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The CPA’s Guide to OBBBA Tax Reform and IRS Updates for 2025

When President Trump started talking about his “One Big Beautiful Bill”, many people found the phrase unusual. It sounded more like campaign-style language than the title of serious legislation. Yet here we are in 2025, and that phrase has become reality. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is now in effect, reshaping tax rules for businesses, individuals, and the professionals who guide them.
The name may raise eyebrows, but the impact is anything but lighthearted. OBBBA introduces significant shifts in deductions, credits, and IRS compliance updates, with ripple effects across nearly every aspect of tax planning. For CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms, this year is less about routine filing and more about adapting to IRS tax updates 2025 that will directly affect clients.
This blog highlights the most relevant changes, explains what they mean for business tax compliance 2025, and shows how CPAs can turn OBBBA from a challenge into an opportunity to strengthen their advisory role.

OBBBA 2025: Key IRS Tax Updates CPAs Can’t Ignore

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has shifted more than headlines. For CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms, it means real adjustments in how clients plan, report, and comply in 2025. While many provisions read like technical code changes, they translate into new conversations about deductions, credits, and business tax compliance 2025. Here are the updates that matter most.

01. Standard Deduction and Tax Brackets

The IRS inflation adjustments for 2025 raise the standard deduction to $15,000 for single filers, $30,000 for married filing jointly, and $22,500 for heads of household. The top 37 percent tax bracket now begins at $626,350 for single filers and $751,600 for joint filers. These shifts affect withholding, estimated taxes, and client expectations.

02. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

The AMT exemption increases to $88,100 for single filers and $137,000 for joint filers. Phaseouts begin at $626,350 (single) and $1,252,700 (joint). This relieves pressure on many upper-middle-income households that previously fell into AMT.

03. Retirement Contributions

For 2025, the 401(k) and similar plan limit is $23,500, up from $23,000 in 2024. IRA limits remain at $7,000, with an unchanged $1,000 catch-up contribution for taxpayers over 50. CPAs can guide clients on maximizing retirement-related tax deductions for seniors and working professionals.

04. New Deductions for Working Americans

OBBBA introduces two first-time provisions that directly affect wage earners:
  • Overtime Deduction: Employees may deduct up to $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (joint) in overtime pay, subject to income limits.
  • Car Loan Interest Deduction: Up to $10,000 annually may be deducted for interest on qualifying vehicle loans issued after December 31, 2024.

Both deductions have income phaseouts, making them prime areas for CPA tax advisory and planning strategies.

05. Expanded Senior Relief

Seniors aged 65 and older now qualify for an additional $6,000 deduction per individual, in addition to the regular extra standard deduction. The benefit phases out for higher-income taxpayers but will be valuable for many retirees and their advisors.

06. Business Investment Incentives

OBBBA restores 100 percent bonus depreciation for qualified property placed in service after January 19, 2025. This is a significant opportunity for business tax planning strategies tied to capital expenditures.
Note: Section 179 expensing limits have been raised under OBBBA, but the IRS has not yet released final thresholds. Early commentary points to a $2.5 million cap with a $4 million phaseout, but firms should wait for official confirmation before applying these figures.

Quick Reference: OBBBA & IRS 2025 Highlights

Provision 2025 Update
Standard Deduction $15,000 single, $30,000 joint, $22,500 HoH
Top Bracket 37% above $626,350 single / $751,600 joint
AMT Exemption $88,100 single / $137,000 joint
401(k) Limit $23,500
Overtime Deduction $12,500 single / $25,000 joint
Car Loan Interest Up to $10,000 annually
Senior Bonus Deduction $6,000 per eligible taxpayer
Bonus Depreciation 100% restored after Jan 19, 2025
Section 179 Expensing Raised, final IRS numbers pending*
*Pending confirmation: reported increase to $2.5M cap with ~$4M phaseout.
Note: All figures in the table below are based on the IRS’s official inflation adjustments and published guidance for tax year 2025. These updates, along with new provisions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), form the basis for strategic tax planning this season.

What These Changes Mean for CPA Firms

OBBBA is more than a set of new deductions and credits. For firms already balancing tight deadlines and rising client expectations, these changes compound existing challenges. The effect is less about memorizing thresholds and more about how firms reconfigure their approach to compliance, planning, and client service.

01. A Shift from Filing to Forecasting

Clients will not see OBBBA as a set of technical adjustments. They will want to know, “How does this affect my tax bill?” and “What should I do differently this year?” That expectation moves CPAs from passive compliance into active forecasting. To deliver, firms need to embed CPA tax planning 2025 into their workflows, not treat it as an afterthought.

02. Increased Advisory Pressure

The overtime deduction, car loan interest deduction, and senior bonus relief are headline-grabbing changes. They may not apply universally, but they will trigger a wave of client questions. Firms that only answer reactively risk getting buried. Firms that prepare structured CPA tax advisory guidance in advance can use these provisions as touchpoints to deepen client relationships.

03. Compliance Complexity That Cannot Be Ignored

Every inflation adjustment and expanded deduction brings new documentation and substantiation requirements. For example, the overtime deduction requires proof of qualifying wages, and the car loan deduction comes with conditions around timing and loan type. Firms that tighten their business tax compliance 2025 processes will protect clients from penalties and avoid costly rework during audit season.

04. The Capacity Challenge

These changes arrive in a season when firms are already short on staff and heavy on deadlines. More nuanced planning plus expanded compliance checks mean more hours. Without relief, firms risk slipping into “deadline triage mode.” This is where a robust CPA firm tax planning checklist and smart resource allocation become survival tools, not nice-to-haves.

05. A Strategic Opportunity

Reforms of this scale always create winners and laggards. Firms that adopt new business tax planning strategies early can show clients they are proactive, authoritative, and indispensable. Those that treat OBBBA as “just another set of forms” may survive filing season but will miss the chance to differentiate in a crowded market.

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Your Tax Season Strategy?

Unison Globus delivers scalable, expert-driven tax preparation services tailored for CPA firms navigating OBBBA and IRS compliance updates. From high-volume returns to strategic planning support, we help you stay ahead of deadlines and client expectations—without overhead.

Let’s simplify complexity and elevate your advisory impact. Talk to our team →

Staying Ahead: A CPA Tax Planning Checklist for 2025

Checklists for CPAs can’t just be boxes to tick. To be useful in 2025, they need to anchor firm-wide strategy while addressing the granular compliance details One Big Beautiful Bill Act 2025 (OBBBA) brings. Think of this as both a planning framework and a capacity safeguard for your team.

01. Translate OBBBA Into Firm Workflows

Do not just distribute IRS memos. Recode the new rules directly into your templates, tax prep software, and client intake processes. For example, add prompts for overtime and car loan interest deductions at the onboarding stage so your staff capture eligibility early. This reduces rework later and strengthens business tax compliance 2025.

02. Segment Clients by Impact

Not every client will benefit from every provision. Seniors may be eligible for the new $6,000 deduction, while small businesses are more affected by bonus depreciation and Section 179 changes. Build segmented CPA firm tax planning checklists that flag which provisions matter most by client type. This avoids blanket communications and shows advisory depth.

03. Stress-Test Tax Planning Scenarios

Run “what if” models for clients who might be on the margin of eligibility. For example, phaseouts on the overtime deduction, senior bonus deduction, or tax credits for families and small businesses will catch some by surprise. Using IRS-approved tax strategies for 2025, show clients how income timing, retirement contributions, or entity decisions could keep them inside the benefit window.

