January-February 2025

Flipbook

In this issue:

January 15, 2025

Take Note

TXCPA’s Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting

January 28-29, 2025, Austin, TX

Make your plans now to attend the 2025 Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting on January 28-29 in Austin! Hear legislative updates from knowledgeable and popular speakers on Tuesday morning, then head to the Capitol to engage directly with lawmakers and staff about TXCPA’s key legislative agenda items. This dynamic event is open to all TXCPA members – don’t miss your chance to make an impact!

Downright Austin, a Renaissance Hotel, Previously the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol, 701 East 11th St., Austin, TX 78701, 512-478-1111

Rate: $249 single or double + 15% occupancy tax; Parking: Self-parking discounted to $20/day; Cutoff Date: January 12, 2025

Click here for more details.

TXCPA's 2025 CPE Programs

Mark your calendar now for these conferences in spring and summer 2025!

View the upcoming schedule in the Education area of our website.

Free CPE Webcasts for Members

TXCPA Passport – CPE on Your Schedule

Newly updated courses are now available. Click here to see the current list and subscribe.

Clarification for Today's CPA Article on Mitigating Medicare Mistakes

The article, "Mitigating Medicare Mistakes: The CPA's Role in Navigating IRMAA Challenges," in the November/December 2024 Today’s CPA issue discussed strategies CPAs could recommend to help smooth out or reduce Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). It suggested tax-efficient investments, such as municipal bonds or life insurance policies, which might not count toward MAGI.

However, clarification is necessary: MAGI starts with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) but requires adding back certain nontaxable items to arrive at MAGI. While tax exempt interest (such as interest on some municipal bonds) is excluded from AGI, it must be added back in computing MAGI for purposes of IRMAA. This add-back is required for determining Part B and Part D Medicare premiums under Title 42, Sections 1395r(i)(4) and 1395w-113(a)(7)(C) of the U.S. Code.

Boost Your Well-Being: Printable Physical Wellness Checklist

Positive physical health habits can help decrease your stress, lower your risk of disease and increase your energy. Check out this printable physical wellness checklist from the National Institutes of Health for some tips on improving your physical health.

If you're facing challenges related to addiction, substance abuse or mental health, TXCPA Peer Assistance is available to provide support. Go to tx.cpa/resources/acan.

Secure Your Future with TXCPA Member Insurance

Protect what matters most – your family, your home and your career – with the TXCPA Member Insurance Program. Designed exclusively for CPAs, our trusted, association endorsed insurance provides exceptional value and peace of mind.

Why choose TXCPA Member Insurance?

  • Tailored Protection: Coverage crafted specifically for professionals and their families.
  • Exclusive Savings: Enjoy special member rates from top-rated insurance carriers.
  • Meaningful Impact: Your participation helps advance the mission of the Texas Society of CPAs.

Learn more today! Visit txcpainsure.org or call 800-428-0272 and explore your options.

Now Hiring? Turn to the TXCPA Career Center

Post your open positions for new and experienced accounting staff on the TXCPA Career Center! Members receive exclusive discounts and internship postings are always free. Highlight your organization’s culture, benefits and growth opportunities to attract top talent. Visit careers.tx.cpa to get started and find your next superstar!

Management Accountants - Stand Out With the CGMA® Designation

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®) designation is a globally recognized professional credential for management accountants. It was established through a joint venture between the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

The CGMA designation signifies expertise in management accounting and is highly regarded by employers for leadership, strategic thinking, and financial analysis skills. Key features include:

  • Global Recognition - It is one of the most recognized management accounting designations globally.
  • Focus on Strategy and Leadership - It emphasizes strategic financial management and leadership skills.
  • Ethics and Professionalism - CGMAs adhere to a code of ethics and demonstrate professionalism.

To learn more, visit the CGMA website.

