Preparing for key provisions in the OBBBA
Let’s look at a scenario that we see all the time. Imagine a mid-sized accounting firm in early 2026, as clients begin filing under the new rules. The managing partner wants to ensure every preparer understands the deductions and exemptions changes and applies it consistently.
Instead of assigning staff to review hundreds of pages, the partner uses CCH AnswerConnect’s AI Assistant and:
- Searches for individual income tax changes in the OBBBA.
- Receives a bulleted list of provisions affecting clients.
- Converts the summary into a firm memo in minutes.
- Distributes the memo to staff, complete with next steps and planning considerations.
When clients later ask about the impact of OBBBA on individual income tax, every staff member has consistent guidance. The workflow shifts from reactive to proactive, helping you to continue to position your firm as a trusted advisor.
FYI, CCH AnswerConnect can also draft client-ready emails for your review that highlight the key changes affecting your clients.
The risks of not having a tool like CCH AnswerConnect
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a complex piece of legislation. Without a trusted research platform, you may face very real risks that can directly affect your firm and clients.
Missed provisions
Even important individual tax changes can slip through the cracks when you’re doing manual research or splitting it among team members. Yet, even a single overlooked provision, such as an adjustment to income thresholds or a newly introduced deduction, can cause inaccurate filings and frustrate clients.
Inconsistent guidance
Without a centralized resource, each practitioner may interpret the OBBBA slightly differently. One team member might flag an expanded credit, while another may miss a key exemption altogether. This lack of consistency undermines internal confidence and can also erode your firm’s reputation with clients.
Inefficiency
Time is one of the most valuable resources during tax season.
Wading through hundreds of pages of legislation, piecing together updates from multiple sources, and double-checking details is tedious (and unprofitable). Hours spent in manual research could be better invested in client service and advisory work to grow your billing.
Greater audit exposure
Errors caused by incomplete or inconsistent understanding can quickly attract IRS scrutiny. A client whose return is questioned due to an overlooked rule may face penalties and lose trust in your firm. This creates unnecessary risk and stress that’s easily avoidable.
Benefits for firms: Beyond tax research
The advantages of CCH AnswerConnect extend beyond faster research. You get:
- Team alignment: Firm memos and summaries ensure every staff member is on the same page.
- Training efficiency: New hires and junior staff can quickly understand provisions without relying on senior staff for one-on-one explanations.
- Client confidence: Advisors can answer questions about income tax credits, deductions, and exemptions quickly, enhancing credibility.
- Scalability: As new laws, IRS interpretations, or updates emerge, CCH AnswerConnect automatically incorporates the latest analysis—future-proofing the firm’s processes.
By standardizing workflows, you can scale your ability to deliver accurate advice as a competitive advantage.
Clarity and confidence in client work
When firms adopt CCH AnswerConnect, the difference is immediate and measurable.
Instead of spending hours doing research, you get authoritative explanations in seconds. A question about an individual tax provision that might once have required late nights of manual review can now be answered in near-real time during a client meeting, backed by expert commentary and clear analysis.
The benefits ripple across the firm. Senior staff no longer carry the burden of training every junior associate one-on-one because CCH AnswerConnect provides memos, summaries, and analysis that align the entire team. Workflows become smoother, with everyone speaking from the same trusted information source.
Most importantly, clients will notice the change. When their questions about deductions, exemptions, or income tax credits are met with clear, confident answers — fast — it builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Ultimately, adopting CCH AnswerConnect is about turning complexity into clarity. You’ll no longer view the OBBBA (or future changes to tax rules) as an overwhelming challenge, but as an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, efficiency, and value.
Key takeaway
Here’s the key takeaway: The OBBBA represents one of the most significant shifts in individual tax provisions in recent history. With CCH AnswerConnect, you can research faster, align teams, and deliver guidance with confidence even as new rules change.
If you’re ready to cut through legislative complexity and stay ahead of client expectations, contact us to learn more and see firsthand how CCH AnswerConnect simplifies tax research.