04. Reallocate Firm Capacity Early

OBBBA amplifies the paperwork load. Waiting until March to scramble for staff is a losing strategy. Assign senior staff to high-value advisory conversations and shift routine compliance to outsourced tax preparation or offshore teams. This ensures partners are free to focus on CPA tax advisory rather than overtime data entry.

05. Elevate Client Communication

Do not bury these updates in fine print. Clients will hear about overtime deductions and car loan interest breaks on the news. They expect their CPA to explain how it applies—or does not—to them. Use simple client-facing explainers, with examples tied to actual planning strategies. This positions you as proactive, not reactive.

OBBBA’s Effect on Small Business Tax Compliance

For small business owners, OBBBA is less about legislative fine print and more about how their everyday financial decisions will be taxed. CPAs are the ones responsible for turning the new rules into practical guidance. Here are the keyways the Act is reshaping small business tax compliance in 2025:
  • Capital investments now require strategic timing. The restoration of 100 percent bonus depreciation creates strong incentives for immediate purchases. However, not every client should expense everything at once. CPAs must run side-by-side scenarios to determine whether accelerating deductions in 2025 benefits the business more than spreading them across future growth years.
  • Uncertainty around Section 179 calls for cautious planning. While OBBBA raises the expensing limit, final IRS thresholds are not yet confirmed. A business that assumes a $2.5 million cap without verification risks misalignment in its tax strategy. The best approach is for CPAs to prepare “if/then” models so clients are ready regardless of where the IRS finalizes the limit. This is a key tax law change for accounting firms to monitor.
  • Expanded credits will not benefit every business equally. Family-owned entities and smaller firms may qualify for new relief, but eligibility rules vary by structure and income. A sole proprietor may see one outcome, while an S corporation experiences another. CPAs should map credits to client profiles rather than assuming broad applicability. This is where business tax planning strategies become essential.
  • Compliance errors will carry higher costs. The overtime deduction and car loan interest deduction are appealing but come with strict substantiation requirements. Casual or incomplete recordkeeping by small business owners could lead to disallowed deductions or even audits. Firms should establish clear documentation processes for clients before the busy season begins. These are critical IRS compliance updates for accounting firms.
  • Proactive advisory is the real differentiator. Small business owners will hear about “new deductions” in the news and expect their CPA to explain whether they qualify. Firms that translate the fine print into actionable business tax planning strategies will strengthen client trust, while those that stick to transactional filing risk being seen as replaceable. This is the impact of OBBBA on small businesses.

Tackling OBBBA with the Right Support

The real challenge of OBBBA is not the wording of the law. It is the strain it places on CPA firms that already operate under intense deadlines and capacity limits. To meet the demands of tax season 2025, firms need more than awareness. They need a strategy for support that combines people, process, and technology.

01. Strengthening Operational Readiness

The new tax deductions for businesses and credits introduced by OBBBA require tighter workflows than in past seasons. Overtime and car loan interest deductions will only stand if the documentation is complete. Bonus depreciation will need to be tracked and applied consistently. Firms that update their processes and integrate the changes into their systems now will face fewer disputes with the IRS later. This is less about memorizing new thresholds and more about building operational discipline into compliance.

02. Designing Capacity With Intention

Tax reform has a way of exposing the limits of a firm’s staffing model. CPAs cannot afford to have senior staff tied up in routine preparation when clients are asking bigger questions about planning and eligibility. Building capacity through outsourced tax preparation allows firms to protect their experts’ time. In practice, this means partners can focus on scenario modeling and strategic advice while external teams absorb the workload of high-volume compliance.

03. Managing Risk Through Stronger Systems

Every new provision under OBBBA comes with greater risk of misinterpretation or misreporting. A client who casually claims overtime deductions without proper records is not just creating a filing error—they are creating exposure. Firms that build structured review systems, train staff on the new provisions, and monitor IRS guidance closely will reduce that exposure significantly. Risk management must be proactive, not reactive.

04. Protecting Client Relationships

For clients, the story of OBBBA is simple: they hear about “new deductions” on the news and expect their CPA to explain how it applies to them. The firms that can respond quickly, in plain language, will stand out. This is not just about compliance but about perception. Clients are evaluating whether their CPA is keeping up with tax law changes for accounting firms and whether they are getting guidance, not just filings. Firms that invest in support now will protect and even elevate their advisory reputation.

Why Unison Globus?

OBBBA has made 2025 a year where capacity and precision matter more than ever. Many providers can offer additional hands, but few can deliver the depth of expertise CPA firms actually need. This is where Unison Globus stands apart.

Specialists for CPAs and Firms

We do not serve individuals directly. Our services are built exclusively for CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms. That means every workflow, from tax preparation to review, is designed to integrate with your practice and meet the compliance demands of U.S. regulations.

Scalable Support When You Need It Most

Tax season deadlines do not wait. With our offshore staffing model, you can expand your team’s capacity quickly without the overhead of hiring and training. Whether it is high-volume compliance work or review-ready tax returns, we help firms deliver on a scale.

Quality You Can Rely On

Our teams are trained in U.S. tax law and updated continuously on IRS changes, including those introduced under OBBBA. Processes are built with IRS compliance support at the core, so you can trust that every file is accurate, consistent, and audit ready.

More Time for Advisory

By taking on routine preparation, Unison Globus gives firms the ability to redirect senior staff toward strategic planning and client-facing conversations. This is where firms strengthen relationships, expand advisory services, and demonstrate value beyond compliance.

Proven Track Record

We have supported firms across the United States through past tax reforms, capacity crunches, and busy season bottlenecks. The result is consistent: our partners protect compliance, keep clients satisfied, and find new room to grow.

Conclusion

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act has raised the stakes for tax season 2025. For CPAs and accounting firms, the challenge is not only to stay compliant but to deliver clarity and confidence to clients in a shifting landscape.
Firms that prepare early, structure their capacity wisely, and keep pace with IRS guidance will turn OBBBA from a compliance burden into an opportunity to strengthen client trust. With Unison Globus as your partner, you gain the scale, expertise, and support needed to stay ahead of change while focusing on the advisory work that sets your firm apart.
Let’s make OBBBA an opportunity, not a hurdle. Connect with Unison Globus today.

FAQs: CPA Tax Planning & OBBBA 2025

OBBBA is a comprehensive tax reform law that introduces new deductions, credits, and compliance updates for individuals and businesses. It significantly impacts CPA firms, especially in areas like bonus depreciation, overtime deductions, and senior tax relief.

CPA firms must adapt to new IRS compliance updates, including changes to standard deductions, AMT thresholds, and documentation requirements. The law shifts the focus from routine filing to strategic tax planning and advisory services.

A robust checklist should cover client segmentation, workflow updates, capacity planning, and proactive communication. It should also include guidance on IRS-approved tax strategies for 2025, especially under OBBBA.

Businesses benefit from restored 100% bonus depreciation, increased Section 179 expensing limits, and potential tax credits for families and small businesses. These changes require strategic timing and documentation.

Yes. OBBBA introduces deductions for overtime pay and car loan interest, subject to income phaseouts. These are designed to offer tax relief for working Americans and require proper substantiation.

Seniors aged 65+ can claim an additional $6,000 deduction per individual, on top of the standard senior deduction. This is part of expanded tax deductions for seniors under OBBBA.