 

Thanks to the Sponsors of Today's CPA Magazine

This content was made possible by the sponsors of this issue of Today's CPA Magazine:

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

Capstan

CPA Charge

efile4Biz

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

 


 

November-December 2025

Flipbook

In This Issue

  • TXCPA’s 2025 Rising Stars

    TXCPA’s Rising Stars Program honors 16 exceptional CPA members under 40 who are making a significant impact in the profession and their communities. These honorees exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to making a difference.
    View Article

  • CPE: Information Security Plans for Tax Professionals: A Review of Existing Guidance

    This article reviews the essential information security responsibilities of tax professionals and CPA firms amid growing cybersecurity threats. It outlines key IRS and FTC requirements, and offers practical steps for safeguarding taxpayer data, detecting and responding to breaches, and complying with data privacy laws.
    View Article

  • Top 10 Estate Planning Topics in Texas in 2025: A Scholarly Perspective

    This article highlights 10 key issues shaping estate planning in Texas. As a client's needs grow more complex, Texas CPAs play a critical role in guiding them with expertise, foresight and personalized strategies.
    View Article

  • The PCC’s 2025 Priorities: Advising FASB on Private Company Issues

    In 2025, the Private Company Council continued its work advising the Financial Accounting Standards Board on financial reporting issues affecting private companies. PCC Chair Jere Shawver discusses key accomplishments and what's ahead.
    View Article

  • Legislative Wins Reshape CPA Licensure and Mobility in Texas

    TXCPA achieved major legislative wins in the 89th Texas Legislature, including creation of a new CPA licensure pathway and modernizing practice mobility. These victories highlight our leadership in opening new doors for current and future CPAs.
    View Article

  • What’s Happening Around Texas - November-December 2025

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted events supporting education, professional growth and community engagement. Highlights include Corpus Christi’s school supply drive, Dallas’s behind-the-scenes Meyerson Symphony Center tour, East Texas’s Leadership Day, and San Antonio’s Beta Alpha Psi Competition and Accounting Educators Mixer.
    View Article

  • IAASB Approves New Standard on Sustainability Assurance

    The IAASB approved ISSA 5000, the first comprehensive global standard for sustainability assurance, effective for periods beginning December 15, 2026. The principles-based standard applies to all ESG topics, introduces the concept of double materiality, and allows for limited or reasonable assurance engagements.
    View Article

  • Our Rising Stars Shine Brightly

    TXCPA Chair Billy Kelley highlights the November/December issue of Today’s CPA, where we celebrate TXCPA’s Rising Stars - emerging leaders shaping the profession’s future. He also discusses the articles on estate planning, sustainability standards, information security, and TXCPA advocacy, plus chapter updates as members close out the year.
    View Article

  • Automation and AI and its Impact on the Future of Accounting

    Automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing accounting by streamlining tasks, improving accuracy and enhancing decision making. While offering efficiency and strategic benefits, these technologies also raise challenges around ethics, data privacy and workforce skills.
    View Article

  • PCAOB Adopts New Audit Firm and Engagement-Level Metrics Disclosures

    PCAOB's Release No. 2024-002 introduces new firm-level and engagement-level audit metrics to increase transparency and provide more decision-useful information. While broadly supporting the goal, stakeholders raised concerns about high compliance costs, a limited link to audit quality and potential negative impacts on smaller firms.
    View Article

  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: November is Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service; Member Insurance Program Provides Exclusive Benefits; Midyear Leadership Council Meeting is January 22-23; Support Through ACAN; TXCPA’s Career Center
    View Article

  • Classifieds

    The classified ad section features listings for practice sales, firm buyers and specialized services. Whether you're expanding, selling or exploring niche opportunities, these ads connect you to valuable prospects and resources.
    View Article

CHAIR
Mohan Kuruvilla, Ph.D., CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Jennifer Johnson, CPA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

COLUMN EDITOR
Don Carpenter, MSAcc/CPA

DIGITAL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Wayne Hardin, CDMP, PCM®

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550
ddeakins@tx.cpa

 

Editorial Board
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Aaron Borden, CPA-Dallas;
Don Carpenter, CPA-Central Texas;
Rhonda Fronk, CPA-Houston;
Aaron Harris, CPA-Dallas;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Elle Kathryn Johnson, CPA-Houston;
Jennifer Johnson, CPA-Dallas;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas, CIA;
Nicholas Larson, CPA-Fort Worth;
Anne-Marie Lelkes, CPA-Corpus Christi;
Bryan Morgan, Jr, CPA-Austin;
Stephanie Morgan, CPA-East Texas;
Kamala Raghavan, CPA-Houston;
Amber Louise Rourke, CPA-Brazos Valley;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston, CA
Nikki Lee Shoemaker, CPA-East Texas, CGMA;
Natasha Winn, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Kristie Estrada; Holly McCauley; Craig Nauta; Kari Owen; John Ross; Lani Shepherd; April Twaddle; Patty Wyatt