Whew! That’s a wrap for 2025 ... and what a year it was! Let’s take a look at what 2025 brought and where we’re headed in 2026.

1. Indiana Leads the Nation in CPA Licensure Modernization

INCPAS helped lead the charge on House Bill 1143, making Indiana one of the first states to adopt the 120 hours plus two years of experience pathway to CPA licensure. Key highlights include:

• Making Indiana one of the first ten states to adopt an additional licensure pathway.
• Helping address talent shortages while maintaining professional standards.
• Taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
• Providing input at the national level through AICPA and NASBA exposure drafts.
• Clarifying cross-state practice and reciprocity for CPAs through a nonruled provision.
• Keeping Indiana aligned with national regulations while expanding access to professional licensure.

We also worked with the Indiana Board of Accountancy on a nonruled provision that helps clarify license mobility and reciprocity while new rules are being developed.

What this means for you: You’re part of a state that’s shaping the future of the profession. Additional pathways make CPA licensure more accessible while maintaining rigor and relevance. This means Indiana firms can recruit and retain talent while giving future CPAs greater access to the profession.

2. From Classroom to Career: INCPAS Is Paving the Way

INCPAS continued to grow programs that help students on their path to becoming CPAs—and even launched new collaborations to reach more future professionals. The INCPAS Scholars program, now in its 14th year, has graduated more than 300 students, many of whom are now pursuing accounting degrees or working in the field.

CPA Week also grew by leaps and bounds, reaching over 3,000 students across 30 high schools this spring and fall. These visits gave students a firsthand look at the many career possibilities in accounting. None of this would have been possible without the power of 37 member volunteers (big thanks to all of you!) who shared their time and experience to inspire future CPAs.

We also strengthened our ConnectIN partnership with NABA, Inc., helping grow ACAP programming on Indiana college campuses—including Ball State, Butler and Purdue.

This work was further supported by our 14 pipeline partners and 5 university partners that contributed over $187,000 in financial support and helped expand our reach to even more students across the state.

At Celebration, members came together to support the Indiana CPA Educational Foundation—raising $20,022 toward the student pipeline (surpassing the $20K goal!).

What this means for you: Your membership powers real progress—helping students discover the CPA profession, supporting mentorship and outreach, and building a stronger, more inclusive pipeline for Indiana’s future CPAs.

3. From Tech Stacks to Member Systems: INCPAS Is Upgrading Too

Just like firms are investing in new tools and smarter tech stacks, INCPAS is following suit. In 2025, we kicked off a full-scale digital transformation to modernize how we connect and support you. A new association management system, along with an integrated website, is set to launch in February 2026—we’re nearly there!

What’s coming your way:

• Our new classroom platform—enhanced in-room equipment designed to create a better, more seamless experience for online participants
• More virtual, live learning options
• A brand-new database powering a refreshed website

And here’s why:

• Cuts down on multiple logins and scattered systems
• Upgrades behind-the-scenes tech so your experience is faster and easier
• Gives staff better tools so they can more efficiently help members
• New website that is easier to navigate
• Levels up virtual learning technology for a better online experience

What this means for you: You’ll experience faster access, smarter tools, and a smoother interface, making it easier to register for events, manage your membership, and engage with INCPAS.

4. Turning Member Priorities Into Policy Wins

In 2025, we kept doing what we do best: listening to you and fighting for what matters. Sure, our licensure modernization work got some attention (which was great!), but so much of the advocacy magic happens behind the scenes—working directly with the Department of Revenue, Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF), and other agencies to make sure policies support your work and the profession. Like with SB1, for example.

And we didn't stop at the state line. At the federal level, we're supporting efforts to preserve and expand the Pass-Through Entity Tax deduction. That includes Capitol Hill visits, teaming up with AICPA, and pushing for things like federal tax extenders and safe harbor legislation.

What this means for you: Whether it's a bill being drafted or a regulation being implemented, you've got someone in the room representing your interests—so you can focus on your work without worrying about what's happening in the policy world.

5. Creating Meaningful Connections Across the Profession

From our firm visits to CPA Day of Service to a reimagined CPA Celebration, we brought members together across every stage of their careers. This year, 47 members participated in Young Pros Leadership Academy (YPLA) and 15 joined Next Level Leadership Academy. And throughout the year, dedicated volunteers across all our committees and project teams helped strengthen the sense of community that defines the INCPAS experience.

What this means for you: You’re part of a vibrant community—where connection, recognition and purpose are built into your membership.

Thank you for being part of everything we accomplished together in 2025! We look forward to building on this momentum with you in 2026—with more ways to learn, connect and shape the future of the profession.