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Tax Section Odyssey

Tax Section Odyssey

AICPA & CIMA 123 Episodes Aug 27, 2026

Tax Section Odyssey is a podcast from the AICPA & CIMA Tax Section that keeps listeners current on the fast-changing world of taxation. Each episode features insights from tax thought leaders, covering recent tax developments, trending issues and practical guidance for practitioners. It also offers practice management tips aimed at helping professionals strengthen their firms and their own careers. The show is designed for CPAs and tax advisors who want a concise, authoritative overview of what matters most in the tax landscape.

Episodes

Turning technology gains into client value
Turning technology gains into client value Aug 27, 2026 30:58 Brian Davis, owner of One Stop CPA, returns to the Tax Section Odyssey podcast to discuss how technology can create capacity for more intentional advisory services. He shares lessons about building an advisory-first firm, including how to identify the right clients, package value beyond compliance and use practical tools to support better client conversations. Questions answered in this episode:
From Timesheets to Trusted Advisor
From Timesheets to Trusted Advisor Jul 31, 2026 34:46 On this episode, April Walker is joined by Benjamin Alarie, CEO and co-founder of Blue J, to discuss the ways that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing tax practice – not only by accelerating research and compliance work, but also by reshaping how firms define and deliver value. Ben shares new research showing widespread AI adoption among tax professionals and how firms are using the resulting
Tax noise vs. reality: IRS insights & practitioner perspectives
Tax noise vs. reality: IRS insights & practitioner perspectives Jun 26, 2026 29:45 In this episode of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, April Walker is joined by former IRS Communications Chief Terry Lemons, Public Relations Director — Frost Law, and Kelly Phillips Erb (Taxgirl), Senior Writer — Forbes, about what tax professionals should understand about the IRS, the media and today's fast-moving tax information environment. Their conversation explores IRS complexity, why tax st
Beyond the script: Improv for advisory confidence
Beyond the script: Improv for advisory confidence May 22, 2026 26:41 In this episode of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, host April Walker talks with Jennifer Dymond, founder and CEO of Spire Consulting Services, about how improv techniques can help tax practitioners build stronger client communication and greater advisory confidence. Their conversation explores how skills like active listening, curiosity, flexibility and staying present can help practitioners move
Out of deadline mode: A post tax season reset
Out of deadline mode: A post tax season reset May 7, 2026 44:34 After deadline season, it's tempting to move on and forget what didn't work — but this is the best time to make changes while the lessons are still fresh.   In this episode, April Walker is joined by Nancy McClelland, owner of The Dancing Accountant, to discuss small, realistic practice changes that can dramatically reduce tax-season stress. From shifting annual tasks to year‑round workflows and s
Protective claims, client alerts and Kwong: A practitioner playbook
Protective claims, client alerts and Kwong: A practitioner playbook Apr 30, 2026 23:04 In this episode of the Tax Section Odyssey podcast, host April Walker is joined by Michael Waalkes of Kostelanetz LLP to discuss Kwong v. United States and why it has become a practical, time-sensitive issue for CPA firms after filing season. The episode discusses the facts of the case and what it held at a high level, why Sec. 7508A's COVID disaster relief period (through July 10, 2023) is drivi
AICPA experts discuss minimum standards for tax preparers
AICPA experts discuss minimum standards for tax preparers Mar 18, 2026 17:16 In this joint Tax Section Odyssey and Journal of Accountancy (JofA) podcast episode, host Neil Amato is joined by Melanie Lauridsen, AICPA VP of Tax Policy & Advocacy and Todd Sloves, AICPA Director of Congressional & Political Affairs, to discuss why paid tax preparer oversight is back in the spotlight. The conversation looks at key findings from a recent Government Accounting Office (GAO) report
2025 filing season: What clients are getting wrong (and how to respond)
2025 filing season: What clients are getting wrong (and how to respond) Mar 13, 2026 25:05 Filing season is here — and so is confusion. In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Mark Gallegos, CPA, MST, Partner — Porte Brown, to break down the most common questions around the new H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, the law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provisions, from Trump accounts to the senior deduction as well as discussion aroun
Tariffs on Trial: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Tax Practitioners
Tariffs on Trial: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Tax Practitioners Mar 6, 2026 20:17 In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Kasey Pittman, Managing Director of Tax Policy — Cherry Bekaert.  A recent Supreme Court decision invalidated key tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — raising major questions about refunds, executive authority and what comes next. We discuss the ruling itself, expla
Trump Accounts are coming — and you need to be ready
Trump Accounts are coming — and you need to be ready Feb 6, 2026 20:01 In this joint episode with the Personal Financial Planning (PFP) podcast, hosts Cary Sinnett, CPF, CAP, CFT-1, CExP, and April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, are joined by is joined by Sebrina Ivey, CPA/PFS to explore Trump accounts, also known as Sec. 530A accounts. These accounts are a new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children created under H.R 1, P.L. 119-21, the law kn
Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs
Name, image, likeness — and taxes: What NIL means for student athletes and CPAs Jan 30, 2026 27:27 In this episode, host April Walker, CPA, CGMA, Senior Manager — AICPA & CIMA, is joined by Edward Jenkins, CPA, CGMA, Professor of Practice in Accounting — Penn State University, to discuss name, image and likeness (NIL) taxation issues for student athletes. Together they unpack common misconceptions, emerging revenue streams, unresolved classification issues and the growing complexity of state
Intentional tax practice — Setting the course for 2026
Intentional tax practice — Setting the course for 2026 Jan 9, 2026 19:20 Align your compass to the year ahead. In this episode, April Walker brings tax leaders together to share intentional, practical ways to run a better practice, focusing on advisory-first mindsets, using artificial intelligence (AI) with a purpose, collaboration around new legislation and sustainable operating rhythms. What you'll learn from this episode:  How to prioritize client outcomes and rein

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