, Real Talk, and the Road to Mental Wellness | Blockchain Could Still Reshape Accounting | What Gen Z Wants from Business | Firm Differentiation Depends Upon Client ServiceFor hosts Arpan Grewal and Harshita Multani, both interns with the Center for Accounting Transformation, this wasn’t about GPAs or résumés. Instead, they explored how independence, cultural influences, and resilience intersect in the personal and professional lives of accountants.Joining them were Kristine “Tina” Caratan, CPA, CGMA, a veteran consultant to California’s nonprofit sector with 51 years in the profession, and Calvin Harris Jr., CPA, CEO of the New York State Society of CPAs. The discussion spanned immigrant family expectations, systemic barriers, generational shifts, and even the unexpected role of TikTok in modern accounting outreach.

Progressive tax changes could reshape the charitable giving landscape.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayPrivate foundations may soon find themselves writing bigger checks to the IRS. In the latest Quick Tax Tip podcast, tax expert Art Werner explains a key provision of the OBBBA that increases the tax rate on net investment income for certain private foundations under section 4940(a).Click here for more Art WernerCatch more Art Werner, Wednesday, Sept. 3, for Tax Rumors, Episode 3, with CPA Steve Yoss, and hosted by CPA Trendlines’ Rick Telberg.“It’s a progressive tax now for the larger foundations,” Werner says, noting that while many foundations are set up for truly noble purposes—think the Red Cross or the Boy Scouts—the government is tightening the rules to ensure fairness and accountability.

Acquisition isn’t assimilation—it’s alignment.Big 4 TransparencyBy Dominic Piscopo, CPAFor CPA TrendlinesOn the latest episode of The Big 4 Transparency Podcast, Marcus Dillon, founder and president of Dillon Business Advisors, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the art of accounting firm acquisitions and what happens after the deal closes. Having completed 15 M&A transactions, Dillon has quietly built a hybrid growth model that blends strategic purchasing with equally strategic divestitures, helping him scale while staying lean and focused.  MORE Dominic PiscopoMORE M&AMORE CASDillon’s approach flips conventional acquisition thinking on its head. Rather than simply absorbing the full book of business, Dillon’s team audits each client against their firm’s service model and values, and often sells off the clients who don’t fit. “We apply the 80/20 rule early in the due diligence phase,” he explains. “Twenty percent of the clients typically generate 80 percent of the revenue, and the rest are often where the frustration lies.” That filtering strategy, he says, allows for faster onboarding, better client service, and less internal chaos. Dillon, however, isn’t targeting mega-firms or private equity roll-ups. Instead, he’s finding opportunity in smaller legacy firms, often with outdated systems and annual-only service models. But that doesn’t bother him. “It’s like a box break,” he says, referencing the trading card phenomenon. “You buy the box, open it up, and see what value you can extract and grow.” His most recent acquisition, closed just days before tax season, brought in $600K in annual revenue and positioned the firm to grow past $4 million in 2025. 

Free and powerful PDF tools are hiding in plain sight. Here’s how to find them.Quick Tech TalkWith Steve YossCPE TodayWhen you think about Portable Document Format (PDF) files, there’s a good chance Adobe Acrobat comes to mind first. But here’s something most people don’t realize: PDFs aren’t an Adobe-owned format anymore—they’re an ISO standard for digital paper. That means anyone can use, create, and manage them without paying for an Adobe subscription.MORE Steve Yoss here | MORE TECHAnd the options go far beyond the familiar. Whether you’re creating workpapers for clients, sharing contracts with staff, or archiving important documents, there’s an entire toolbox of PDF solutions—many of them free—that can get the job done just as well as premium software.

Applying entrepreneurial principles and embracing a culture of extraordinary service, this finance firm is breaking the mold.The DisruptorsWith Liz FarrDan Gertrudes doesn’t consider himself an accountant, though he admits, “I’m pretty good at it. I’ve taught it at Brown University.” After more than a decade working in finance in large corporations, Gertrudes began his journey as a firm owner via entrepreneurship through acquisition, or ETA, when he bought a firm in 2014 from a retiring owner.  CPA TRENDLINES CELEBRATES:The 100th Episode of The DisruptorsMORE STREAMING: Vilms: The Power of People in a Tech-Driven World | Dickerson: From Diagnosis to Disruption | Kapilovich: Treat People Like People | Martha Yasso: From Wall Street to Main Street | Jackie Meyer: Tax Plans in 90 Seconds? Believe It | Erica Goode: Build a $200K Firm in 15hrs/Week Gertrudes positions his firm, GrowthLab, as finance-as-a-service, which means his clients receive ongoing, highly scoped recurring work rather than project work. “We want to be an extension of your management team,” he explains. Besides traditional bookkeeping, his firm provides the full spectrum of financial services: accounting, FP&A, tax, CFO services, and HR. In addition, he is also building STRMS as an AI automation agency.  In contrast to many legacy firms, Gertrudes operates his firm as a business. “They're not businesses,” he says about traditional CPA firms. “There's no engine… You need more than one engine to be a business.” 

