About Today’s CPA Magazine

• 401(k) Plans
• Cash Balance Plans
• Compliance Requirements
• Contribution Limits
• IRA Plans
• Retirement Planning
• SECURE 2.0
• Tax strategies

Choosing the right retirement plan can help small business owners maximize tax savings, build wealth and attract and retain employees. This practical guide compares five common options, from SEP and SIMPLE IRAs to 401(k) and cash balance plans, highlighting 2026 contribution limits, eligibility requirements, deadlines and compliance considerations to help CPAs tailor recommendations to each client’s needs.

By Wade D. Egmon, CPA, CFP®, and Paul E. Palmer, Jr., CFP®

• Advisory Services
• AI Integration
• C.L.E.A.R. Framework
• Client Trust
• Data Security
• Professional Oversight
• Risk Management
• Tax Planning

AI can help tax professionals improve efficiency, personalize tax planning and deliver proactive client service, but successful adoption requires balancing technological capabilities with human expertise. This article explores client attitudes toward AI, implementation challenges and cybersecurity concerns.

By Jose Lineros, Ph.D., CPA, CISA; Peggy Jimenez, Ph.D., CPA; and Jordan Bernot, Ph.D.

• Aspiring CPAs
• Community Service
• Member Engagement
• Networking
• Pickleball
• Student Outreach
• Young Professionals

This issue’s chapter highlights showcase TXCPA members connecting, giving back and having fun across Texas. From networking events and behind-the-scenes experiences to pickleball and school supply drives, members strengthened professional relationships while supporting students and their local communities.

• 2027 Texas Legislative Session
• Commitment to Excellence
• Legislative Advocacy
• Member Engagement
• Professional Leadership
• Rising Stars

TXCPA Chair Angela Ragan highlights the 2026 Rising Stars, the impact of artificial intelligence on accounting, information security guidance for tax professionals, and plans for the 2027 Texas Legislative Session. She encourages members to stay engaged, support one another and help shape the future of the profession.

By Angela Ragan, TXCPA Chair

• Academic Job Market
• Accounting Academia
• Faculty Careers
• Ph.D. Programs
• Publishing Work
• Teaching Experience

Learn how CPAs can prepare for competitive accounting Ph.D. programs and academic careers by strategically selecting doctoral programs, publishing in practitioner and academic journals, and gaining diverse teaching experience. Other key considerations include developing research and data analytics skills, doctoral program funding, and the importance of finding the right fit when pursuing a faculty position.

By Clement Chen, Ph.D., CPA; Keith T. Jones, Ph.D., CPA; Zhaochu Li, Ph.D., and Iryna P. Lytvynenko

• 2027 Texas Legislature
• Data Centers
• Practice Mobility
• Professional Regulation
• School Finance
• State Budget
• TXCPA Advocacy

The 90th Texas Legislative Session will address key issues, including state budget priorities, property tax reform, school finance and data center regulation. The session also presents important challenges for the accounting profession. Learn how TXCPA is preparing its 2027 legislative agenda to protect the profession and keep members informed of developments.

By Kenneth Besserman, JD, LLM

• Career Growth
• CGMA Designation
• Community Service
• Legislative Advocacy
• Professional Development
• Student Outreach
• TXCPA Member Insurance

In this edition of Take Note: Accounting Opportunities Month and TXCPA Month of Service; TXCPA’s Advocacy Day and Midyear Leadership Council Meeting; Member Insurance Program; Accountants Confidential Assistance Network (ACAN); CGMA® Designation; New: Career Compass - Five Competencies That Keep You Indispensable in the Age of AI

• CPA Practice Sales
• CPA Practices Sought
• Equity investment
• Exit Planning
• Succession Planning
• Texas Sales Tax
• Virtual Firms

The Classifieds section of Today's CPA magazine provides a one-stop destination to find practices for sale, connect with buyers, and access services that support growth, transition and market expansion.