Firms should integrate new rules into their systems, train staff, and establish review protocols. Staying current with IRS tax changes and documentation standards is essential to avoid penalties.

Misreporting deductions like overtime or car loan interest can lead to audits or disallowed claims. CPA firms must ensure clients meet eligibility and maintain proper records to manage risk.
Small businesses must reassess capital investment timing, credit eligibility, and documentation practices. The impact of OBBBA on small businesses is significant, requiring tailored planning strategies.
Strategies include income timing, entity restructuring, retirement contributions, and leveraging new deductions. CPA firms should use scenario modeling to help clients maximize benefits.
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Accounting

Tech Stack Essentials for Managing a Virtual Accounting Team

Managing a virtual accounting team is no longer an experiment—it’s the new normal. Between offshore staffing models, hybrid setups, and clients who expect digital-first service, firms that rely on scattered spreadsheets and endless email chains are at risk of falling behind.
The truth is simple: a virtual team is only as strong as the tools that support it. Without a strong tech backbone, even the most skilled professionals can get tangled in missed deadlines, duplicate work, and compliance risks.
For firms that want to scale seamlessly, the right technology stack does more than keep people connected. It:
By following these guidelines, CPAs and EAs can ensure clients file accurately, minimize penalties, and maintain peace of mind before September 15.
  • Protects client trust through secure systems
  • Streamlines workflows for compliance-heavy tasks
  • Gives leaders visibility to manage both onshore and offshore staff confidently
In this blog, we’ll explore the core technology categories every firm needs to build a truly effective virtual accounting team.

Communication & Collaboration: Staying Aligned Across Time Zones

Clear communication is the backbone of every successful virtual accounting team. When teams are split across geographies and time zones, a lack of structure in communication can lead to delays, duplicated effort, and even compliance risks.
That’s why firms need to treat communication tools as their virtual office space—the place where work happens, not just where people talk.

Daily Interaction & Team Syncs

  • Slack – Channel-based messaging keeps conversations organized by client, department, or project. This prevents scattered updates and allows managers to quickly scan priorities.
  • Microsoft Teams – Combines chat, file sharing, and meetings in one hub. Especially useful for firms already integrated with Microsoft 365.

Video Conferencing & Client Calls

  • Zoom – Reliable for large meetings and external calls with clients. Easy screen sharing makes it ideal for advisory reviews and client presentations.
  • Microsoft Teams (Meetings) – Allows firms to consolidate both internal and client-facing meetings in the same platform, reducing app fatigue.

Knowledge Sharing & SOPs

  • Notion or Confluence – Perfect for maintaining digital playbooks: year-end tax season procedures, onboarding checklists, or recurring payroll processes. Offshore and onshore staff alike can follow the same documented steps, reducing confusion during peak cycles.

Real Example: How a Florida CPA Firm Streamlined Communication

A mid-sized CPA firm based in Florida, with 12 staff in the U.S. and an offshore team of 8 in India, struggled with missed updates during tax season. Email threads stretched across time zones, and managers often woke up to inboxes full of scattered progress reports.
They implemented Slack for team channels (segmented by client), and Teams for daily stand-up meetings. Offshore staff posted end-of-day updates in client channels, which U.S. managers reviewed first thing in the morning.

The result?

  • Email volume dropped by 40% within two months. Managers reported a 25% faster turnaround on tax return reviews because updates were visible in real time.
  • Clients noticed improved responsiveness, with one remarking that “we finally feel like your team is one seamless unit.”

Workflow & Project Management: Keeping Deadlines Visible

In accounting, deadlines aren’t suggestions—they’re obligations. A missed tax return, payroll filing, or VAT submission isn’t just inconvenient; it can trigger penalties and erode client trust. That’s why project and workflow management tools are non-negotiable for virtual teams.
These tools bring visibility, accountability, and consistency across onshore and offshore teams. Instead of relying on memory or scattered spreadsheets, managers can track every engagement in real time.

General Workflow Tools

  • Asana – Flexible task lists and boards for organizing projects. Great for firms that want a customizable tool with plenty of integrations.
  • Trello – Simple, visual Kanban boards make it easy to assign and track tasks. Perfect for smaller firms or specific projects like a year-end close.
  • Monday.com – Highly visual dashboards, automation features, and cross-team visibility. Especially useful for multi-service firms handling both tax and advisory projects.

Accounting-Specific Practice Management

  • Karbon – Built for accounting firms, with recurring tasks, integrated email, and visibility into client timelines.
  • Jetpack Workflow – Streamlined task automation for compliance-heavy firms. Includes templates for recurring jobs like monthly bookkeeping or quarterly payroll.
  • TaxDome – All-in-one platform combining CRM, secure portals, e-signatures, and workflow automation.

Transparency for Managers

The biggest advantage? Real-time visibility. Onshore managers can see what offshore staff are working on at any moment, reducing the need for constant check-ins. This not only improves efficiency but also builds trust in distributed teams.

Practice Management Software Comparison

ToolBest ForKey FeaturesIdeal Firm Size
KarbonWorkflow visibility + team commsAuto-recurring tasks, integrated email, client timelinesMid-to-large CPA firms
Jetpack WorkflowCompliance-focused task automationTemplates for recurring jobs, deadline tracking, simple reportingSmall-to-mid firms
TaxDomeAll-in-one client managementCRM, secure portal, e-signatures, workflow automationSolo to mid-size
AsanaGeneral project managementKanban boards, task lists, integrations with Slack/DriveSmall-to-large, multi-service firms
TrelloVisual simplicityDrag-and-drop Kanban boards, lightweight task managementSmall firms or pilot use

Real Example: A UK Firm Brings Order to Tax Deadlines

A UK-based accounting practice handling 250+ small business clients was struggling to keep up with quarterly VAT filings. Deadlines were tracked in spreadsheets, and managers often had to chase staff for updates.

After adopting Karbon, the firm automated recurring VAT tasks with pre-set deadlines. Offshore staff in South Africa updated progress directly in the platform, and managers had a live dashboard showing which returns were complete, pending review, or at risk.

The impact was immediate:

  • Missed deadlines dropped to zero within the first quarter.
  • Managers reported saving 8–10 hours per week previously spent on chasing updates.
  • The firm’s client satisfaction scores rose, with several clients praising their “proactive reminders” (actually automated via Karbon).

Document & Data Management: Secure, Centralized, Accessible

Accounting practices handle highly sensitive data, including payroll records, tax IDs, bank statements, and audited financial statements. Managing this information through email attachments or local hard drives isn’t just inefficient; it’s a compliance risk waiting to happen.
A well-chosen document management system (DMS) ensures files are secure, easy to access across time zones, and protected under strict regulatory standards.

Core Tools for Document Management

  • Secure Client Portals – ShareFile, SmartVault, OneDrive Business provide encrypted file sharing and SOC 2/GDPR compliance. Clients can upload documents directly into the portal, eliminating unsecured email exchanges.
  • E-Signatures – DocuSign and Adobe Sign make engagement letters, tax filings, and approvals seamless. Instead of waiting weeks for signed PDFs, firms can finalize client agreements in hours.
  • Version Control – Google Drive and Dropbox Business ensure teams always work on the latest version of a file, avoiding costly errors when multiple people collaborate.

