By: The GSC Editorial Team
Accounting firms are bracing for a heavier 2026 tax season amid persistent talent shortages and rising client demands. This white paper shows how integrating offshore teams now can prevent burnout, protect retention, and sustain productivity. Drawing on recent research from the IRS, AICPA, Deloitte, and the Journal of Accountancy, it highlights actionable steps—from early talent planning to secure offshore partnerships—that enable firms to meet deadlines and stay competitive without overworking their staff.
Each year, U.S. accounting firms face a familiar crunch: a flood of client demands during tax season. The 2026 filing year is projected to bring even heavier workloads, with the IRS estimating a 5–7% rise in business filings compared to 2025 (IRS Projections, 2024). Yet according to the AICPA’s 2023 Talent Survey, nearly 75% of firms report difficulty recruiting experienced accountants, a shortage that shows no signs of easing.
The result? Long hours, escalating stress, and burnout that drives attrition when firms can least afford it.
Forward-thinking firms are addressing the talent gap by integrating offshore accounting teams well before tax season hits. Rather than a last-minute scramble, this strategy provides year-round support that can be scaled up during peak demand.
According to a 2024 Deloitte Global Outsourcing Survey, 59% of accounting and finance leaders now use offshore professionals for core functions, citing cost efficiency, access to skilled labor, and faster turnaround times as primary benefits.
Key advantages include:
Research by the Journal of Accountancy (2024) highlights that firms leveraging offshore teams during tax season reported a 30% reduction in employee overtime hours and a measurable improvement in retention rates. Lower overtime not only protects mental health but also sustains productivity when accuracy is non-negotiable.
With burnout identified by the AICPA as a leading cause of mid-career departures, strategic offshore staffing is no longer just an efficiency play — it’s a critical element of talent retention.
To prepare effectively for the upcoming tax season, firms should:
The 2026 tax season will test the limits of already strained accounting teams. Offshore talent provides a sustainable way to meet client demands, reduce burnout, and retain top performers. Firms that act early will not only survive peak season—they’ll create a competitive advantage in the war for accounting talent.
Maintaining client service levels while controlling labor costs is a constant challenge for U.S.
accounting practices. Carefully managed offshore staffing offers a way to meet that challenge and reduce burnout. Global Staff Connections supports firms in implementing these solutions with a focus on smooth collaboration and data security.