Whether you’re a trainee accountant or an experienced CPA working at a strategic level, you’re most likely aware that the tax management industry has been undergoing dramatic changes since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, tax professionals and firms face a host of challenges and are looking for ways to address them to maintain or improve efficiency and ensure continuity.
Changing regulations, client preferences, acceleration in disruptive technology, and the evolving multi-generation workforce – these are just the tips of the iceberg in terms of challenges in this highly demanding and competitive environment.

From pandemic stimuli to global tax reforms, technology changes, and changing consumer behavior, check out the top 6 challenges accounting firms are facing in the new normal and how to address them.

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The Top 6 Tax Management Challenges Firms are Facing in the New Normal and How to Address Them

1. Technology Issues

Many CPAs and tax consultants have reported that technology is one of the major challenges for them in the new normal as they cannot meet client expectations with traditional software and infrastructure. As a result, many repetitive processes, such as client data extraction and tax preparation, are carried out manually. To address this issue, firms have to stay in touch with all the technology trends in their industry and adopt them as quickly as possible.

2. Changes in Consumer Behavior and Location

Consumer behavior has rapidly shifted following the lockdowns, travel bans, and foot traffic restrictions worldwide. Modern prospects and clients are turning to digital channels for tax filing and documentation queries. Many clients have relocated to other parts of the country and can no longer physically visit their tax firm for manual filing and signatures. As a result, firms are losing hundreds of clients since they cannot accommodate them digitally.
One smart way to address this issue is by embracing an omnichannel communication approach and employing digital channels to engage with prospects and existing clients. For tax management, you can opt for a cloud-based practice management software for tax professionals and cater to clients from any location.

3. Staff Retention

It’s no secret that there are currently millions of jobs but a shortage of labor in the market. Tax preparation is a task that requires the highest of expertise. As a result, CPAs and tax professionals are in high demand and looking for more lucrative opportunities, thus, making it hard for employers to hire and retain them. There are two ways you can address this. The first way involves improving your brand image and digital presence to attract more candidates. The second way is to use technology to reduce or eliminate the need for hiring more employees.
For instance, AccountantWS, an advanced cloud-based practice management platform, offers unique features like autogenerated tax workflow, self-organized document management, and recurring automated tasks that significantly reduce the workload and increase efficiency.

4. Security of Taxpayer Operation

With the recent surge in cyber threats and crimes, tax professionals have to deal with more risk since they’re accountable for managing client documents, which typically includes personal information, such as names, contact, social security, and family information.
If this information gets compromised, it can disclose a client’s address and bank accounts. Therefore, modern firms need to upgrade their practice management software and employ industry-standard security solutions to minimize the risk of data theft and financial losses.

5. Remote Work

Like many other professionals, accountants desire more flexible/remote work and would love to have a choice regarding when and where they work – remotely, in-office, or both. However, this practice brings its own set of challenges, especially for traditional firms with outdated IT infrastructures, such as data breaches, communication gaps, and the lack of proper tools to maintain and maximize productivity. The best solution to this challenge is to foster a hybrid remote work model and create a balanced work environment in which the flaws of each model are covered thoroughly.

6. Slow Transformation

As automation and digital adoption increase, CPAs and tax professionals will have to learn to use different software and digital solutions to keep up with modern tech-savvy consumer demands and technologies. Compared to most industries transforming at a rapid pace, the tax management industry seems to be lagging behind and still relying on manual processes to get their jobs done.
Clients are now accustomed to online shopping and services, so they're looking for accounting firms that offer tax filing services. Unfortunately, most firms have been slow to transform their processes, and as a consequence, they lose clients.

Overcome All Tax Management Challenges by Adopting AccountantWS

Whatever challenges you or your firm are facing, now is the time to find a solution so you can start the new year with more answers than questions. Tax preparation services will be in huge demand, not just locally but internationally, so you need to ensure that you're equipped with the tools and expertise to manage every aspect of the process.
With AccountantWS, you can solve most if not all of the challenges above with autogenerated task workflow to make time for other activities, self-organized document management for seamless digitization, and unlimited third-party integrations with essential software for eSignature, calendar, accounting, and internal communication.