The IRS is evolving—and so must you. With resource cutbacks, strategic shifts, and a growing digital-first approach, tax professionals face new challenges in client representation and compliance. This course dives deep into the latest IRS changes impacting service and enforcement, equipping you with practical strategies to stay ahead.
You’ll learn how to navigate the IRS’s digital transformation, leverage online tools and transcripts, and apply 10 actionable tips to resolve client issues faster and reduce unnecessary IRS interactions. Gain insights into future enforcement trends and discover how to position your firm proactively for success.
Don’t wait until problems arise—join us and transform the way you work with the IRS.
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2028 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN cardPublication Date: January 2026
Designed For
Tax professionals and firm leaders who want to implement strategies to improve working with the IRS.
Topics Covered
- IRS Services and Enforcement Update
- Key Themes in Working with the IRS
- IRS digital first strategy
- IRS digital tips
- Using IRS Transcripts
- Tips for enforcement issues
- Proactive client support
Learning Objectives
- Describe the changes to IRS service and enforcement as a result of the recent IRS resource cutbacks and strategic shifts
- Identify key themes in working with the changing landscape at the IRS
- Indicate how to improve your use of IRS online tools and transcripts
- State 10 tips to better work with the IRS, including obtaining client information and resolving client notices and issues
- Explain how to put your tax firm in a proactive position to work with the IRS
Level
Basic
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Jim Buttonow
Jim Buttonow, CPA, CITP, has been a leader in helping taxpayers and tax professionals resolve tax problems with the IRS.
For 19 years, Jim worked at the IRS in various compliance enforcement positions. Since 2006, Jim has been in private practice and tax and accounting software development. Jim consulting practice focuses on the areas of tax controversy and tax administration. Jim led product development and marketing for a successful software company that developed tax problem software for tax professionals and has developed and implemented post-filing tax services to large tax providers, such as H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt. This software is currently being used by tens of thousands of tax professionals and businesses in the United States.
Jim has been an IRS partner in improving IRS operations and post-filing service to taxpayers. Jim served as chairperson of the IRS Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC) in 2015 and 2016 during which ETAAC played a central role in promoting the IRS digital strategy to develop transformative technology solutions to systemic challenges in tax administration. Jim also served as the North Carolina representative on the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocacy Panel (TAP) from 2020-2022.
Jim regularly speaks on areas of tax administration and problem solving to national associations and has testified before Congress in areas of tax administration. He has also published many articles in industry publications. In his articles, Jim focuses on delivering practical insights, advocating for IRS transparency and efficiency, and proposing innovative large-scale solutions for taxpayers and tax professionals.
Jim currently authors the Tax Problems and Solutions Handbook, a publication aimed at helping tax pros work more effectively in post-filing matters and resolving their clients’ most common tax problems. The book can be found online at TaxProblemsHandbook.com. Jim can be reached at Jim@buttonowcpa.com or at his website at buttonowcpa.com.