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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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November 26.2025
2 Minutes Read

Unlock Greater Revenue with Practice Forward and Ready to Advise

Transform Your Firm with Advisory Services: Professional team collaborating

Transforming Accounting: The Shift from Compliance to Advisory Services

As the financial landscape grows more complex, accounting firms are standing at a pivotal moment. Clients are no longer satisfied with traditional compliance services alone; they seek meaningful advisory support. Tools like Thomson Reuters® Practice Forward and Ready to Advise are leading a revolution, helping firms not just survive but thrive by embracing advisory services actively.

Why Embrace Strategic Advisory Services?

One of the most significant trends driving change in the accounting industry is clients' demand for proactive advisory solutions. Gone are the days when a firm could thrive solely on compliance work. With complex tax regulations and heightened client expectations, firms face a choice: adapt or risk being left behind. By transitioning to advisory roles, firms can enhance client relationships and offer high-value expertise.

Enhancing Client Relationships

The key to successful advisory practices often starts with deepening client relationships. Thomson Reuters® Practice Forward provides over 290 tailored tools and coaching strategies aimed at encouraging stronger client engagement. By fostering these meaningful partnerships, accounting firms can shift their identity from compliance providers to trusted advisors, significantly enriching the client experience.

Unlocking Revenue Potential

Utilizing advisory tools can transform revenue streams for accounting firms drastically. Initial reports showcase substantial increases: firms have experienced an average of 62% revenue growth within the first year by integrating these strategies. As an example, Butrica Ployd & Associates saw their revenue double within just two years of implementing the Practice Forward model. This kind of success isn't just an anomaly—it's indicative of a broader trend among firms willing to pivot toward advisory services.

The Role of AI in Modern Advisory

Intelligent automation plays a crucial role in enhancing advisory operations. With the Ready to Advise platform, AI analyzes client data to uncover personalized tax strategies, ensuring that firms deliver proactive advice rather than reactive responses limited only to tax season. This system enables firms to engage more effectively with their clients, guiding them year-round with insights that can directly influence profitability.

Creating a Sustainable Practice Model

The journey toward becoming an advisory-centered firm is not just about increasing revenue—it's also about establishing a sustainable practice model. By adopting these innovative solutions, firms can cultivate a healthier work-life balance for employees. Reducing burnout and creating an environment conducive to growth not only attracts new talent but helps retain the existing workforce.

The Future is Advisory

The accounting industry's future is undeniably advisory. As firms choose to evolve their business models, those that embrace the integrated use of technologies like Practice Forward and Ready to Advise will position themselves as market leaders. The proactive approach enhances firm value and establishes lasting relationships with clients.

