Annie and Roger break down the political maneuvering around the "big beautiful bill" extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, explaining why seemingly simple provisions like no tax on tips and overtime could create major headaches for the 2026 filing season. They examine proposed IRS budget cuts of 37% and workforce reductions of 20% at the same time new tax complexities are being added. The hosts also celebrate the success of the 2025 filing season while questioning whether similar results are possible given the challenges ahead, including new Commissioner Billy Long's appointment and the ongoing uncertainty about when and what form the final legislation will take.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:14) - The Big Beautiful Bill: An Overview
• (02:37) - Republican and Democrat Perspectives
• (04:04) - Understanding Cuts and Dynamic Scoring
• (06:10) - Medicare and Eligibility Changes
• (08:23) - State and Local Tax Deduction Debate
• (11:13) - House vs. Senate: Political Dynamics
• (17:24) - New Proposals: Tips, Overtime, and More
• (29:16) - Temporary Tax Law and Its Implications
• (33:55) - Challenges with No Tax on Overtime
• (39:34) - Successful 2025 Filing Season Recap
• (44:45) - Proposed Budget Cuts and Their Impact
• (51:44) - New IRS Leadership and Future Outlook
• (56:43) - Conclusion and Future Updates

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

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Giles Pearson, co-founder of Accountests and former PwC partner, shares how one disastrous hire led him to revolutionize recruiting in the accounting profession. The conversation explores why traditional hiring methods fail, how skills and personality testing can predict job success, and reveals the shocking statistics about resume dishonesty. Roger and Annie also dive into New Zealand's streamlined tax system where 90% of taxpayers never file returns, sparking a fascinating debate about whether such simplicity could ever work in the United States.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:40) - Introducing the Guest: Gilles Pearson
• (03:06) - Challenges in Hiring and the Birth of Accountests
• (05:10) - The Importance of Testing in Hiring
• (08:13) - The Role of Personality and Skills Tests
• (13:57) - Developing Effective Tests for Accountants
• (24:29) - Personality Profiles and Team Dynamics
• (31:33) - Using Tests for Employee Development
• (34:35) - Succession Planning in Smaller Firms
• (36:50) - Accountant Stereotypes and Communication Challenges
• (40:42) - The Role of Personal Interaction in Accounting
• (44:56) - Streamlined Hiring Process with Account Tests
• (48:56) - Comparing Tax Systems: US vs New Zealand
• (56:56) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel joins Roger and Annie for a wide-ranging conversation about his tenure leading the nation's tax agency during a period of unprecedented funding and modernization efforts. Werfel discusses the challenges of rebuilding IRS operations, his decision to resign during the transition to Trump, and his concerns about maintaining tax system stability while pursuing automation and reform. Using memorable analogies—from unpowered refrigerators to football stadiums under construction—he offers frank insights into what it takes to run a healthy tax system and why strong tax administration is essential for economic stability.

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• (00:00) - Welcome Former IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel to Federal Tax Updates
• (03:21) - Commissioner's Background and Expertise
• (07:01) - Challenges and Opportunities at the IRS
• (11:27) - IRS Modernization and Future Vision
• (23:27) - The Importance of a Tax System
• (28:59) - Why Commissioner Werfel Left the IRS
• (30:56) - Navigating the Transition Period
• (31:30) - Seeking Guidance from the Incoming Treasury Secretary
• (34:30) - The Importance of Listening and Feedback
• (42:41) - Challenges with the Employee Retention Credit
• (49:58) - What Changes Would You Implement if You Had Total Control
• (53:47) - Future Plans and Reflections
• (56:09) - Georgia Football and Final Thoughts

Get NASBA Approved CPE or IRS Approved CE
Launch the course on EarmarkCPE to get free CPE/CE for listening to this episode.

Connect with the Roger and Annie on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerharrispbs/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-schwab-852418261/

Review
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser

Subscribe
Subscribe to the Federal Tax Updates podcast in your favorite podcast app!

This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media