Blog
Watch Your Email: Peer Review Administrative Billing Coming in January
December 02, 2025
The upcoming COCPA Peer Review administrative billing will take place via email, with invoices landing in email accounts on Jan. 7, 2026.
The Autumn of Adaptation: Embracing Change Across the Profession
December 01, 2025
Fall is here and for many of us, that means football season! Whether you're watching your alma mater on Saturdays or your favorite pro team on Sundays, football reminds us that success requires agility, teamwork, and the ability to adapt mid-play. The same is true for our profession.
AICPA, WSCPA Urge Dept. of Educ. to Recognize Accounting Programs as Professional Degree Programs (AICPA)
November 24, 2025
The AICPA and the Washington Society of CPAs, along with other state CPA societies, strongly oppose any proposal that fails to recognize accounting as a professional degree program. The organizations are calling on the U.S. Department of Education to explicitly include accounting programs in the regulatory definition of “professional degree programs.” While higher education reforms were included in H.R. 1, commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Department of Education only recently released proposed changes that would reclassify professional degree programs. Unfortunately, accounting is not currently listed among those programs.
The Future of the Profession: Insights from Your Peers
November 17, 2025
At the Membership Summit on June 12, WSCPA members shared their thoughts on emerging technologies, talent, and firm growth/profitability. What emerged was a clear view of the challenges facing firms and the opportunities they see for the future.
New Discount for WSCPA Members: CPA QualityPro
November 12, 2025
Staying compliant with multi-state licensure rules is getting more complex as states adopt new pathways to CPA licensure. To help you stay ahead, the WSCPA is offering an exclusive new discount for CPA QualityPro—an all-in-one license and mobility management software designed for CPA firms.
Be Prepared: The Quality Management Standards are Coming
November 10, 2025
This article is an extremely brief overview of the SQMS, and shares risk management tips intended to motivate you to make progress on modifying your firm’s system of quality management to be compliant with the SQMS.
New Regulatory Changes in Washington: What Licensing Changes Mean for You, How You Do Business, and the Next Generation of CPAs
November 05, 2025
On October 17, the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WBOA) adopted additional pathways to CPA licensure. The two new pathways will go into effect November 20 (31 days following the filing of the rule change). Here are resources, including a video, to help you understand the pathways and the impact on licensed CPAs.
New Pathways to CPA Licensure: Impacts on Mobility for Washington CPAs
November 04, 2025
Washington joins half the states in the nation in adopting new pathways to CPA licensure. While this is an exciting time for CPA candidates looking toward joining the profession, it introduces a potential challenge for existing licensees.
Washington State Estate Tax Update: Small Exclusions Require Creative Solutions
November 03, 2025
Major changes to Washington state's estate tax, effective July 1, 2025, are set to reshape estate planning strategies for residents and nonresidents alike. Under the new legislation, the estate tax exclusion increases from $2.193 million to $3 million, providing some relief to moderate estates. However, this is counterbalanced by a significant rise in the top estate tax rate from 20% to 35%, cementing Washington’s position as the state with the highest estate tax rate in the nation. These updates make proactive estate planning not just advisable, but essential.
The Cyber Saga Continues...Protect Your Firm from First-Party and Third-Party Cyber Exposures
October 30, 2025
In today’s digital landscape, it is no surprise that there appears to be a new cybersecurity story in the news every week, from attacks on major infrastructure to small companies being held for ransom.
A Sure Way to Up Your Leadership Prowess
October 28, 2025
Leadership isn't always a straightforward path, but if you want to supercharge your leadership skills—whether you are leading a team now or preparing to—read on for some key insights.
Historic Tax Increases and Their Impact on CPAs: Where are we now?
October 28, 2025
The 2025 Washington State legislative session ended with the largest combination of tax increases in the state’s history. Various changes will affect nearly every industry in Washington as well as CPAs, their clients and firms.
Washington's new CPA licensing rules could go live next month (CFO Dive)
October 24, 2025
The Evergreen State joins at least 22 others that have put new rules in place allowing CPA candidates to become licensed without a fifth year of post-secondary education.
Post-Tax Season Tips for Managing Risk
October 23, 2025
With more than 60% of CAMICO’s claims originating from tax-related matters, addressing and managing the risk stress points associated with problematic tax clients can significantly improve a firm’s risk profile.
Alternative Pathways to CPA Licensure Adopted in Washington
October 17, 2025
On October 17, the Washington State Board of Accountancy (WBOA) adopted additional pathways to CPA licensure. After a year of change nationally for the profession, the WBOA has opened two new pathways to CPA licensure. The pathways will go into effect 31 days following the filing of the rule change, which is expected by the end of October.
IRS updates government shutdown plan
October 09, 2025
The IRS has updated its contingency plan which outlines how it will function in the event of a government shutdown.
Making the Most of Medicare Open Enrollment
October 08, 2025
When your clients turn 65, Medicare will become a critical part of their health care planning. But enrollment is only the first step. This post provides practical insights and ready-to-share tips you can use to guide clients through their choices, helping them make confident, well-informed decisions.
Make This Academic Year Your Most Productive Yet
October 01, 2025
Are you accomplishing tasks at the level your busy schedule demands? When was the last time you examined your productivity methods to determine if they’re really working for you? Perhaps there is a new method you can incorporate to up your game.
DOR Announces Updates to Washington State's Voluntary Disclosure Program
September 23, 2025
The DOR is announcing recent changes to the Voluntary Disclosure Program, effective Sept. 1, 2025, including a revised lookback period, expanded eligibility criteria, and more.
IRS to phase out paper tax refund checks starting with individual taxpayers
September 23, 2025
The Internal Revenue Service, working with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, announced that paper tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on Sept. 30, 2025, as required by Executive Order 14247, to the extent permitted by law. This marks the first step of the broader transition to electronic payments.