The Social Security Administration’s 3.6% adjustment works out to an average increase of about $75 a month for retirees beginning in January 2027. On the show, [host name, verify] and Hale discussed concerns that the increase may not keep pace with what households are actually paying for everyday costs like fuel and groceries.

Hale explained that Social Security benefits can become taxable when recipients have other income, such as a pension, 401(k) distributions or interest. She also noted that the taxable wage base for Social Security is rising to $192,000.

The conversation turned to taxpayers who filed extensions this year. Hale noted that tax preparation is a year-round job, not a once-a-year event. She described how tax professionals now use power of attorney to pull tax transcripts directly online, so they can confirm they have every document before filing a client’s return. She also pointed to IRS infrastructure upgrades and the use of AI as ways the agency could process returns and resolve tax issues more efficiently.

eeCPA is a women-founded boutique CPA and consulting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Hale, the firm has spent 22 years serving entrepreneurs, high-net-worth business owners, commercial real estate developers and family offices.

Watch the full segment here.