Real Example: Secure Portals Boost Client Confidence

A California-based CPA firm managing 400+ individual tax returns per season found that clients were still emailing W-2s, 1099s, and bank statements. Not only was this risky, but staff wasted hours downloading and renaming files.
The firm switched to SmartVault, inviting each client to a secure portal. Offshore staff in India could directly access files without chasing the U.S. office. Clients appreciated the added security and convenience, with one noting: “It finally feels like we’re working with a modern firm.”

Results:

  • Email attachments reduced by 70% during tax season.
  • Staff saved an estimated 150+ hours of manual file handling.
  • Client confidence increased, reflected in higher satisfaction ratings.

Time & Billing Tools: Keeping the Practice Profitable

A tech stack isn’t just about collaboration and compliance—it also needs to support the business side of running a firm. For Indian outsourcing firms serving U.S. CPAs, time tracking and billing are especially critical: U.S. partners want transparency, while offshore teams need efficiency and accuracy.

Time Tracking

  • Harvest – Tracks billable hours against U.S. clients, integrates with project tools like Asana and Slack, and generates clear reports.
  • TimeCamp – Provides detailed timesheets and productivity insights, helpful when teams handle multiple CPA clients at once.
  • Clockify – A lean, cost-effective solution that smaller Indian firms often use when they’re just getting started with structured time tracking.

Billing & Engagement Software

  • Ignition (formerly Practice Ignition) – Widely adopted in the U.S.; Indian outsourcing partners can align billing to U.S. client engagement cycles. Once an engagement is signed, invoices and recurring payments trigger automatically.
  • QuickBooks Online – Popular with U.S. CPA firms, making it an easy billing tool for Indian partners to integrate. Offshore hours can sync directly into client accounts for faster reconciliation.
  • BQE Core – Combines time tracking, billing, and profitability dashboards, best suited for firms offering higher-value advisory alongside compliance.

Explore how Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0 can help your U.S. accounting firm build a tech-enabled offshore team in India.

We combine top-tier talent with best-in-class technology setups to ensure your firm stays compliant, efficient, and client-focused.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you streamline your offshore workflows and scale with confidence. Get in touch now

Real Example: Ahmedabad Outsourcing Firm Serving U.S. CPAs

A mid-sized outsourcing company in Ahmedabad, India, supporting over 30 U.S.-based CPA firms, struggled to align offshore work hours with U.S. billing cycles. Accountants tracked time manually in spreadsheets, which led to underbilling, disputes, and billing delays.
The firm adopted Harvest for offshore time tracking and integrated it with QuickBooks Online for invoicing. Each U.S. CPA partner received a monthly breakdown of hours by staff member and engagement. Later, they layered in Ignition for proposals, so billing kicked off as soon as U.S. clients approved engagements.

Impact:

  • Revenue leakage dropped by 18%
  • Payment cycles shortened from 45 days to 20 days.
  • U.S. partners praised the improved transparency: they could clearly see how offshore hours tied back to deliverables.

Security & Compliance: Protecting Client Trust

For CPA firms in the U.S., outsourcing to India brings tremendous efficiency, but it also raises one big question: “Is my clients’ data secure?”
Accounting firms deal with highly sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers, tax IDs, payroll data, and bank details. One breach can damage client trust permanently. That is why security and compliance are not optional. They are the backbone of a successful virtual accounting setup.

Core Security Tools & Practices

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Password Managers Tools like 1Password or LastPass ensure that even if a password is compromised, accounts stay protected.
  • VPNs and Endpoint Protection Offshore staff in India connect securely to U.S. systems through firm-controlled networks, ensuring no unencrypted access.
  • Regulatory Compliance Outsourcing firms should align with SOC 2, ISO 27001, and IRS guidelines (Publication 4557). These frameworks guarantee data handling that meets U.S. expectations.
  • Access Controls Limit staff access to only the files and applications required for their work to reduce risk exposure.

Real Example: Pune Outsourcing Firm Aligns with U.S. Standards

A tax outsourcing firm in Pune, India, working with 20+ small U.S. CPA practices, initially relied on email for receiving client tax documents. U.S. partners became concerned about security when staff were handling Social Security Numbers via unsecured channels.
The firm upgraded to SmartVault for secure client file exchange, enforced MFA through LastPass Enterprise, and implemented a VPN for all offshore access. They also completed SOC 2 certification, which U.S. firms could showcase to their clients as proof of secure handling.

Impact

  • Client confidence improved, with several U.S. partners highlighting security as a reason for expanding their outsourcing scope.
  • No compliance incidents reported in three years.
  • Offshore staff workflows became faster since secure portals eliminated delays caused by encrypted email attachments.

Real Example: Pune Outsourcing Firm Aligns with U.S. Standards

A tax outsourcing firm in Pune, India, working with 20+ small U.S. CPA practices, initially relied on email for receiving client tax documents. U.S. partners became concerned about security when staff were handling Social Security Numbers via unsecured channels.
The firm upgraded to SmartVault for secure client file exchange, enforced MFA through LastPass Enterprise, and implemented a VPN for all offshore access. They also completed SOC 2 certification, which U.S. firms could showcase to their clients as proof of secure handling.

Impact

  • Client confidence improved, with several U.S. partners highlighting security as a reason for expanding their outsourcing scope.
  • No compliance incidents reported in three years.
  • Offshore staff workflows became faster since secure portals eliminated delays caused by encrypted email attachments.

Integration & Automation: Making Tools Work Together

A common frustration with virtual accounting teams is juggling too many siloed apps. Communication might live in Slack, tasks in Karbon, files in SmartVault, and billing in QuickBooks. Without integration, teams waste hours re-entering data and risk errors that impact client work.
The solution is a connected tech stack where tools talk to each other and routine tasks are automated. This frees accountants to spend less time on administration and more time delivering value to clients.

Key Integration & Automation Tools

  • Zapier and Make (Integromat) Automate repetitive workflows by connecting apps such as QuickBooks, Karbon, and Slack. For example, when a client uploads a document to SmartVault, Zapier can notify the assigned accountant in Slack automatically.
  • Native Integrations Many accounting-focused tools now sync out of the box. Karbon integrates with Microsoft Teams, TaxDome integrates with QuickBooks, and Ignition links directly to Xero and QuickBooks for billing.
  • AI-Enabled Automation OCR tools automatically extract data from receipts and bank statements, reducing manual data entry. Machine learning features in modern platforms also suggest recurring tasks or flag anomalies.

Real Example: Bengaluru Outsourcing Firm Automates U.S. Workflows

A Bengaluru-based outsourcing firm supporting U.S. CPA firms struggled with inefficiencies. Staff manually updated managers each time a client uploaded documents, and billing teams often waited for offshore updates before issuing invoices.
They adopted Zapier to connect SmartVault, Slack, and QuickBooks. When a U.S. client uploaded tax documents to SmartVault, the system triggered a Slack notification to the offshore accountant and automatically created a task in Karbon. Once work was complete, QuickBooks synced time logs to Ignition for invoicing.

Impact

  • Manual updates reduced by 60%.
  • Invoice turnaround dropped from two weeks to three days.
  • U.S. partners saw faster progress visibility without chasing offshore teams.

Implementation Roadmap: Rolling Out a Tech Stack Without Chaos

The best tools in the world are useless if your team does not use them. Many firms make the mistake of buying software licenses and assuming adoption will follow. In reality, rolling out a new tech stack requires a structured approach that balances efficiency with team buy-in.

