January-February 2026

Flipbook

In this issue:

January 13, 2026

Welcoming 2026 with Purpose and Possibility

Jodi Ann Ray, CAE

CEO’s Message

By TXCPA President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE

As we step into 2026, I am energized by the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the profession and TXCPA. This issue of Today’s CPA is a testament to the vibrancy and relevance of our community, and I encourage you to explore the content our Editorial Board has curated for you.

Inside, you’ll find a thought-provoking cover article on H.R. 1, along with timely insights into SECURE 2.0 and retirement planning, equipping you with knowledge to better serve your clients and organizations. For those interested in the intersection of technology and accounting, don’t miss our deep dives into the IRS’s use of artificial intelligence and data analytics, as well as the first installment of “AI-Powered Tax Compliance,” which explores how machine learning is transforming sales and use tax.

Beyond technical updates, this issue highlights opportunities for service and professional growth. In the What’s Happening Around Texas section, you can read a recap about TXCPA’s Month of Service and Accounting Opportunities Month and see how you can get involved in future outreach. We also celebrate our Professional Group Membership Program participants and highlight upcoming learning opportunities and important dates in 2026.

As we embark on a new year, I invite you to engage with TXCPA – attend events, contribute your expertise, and connect with peers. Your involvement strengthens our community and advances our mission.

Let’s make 2026 a year of impact, innovation and collaboration. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in the new year!

 

How can TXCPA help you in 2025-2026?

Drop me a note at jray@tx.cpa.

 

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 Tax

8amCPA Charge

Goodman Financial

 

January-February 2026

Flipbook

In This Issue

  • SECURE Act 2.0

    SECURE 2.0 and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

    This article provides a snapshot of the key provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and retirement provisions in SECURE 2.0. Together, these laws are reshaping retirement planning through new compliance requirements and expanded advisory opportunities, with changes taking effect in 2026 and beyond that call for proactive guidance for clients and employers.
    View Article

  • CPE: Share Repurchases - Playing in the Big Leagues

    Stock buybacks have grown from a once-restricted practice into a dominant way corporations return cash to shareholders. While they return more cash to shareholders than dividends, the financial-reporting and tax risks that large buybacks create must be managed – from negative equity and distorted ratios to rising excise-tax costs.
    View Article
    Tax
  • Volunteer

    Welcoming 2026 with Purpose and Possibility

    Stepping into 2026 brings a wave of opportunity for TXCPA members. This issue of Today’s CPA covers key updates like H.R. 1, SECURE 2.0 and retirement planning, plus insights on AI-driven tax compliance and IRS technology trends. Explore ways to grow, give back, and connect through TXCPA programs and events.
    View Article

  • IRS Use of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics to Modernize Operations

    The IRS is rapidly expanding its use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to modernize operations, reshaping compliance, enforcement and taxpayer interactions. From AI-powered chatbots that ease service demands to advanced analytics, the agency is harnessing technology to manage massive data volumes—while walking a careful line between efficiency, fairness and taxpayer trust.
    View Article
    IRS
  • Tax Services

    AI-Powered Tax Compliance, Part 1: How Machine Learning is Revolutionizing Sales and Use Tax

    Business Problem Solved: Companies can struggle to stay on top of complex, high-volume sales and use tax obligations, and this article shows how a hybrid rules-plus-machine-learning approach enables earlier detection, reduces manual review and ensures scalable, auditable compliance.
    View Article

  • Your TXCPA Calendar: Key Dates, Leadership Opportunities and CPE Ahead

    Plan your year with this snapshot of essential events, deadlines and learning opportunities for TXCPA members.
    View Article
    Volunteer
  • fraud

    The Vicious Cycle of Cheating in Accounting: From Students to Practitioners

    Cheating among accounting students and practitioners is increasing and threatens public trust in the profession. Research shows that unethical behavior in school often carries into professional practice. Stronger penalties and dedicated ethics education are needed to break this cycle and reinforce integrity as a core professional value.
    View Article

  • What’s Happening Around Texas - January-February 2026

    TXCPA members are making a big impact! During Accounting Opportunities Month and our annual Month of Service, 68 volunteers reached over 3,000 students and supported local charities across Texas. From hosting career workshops and networking events to packing meals and donating toys, chapters showed the power of giving back.
    View Article
    volunteer for my chapter
  • Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

    Turning Challenges into Wins: How TXCPA Advocates for You

    TXCPA delivered major wins for Texas CPAs during the 2025 legislative session, strengthening the profession at a pivotal moment. New legislation expanded pathways to CPA licensure, modernized practice mobility for out-of-state CPAs and reinforced public protection. These successes highlight the growing impact of TXCPA’s advocacy and the critical role of the TXCPA PAC in safeguarding the CPA license.
    View Article

  • TXCPA Thanks Our 2025-2026 Professional Group Membership Program Participants!

    A big thank you to all the firms and organizations that joined or renewed with TXCPA’s Professional Group Membership program. To simplify renewals and maximize your team’s benefits, be sure to explore our group billing option.
    View Article
    Membership
  • TSBPA

    Steadfast Leadership: William Treacy’s 35 Years at the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

    For three decades, William Treacy has led the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy with one guiding principle: protect the public. His tenure reflects a career defined by integrity, public service and steady leadership in a rapidly changing profession.
    View Article

  • Implications of Section 301 Tariff Actions

    Section 301 tariffs during President Trump’s first term were associated with reducing the U.S. trade deficit with China, though the overall deficit continued to grow. Data suggests tariffs shifted trade flows rather than curbing demand. For CPAs, these insights are key to assessing how renewed tariffs could impact trade patterns, costs and global tax planning.
    View Article
    Transfer pricing
  • Trusted Advisor

    Why Exit Planning Should Be on Every CPA Firm’s Radar

    Exit planning is quickly becoming a high-impact advisory opportunity for CPAs. While many business owners know they will eventually exit, few are truly prepared, and CPAs are ideally positioned to close that gap through trusted relationships and financial insight.
    View Article

  • Governance is Your Growth Engine: Build Value and Outrun Private Equity

    As private equity reshapes the accounting landscape and traditional partnership models strain under talent shortages and succession challenges, strong governance has become the real differentiator. By replacing ad hoc decision-making with clear roles, accountability, performance metrics and disciplined planning, firms can turn chaos into clarity and intention into execution.
    View Article
    Public practice
  • talent retention

    How Employee Resource Groups Can Drive Diversity in an Accounting Organization

    This article dives into how Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) help firms build cultures that attract, engage and retain people by turning inclusion into action. Firms that invest in ERGs create workplaces where employees are more engaged, loyal and likely to thrive.
    View Article

  • Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: 2026 Midyear Leadership Council and Members Meeting; Support Through the Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); CGMA® Designation; 2026 CPE Programs; TXCPA’s Career Center
    View Article
    TXCPA online learning

  • Classifieds

    The Classifieds section offers a centralized resource for practice sales, buyers seeking to purchase firms and specialized services. It helps members efficiently connect with opportunities tailored to their professional needs.
    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