May 08, 2026

Take Note

Renew Your TXCPA Membership Today!

Now is the time to renew your TXCPA membership! Keep your membership active and continue accessing the tools, support and connections that help CPAs succeed.

  • Stay Informed: Protect your license and stay current on key issues and trends
  • Build Your Skills: Enjoy high-quality education, including at least 20 free CPE hours
  • Grow Your Network: Connect with CPAs across Texas for collaboration and opportunity

Renewing is quick and easy – log in to our website or contact member services for help. Don’t miss out. Renew today.


ACAN: Confidential Support When You Need It

When stress or life feels overwhelming, the Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN) offers free, confidential peer support for CPAs, candidates and students – available whenever you need it. One-on-one support, group meetings and referrals are just a conversation away. Reach out anytime at 866766ACAN or 2145662854, or visit tx.cpa/community/peer-assistance.


TXCPA's 2026 CPE Programs

Event Calendar. The full 2026 event calendar is live! Review upcoming programs, lock in early-bird rates and mark your priorities now. Upcoming conferences in May and June include:

  • Technology Conference, May 4-5
  • Virtual Energy Conference, May 11-12
  • Single Audits & Governmental Accounting and Auditing Conference, May 14
  • Nonprofit Organizations Conference, May 18-19
  • Texas School Districts Accounting and Auditing Conference, June 1-2
  • CPAs by the Bay, June 15–17
  • Business Valuation, Forensic Accounting and Litigation Services Conference, June 16-17

Click here to see the full calendar and register.

Free CPE for TXCPA Members. Your membership includes at least 20 hours of FREE CPE! Click here to see the upcoming schedule and register.

TXCPA Passport – CPE on Your Schedule. The TXCPA Passport is your one-year subscription to on-demand CPE. See the current list and subscribe now at www.tx.cpa/education/passport.


Word Game: Positioning That Powers Growth

Test your insight and word-finding skills with this quick, interactive game based on the article “Why Positioning Matters More Than Ever for CAS Firms.” Find key terms and revisit core ideas like focus, scalability and strategic alignment – all in a fun, fast challenge.

Questions

  1. How a firm clearly defines who it serves and what it solves (11 letters)
  2. Services that go beyond transactional work (8 letters)
  3. A clear market or industry concentration (9 letters)
  4. A key result of effective positioning (6 letters)
  5. The ability to expand efficiently with repeatable systems (5 letters)
  6. When marketing and operations reinforce each other (5 letters)
  7. The core structure or underlying elements that enable a business to operate and grow

Answers are among these words

ADVISORY • EXPERIENCE • VALUE • WORKFLOW • POSITIONING • INDUSTRY •
CLIENTS • SERVICES • SCALE • OPERATIONS • REVENUE • GROWTH •
REPEATABLE • MESSAGING • FOCUS AREA • MARKETING • CAS • CYCLE • ALIGN •
AUDIENCE • CONSISTENCY • SYSTEMS • FOUNDATION • NICHE • DELIVERY •
STRATEGIC • MARGINS
Hints
  1. P__________
  2. A__________
  3. F____ A____
  4. G__________
  5. S__________
  6. A__________
  7. F__________
Click here to see the answers.

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

Goodman Financial

Paychex

TXCPA Member Insurance


  • 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
Angela Ragan, CPA

PRESIDENT/CEO
Jodi Ann Ray, CAE, CCE, IOM

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Melinda Bentley, CAE

EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee CPA, CGMA

MANAGER, MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Peggy Foley
pfoley@tx.cpa

MANAGING EDITOR
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

CLASSIFIEDS
DeLynn Deakins
ddeakins@tx.cpa

Texas Society of CPAs
14131 Midway Rd., Suite 850
Addison, TX 75001
972-687-8550

 

 

EDITORIAL BOARD
Derrick Bonyuet-Lee, CPA-Austin;
Drew Chumley, CPA-Fort Worth;
Adam Dimmick, CPA-Houston;
Julia Frink, CPA-Fort Worth;
Baria Jaroudi, CPA-Houston;
Jeffrey Johanns, CPA-Austin;
Brian Johnson, CPA-Central Texas;
Michael Kraten, CPA-Houston;
Lucas LaChance, CPA-Dallas;
Shilpa Boggram Sathyamurthy, CPA-Houston.

CONTRIBUTORS
Melinda Bentley; Kenneth Besserman; Holly McCauley; Shicoyia Morgan; Craig Nauta; Triniti Patterson