Steps for a Smooth Rollout

  1. Audit Current Pain Points
      • Identify bottlenecks such as missed deadlines, scattered files, or delayed client communication.
      • Involve both onshore managers and offshore staff to get a complete view.
  2. Select Tools by Priority
      • Choose one tool for each core need (communication, workflow, documents, billing, security).
      • Avoid tool overload by focusing on integrations.
  3. Start Small with a Pilot
      • Test the tool with one client account or one internal team.
      • Collect feedback before expanding firmwide.
  4. Build Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
      • Document how each tool should be used.
      • Examples: “All client documents must be uploaded to SmartVault” or “All recurring bookkeeping tasks go into Karbon.”
  5. Train Consistently
      • Run onboarding sessions for new tools.
      • Schedule refresher sessions during peak periods such as year-end closes or tax season.
  6. Measure Adoption and Outcomes
      • Track KPIs such as deadline compliance, client satisfaction, invoice turnaround, or staff utilization.
      • Adjust based on results to avoid tool fatigue.

Real Example: Mumbai Firm’s Phased Rollout

A Mumbai-based outsourcing partner serving U.S. CPAs rushed into buying multiple tools at once. Staff became overwhelmed, and adoption rates were low.
The firm reset by piloting Karbon with only two CPA clients. Once the process stabilized, they added SmartVault for document exchange and Harvest for time tracking. With SOPs written and training delivered in phases, adoption grew steadily.

Impact

  • Within six months, 100% of offshore staff were actively using all tools.
  • U.S. clients reported smoother handoffs and fewer deadline issues.
  • Managers had a single dashboard for visibility across engagements.

Conclusion

Managing a virtual accounting team is no longer just about hiring offshore talent or letting staff work remotely. It is about building the infrastructure that keeps people, processes, and clients aligned.
The right tech stack is not overhead. It is an investment in capacity, compliance, and client trust. With the right mix of communication, workflow, document management, billing, security, and integration tools, firms can move from reactive firefighting to proactive, scalable service delivery.
For Indian outsourcing firms serving U.S. CPAs, a connected tech stack is the key to long-term partnerships. It creates transparency for U.S. clients, improves efficiency offshore, and ensures compliance on both sides.
If your firm is ready to build or optimize a virtual accounting team, the first step is upgrading your tech stack. Whether you need better workflow visibility, faster client handoffs, or secure document management, the right tools will make the difference between surviving and scaling.
Categories
Accounting Home

Tax Extension 2025: IRS Guidelines and CPA Strategies Before September 15

As the 2025 tax season moves into its final phase, CPAs and accounting firms are preparing for one of the most critical deadlines of the year: the IRS tax extension deadline on September 15, 2025, applies to partnerships and S corporations that filed Form 7004. For individuals and corporations, this date also marks the third quarter estimated tax payment deadline not the extension filing deadline. While extensions give taxpayers more time to file, they also come with strict requirements, evolving IRS guidelines, and increased compliance risks.
For firms, this period is not just about paperwork. It is about safeguarding clients from late filing penalties, ensuring compliance with both federal and state tax rules, and staying ahead of IRS notices such as CP59 and CP59SN. With new provisions like disaster relief tax extensions, CPAs must approach this season with precision.
This guide from Unison Globus provides a clear breakdown of the IRS tax extension process for 2025, covering forms like Form 4868 for individuals and Form 7004 for businesses, key deadlines, common mistakes to avoid, and best practices for firms managing heavy extension workloads.
By following these guidelines, CPAs and EAs can ensure clients file accurately, minimize penalties, and maintain peace of mind before September 15.

What Is a Tax Extension?

A tax extension gives taxpayers additional time to file their return, but it does not extend the deadline for paying taxes owed. This distinction is where many clients get confused, and CPAS must explain the difference clearly.
The IRS provides two primary forms for filing an extension in 2025:
  • Form 4868: For individual taxpayers who need extra time to file their personal income tax return.
  • Form 7004: For businesses such as S-Corporations, Partnerships, and certain trusts that require more time to submit their returns.
When approved, an extension typically grants up to six additional months to file. However, all tax payments are still due by the original deadline, which is April 15 for individuals and March 17 for most businesses.
Failing to pay by the original deadline can trigger late payment penalties and interest, even if the return is filed on time after the extension. This is why CPAs should guide clients to make estimated payments alongside the extension request.
Read Also: CPA Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Estimated Payments and Extensions 

Key IRS Guidelines for 2025

Here are the critical updates CPAs and accounting firms must keep in mind for the 2025 extension season:

01. Final Federal Filing Deadlines

  • October 15, 2025: Last date for individual taxpayers who filed Form 4868 to submit their extended 2024 income tax returns.
  • September 15, 2025: Deadline for extended business returns filed with Form 7004, which applies to entities such as S Corporations and Partnerships.

02. Filing Preferences and Payment Reminders

  • The IRS recommends e-filing with direct deposit because it reduces errors, shortens refund times, and provides digital confirmation of filing.
  • An extension gives more time to file but not more time to pay. Taxes owed are still due by the original deadline of April 15, 2025, for individuals and March 17, 2025, for most businesses. Payments made after these dates may incur penalties and interest.

03. IRS Notices and Compliance Checks

  • The IRS has started sending Notice CP59SN to taxpayers whose returns are not on file. CPAs should help clients verify whether their extension was received and respond quickly if action is required.
  • In some cases, taxpayers may receive notice despite having filed correctly. CPAs can assist by checking IRS transcripts or e-Services and responding with proof of extension filing.

04. Disaster Relief Extensions

  • The IRS continues to provide extra time for taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. For instance, some affected regions now have deadlines extended into early 2026.
  • A July 2025 tax relief law introduced a streamlined process that allows eligible individuals and businesses in disaster areas to automatically receive a 120-day postponement of filing and payment deadlines.

05. Heightened IRS Scrutiny

  • The IRS has increased its focus on non-filers and late payers for the 2025 season. Penalties for late payment are typically 0.5 percent of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25 percent, and interest accrues until the balance is settled.
  • CPAs should advise clients to make estimated tax payments when filing for an extension. Paying as much as possible by the original deadline helps reduce both penalties and interest.

Clarifying the September 15 Deadline: Extension vs. Estimated Payments

  • For Businesses: September 15, 2025, is the final deadline for S Corporations and Partnerships that filed Form 7004 to submit their extended 2024 tax returns.
  • For Individuals: This date is not the extension deadline. It is the third quarter estimated tax payment deadline for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and others with income not subject to withholding.
  • For Corporations: Calendar-year C Corporations must also make their Q3 estimated tax payment by this date.

Reminder: The deadline to file an extended individual tax return is October 15, 2025, if Form 4868 was submitted by April 15.

Read Also: S Corporation vs C Corporation: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Updated IRS Deadlines for 2025: What CPAs Must Know

The IRS has made key adjustments to 2025 tax deadlines that CPAs should be aware of:
Entity Type Form Original Deadline Extension Deadline Change/Note
S Corporations 1120-S March 15, 2025 September 15, 2025 March 15 is a Saturday → deadline moved to March 17, 2025
Partnerships 1065 March 15, 2025 September 15, 2025 Same as above
C Corporations 1120 April 15, 2025 October 15, 2025 No change
Individuals 1040 + 4868 April 15, 2025 October 15, 2025 No change
Multi-member LLCs 1065 March 15, 2025 September 15, 2025 Deadline moved to March 17
Single-member LLCs 1040 + Sch C April 15, 2025 October 15, 2025 No change
Note: These deadlines apply to calendar-year filers. Fiscal-year filers may have different due dates.

