January-February 2025

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!

, May 5-6, 2025
, May 12-13, 2025
, Richardson and Webcast, May 19-20, 2025
, San Antonio and Webcast, June 2-3, 2025
, League City, June 16-18, 2025

View the upcoming schedule in the of our website.

for Members

Texas Taxes: Quarterly Update, Jan. 16, 2025
Professional Issues Update, Feb. 12, 2025
Professional Issues Update Replay, Feb. 26, 2025

TXCPA Passport – CPE on Your Schedule

Newly updated courses are now available. 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

September-October 2026

In This Issue

Workforce Development

Mentoring Matters: Strengthening the Future of the Profession

Mentoring is a cornerstone of the accounting profession. From supporting students and CPA candidates to accelerating the growth of experienced professionals, mentoring strengthens confidence, preserves institutional knowledge and prepares future leaders. TXCPA's Mentor Match program is designed to help members build meaningful professional relationships that support their career growth and development.
View Article
CPE: Intangible Assets – ASC 350

FASB’s recent targeted GAAP improvements address the accounting and reporting of internally developed software. ASU 2025‑06 replaces development‑stage rules for internal‑use software with a “probable‑to‑complete” capitalization threshold.
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IPR&D
volunteer leadership

Leadership, Innovation and Momentum Take Center Stage at TXCPA's Annual Meeting

TXCPA’s 2026 Annual Meeting brought more than 200 leaders together to celebrate organizational achievements, discuss emerging trends and shape the future of the organization. As the organization enters the final year of its Strategic Plan, the meeting emphasized momentum, collaboration and continued involvement in TXCPA and the accounting profession.
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Expanding the CPA Pipeline: An Important Joint Initiative for CPA Firms and K-12 Schools

CPA firms, universities and professional organizations are using coordinated efforts to expand the future CPA talent pipeline by reaching students much earlier in the K‑12 system. Because many students choose career pathways as early as 8th grade, the authors emphasize shifting outreach toward freshmen and sophomores already inclined toward business studies.
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TXCPA Accounting Opportunities Month
Workforce Development

Mentorship, Momentum and the Future of the Profession

Strong connections are essential to the future of the CPA profession. This CEO's Message highlights the power of mentorship, TXCPA’s efforts to strengthen the accounting pipeline, and the many ways members, volunteers and chapters are helping build opportunities for the next generation of CPAs.
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Outstanding Chapter Awards Recognize Achievements in Leadership and Service

TXCPA’s Outstanding Chapter Awards recognize small and medium-sized chapters for excellence in leadership, member service, innovation and community involvement. The 2025-26 recipients, TXCPA Rio Grande Valley and TXCPA East Texas, were honored for their strong student outreach initiatives, professional development opportunities, scholarship fundraising, member engagement and community service.
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volunteer leadership
Workforce Development

Beyond Tax and Audit: Shedding Light on Alternative Career Pathways

Accounting offers far more career opportunities than traditional tax, audit and financial reporting roles. By introducing students to the diverse ways accounting skills can be applied, educators and practitioners can help the next generation of CPAs see the many possibilities an accounting career can offer.
View Article
What’s Happening Around Texas - September-October 2026

TXCPA chapters across Texas are strengthening connections through student engagement events, legislative conversations, member appreciation gatherings, and strategic planning sessions. From Corpus Christi’s student bowling mixer and to Southeast Texas’ celebration with Lamar University to El Paso's and San Antonio’s focused planning meetings and Victoria’s community‑building event, each chapter is fostering momentum, collaboration and professional growth.
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TXCPA Chapters
Tenure

Is Accounting Academia Still a Good Career Option for CPAs? An Updated Perspective

Is accounting academia still an attractive career path for CPAs? Although demand for accounting Ph.D. graduates has declined despite earlier predictions of faculty shortages, accounting professors continue to enjoy strong compensation, work/life balance, tenure stability and summer flexibility.
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Spotlight Article: Leading Beyond the Numbers

Eric R. Alexander discusses the lessons behind his book “Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO” and how a servant mindset, wisdom and relationships create a lasting impact. He explores why trust, accountability and communication are essential to effective financial leadership, especially as AI transforms the profession.
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Strategic Planning
Sustainability reporting

Assessing Materiality of ESG Risks: Guidance for CPAs

This article explains how CPAs can assess and disclose material environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks that may affect a company’s financial position, operations and stakeholders. The concept of double materiality is introduced, which considers both the financial impact of ESG risks on a company and the company’s impact on society and the environment.
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Leading the Way: TXCPA Thanks Our 2026-2027 Faculty and Student Ambassadors

TXCPA celebrates and thanks our 2026–2027 Faculty and Student Ambassadors, whose leadership and enthusiasm bring our programs, resources and opportunities directly to campuses across Texas. Their commitment strengthens our connection to future professionals and fuels the growth of the CPA pipeline statewide.
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volunteer leadership
valuation

Profitable Is Not the Same as Valuable

A profitable business is not necessarily a valuable or transferable one, as enterprise value depends on organizational architecture rather than dependence on the owner’s involvement. The central message: profitable operations generate income, but only well‑structured businesses build equity that can be sold, transferred or relied upon for retirement.
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A New Era for CPA Licensure in Texas – and a Look Ahead

Texas has entered a new phase of CPA licensure with the implementation of Senate Bill 262 on August 1, 2026, creating an alternative pathway that allows candidates to qualify with 120 hours of education and two years of experience, alongside the traditional 150‑hour route. As the 2027 legislative session approaches, TXCPA is preparing to protect strong licensing standards, monitor deregulation efforts and engage newly elected lawmakers.
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Workforce Development
TXCPA Member Insurance

Take Note

In this edition of Take Note: A Legacy of Mentorship - A Tribute to John Baines, CPA-Dallas; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); CGMA® Designation; TXCPA Member Insurance
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Classifieds

The Classifieds section of Today's CPA provides a one-stop destination to find practices for sale, connect with buyers, and access services that support growth, transition and market expansion.
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Virtual Accounting