Is It Time to Switch Accountants? Why Mid-Year Might Be Best

Changing accountants probably isn’t at the top of your summer to-do list. Between vacations, BBQs, and simply trying to keep the business running, switching firms can feel like something to push off until “later.”

But if tax season left you frustrated—or you still haven’t heard from your accountant since March—mid-year might actually be the best time to make a change.

Here’s why the timing matters, and how to know if now’s the right move.

Signs It Might Be Time to Change Your Accountant

We’ve worked with hundreds of business owners, and the same red flags come up over and over again.

• “I still don’t have last year’s return.”
• “I don’t know what I owe—or why.”
• “There’s no plan, just scrambling before deadlines.”

If you're dealing with poor communication, surprise tax bills, or a general sense that your accountant isn’t helping you move forward, it might be time to reconsider the relationship.

Why Business Owners Stick with a Bad Fit

1. Relationships

You’ve been with your accountant for years. You like them. There’s a sense of loyalty. That’s real—but loyalty shouldn’t come at the cost of your business's financial health.

2. Familiarity

Even if things aren’t great, you know what to expect. The thought of switching might seem overwhelming. But a well-run CPA firm will have a structured onboarding process that makes the transition smoother than you’d expect.

3. Cost

Monthly accounting may feel more expensive than once-a-year service. But if your current setup leaves you guessing (and cleaning up messes later), it’s not saving you anything. It might actually be costing you more.

Monthly accounting might feel like a bigger investment upfront—but the value tends to show up fast when you have real visibility into your numbers.

Worried About the Economy? This Matters Even More

If a recession is coming—or even if you’re just tightening up—your accountant should be helping you look ahead, not just filing paperwork.

You need someone helping you:

• Stay on top of cash flow
• Plan for tax efficiency
• Pivot quickly when conditions change

If your accountant only shows up at tax time, that's not a plan. That's a liability.

Why Mid-Year Is a Smart Time to Switch

Waiting until year-end doesn’t make the switch easier—it usually makes it messier.

Here’s why changing mid-year (like in the summer) could be the better move:

• Accountants aren’t as slammed as they are in October or January
• You’ll avoid the bottleneck of year-end cleanups and extensions
• Your new firm has time to learn your business before tax planning season
• You’ll hit critical deadlines like October 1 for retirement plan setup
• Starting fresh mid-year sets you up for a smoother Q4—and a better tax season next year.

You’re not just switching accountants. You’re giving your business a more proactive financial partner.

Not Sure If It’s the Right Time? Let’s Talk

Even if the timing isn’t perfect, a discovery call can help you figure out what switching would look like and whether it’s worth it now. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what’s working, what’s not—and whether it’s time to make a change.