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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:56) - Introducing the Guest: Gilles Pearson
• (03:22) - Challenges in Hiring and the Birth of Accountests
• (05:26) - The Importance of Testing in Hiring
• (08:29) - The Role of Personality and Skills Tests
• (14:13) - Developing Effective Tests for Accountants
• (24:45) - Personality Profiles and Team Dynamics
• (31:45) - Using Tests for Employee Development
• (34:47) - Succession Planning in Smaller Firms
• (37:02) - Accountant Stereotypes and Communication Challenges
• (40:54) - The Role of Personal Interaction in Accounting
• (45:08) - Streamlined Hiring Process with Account Tests
• (49:08) - Comparing Tax Systems: US vs New Zealand
• (57:08) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel to Federal Tax Updates
• (03:37) - Commissioner's Background and Expertise
• (07:17) - Challenges and Opportunities at the IRS
• (11:43) - IRS Modernization and Future Vision
• (23:39) - The Importance of a Tax System
• (29:11) - Why Commissioner Werfel Left the IRS
• (31:08) - Navigating the Transition Period
• (31:42) - Seeking Guidance from the Incoming Treasury Secretary
• (34:42) - The Importance of Listening and Feedback
• (42:53) - Challenges with the Employee Retention Credit
• (50:10) - What Changes Would You Implement if You Had Total Control
• (53:59) - Future Plans and Reflections
• (56:21) - Georgia Football and Final Thoughts

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome Back to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:02) - Post-Tax Season Reflections
• (03:18) - Employee Retention Credit Updates
• (12:20) - Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
• (18:55) - Current Legislative Landscape in DC
• (25:34) - IRS Staffing and Morale Issues
• (31:37) - Challenges Facing the IRS
• (37:27) - Post-Tax Season Business Strategies
• (42:08) - Client Management and Pricing Strategies
• (47:11) - Maximizing Client Relationships and Billing Opportunities
• (51:07) - Preparing for the Next Tax Season
• (52:46) - Summer Plans and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

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
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:44) - Celebrating the 50th Podcast with Special Guest Terry Lemons
• (03:23) - Terry Lemons' Journey to the IRS
• (06:47) - The Role and Influence of IRS Commissioners
• (11:33) - Preparing a Commissioner to Testify Before Congress
• (22:28) - Challenges and Perceptions of Working at the IRS
• (28:43) - Debunking IRS Agent Myths
• (30:57) - IRS Efficiency and Transformation
• (32:24) - Challenges and Improvements at the IRS
• (33:46) - Reflecting on Filing Seasons
• (36:04) - Historical IRS Challenges
• (40:24) - Future Tax Law Changes and Implications
• (44:31) - Terry's Retirement Plans
• (46:07) - The Importance of Tax Professionals Community
• (52:15) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

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.

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Federal Tax Updates Podcast
• (01:30) - Introducing Our Guest: Catharine Madeley
• (03:26) - The Harrowing Tale of a Data Breach
• (04:29) - The Initial Discovery and Immediate Response
• (14:36) - Navigating the Aftermath: Investigation and Recovery
• (23:42) - Reflections and Lessons Learned from the Cybersecurity Incident
• (25:58) - The Aftermath of a Data Breach: A Personal Account
• (26:45) - Law Enforcement's Response to Small Scale Breaches
• (28:36) - Navigating IRS Procedures After a Breach
• (29:51) - The IRS Practitioner Relief Opt-In Program: A Lifeline
• (32:42) - Client Communication and Response to the Breach
• (42:55) - Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
• (49:28) - Final Thoughts and Advice

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.

Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

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 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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:20) - Introducing Special Guest Bob Kerr
• (03:32) - Overview of Circular 230
• (04:59) - Proposed Changes to Circular 230
• (15:17) - Contingent Fees Debate
• (30:30) - Limited Practice Discussion
• (36:22) - Voluntary IRS Programs and Their Impact
• (38:10) - Competency and Practitioner Requirements
• (39:33) - Knowledge of Errors and Omissions
• (42:31) - Proposed IRS Regulations and Practitioner Responsibilities
• (49:41) - Best Practices and Circular 230
• (57:30) - Conclusion and Future Expectations

Connect with Bob Kerr
https://kerr.tax/about-us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerr-robert

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
• (02:04) - BOI Reporting Updates
• (02:50) - Corporate Transparency Act Penalties
• (05:46) - Guidance for Clients on BOI Compliance
• (11:03) - Government Shutdown Concerns
• (15:27) - Reconciliation and Tax Reform Process
• (26:15) - Debating the Impact of Tariffs
• (26:57) - Abolishing the IRS: Feasible or Fantasy?
• (29:08) - IRS Workforce Cuts: Immediate Implications
• (29:54) - Challenges of Tax Season Amid Workforce Reductions
• (32:39) - Potential Tax Reforms and Technological Advancements
• (45:31) - Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid
• (47:58) - Upcoming Changes to Circular 230
• (51:19) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

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.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:30) - Tax Reform and Legislative Updates
• (07:05) - IRS Hiring and Workforce Changes
• (13:12) - Beneficial Ownership Reporting Updates
• (20:34) - Employer Retention Credit Updates
• (23:42) - 1099K Reporting Changes
• (30:15) - Understanding Ticket Transactions
• (31:39) - Client Misconceptions and IRS Blame
• (33:27) - Filing Season Insights
• (38:46) - Common Tax Questions
• (49:32) - Proposed Tax Legislation
• (54:03) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media