From Big Four consulting to FEMA volunteerism, Adjei blends problem-solving, purpose, and proactive planning.The Concierge CPAWith Jackie MeyerFor CPA TrendlinesWhen Hurricane Harvey submerged his first office, Houston-based CPA and tax advisor Brandon Adjei could have stepped back. Instead, he leaned in, volunteering for months at FEMA disaster relief centers, helping storm victims navigate IRS issues so they could access life-saving grants and loans. That work, originally meant to be temporary, became a catalyst for building a broader tax practice that now spans the U.S. and international clients.More Jackie MeyerOn The Concierge CPA, host Jackie Meyer sits down with Adjei to unpack a career that has been anything but linear. From starting at Enron just before its collapse, to Big Four M&A consulting, to founding multiple firms, Adjei’s journey is rooted in adaptability, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to client advocacy.Adjei’s client base extends far beyond Texas. He works with international students, entrepreneurs, and overseas businesses entering the U.S. market, tackling everything from residency rules to ITIN certifications. His guiding principle? Consistency. Whether it’s a McDonald’s in London or Los Angeles, clients expect the same standards in their U.S. operations—and in their advisors.

PE-backed firms are luring top performers with faster promotions, equity stakes, and career paths that traditional firms rarely offer.Accounting InfluencersWith Rob BrownPrivate equity’s influence on the accounting profession is shaking up more than firm valuations — it is rewriting the rules for attracting and retaining talent. A staggering 70% of top performers at traditional firms say they would move to a PE-backed competitor right now if given the chance, according to new industry insights.MORE Accounting Influencers with Rob BrownAnd it’s not just about bigger paychecks. Private equity firms have zeroed in on what motivates high performers — opportunity, impact, and accelerated growth — and are building career models to match.

In CAS, winning the client is just the first step—success depends on what happens next.It's Not Just the NumbersWith Penny Breslin and Damien GreatheadFor CPA TrendlinesFor many accounting firm owners, winning a new client is a victory. But according to It’s Not Just the Numbers podcast hosts Penny Breslin and Damien Greathead, that’s only the beginning. The real success lies in what happens next: the onboarding process.MORE Penny Breslin and Damien GreatheadMORE Advisory & ConsultingBUY "It's Not Just the Numbers"“Too many firms have no clue what actually happens when a client walks in the door,” says Breslin. “They’ve sold the service, but they haven’t defined the first experience their client will have—or the role their team will play in delivering it.”

The immersive experience transforms recruiting from a guessing game into a hands-on, culture-rich audition.Gear Up for GrowthWith Jean CaragherFor CPA Trendlines In the latest episode of Gear Up for Growth, powered by CPA Trendlines, Jean Caragher, president of Capstone Marketing, spoke with co-creators of JLK Rosenberger LLP’s innovative student recruitment program, Audit 500, which combines real-world experience with relationship-building to deliver extraordinary results – and some unexpected emotional impact. Gear Up for Growth spotlights the best strategies for smart and efficient growth in today's competitive landscape. More Gear Up for Growth here.More Jean Caragher here | Get her best-selling handbook, The 90-Day Marketing Plan for CPA Firms, here  More Gear Up for GrowthMore CPA Trendlines videos and podcasts hereOriginally created to address a gap between academic theory and audit practice, the Audit 500 is a fast-paced, three-day simulation that gives accounting students a hands-on experience of what it’s like to be an auditor. From testing cash and fixed assets to engaging with a mock CFO, participants work side-by-side with the firm’s staff, simulating the dynamics of a true engagement team. “We get to evaluate students in a much more meaningful way than a traditional interview ever could,” said Ani Zadorian, partner at JLK Rosenberger and co-creator of the program. “At the same time, they get to see our culture and decide if they see themselves growing here."

Building a firm should provide time, money, and freedom. The Concierge CPAWith Jackie MeyerFor CPA TrendlinesIn this conversation, Dr. Jackie Meyer, CPA and Reza Hooda, Coach & Mentor to Accountants with The Profitable Accountants Community, discuss the transformative journey of Hooda from a traditional accounting background to modernizing his practice through value pricing and effective client engagement strategies. More Jackie MeyerThey explore the importance of pricing psychology, positioning, and the four pillars of success in building a thriving accounting firm. Reza shares his insights on the challenges faced by accountants and the necessity of niching down to attract the right clients. The discussion also touches on the impact of mentorship and continuous learning in achieving business growth and personal freedom. 

Experts outline the flexible framework that works for a three‑person shop or a 30,000‑employee enterprise.Innovation InsightsWith Donny ShimamotoCenter for Accounting TransformationArtificial intelligence is advancing too quickly for organizations to adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, according to experts on the latest episode of Innovation Insights.Host Donny Shimamoto, CPA.CITP, CGMA, speaks with Jason Pikoos and David Wood, co-authors of the new Generative AI Governance Framework, about how companies can responsibly integrate AI into their operations.MORE Donny Shimamoto“Governance isn’t optional,” says Pikoos, former managing partner of client experience for Connor Group. “It’s good hygiene for any organization—whether you’re a three-person shop or a multinational.”The framework outlines 69 control considerations in areas such as bias risk, human oversight, and process integration. It is not a checklist to be blindly completed, the authors stress, but a flexible guide that organizations can tailor to their needs.

New 1099-K reporting rules mean your eBay, Etsy, or other online sales could land on the IRS’s radar—even if you’re just cleaning out your garage.Quick Tax TipWith Art WernerCPE TodayIf you’ve been selling old collectibles, furniture, or other personal items on eBay, you might think of it as a quick way to make cash, not something that belongs on your tax return. But according to tax guru Art Werner, new reporting thresholds for 1099-K forms are changing that, and the IRS could already have your sales data in hand.Click here for more Art Werner“In the past, the threshold for receiving a 1099-K from a payment processor or credit card company was $20,000,” Werner explains in the latest episode of Quick Tax Tip. “If you didn’t hit that threshold, you wouldn’t get the form, and frankly, no one was looking.”That’s no longer the case.