Also, under the July 2025 tax relief law, taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas automatically receive a 120-day extension for both filing and payment.

Read Also: Key IRS Tax Forms and Updates for Smooth Filing

How CPAs Can Prevent Common Mistakes During Tax Extension Season

During extension season, errors are less about forms and more about habits. CPAs can prevent costly missteps by:
  • Setting clear expectations: Many clients believe an extension solves everything. A quick upfront explanation prevents surprises about payments or penalties later.
  • Providing estimated tax guidance: Even when documents are incomplete, offering a payment estimate reduces penalty exposure and eases client anxiety.
  • Encouraging early action: Proactive outreach helps avoid the last-minute rush that often leads to missed deadlines or overlooked details.
  • Standardizing communication on notices: A simple process for uploading IRS letters into a secure portal keeps nothing from slipping through the cracks.
  • Monitoring multi-state clients: Centralized checklists help ensure that state-level filings and payments are handled alongside federal obligations.
Implementing these proactive steps can ensure smoother filing and prevent surprises for clients – making CPAs an indispensable resource during tax extension season. Reframing extension season as a proactive process helps CPAs keep clients compliant and reinforce their role as trusted advisors.
Read Also: Avoid 10 Common Accounting Mistakes with Expert Tips USA

IRS Payment Options for Clients Who Owe

For many taxpayers, filing under extension does not eliminate the need to pay. If clients still owe taxes, CPAs can guide them through the following IRS-approved payment solutions:

01. IRS Direct Pay

  • A secure online tool that allows direct payments from a checking or savings account.
  • No fees and immediate confirmation provided.

02. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS)

  • A reliable option for businesses and frequent payers.
  • Requires enrollment but allows scheduling future payments.

03. Online Payment Agreements

  • Ideal for taxpayers unable to pay in full.
  • Installment plans spread payments out and reduces the risk of enforced collection.

04. Short-Term Payment Extensions

  • The IRS may grant up to 120 extra days to pay in full.
  • Interest still accrues, but late payment penalties are reduced.

05. Credit or Debit Card Payments

  • Payments can be made via IRS-authorized processors.
  • Transaction fees apply but offer flexibility when other funds are tight.
Encouraging clients to pay as much as possible by the original deadline helps reduce penalties and interest. CPAs can play a proactive role by matching the right payment method to each client’s financial situation.

Need expert help with
your extension workload?

Unison Globus offers tailored CPA tax extension support with secure, scalable offshore staffing designed to ease peak-season pressures.

Contact Unison Globus today to discover how our offshore solutions can help your firm stay compliant, efficient, and stress-free this extension season. Get in touch now

State vs. Federal Tax Extensions: What You Need to File on Time

A federal tax extension does not automatically apply at the state level. CPAs should be aware of the key differences:
Aspect Federal Tax Extension State Tax Extension
Forms Form 4868 (Individuals) and Form 7004 (Businesses) Many states require their own extension forms, or accept the federal form (e.g., Form 4868 for individuals), but state-specific forms and processes must be checked.
Deadlines September 15, for businesses (Form 7004) and October 15, for individuals (Form 4868) State deadlines vary. While some states align with federal deadlines (e.g., September 15), others may have earlier or later due dates. CPAs should verify state-specific deadlines.
Payments Taxes due by April 15 (individuals) or March 15 (businesses), even with an extension State balances are calculated separately. Payments are generally due by the state’s original deadline, although some states may offer different rules for payment extensions or allow grace periods.
Automatic Coverage Federal extension applies nationwide Federal extension applies nationwide, but not all states accept it automatically. Separate state extension forms may be required.
Multi-State Clients Single federal extension covers all taxpayers CPAs must track each jurisdiction’s rules to ensure full multi-state tax compliance, as states may have different forms, deadlines, or rules.

CPA Tip: Avoid confusion between the September 15 estimated tax payment deadline and the October 15 individual extension deadline. Many clients mistakenly believe they have until September 15 to file their personal returns, when in fact, this is the deadline for estimated tax payments for individuals. The actual deadline to file an extended individual return is October 15, 2025. Clear communication with clients is essential to prevent penalties for late filing or missed payments.

Best Practices for Accounting Firms During Extension Season

Managing the September 15 deadline can feel like a second peak of tax season. Firms that stay proactive and organized can reduce stress while improving client service. Here are key strategies:
  • Communicate early and often: Remind clients about the upcoming deadlines and clarify what an extension does and does not cover.
  • Use secure portals: Collect and share documents through encrypted platforms to avoid delays and protect client data.
  • Standardize checklists: Maintain an internal CPA checklist for September 15 deadlines to track forms, payments, and state-level requirements.
  • Prioritize complex clients: Handle multi-state or high-liability cases first to avoid bottlenecks later in the season.
  • Leverage technology: Automation tools for reminders, e-filing, and document tracking can help streamline your accounting firm extension strategy.
  • Consider outsourcing: Offshore tax preparation services allow firms to manage high volumes without sacrificing accuracy, especially when deadlines converge.
By following these best practices, firms can turn the extension season from a stress point into an opportunity to reinforce client trust and efficiency.

How Unison Globus Supports CPAs During Tax Extension Season

Tax extension season often feels like a second busy season, with heavy workloads and tight deadlines converging in August and September. This is where Unison Globus steps into provides comprehensive support for CPA firms across the U.S.

Our offshore teams specialize in:

  • Expert tax preparation for forms including 1040, 1120, 1065, 1041, and 1099
  • IRS-compliant documentation that minimizes errors and ensures smooth audits
  • Secure, paperless workflows with encrypted client portals to streamline communication
  • Scalable staffing models to help firms handle seasonal surges without increasing overhead

With offshore tax support for CPAs, firms gain the capacity to:

  • Meet the September 15 tax extension deadline with confidence
  • Reduce turnaround times during peak filing periods
  • Stay compliant with both IRS extension filing 2025 requirements and state-level rules
  • Focus more on advisory and client strategy instead of routine paperwork
At Unison Globus, we act as an extension of your firm, delivering the accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind you need during one of the most demanding times of the year.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for a Stress-Free Extension Season

As the September 15, 2025 tax extension deadline rapidly approaches, CPAs and accounting firms must act quickly to ensure clients remain compliant and avoid penalties. Staying ahead of IRS guidelines, tracking state-specific requirements, and advising clients on payment options are critical to managing this busy season effectively.
By focusing on clear communication, secure workflows, and well-organized checklists, firms can turn this high-pressure period into an opportunity to build stronger client relationships. Leveraging expert support, whether through advanced technology or specialized offshore teams – ensures that no return is missed and compliance remains intact.
Categories
Accounting

From Backlog to Breakthrough: The Path to Proactive Client Advisory

Introduction – The Compliance Trap

Every accounting firm knows the feeling. The endless pile of tax returns. The reconciliations that never seem to end. The long nights where you are checking boxes instead of checking in with clients. For many firms, compliance has become an anchor that weighs them down.
The cost is not just internal exhaustion. When a firm is buried in compliance, clients miss out on the client advisory services (CAS) they desperately need. They are left without timely guidance on cash flow, profitability, and strategic growth. Partners and managers are reactive responders, not proactive advisors.
But here is the truth: compliance is essential, yet it should never define your firm. By offloading routine tasks to a world-class offshore team at Unison Globus, firms create the capacity to step into the role of trusted advisor. This blog explores the shift from backlog to breakthrough, and how your firm can transform its future.

