Take Note

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Connecting on TXCPA Exchange

Members across the state are building community and connecting on TXCPA Exchange. The frequent and rapid changes impacting CPAs make it more important than ever to maintain the connection to your professional community to ask questions, offer feedback and actively exchange ideas with your colleagues.

In addition to our general All Member Forum, there are three interest-area communities – Tax Issues, CPA Practice Management and Nonprofit Accounting. Be sure to log in as a member today and join the conversation. Access TXCPA Exchange on TXCPA’s website.


Leadership Nominations

Each year, the nominations process is one of the most important activities affecting the success and future of TXCPA. Leadership nominations for 2022-2023 are currently being accepted for the following positions: Chairman-elect; Treasurer-elect; Secretary; Executive Board; Board of Directors; Nominations Committee; and AICPA Council. The deadline for nominations is August 16. Please keep in mind that TXCPA continues to strive to have our leadership reflect the diverse makeup of our members on all levels including gender, age, ethnicity, location and industry type. Nominate a member today on our website at https://txcpa-nominations.secure-platform.com/a/.

TXCPA Recognizes 2021 Rising Stars

TXCPA congratulates the 2021 Rising Stars honorees! Through the Rising Stars Program, TXCPA recognizes CPA members 40 years old and younger who have demonstrated innovative leadership qualities and active involvement in TXCPA, the accounting profession and/or their communities.

The Awards Committee named the following 19 up and comers. They will be featured in an upcoming issue of Today's CPA.

Elizabeth Bailey - Austin Chapter

Christine Bessert - Fort Worth Chapter

Jonathan Cameron - Fort Worth Chapter

Sarah DeVore - Fort Worth Chapter

Stephanie Ferguson - Austin Chapter

Lindsey Fontenot - Southeast Texas Chapter

Taylor Franta - Dallas Chapter

Lorena Hernandez - Rio Grande Valley Chapter

Amanda Klein - Austin Chapter

Christina Koucouthakis - San Antonio Chapter

Meredith McKeehan - Permian Basin Chapter

Thomas Neuhoff - East Texas Chapter

Ruth Olivares - San Antonio Chapter

Omar Rodriguez - El Paso Chapter

Hyun “Crystal” Shin - Dallas Chapter

Peter Simon - Southeast Texas Chapter

Catherine Speer - Permian Basin Chapter

Brittin Stange - Corpus Christi Chapter

Katelyn Woods - Fort Worth Chapter


Next Today’s CPA Magazine is Digital Only

The September/October issue of Today’s CPA will be digital only. You’ll be able to enjoy the convenience of this valuable member resource delivered on your device or home or office computer. Be sure to watch your inbox for a link to the digital version of Today’s CPA coming in September.

 

TXCPA's Knowledge Hub is an Information Resource for Members

TXCPA’s Knowledge Hub provides you insights and thought leadership resources designed to be helpful in your business, practice area or career. You’ll find vendor-sponsored white papers, product guides, case studies, industry analysis and much more.

Visit the TXCPA Knowledge Hub today for an extensive library of free downloadable content provided by experts and vendors within fields of accounting.

 

 

  • 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