For our milestone 50th episode, Roger Harris and Annie Schwab welcome Terry Lemons, who spent 26 years at the IRS including 11 years as Chief of Communications and Liaison. Terry shares insights from working with six different IRS commissioners, preparing officials for congressional testimony, and navigating public perceptions of the agency. The conversation explores the critical role of the tax professional community, challenges facing the IRS today, and lessons from past filing season successes and failures.

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• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:44) - Celebrating the 50th Podcast with Special Guest Terry Lemons
• (03:23) - Terry Lemons' Journey to the IRS
• (06:47) - The Role and Influence of IRS Commissioners
• (11:33) - Preparing a Commissioner to Testify Before Congress
• (22:28) - Challenges and Perceptions of Working at the IRS
• (28:43) - Debunking IRS Agent Myths
• (30:57) - IRS Efficiency and Transformation
• (32:24) - Challenges and Improvements at the IRS
• (33:46) - Reflecting on Filing Seasons
• (36:04) - Historical IRS Challenges
• (40:24) - Future Tax Law Changes and Implications
• (44:31) - Terry's Retirement Plans
• (46:07) - The Importance of Tax Professionals Community
• (52:15) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Connect with Terry Lemons
https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-lemons-77b3641a9

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

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In this episode, Roger sits down with Catharine Madeley, a tax practitioner who recently experienced a data breach at her firm. Catherine shares her firsthand account of how the breach unfolded, the steps she took to respond, and the lessons she learned along the way. She offers valuable insights into the importance of having a robust cybersecurity plan, the critical role of communication with clients, and the need to be proactive in protecting sensitive client information.

*This is a replay of an episode that originally aired in March, 2024.

• (00:00) - Welcome to the Federal Tax Updates Podcast
• (01:30) - Introducing Our Guest: Catharine Madeley
• (03:26) - The Harrowing Tale of a Data Breach
• (04:29) - The Initial Discovery and Immediate Response
• (14:36) - Navigating the Aftermath: Investigation and Recovery
• (23:42) - Reflections and Lessons Learned from the Cybersecurity Incident
• (25:58) - The Aftermath of a Data Breach: A Personal Account
• (26:45) - Law Enforcement's Response to Small Scale Breaches
• (28:36) - Navigating IRS Procedures After a Breach
• (29:51) - The IRS Practitioner Relief Opt-In Program: A Lifeline
• (32:42) - Client Communication and Response to the Breach
• (42:55) - Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
• (49:28) - Final Thoughts and Advice

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Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

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This podcast is a production of the Earmark Media

The full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page

All content from this podcast by SmallBizPros, Inc. DBA PADGETT BUSINESS SERVICES is intended for informational purposes only.

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Roger and Annie welcome guest Bob Kerr to discuss proposed changes to Circular 230, the regulations governing practice before the IRS. They explore contentious issues including contingent fees being classified as "disreputable conduct," expanded rights for non-credentialed preparers, and new requirements for reporting client errors. Bob shares insights from the recent hearing and explains why practitioners shouldn't expect final regulations until at least 2026.

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (02:20) - Introducing Special Guest Bob Kerr
• (03:32) - Overview of Circular 230
• (04:59) - Proposed Changes to Circular 230
• (15:17) - Contingent Fees Debate
• (30:30) - Limited Practice Discussion
• (36:22) - Voluntary IRS Programs and Their Impact
• (38:10) - Competency and Practitioner Requirements
• (39:33) - Knowledge of Errors and Omissions
• (42:31) - Proposed IRS Regulations and Practitioner Responsibilities
• (49:41) - Best Practices and Circular 230
• (57:30) - Conclusion and Future Expectations