The Backlog Problem – Why Firms Stay Reactive

Compliance-heavy workloads are the single biggest reason firms stay reactive. Every season brings the same pressures:
  • Deadlines pile up, creating constant backlog stress.
  • Partners spend more time chasing forms than meeting clients.
  • Advisory conversations are postponed because “we just do not have the bandwidth.
It is a vicious cycle. The more compliance dominates, the less capacity exists for accounting advisory services. The backlog eats into the energy and focus needed for high-value work.

Firms stuck here often report:

  • Burnout across teams due to long hours on low-margin tasks
  • Clients viewing the firm as transactional, not strategic
  • Missed opportunities to deliver financial advisory for clients at crucial business moments
This reactive posture creates risk. When accountants are too busy producing reports, they cannot provide advisory services for businesses that help them navigate the future.

The Rising Demand for Advisory

Meanwhile, the marketplace is shifting. Business owners no longer want accountants who only deliver compliance. They want forward-looking insight. They want trusted guidance on decisions that affect tomorrow, not just yesterday’s numbers.

SMBs in particular are asking for:

  • Business advisory services that help them plan expansion, manage risk, and unlock profitability
  • Strategic financial advisory for clients who need to manage debt, invest wisely, and stabilize growth
  • Practical forecasting and budgeting services that allow them to plan for seasonality, funding, or growth cycles
  • Ongoing cash flow advisory for businesses to prevent shortfalls and improve resilience
This demand is only growing. Firms that continue to operate as compliance-only providers risk losing relevance. On the other hand, those who step into business advisory for SMBs position themselves as indispensable.
Advisory is not optional anymore. It is what clients expect, and what differentiates forward-looking firms from those stuck in the past.

The Breakthrough – Unlocking Capacity with Offshore Staffing

So how do firms make the leap from backlog to advisory? The breakthrough is not about working harder. It is about creating capacity.
That is where Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0 comes in. By strategically offloading compliance-heavy tasks to a skilled offshore team, firms:
  • Clear backlogs without burning out their in-house staff
  • Free up partner and manager time for high-value activities
  • Gain breathing room to actually design accounting advisory services offerings
Consider what this looks like in practice:
  • Offshore professionals handle reconciliations and bookkeeping while partners prepare cash flow advisory for businesses
  • A manager once buried in tax filings now has time to develop forecasting and budgeting services for clients
  • An entire in-house team moves from reactive reporting to proactive business advisory services that build long-term client trust
This is not about outsourcing advisory itself. It is about building the foundation that makes advisory possible. Offshore support clears the path so firms can finally walk into the role clients have always wanted them to play.

From Reactive to Proactive – A Practical Shift

Moving from backlog to breakthrough does not happen overnight. It requires a structured shift in how firms operate.

Step 1: Offload compliance bottlenecks.

Identify the tasks that drain the most time but add the least client-facing value. Bookkeeping, reconciliations, and tax prep are prime candidates for offshore staffing.

Step 2: Reallocate partner and manager time.

With compliance covered, leaders can focus on strategic discussions and building advisory services for businesses.

Step 3: Build structured offerings.

Package services such as forecasting and budgeting services, cash flow advisory for businesses, and growth planning into clear client deliverables.

Step 4: Proactively engage clients.

Do not wait for clients to ask. Set quarterly or monthly check-ins where insights are shared. This is how firms reposition from reactive compliance shops to proactive advisors.
When executed well, this shift elevates both client satisfaction and firm profitability. Advisory services typically command higher margins and deeper loyalty than compliance work.

Case-in-Point: From Backlog to Breakthrough

In 2019, a U.S.–U.K. tax advisory firm partnered with Unison Globus to tackle a critical backlog of expat tax filings. At the time, compliance consumed so much of the team’s bandwidth that client requests for budgeting and cash flow support were often deferred.
The firm started small, but over the next five years built a 7-person offshore team. With compliance now handled seamlessly, the partners freed nearly 30 percent of their time. That reclaimed capacity became the turning point.
Instead of deflecting advisory requests, the firm introduced forecasting and budgeting services tailored to international clients. They also began offering proactive cash flow advisory for businesses, which became one of their most in-demand services.
What began as a stop-gap to solve backlog issues became a long-term breakthrough. Today, their offshore team handles compliance with precision, while the in-house team leads with insight, strategy, and trusted guidance.

Conclusion – From Backlog to Breakthrough

Compliance will always matter, but it should never define your firm. Staying reactive keeps you trapped in the past. Clients expect more, and they are willing to pay for it.
The firms that thrive are the ones that embrace offshore support as a lever for transformation. By partnering with Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0, you can:
  • Eliminate backlogs that drain your team
  • Reclaim capacity for client advisory in accounting
  • Deliver business advisory services that secure loyalty and fuel growth
  • Position your firm as the trusted partner clients want by their side
From backlog to breakthrough, the path is clear. Your clients are waiting for proactive, trusted advice. With Unison Globus, your firm can finally deliver it.
Ready to reclaim your time and transform the way you serve your clients? Let’s talk.
Categories
Accounting

The Future is Flexible: How Offshore Talent is Driving the Hybrid Workforce

The way we work has changed forever. Gone are the days when CPA firms were defined by office walls and constrained by local talent pools. The modern firm is borderless, dynamic, and most importantly, flexible.
For CPAs navigating a fiercely competitive landscape, this flexibility isn’t just a perk; it’s survival. Amid chronic talent shortages, relentless client demands, and the rise of advisory-driven accounting, many firms are rethinking their staffing models. And increasingly, the answer they’re finding is offshore accounting talent not as a stopgap, but as a core component of their hybrid workforce strategy.
At Unison Globus, we see this every day. Firms are no longer coming to us with “overflow work” for peak season. They’re asking for help building future-ready teams. They’re using offshore talent not just to “get through busy season” but to redefine how their practices operate year-round.
This isn’t outsourcing as you knew it. This is workforce transformation.

Why CPA Firms Need Flexible Staffing to Stay Competitive

Today’s accounting landscape is marked by two undeniable truths:

01. Talent is scarce.

Nearly 75% of CPA firms cite hiring and retention as their biggest challenge. Recruiting skilled accountants, especially in niche areas like tax advisory or audit, has become a time-consuming and costly endeavor.

02. Client expectations are higher than ever.

Compliance work alone doesn’t cut it. Businesses now expect their CPAs to act as strategic advisors, delivering insights, projections, and guidance.
The challenge? Most firms are stuck in a cycle where their highly qualified accountants are bogged down by transactional work, such as reconciling accounts, preparing returns, and chasing documents, leaving little room for higher-value services. Flexible staffing for CPA firms solves this problem.
With remote accounting teams integrated into their operations, firms can dynamically scale their workforce based on demand. This isn’t just about filling gaps during tax season. It’s about creating the capacity to grow, innovate, and meet client needs without overextending local teams.

Beyond Outsourcing: How Offshore Accounting Talent Builds a Hybrid Workforce

For many firms, the word “outsourcing” still suggests low-cost, back-office work. But in today’s accounting world, that definition no longer fits. The demands on CPA firms have evolved, and so has the way they build their teams.
Forward-looking firms are adopting a hybrid workforce model by blending in-house expertise with skilled offshore accounting talent to create a flexible, scalable team structure. This is not about outsourcing tasks and walking away. It is about integrating remote accounting teams as a true extension of the firm, ensuring year-round support and the ability to scale as client needs change.

