If you're unable to find an accountant for tax season in the U.S., here are some suggestions.

• This year, finding an accountant to assist with your taxes may be challenging.
• The decline in the number of accountants and certified public accountants is due to a decrease in the number of college students graduating with accounting degrees.
• If you haven't secured a tax preparer yet, you may need to get creative.

This year, finding an accountant to assist with your taxes may be challenging.

With a decrease in the number of college graduates with accounting degrees, the population of accountants and certified public accountants has been decreasing. This can make it challenging to find tax assistance in specific regions or specialties, according to experts.

The number of accounting bachelor's degree completions decreased by 7.8% from 2021 to 2022, and has been declining at a rate of approximately 3% per year since 2015, according to the latest trends report from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

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With tax season approaching, it may be difficult to find a CPA or accountant to prepare your taxes if you haven't secured one already. You may need to get creative in your search.

Why there’s an accounting shortage

Due to the demanding nature of accounting, with its long hours and stressful deadlines, many college students are choosing to pursue other high-paying finance careers such as investment banking, consulting, or data analysis.

The low supply of accountants can be attributed to the declining birth rate, as stated by Henry Grzes, the lead manager for tax practice and ethics with the American Institute of CPAs.

Grzes stated that the declining population of individuals pursuing degrees that enable them to take the CPA exam is coupled with a general decrease in the number of students.

The increase in new test takers in 2010 and 2016 indicates a change in the CPA exam, according to Grzes. However, the results from 2020 and 2022 may have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Grzes stated that changes to the CPA exam format will be implemented this year in an effort to increase the number of new professionals in the field and enhance the CPA pipeline.

In 2024, the new CPA exam will feature three core sections: Financial Accounting and Reporting, Auditing and Attestation, and Taxation and Regulation. Additionally, candidates will have the option to take an exam in one of three specialized areas: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).

The reason for the exam change was to increase the number of individuals who could attain the CPA designation, which is a crucial standard, according to Grzes.

To obtain an accountant for this tax season, you can take the time to find one.

1. Broaden your search to enrolled agents

If you couldn't hire an accountant or CPA to handle your taxes, enrolled agents could be a viable option.

As an enrolled agent, Tommy Lucas, a certified financial planner at Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo in Orlando, Florida, must pass three exams offered directly through the IRS, which focus solely on taxes.

While tax preparers with a PTIN can prepare and file tax returns, they cannot represent taxpayers before the IRS in case of notices or an audit, according to Lucas.

However, tax attorneys, CPAs and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers.

Lucas stated that he could contact the IRS on behalf of a client who receives a notice.

2. Consider online filing options

Numerous online tax filing options exist for consumers, including both free and paid choices.

Some tax software, such as TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxSlayer, may provide expert support for a higher fee through their access plans.

Before submitting personal information to external tax filing platforms, ensure that you comprehend the fees and the proficiency of the platform's experts offering tax assistance.

3. Look into local community resources

Qualified individuals can receive free basic tax return preparation through the IRS's VITA program, or tax counseling for the elderly.

In addition to having a PTIN, it is important that volunteer workers complete the annual filing season program.

Lucas explained that preparing a simple individual tax return would require at least basic knowledge.

4. File your taxes later in the year

If a CPA you hope to work with is not accepting new clients during tax season, try negotiating for assistance later in the year, Lucas advised.

You can obtain a six-month extension by submitting Form 4868 online through IRS Free File or by making an electronic payment and choosing "extension" as the reason. However, you must still pay your taxes by the April deadline.

Having all of your documents in order is the most important thing to stand out, according to Lucas.

Organizing your records will not only increase the tax preparer's workload, but you may also end up paying a higher fee.

It is frowned upon when individuals hand over their receipts and bank statements for bookkeeping without taking responsibility for it, as Lucas stated.