May-June 2025

In this issue:

June 11, 2025

A Year of Progress and Impact

Jodi Ann Ray, CAE

CEO’s Message

By TXCPA President and CEO Jodi Ann Ray, CAE

As we close out our 2024-2025 membership year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together over the past year. It has been a year of progress and meaningful impact - all made possible by the dedication of our leadership, volunteers, and, most importantly, you, our valued members.

You welcomed 3,590 new members to our community as of April 18.
You reached nearly 13,500 students with messages about careers in accounting as of April 18.
You received new benefits from TXCPA Member Insurance and learning programs from the TXCPA Accounting Education Foundation.
You are helping us move important legislation through the legislature that will expand the pathways to CPA licensure and protect practice mobility.
Your TXCPA leadership has been developing and making recommendations to evolve our membership model and organizational structure.

You can learn more in this issue’s cover story, which highlights all the significant milestones we’ve achieved together. From advancing key initiatives to strengthening our community and expanding our reach, we have much to celebrate. These accomplishments are a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of those who step up to make a difference.

Looking ahead, we have even greater opportunities to build upon our success. I encourage you to get involved in the coming year - whether by joining a committee, attending events or sharing your insights with us. Your engagement is what fuels our progress and together, we can shape an even stronger future.

Another great opportunity to connect is our Annual Meeting of Members June 26-27 in Galveston, the site of a 1911 meeting of the Texas Society of Public Accountants. This gathering is an important time to reflect on our progress, discuss the path ahead and celebrate the collective achievements of our community. I hope to see you there and hear your thoughts on how we can continue to grow and evolve.

Thank you for being an integral part of TXCPA! Your support and participation are what make all of this possible.

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:

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Accounting Practice Sales

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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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succession planning