Accounting & CPA — Why Tax Season 2026 Is Revealing Deep Shifts in Professional Practice Management

Accounting & CPA · 2026-03-27

Today's developments reveal a complex interplay between tax administration and compliance modernization. The IRS's report of increased refund amounts ($352 higher per filer) signals potential shifts in tax withholding patterns and policy effects, while NYC's property tax deliberations highlight growing tension between local revenue needs and taxpayer capacity. Meanwhile, the evolution of…

OPENING This tax season is turning into a masterclass in how the accounting profession must evolve beyond traditional number-crunching. The convergence of higher refunds, changing municipal tax landscapes, and the persistent misuse of compliance talent points to a profession at a crossroads.

The recent developments in New York City's property tax debate highlight a broader transformation in how tax policy intersects with accounting practice. Mayor Mamdani's strategic positioning on property taxes, while politically charged, underscores the increasingly complex environment that tax professionals must navigate. Gone are the days when CPAs could simply process returns and move on - today's landscape demands political acumen, strategic thinking, and a deeper understanding of policy implications.

This evolution is further evidenced by the changing nature of compliance work. The industry's persistent habit of deploying high-value compliance officers on routine alert processing represents a fundamental misallocation of expertise. In an era where technology platforms are rapidly expanding their capabilities - as seen in Extend's recent integration with major accounting software providers - we must seriously question whether our traditional staffing models are still serving us well.

What's particularly telling is the juxtaposition between this year's increased tax refunds and the continuing prevalence of basic tax filing errors. This disconnect suggests that while the monetary outcomes may be improving for taxpayers, the underlying complexity of tax compliance continues to challenge both professionals and the public alike. The profession needs to ask itself whether it's truly adding value where it matters most.

WHAT TO WATCH Keep a close eye on how accounting technology platforms continue to consolidate and integrate in the coming months. The expansion of financial technology into traditional accounting spaces isn't just about efficiency - it's about fundamentally redefining the role of the CPA. Those who recognize this shift and position themselves as strategic advisors rather than mere processors will find themselves ahead of the curve. The real question isn't whether accounting practices will change, but how quickly professionals will adapt to their evolving role as business strategists rather than just number crunchers.