Accounting News

1. Lutnick's tax comments give cruise operators case of deja vu

   Cruise operators may yet avoid paying more U.S. corporate taxes despite threats from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to close favorable loopholes.

2. AI in accounting and its growing role

   To make artificial intelligence worthwhile as an accounting tool, companies must find ways to balance gains in efficiency with the ethical risks it presents.

3. Ascend adds VP of partnerships

   Maureen Churgovich Dillmore will oversee the expansion of Ascend's growth platform for regional accounting firms into new U.S. markets, effective Feb. 17.

4. IRS plans to fire thousands by mail

   A technical glitch prevented Internal Revenue Service officials from notifying laid-off employees by email, so the IRS will be sending them letters, instead.

5. Trump tariffs could counter digital taxes big tech hates

   President Trump is expected to sign a memorandum that opens the door to levies in response to digital services taxes some countries impose on U.S. tech giants.