From Timesheets to Trusted Advisor

On this episode, April Walker is joined by Benjamin Alarie, CEO and co-founder of Blue J, to discuss the ways that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing tax practice – not only by accelerating research and compliance work, but also by reshaping how firms define and deliver value. Ben shares new research showing widespread AI adoption among tax professionals and how firms are using the resulting time savings to improve client service, strengthen work-life balance and focus on higher value advisory work. The discussion explores whether the traditional billable hour model still makes sense when technology can dramatically reduce time spent on technical tasks. Together, April and Ben also examine the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility's (OPR) preliminary guidelines on responsible AI use and why professional judgement, due diligence and client trust remain essential in an AI-enabled profession. **Questions answered in this episode:**  - How quickly are tax professionals adopting AI based on the most recent CPA.com/Blue J survey and what are they using it for? - If AI can potentially provide research results in minutes instead of hours, how could this affect how firms think about pricing their services? - What does the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility's guidelines on responsible AI use mean for tax practitioners? - How can firms use AI to improve client service while maintaining professional responsibility and quality? **AICPA resources** AICPA insights: Introductory guidelines for responsible AI use in federal tax practice 2026 AI Tax Research Solution Outlook Report by CPA.com and Blue J Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tax Research Center Statements on Standards for Tax Services (SSTSs) Treasury Department Circular No. 230 *Keep your finger on the pulse of the dynamic and evolving tax landscape with insights from tax thought leaders in the AICPA Tax Section. The* Tax Section Odyssey podcast *includes a digest of tax developments, trending issues and practice management tips that you need to be aware of to elevate your professional development and your firm practices.* *This resource is part of the robust tax resource library available from the AICPA Tax Section. The* Tax Section is your go-to home base *for staying up to date on the latest tax developments and providing the edge you need for upskilling your professional development. If you're not already a member, consider joining this prestigious community of your tax peers. You'll get free CPE, access to rich technical content such as our Annual Tax Compliance Kit, a weekly member newsletter and a digital subscription to The Tax Adviser.*