Business Strategy

  • Tips for Navigating and Contacting the IRS During Tax Season

    With millions of returns flooding in and demand for IRS assistance, navigating the agency’s channels efficiently is critical for meeting client expectations and avoiding processing delays. Here are strategies to help you stay productive and responsive while working with the IRS during peak season. 1. Know When and How to Contact the IRS The IRS…

  • Compare Professional Tax Software

    In the middle of the busy tax season, when you may suddenly need more credits for individual returns, Drake’s Pay-Per-Return (PPR) model offers a flexible option worth considering. This approach can make it easier to manage fluctuating client volume and control expenses during peak filing periods, when demand is high and flexibility is important. Learn…

  • IRS Research: Five IRS Tax Changes to Watch This Tax Season

    Tax professionals should start the 2026 filing season fully informed of the major shifts in tax law and IRS procedures. Many of this year’s key updates stem from the (OBBB) otherwise known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which enacted sweeping changes in 2025 that apply for returns due in April 2026.  Here are…

  • AI & Cybersecurity in Tax Practice: How to Protect Your Firm and Your Clients

    As tax professionals, we handle some of the most sensitive data in the financial ecosystem — Social Security numbers, bank account details, incomes, and identity credentials. That trust also makes our firms high‑value targets for criminals seeking to exploit weaknesses for fraud, identity theft, and ransomware attacks. In an era when artificial intelligence (Cybersecurity Awareness and WISP Planning…

  • Tax Filing Timeline: When Does E-File Start?

    The IRS will begin accepting individual returns on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 More and more taxpayers are leaning towards the convenience and speed of electronic filing (e-file) leading to many of us wanting to know exactly when e-filing starts. The IRS will begin accepting individual returns on Monday, January 26, 2026. When Does E-Filing Start…

  • How to Become a Tax Preparer

    Whether you’re pursuing part-time seasonal work or launching a full-time tax practice, one of the first steps is understanding how to become a tax preparer. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the IRS registration process, key requirements, and how Drake Software®, an authorized e-file provider, can help you start strong. Step 1: Understand the…

  • Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBI): A Guide for Tax Professionals

      The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, also known as the Section 199A deduction, allows many pass-through business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income on their tax return. This guide explains what QBI is, how to calculate the deduction, which businesses qualify (and don’t), and special considerations like real estate…

  • Preparing for Policy Changes Ahead of Tax Season

     Here is an overview of what may happen and how to prepare ahead of the next tax season. Download the resource below for a comprehensive breakdown of key policy areas and actionable steps for tax professionals and small businesses. Note: These are just predictions. Things change and happen very quickly. We will notify you as…

  • Bank Products and Mobile Payment Apps

    Bank Products and Peer-to-Peer Apps: What Tax Pros Need to Know As tax season approaches, clients increasingly want fast, flexible options for receiving their tax refunds. While bank products remain a trusted method used by tax professionals for years, peer-to-peer (P2P) payment apps like Cash App®, Venmo®, and PayPal® are becoming more popular—especially among younger…

  • 6 Practical Tips for Managing Difficult Tax Clients

    6 Practical Tips for Managing Difficult Tax Clients Tax season can bring out the best—and worst—in your clientele. Stress, deadlines, and complex financial issues may cause some tax customers to act impatient, defensive, or outright combative. As a professional tax preparer, knowing how to handle difficult clients is essential for maintaining professionalism, protecting your time,…