John Barucci joins the show to break down his real-life data breach. John thought he had all the right safeguards in place: cyber insurance, firewalls, security training, and a written information security plan. But a single click on what appeared to be a Social Security Administration email led to bad actors accessing nine client files, altering returns, and changing bank account information in just 38 minutes.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Greetings
• (00:56) - Current Events and Government Shutdown
• (01:56) - PTIN Renewal and Security Measures
• (02:59) - Introducing John Bucci's Story
• (04:34) - John Bucci's Cybersecurity Breach Experience
• (06:18) - Detailed Chronology of the Breach
• (18:38) - Immediate Actions Taken Post-Breach
• (22:14) - IRS and Software Company Responses
• (27:02) - Client Communication and Further Steps
• (30:34) - The Weight of Responsibility in Tax Practice
• (31:22) - The Importance of Having a Plan
• (32:28) - Immediate Actions Post-Breach
• (32:53) - Involvement of Thomson Reuters and Stopping the Breach
• (34:21) - Forensic Investigation and Legal Steps
• (35:48) - Cyber Insurance and Its Benefits
• (37:50) - IRS Practitioner Relief Program
• (43:27) - Final Reflections and Lessons Learned
• (50:02) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with John:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarucci

Connect with the Hosts on LinkedIn
Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

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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.

Roger and Annie welcome Alan Pinck, EA and moderator of Tax Talk Today, for a wide-ranging conversation about his transition from hospitality management to tax representation work. Alan shares war stories from the days of preparing returns by hand, explains why treating IRS auditors with respect yields better outcomes than adversarial tactics, and discusses the critical differences between examination and collections work. The conversation covers everything from ghost preparers and ERC problems to building a year-round practice, teaching strategies, and why the most important day of tax season is April 16th.

Sponsors
Padgett - Contact Padgett or Email Jeff Phillips

Connect with Alan
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-pinck-ea-1b29b66
https://apincktax.com/

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome
• (01:05) - Special Guest Introduction: Alan Pink
• (02:13) - Alan's Journey into Tax Profession
• (04:57) - Challenges and Anecdotes in Tax Preparation
• (13:09) - Representation and Audits
• (22:28) - Collections vs. Examination
• (29:12) - Current Issues and Credits
• (30:06) - Taxpayer Liability and Rule Changes
• (31:11) - Understanding Captive Insurance
• (33:35) - Advice for New Tax Professionals
• (34:33) - NAEA and Educational Programs
• (38:21) - Becoming a Tax Talk Moderator
• (41:36) - Challenges and Rewards of Live Shows
• (51:12) - Upcoming Speaking Engagements
• (53:19) - Final Thoughts and Farewell

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.

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.