Accounting & CPA — Why Tax Season 2026 Will Test Everything We Know About Client Service

Accounting & CPA · 2026-03-13

The accounting landscape is experiencing significant regulatory evolution as tax policy takes center stage. The IRS's integration of OBBBA changes into its Withholding Estimator marks the operational phase of major tax reform, introducing new deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest that CPAs must master immediately. Simultaneously, Democrats' push for additional tax relief measures…

OPENING The convergence of major tax policy shifts and evolving workplace dynamics is creating unprecedented complexity for accounting professionals this year. As the IRS rolls out changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act while firms grapple with staffing challenges, we're witnessing a transformative moment that will redefine client service in our industry.

The updated IRS Tax Withholding Estimator arrives at a critical juncture, introducing new deductions for tips, overtime, and auto loan interest that will affect millions of taxpayers. This expansion of tax benefits comes as Democrats float additional relief measures, signaling a broader shift toward tax code complexity that practitioners will need to navigate. For accounting firms, this represents both an opportunity and a challenge – the chance to demonstrate value through expert guidance, but also the need to rapidly build competency in new areas while maintaining service quality.

The timing couldn't be more challenging for our profession. With reports indicating that candidate "ghosting" has become commonplace in hiring processes, firms are struggling to maintain stable staffing levels precisely when they need experienced professionals most. This isn't merely about scheduling inconvenience – it's about the fundamental ability of firms to deliver the sophisticated tax guidance that clients will require this season. The traditional hiring playbook is failing just as the complexity of our work increases.

What's particularly striking is how these challenges are pushing state CPA societies into a more active role. Their recent initiatives suggest a recognition that the profession needs to fundamentally rethink both its approach to talent development and client service delivery. The old model of seasonal staffing surges and reactive client management appears increasingly unsuitable for the complex tax environment we're entering.

WHAT TO WATCH Keep a close eye on how firms adapt their service models in response to these converging pressures. The most successful practices will likely be those that move beyond traditional seasonal tax preparation to become year-round strategic advisors, helping clients navigate the expanding maze of tax benefits. This shift may finally force our profession to address its long-standing resistance to fundamental operational change. The firms that survive and thrive will be those that can attract and retain talent while delivering high-touch client service in an increasingly complex tax landscape.