Roger and Annie sit down with Blake Oliver, founder of Earmark, to cut through the AI confusion. Blake explains why AI is more like a brilliant Harvard-trained intern with amnesia than a tax professional replacement, sharing practical applications from document organization to quality control that can work in firms today. The conversation explores which AI tools are worth trying, why voice mode changes everything, and why tax professionals who start experimenting now are still early adopters, not late to the party.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Chapters

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:19) - Guest Introduction: Blake Oliver
• (03:27) - Diving into AI: Initial Thoughts and Comparisons
• (07:58) - Understanding AI and Its Limitations
• (15:47) - Effective Use of AI in Accounting
• (21:41) - Choosing the Right AI Tools
• (24:49) - Security and Cost Considerations
• (30:46) - Best Practices and Pitfalls in AI Usage
• (33:17) - AI Struggles with Tax Complexity
• (34:34) - Human Verification in Tax Analysis
• (35:01) - AI's Limitations and Cost
• (36:29) - Misconceptions About AI in Tax
• (40:25) - AI's Role in Administrative Tasks
• (41:47) - AI in Quality Control and Research
• (43:26) - AI in Radiology and Tax
• (50:10) - Future of AI in Transportation
• (53:05) - AI in Manufacturing and Economy
• (56:17) - Adapting to AI in the Accounting Industry
• (57:21) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This podcast is a production of 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.

Drawing from insights gathered at five IRS tax forums this year, Roger and Annie are joined by Jeff, Amanda, and Katarina to tackle the three most pressing challenges facing small accounting firms. From remote hiring strategies to why 90% of clients accept fee increases to essential marketing basics, this episode shows how hiring, pricing, and marketing work together to create a thriving, sellable practice. Whether you're drowning in capacity issues or preparing for eventual retirement, these proven strategies offer a roadmap out of the daily grind.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Welcome to Federal Tax Updates
• (01:10) - Overview of Today's Podcast
• (01:27) - Insights from IRS Forums
• (02:43) - Key Challenges in the Industry
• (04:20) - Deep Dive into Hiring Issues Pricing Strategies and Challenges
• (07:38) - Introducing Jeff Phillips on Hiring
• (08:53) - Remote Work and Hiring
• (28:41) - Introduction and Struggles with Pricing
• (29:10) - Linking Pricing to Hiring Challenges
• (30:08) - Consequences of Poor Pricing
• (31:55) - Implementing a Pricing System
• (33:35) - Client Reactions to Price Increases
• (36:16) - Timing and Strategy for Raising Fees
• (46:31) - Marketing and Growth Strategies
• (48:07) - Importance of Online Presence
• (50:52) - Leveraging Reviews and Referrals
• (01:01:33) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

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

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.

Roger and Annie break down the preliminary list of occupations qualifying for tax-free tips, including some unexpected entries like plumbers and digital creators. They discuss the compliance headaches ahead with retroactive implementation but no updated forms until 2026. The conversation shifts to serious concerns about proposed IRS budget cuts and workforce reductions that could undermine tax enforcement when it's needed most.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

• (00:00) - Introduction and Greetings
• (01:25) - Upcoming Tax Deadlines
• (02:41) - No Tax on Tips: New Guidelines
• (04:16) - Industries and Occupations Affected
• (12:25) - Compliance and Documentation Challenges
• (16:24) - W-4 and W-2 Form Changes
• (26:04) - Call to Action: Comment on Proposed Forms
• (30:27) - Upcoming Changes to W2 Forms
• (31:16) - New Codes for Tips and Overtime
• (33:38) - IRS Budget Cuts and Workforce Reduction
• (36:42) - Impact of Budget Cuts on IRS Operations
• (39:29) - Challenges in IRS Enforcement and Compliance
• (48:12) - The Role of Practitioners and IRS Communication
• (55:00) - Future of IRS and Tax Law Changes
• (56:40) - Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

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

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.