July-August 2026

In this issue:

July 13, 2026

Take Note

Help Shape TXCPA’s Future: Submit Leadership Nominations Today

TXCPA’s future leadership starts with member involvement and your nomination could help shape the next generation of leaders. The 2027-2028 TXCPA leadership nominations process is officially open. Now is the time to recognize dedicated members who are ready to make an impact.

TXCPA is accepting nominations for several key leadership roles, including Chair-elect, Treasurer-elect, Secretary, Board of Directors, Leadership Council Members-at-Large, Nominations and Board Development Committee Members-at-Large, Nominations Council Members-at-Large and AICPA Council.

TXCPA is committed to building leadership that reflects the strength and diversity of its membership across gender, age, ethnicity, geographic location and industry experience. Nominations must be submitted by September 1, 2026. Click here for nomination forms, eligibility details and a complete overview of the process.

ACAN is a Safe Place to Turn

If you’re facing addiction, substance use or mental health challenges, TXCPA's Accountants Confidential Assistance Network is here to help. Access support, weekly groups and resources at tx.cpa/resources/acan. Call 866-766-ACAN or text 214-566-2854. All communications are strictly confidential by law.

Word Game: Texas Sales Tax Audits

Test your insight and word-finding skills with this quick, interactive game based on the article “Texas Sales Tax Audits: Why Recordkeeping Determines Who Wins … and Who Pays Sales Tax.” Find key terms and revisit core ideas like exempt, documentation and liability – all in a fun, fast challenge.

Questions

What process examines a business’s tax compliance and documentation?
What must businesses keep organized to defend themselves during a sales tax review?
What documents show details of sales, purchases and tax charged?
What word describes sales that are not subject to tax when proper proof is provided?
What word describes the amount a business may owe in an audit assessment?
What additional charges may businesses face for noncompliance besides tax and interest?

Which industry group faces unique tax challenges based on contract structure?

Answers are among these words

ADVISORS • STRATEGIC • AUDIT • SYSTEMS

COMPTROLLER • RECORDS • BUSINESS • TAXABLE

INVOICES • RECEIPTS • MODEL • EXEMPT • CYCLE

TRANSACTION • RETENTION • LIABILITY • OUTCOMES

DOCUMENTATION • PENALTIES • EXPERIENCE

CONTRACTORS • EVIDENCE • CONTROLS

 

Hints:
1. A_____
2. R______
3. I_______
4. E_____
5. L________
6. P________
7. C__________

Click here to see the answers. (Answers are not for CPE credit.)

 

Celebrating the Future: Accounting Excellence Awards Presented

The Accounting Excellence Award celebrates top accounting students from Texas colleges and universities. Established in 1969, this award recognizes academic achievement and promise in the profession.

Each recipient’s name is engraved on a permanent plaque at their school and they receive a personal award at a local TXCPA chapter meeting. Following are the recipients for 2024-2025.

Katie Adams - Texas Christian University
Salvador Aguirre - University of Texas at El Paso
Ethan Arias - Hardin-Simmons University
Seth Bloom - Midwestern State University
John Burrus - Texas State University
Paige Cagney - University of Texas at Austin
Preston Carter - Sam Houston State University
Abigail Chambers - Texas Lutheran University
Eric Cordero - Texas Wesleyan University
Natalie Davis - Texas A&M University - Texarkana
Ashton DeRouen - Lamar University
Adam Elbanna - University of Houston
Jennifer Engles - University of Houston - Clear Lake
Brandon Epps - Texas Tech University
Rodrigo Escobar - Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Kailey Fischer - Stephen F. Austin State University
Santiago García Rosales - Texas A&M International University
Karysma Garza - Texas A&M University - San Antonio
Rebekah Garza - St. Mary’s University
Carter Gray - Southern Methodist University
Sarah Hamdalla - Texas A&M University - Victoria
Matthew Harman - University of the Incarnate Word
Hadassah Hethcoat - University of Texas Permian Basin
Audrey Knoll - Texas A&M University
Emily Kraft - Texas Woman's University
Lorena Lalaj - University of Texas at San Antonio
Madeline Leard - Baylor University
Jaid Lehew - University of Dallas
Jennifer Lopez-Bolanos - University of Houston - Downtown
Juliette Lostracco - University of Texas at Tyler
Anthony Lovell - Angelo State University
SJ Marais - Houston Christian University
Gale Marden - McMurry University
Nicholas Nutt - University of St. Thomas
Mariam Oyeyemi - University of Texas at Arlington
Haylee Reyna - Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Lino Rodriguez - St. Edward's University
Katherine Romero - Prairie View A&M University
Nelson Rose - Trinity University
Lillian Ross - Abilene Christian University
Isaac Silvey - West Texas A&M University
Jennifer Soto-Rios - East Texas A&M University
Rohan Springe - University of Texas at Dallas
Jaelynne Williams - Texas Southern University
Heorhii Yefymenko - Tarleton State University
Zach Ziebold - University of North Texas

