Roger and Annie break down the preliminary list of occupations qualifying for tax-free tips, including some unexpected entries like plumbers and digital creators. They discuss the compliance headaches ahead with retroactive implementation but no updated forms until 2026. The conversation shifts to serious concerns about proposed IRS budget cuts and workforce reductions that could undermine tax enforcement when it's needed most.
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Annie Schwab
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
Roger and Annie break down the aftermath of Commissioner Billy Long's abrupt departure to become Ambassador to Iceland, leaving Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as acting commissioner amid widespread IRS staff cuts and uncertainty. They also explore the massive 900+ page "Big Beautiful Bill" (2025 Act), covering everything from permanent individual tax rate changes and Trump savings accounts for children to the new tip and overtime tax exclusions that expire in 2028. The discussion also covers significant business provisions like permanent QBI deductions, higher 1099 thresholds, and the systematic elimination of energy credits through 2028.
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Annie Schwab
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
Recorded live from the New Orleans Tax Forum, Roger and Annie sit down with Maggie Romaniello from IRS Stakeholder Liaison to discuss this often overlooked but crucial IRS department. Maggie explains how Stakeholder Liaison serves as an advocate for tax professionals and their clients, handling everything from systemic issues like erroneous extension letters to data breach incidents and disaster response. The conversation reveals how practitioners can access this free resource directly through the IRS website and highlights the department's role in pushing for technological improvements like online accounts and streamlined processes.
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Connect with Maggie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-romaniello-5189758a
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Annie Schwab
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
Washington DC tax expert Thad Inge joins the show again for a deep dive into the Big Beautiful Bill. He breaks down the tax legislation that extends TCJA provisions and introduces new benefits like tax-free tips and overtime. Together with Annie and Roger, they explore the surprising speed of the political process, the complex implementation challenges ahead, and what small business owners and individuals need to know right now. From ERC changes to new car loan deductions, this comprehensive breakdown separates the reality from the hype surrounding one of the most significant tax bills in recent years.
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Connect with Thad Inge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thad-inge-9342155
Website: https://www.vsadc.com/
Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab
Review
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
Tax professional data breaches have exploded in 2025, with 327 reported incidents affecting over 342,000 taxpayers in just half a year. Glenn Gizzy, a 36-year IRS veteran now specializing in data breach prevention, reveals the sophisticated tactics criminals use to infiltrate tax practices. From phishing emails disguised as client referrals, to hackers who wait until returns are filed before changing bank account information. This conversation covers essential protection measures including Written Information Security Plans (WISP), IP PINs, proper cyber insurance coverage, and the critical steps to take immediately after discovering a breach.
Sponsors
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Annie and Roger break down the political maneuvering around the "big beautiful bill" extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, explaining why seemingly simple provisions like no tax on tips and overtime could create major headaches for the 2026 filing season. They examine proposed IRS budget cuts of 37% and workforce reductions of 20% at the same time new tax complexities are being added. The hosts also celebrate the success of the 2025 filing season while questioning whether similar results are possible given the challenges ahead, including new Commissioner Billy Long's appointment and the ongoing uncertainty about when and what form the final legislation will take.
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Giles Pearson, co-founder of Accounttests and former PwC partner, shares how one disastrous hire led him to revolutionize recruiting in the accounting profession. The conversation explores why traditional hiring methods fail, how skills and personality testing can predict job success, and reveals the shocking statistics about resume dishonesty. Roger and Annie also dive into New Zealand's streamlined tax system where 90% of taxpayers never file returns, sparking a fascinating debate about whether such simplicity could ever work in the United States.
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Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins Roger and Annie for a wide-ranging conversation about his tenure leading the nation's tax agency during a period of unprecedented funding and modernization efforts. Werfel discusses the challenges of rebuilding IRS operations, his decision to resign during the transition to Trump, and his concerns about maintaining tax system stability while pursuing automation and reform. Using memorable analogies—from unpowered refrigerators to football stadiums under construction—he offers frank insights into what it takes to run a healthy tax system and why strong tax administration is essential for economic stability.
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Roger and Annie discuss important tax updates that occurred during the busy tax season, including new IRS guidance on Employee Retention Credits and the current status of Beneficial Ownership Information reporting requirements. They explore the significant staffing challenges and leadership turnover at the IRS, with insights from Roger's recent visit to Washington DC. The hosts then shift focus to post-tax season priorities for practitioners, offering advice on evaluating software, optimizing client relationships, and implementing strategies to improve profitability and efficiency for the next filing season.
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For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax professional community, challenges facing the IRS today, and lessons from past filing season successes and failures.