Audit-Proofing Strategies

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01.10.2026

Unlock the Power of AI: Why Tax Firms Must Adopt an AI Strategy Now

Update Why AI Adoption is Key to Your Tax Firm's FutureAs accounting leaders gather at pivotal crossroads, the urgency for tax firms to adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) has never been more pressing. Despite a consensus among 79% of tax professionals that AI will profoundly impact the industry within the next five years, just 37% of firms are investing in AI technologies. This lag raises critical questions: why the hesitation, and how can firms strategically leverage AI for their benefit?Understanding Barriers to AI AdoptionA recent Thomson Reuters survey highlights the main obstacles to AI investment among tax professionals: lack of time and resources, implementation costs, and the complexity of existing workflows. Surprisingly, these barriers are not merely technical but stem from strategic planning challenges that can be navigated with foresight. Firms without a clear AI adoption roadmap risk stagnating after initial efficiency improvements, reducing AI to just speeding up traditional tasks rather than fostering innovation and new value creation.Measuring ROI: A Divide Between Leaders and LaggardsThe potential for ROI through AI is substantial. Innovators and early adopters, who proactively integrate AI into their strategies, can unlock up to $52,000 in value per professional annually compared to just $13,000 for those who lag. This stark difference illustrates the critical need for tax firms to act decisively: those who delay risk falling behind, struggling to attract top talent while others flourish.The SMART Approach to AI StrategyThere’s no one-size-fits-all formula for an effective AI strategy, yet many firms are finding success by adhering to the SMART principles:Specific: Identify pressing pain points.Measurable: Define key performance indicators.Achievable: Set realistic initial goals.Relevant: Align initiatives with broader business strategy.Time-bound: Establish clear timelines for rollouts.This framework helps firms not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to reallocate productivity gains into more lucrative areas.High-Impact Areas for AI InvestmentTo maximize AI investments, firms should target areas that impose the highest manual workload and client interaction:Document Gathering: Automated tools designed to gather and prepare client documents can replace manual processes.Data Preparation: Utilizing AI to automate data entry minimizes errors and saves time considerably.Delivery and Filing: Automating the client return delivery and filing process can enhance customer experience and expedite procedures.Focusing on these high-impact areas allows tax firms to free up resources for advisory services, adding further value for clients.The Path Forward: Planning for 2026Adopting AI won’t yield overnight transformation, but with strategic planning, committed leadership, and an operational alignment, firms can enhance client experiences and boost profitability. As the tax and accounting industry heads into a new era, those who embrace AI as a transformative partner will not only thrive but lead the charge toward greater innovation and efficiency.In Conclusion: As you chart your firm's path, consider how AI could redefine roles and workflows for the better. With the right approach, you can turn challenges into opportunities, ultimately enhancing your firm's resilience and competitive edge.

01.09.2026

Discover How to Locate Your EFIN Number for Efficient E-filing

Update Understanding the Importance of Your EFIN Number The Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) is a critical identifier assigned by the IRS to tax professionals and firms that have completed the e-file application process. This number is not just a regulatory requirement but an essential element for operating successfully in the realm of electronic tax submissions. To maintain your status as an authorized IRS e-file provider, you must ensure that your EFIN is correct and actively monitored. Where to Find Your EFIN Number Easily Locating your EFIN can be straightforward, provided you know where to look. Common sources include: IRS Acceptance Materials: Your acceptance letter contains your EFIN. IRS e-Services: You can view your e-file application details by accessing the IRS e-services portal. Tax Software Settings: Most professional tax software platforms, such as Thomson Reuters, will have your EFIN stored within their admin settings, making it easily accessible. If you suspect there might be issues with your EFIN, such as it being compromised or inactive, it would be prudent to contact the IRS immediately to safeguard your account and ensure that your application details are up to date. Steps to Access Your Application Summary For those who need to access or print their application summary, follow these straightforward steps: Visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/e-file-provider-services. Select the 'Access e-file application' link. Using the fields provided, log in through ID.me to access IRS e-services. On the 'Select Your Organization' page, click 'Select' next to your organization’s name. Click the 'View/Edit' link, then select 'Print' to obtain your application summary. Verifying Your EFIN for e-Filing in Thomson Reuters Before you can e-file tax returns via Thomson Reuters systems, it's essential to verify your EFIN. If you haven’t submitted your application summary, you may receive a message indicating that your e-filing capabilities are disabled. To resolve this, email a copy of your IRS e-file application summary to EFINCertificate@TR.com with your firm ID in the subject line. It's crucial to have distinct application summaries for each EFIN associated with your account. Avoiding Common E-Filing Problems It's not uncommon for tax professionals to encounter issues with their EFIN, especially during peak tax seasons. To avoid problems such as e-filing errors or invalid EFIN notifications, ensure that: Your contact information with the IRS is updated. You regularly check the status of your IRS account. You have documentation readily available when filing. Staying informed about your EFIN will not only streamline your filing process but also secure your firm from potential audits or penalties. Stay Proactive with Your EFIN Management By regularly checking your EFIN and keeping your application summary updated, you can significantly decrease the likelihood of complications during e-filing. Like any aspect of business operations, proactive management is key to maintaining compliance and ensuring efficiency. In conclusion, understanding how to manage your EFIN number and application summary is crucial for any tax professional. An organized approach can save you time and potential headaches during tax filing seasons, ensuring peace of mind and operational efficiency.

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Navigate the 2026 Tax Season: Key Changes and Client Questions Answered

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