 

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:

8amCPACharge

Accounting Biz Brokers

Accounting Practice Sales

Capstan Tax

Goodman Financial

Poe Group Advisors

Professional Accounting Sales

TXCPA Member Insurance

UWorld | Accounting

 

 

July-August 2026

In This Issue

  • women in leadership

    Grounded in Faith, Guided by Purpose: The Journey of Angela Ragan

    TXCPA’s incoming Chair Angela Ragan has built a career rooted in faith, service and leadership. Inspired by an early interest in accounting, she now helps clients navigate complex tax, business and estate planning matters. Beyond her professional success, Ragan is deeply involved in TXCPA, community service and church leadership. Her story reflects a lifelong commitment to integrity, compassion and serving others.
    View Article

  • CPE: Cryptocurrency Tax Rules and Challenges Explained

    As cryptocurrency continues to become more integrated into everyday financial activity, tax compliance for digital assets remains a growing focus for practitioners. This article offers practical guidance on cryptocurrency taxation, emphasizing the importance of continuing education, monitoring regulatory developments, and maintaining records to support accurate and compliant tax reporting.
    View Article
    Tax Technology
  • Students

    What’s Happening Around Texas - July-August 2026

    TXCPA chapters across Texas hosted a variety of events. Highlights included the Brazos Valley Annual Meeting featuring career insights and advocacy updates, and outreach connecting accounting professionals with aspiring CPAs. Houston members celebrated VITA volunteers and strengthened community ties. TXCPA Panhandle raised scholarship funds through its first golf tournament, while South Plains members closed the year with a meeting focused on connections and member recognition.
    View Article

  • Texas Sales Tax Audits: Why Recordkeeping Determines Who Wins … and Who Pays Sales Tax

    Texas sales tax audits are becoming more data-driven, making accurate recordkeeping critical to avoiding costly assessments. When businesses lack complete documentation, auditors must estimate liability, often leading to inflated taxes, penalties and interest. Strong internal controls, organized records and experienced audit support are essential to achieving successful audit outcomes.
    View Article
    Texas Sales Tax
  • volunteer advocacy

    Celebrating a New TXCPA Year

    TXCPA's incoming Chair Angela Ragan welcomes the new year, highlighting members’ role in strengthening the profession through mentorship, innovation and engagement. Looking ahead, TXCPA will focus on navigating continued change, supporting members with education and advocacy, and protecting the value of the CPA license.
    View Article

  • What Private Equity and Family Offices Look for in Acquisition Targets

    Private equity firms and family offices prioritize acquisition targets with reliable cash flow, strong leadership and clear growth potential. Key factors include clean financials, a capable management team, and a defensible market position supported by loyal customers or exclusive relationships. Overall, businesses that prepare well in advance and strengthen these areas tend to achieve better outcomes in a sale or recapitalization.
    View Article
    succession planning
  • risk management

    Beyond the 5% Rule: Transforming Audit Materiality with Blockchain and Explainable AI

    Traditional materiality benchmarks like the 5% rule are no longer sufficient given modern risks such as ESG issues, financial volatility and cybersecurity. The Adaptive Materiality Framework allows auditors to reassess materiality dynamically when risk events occur. The framework improves consistency, transparency and audit quality while still relying on professional judgment.
    View Article

  • TXCPA Advocacy – A Preview of 2027

    Following key victories that expanded CPA licensure pathways and modernized practice mobility, TXCPA is preparing for the 2027 legislative session. We are monitoring potential deregulation efforts across the country that could weaken licensing standards and public protection. As we develop the 2027 legislative agenda, member involvement is key to help advocate for policies that support the profession’s long-term strength.
    View Article
    volunteer advocacy
  • Texas Sales Tax

    Take Note

    In this edition of Take Note: Leadership Nominations; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); TXCPA's Mentor Match Program; Word Game - Texas Sales Tax Audits; Accounting Excellence Award Recipients
    View Article

  • 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.
    View Article
    succession planning

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