Sponsors
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Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9
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In this episode, Roger sits down with Catharine Madeley, a tax practitioner who recently experienced a data breach at her firm. Catherine shares her firsthand account of how the breach unfolded, the steps she took to respond, and the lessons she learned along the way. She offers valuable insights into the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, the critical role of communication with clients, and the need to be proactive in protecting sensitive client information.
*This is a replay of an episode that originally aired in March, 2024.
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.
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Roger and Annie welcome guest Bob Kerr to discuss proposed changes to Circular 230, the regulations governing practice before the IRS. They explore contentious issues including contingent fees being classified as "disreputable conduct," expanded rights for non-credentialed preparers, and new requirements for reporting client errors. Bob shares insights from the recent hearing and explains why practitioners shouldn't expect final regulations until at least 2026.
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Roger and Annie provide critical updates on the Treasury Department's decision to halt Corporate Transparency Act penalties and enforcement requirements, bringing relief to tax practitioners and their clients. They break down the six-step reconciliation process for tax reform, offering clarity on where current legislation stands and what might be coming. The hosts also discuss concerns about potential IRS workforce reductions, upcoming technology improvements, and preview changes to Circular 230 regulations that will impact tax practice management.
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Roger and Annie explore major changes affecting tax professionals in early 2024, including significant staffing changes at the IRS and ongoing uncertainty around Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. They break down the new 1099-K reporting thresholds and explain how to handle various transaction types, from business payments to personal item sales. The hosts also discuss current legislative proposals and share practical insights for handling common client questions about taxable income and deductions during tax season.
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Former IRSAC Chair Annette Nellen joins Roger and Annie to discuss critical challenges facing the IRS and tax administration. The conversation explores the growing tax gap, the importance of consistent IRS funding, and efforts to modernize taxpayer services through online accounts and digital solutions. The discussion also delves into proposals for tax preparer regulation, continuing education requirements for enrolled agents, and the complexities of implementing cryptocurrency reporting requirements.
Sponsors
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IRSAC Report
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5316.pdf
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Roger and Annie dive into the complex political dynamics shaping potential tax reform in 2025, breaking down the strategic implications of pursuing one comprehensive bill versus two separate pieces of legislation. They provide critical updates on the ever-changing BOI regulations, including recent court injunctions and what practitioners should do while awaiting final resolution. The episode concludes with practical advice for tax professionals preparing for the upcoming tax season, covering everything from research tools and client management to pricing strategies and work-life balance.
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Crypto tax expert Amir Marmar of JFDI Accountants breaks down the complexities of cryptocurrency taxation and shares guidance on when tax professionals should handle crypto cases themselves versus partnering with specialists. He explains key concepts like wallet-level reporting requirements coming in 2025, the challenges of DeFi and staking transactions, and why traditional tax software may not be enough for complex crypto cases. This episode provides practical insights for tax professionals on evaluating crypto clients and understanding the latest IRS guidance, including Revenue Procedure 2024-28's move away from universal accounting methods.
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Three successful accounting firm owners share their journeys from small practices to achieving 10X revenue growth. Through candid conversations about hiring strategies, systemization, and community support, these Padgett franchise owners reveal practical insights for scaling an accounting practice. Their experiences highlight how strategic hiring, building scalable systems, and embracing a growth mindset transformed their firms from six-figure to multi-million dollar enterprises.
Webinar Speakers
Jeff Phillips - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffaccountingfly
Janet Kaup - https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-kaup-2238643
Jeff Darley - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-darley-77839b2
Tom Friedel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-friedel-cpa-ab71435
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Annie and Roger discuss crucial tax updates as 2024 draws to a close, including the recent injunction against beneficial ownership reporting requirements, the evolving landscape of ERC claims processing, and changes to the clean vehicle credit program. They examine how the recent election results might impact tax policy, particularly regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions set to expire. They also provide practical guidance for tax practitioners preparing for the 2025 filing season, addressing important changes to 1099-K reporting thresholds and IP PIN requirements.
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Capitol Hill insider Thad Inge joins Roger Harris to unpack how the election results could reshape major tax policy decisions in 2024 and beyond. The discussion explores the potential fate of expiring Trump-era tax cuts, the future of IRS funding, and the complex political dynamics that will influence tax reform under Republican control. Thad provides unique insights into the budget reconciliation process, key congressional players, and offers tax practitioners valuable context on potential legislative changes and political realities that could affect their practice and clients.
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Connect with Thad Inge
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thad-inge-9342155
Website: https://www.vsadc.com/
Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab
Review
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media
The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.