Here’s what this hybrid approach looks like in practice:

  • Year-Round Integration: Offshore professionals are part of the team, consistently managing bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance tasks beyond just busy season.
  • On-Demand Scaling: Whether it is a tax season surge or a large client project, firms can quickly expand their capacity without the costs and delays of long-term hiring.
  • Empowering Local Teams: With routine work handled by offshore talent, in-house CPAs are free to focus on client relationships, advisory services, and growth initiatives.
This isn’t traditional outsourcing. It is a future-ready workforce strategy that leverages CPA outsourcing services to give firms the agility, bandwidth, and expertise they need to thrive.

CPA Outsourcing for Tax Season: How Offshore Support Reduces Stress and Increases Capacity

Let’s face it, tax season has always been the ultimate stress test for CPA firms. Long hours, mounting pressure, and a near-impossible balancing act between deadlines and quality.
But firms leveraging offshore support for tax season are rewriting the script.
At Unison Globus, we work with firms to prepare months in advance, ensuring that offshore teams are trained, aligned with firm processes, and ready to hit the ground running when Q1 begins.

The result?

  • Less burnout for local teams.
  • Faster turnaround times.
  • Improved accuracy and compliance.
In other words, CPA outsourcing for tax season isn’t just a relief. It’s a competitive advantage.

Different Hybrid Workforce Models for CPA Firms (With Real-World Examples)

Every firm’s needs are different. A solo practitioner looking for seasonal help will structure their hybrid team differently than a mid-size CPA firm aiming for year-round support. Here are three common hybrid workforce models that firms are using today, along with examples of how leading accounting firms are putting them into practice:

01. Seasonal Support Model

This model is ideal for firms that need offshore support for tax season or other peak periods. Offshore teams handle compliance-heavy tasks such as tax preparation, bookkeeping cleanup, and reconciliations, allowing in-house staff to focus on client communication and review work.
Example: U.S.-based mid-sized firms like RSM US and Moss Adams are leveraging offshore teams in India to handle large volumes of tax preparation work during peak seasons, freeing their U.S. CPAs to focus on client-facing and advisory responsibilities (Reuters).

02. Ongoing Compliance Support Model

This model is designed for firms seeking remote accounting teams to manage bookkeeping, payroll, and compliance tasks consistently throughout the year. It creates predictable workflows, reduces burnout for local teams, and builds steady offshore relationships. Within two years, their offshore structure evolved into a fully integrated extension of their practice:
Example: The Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) use large-scale global capability centers, particularly in India, where over 140,000 professionals support audit, tax, and compliance operations for U.S. clients while maintaining client-facing work locally (Reuters).

03. Advisory-First Model

This model works best for growth-focused firms that want to scale advisory services. Offshore teams take on routine accounting and tax services for CPAs, freeing up local CPAs to deliver insights, strategic planning, and advisory work that drives higher revenue.
Example: Firms like Sikich and CohnReznick are pairing offshore staffing with technology investments to offload transactional tasks, enabling their in-house teams to focus more on advisory and consulting engagements (Business Insider).

Why It Works

The strength of the hybrid approach lies in its flexibility. Firms can start with one model and evolve as their needs change. Whether it is short-term capacity for tax season, year-round compliance support, or freeing up senior staff for high-value advisory services, hybrid staffing provides a scalable solution that grows with the firm.

What Smart Firms Know About Building Remote Accounting Teams

Firms that successfully implement hybrid workforce strategies are doing more than outsourcing tasks. They are strategically building remote accounting teams that strengthen their capacity, improve efficiency, and free up in-house staff for higher-value work.

Over 25% of CPA firms already use offshore teams, and more than 75% of them plan to expand this support next year. These firms also report improved efficiency and higher output, showing that hybrid staffing is more than cost reduction. It is a proven growth strategy.
Here’s what these firms are doing differently:

01. Prioritizing Quality Partnerships

Successful firms choose trusted providers like Unison Globus for CPA outsourcing services that deliver consistent quality and align with U.S. accounting standards.

02. Integrating Offshore Talent Seamlessly

The best remote accounting teams are treated as part of the firm. They use the same tools, workflows, and communication channels as local staff to ensure collaboration and alignment.

03. Scaling With Flexibility

Instead of over-hiring locally, these firms leverage flexible staffing for CPA firms to handle seasonal surges, project-based needs, and ongoing compliance workloads without overextending resources.

Smart firms are not simply filling gaps. They are redesigning their workforce models to create scalable, client-focused operations that thrive in a competitive landscape.

Why Unison Globus is the Go-To Partner for CPA Outsourcing Services

Plenty of firms talk about offshore staffing. Unison Globus takes it further with Offshore Staffing 2.0, a strategic, future-ready approach that integrates skilled offshore professionals into your operations as true extensions of your team.

Here’s why hundreds of CPA firms across the U.S. choose us:

  • Specialization in CPA Firms: We provide accounting and tax services for CPAs, so our teams understand the complexities of your workflows, deadlines, and client needs.
  • Scalable Solutions: Whether you need one offshore accountant or an entire team, our Offshore Staffing 2.0 model helps you scale at the speed of business.
  • Data Security You Can Trust: With ISO-certified infrastructure and stringent compliance protocols, your clients’ data stays protected at every step.
  • Proactive, Process-Driven Support: We don’t just complete tasks. We help refine your workflows for greater efficiency and long-term success.
When you work with Unison Globus, you’re not buying capacity. You’re gaining a strategic partner committed to transforming how your firm operates.

The Bottom Line: Offshore
Accounting Talent is the Future

The future of accounting is not about choosing between
in-house or outsourced teams. It is about building
hybrid workforces that combine the strengths of
both, delivering the flexibility, capacity, and expertise
firms need to thrive.

In this future, offshore talent is not an add-on.
It is a core driver of competitive advantage.

If you are ready to:
Expand your client base without overloading your team
Boost profitability without increasing fixed costs
Transform your firm into an agile, future-ready practice
Then it is time to explore how offshore accounting talent
can reshape your business.

Let’s Build Your Future-Ready Workforce

At Unison Globus, we help CPA firms of all sizes scale smarter, not harder. Through our Offshore Staffing 2.0 approach, we provide CPA outsourcing services for compliance work and build remote accounting teams for year-round support. We deliver the talent, processes, and flexibility you need to grow with confidence.
The future is flexible. Are you ready to embrace it?
Talk to us today
Categories
Accounting

The ROI of Virtual Staffing: A Case Study of 3 Accounting Firms

If you’ve been trying to hire locally and scale profitably, you already know: the math doesn’t work.
Salaries are rising, experienced talent is becoming increasingly harder to find, and even your best employees are being stretched thin. Compliance never stops, but growth does, especially when your firm is running at full capacity by Q1.
That’s why more accounting leaders are turning to virtual accounting staffing as a more effective approach. Not to cut corners, but to increase capacity, reduce overhead, and let their core team focus on what drives revenue.
With the right offshore staffing for CPA firms, the model is clear:
  • Daily production is handled offshore.
  • Client-facing and advisory work stays in-house.
  • Turnaround improves. Margins improve.
  • And partners finally get breathing room to grow the firm.
At Unison Globus, we’ve helped firms across the U.S. adopt what we call Offshore Staffing 2.0, a structured, scalable approach to building long-term capacity without adding permanent overhead.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what that looks like in action, sharing results from three accounting firms that increased output, protected quality, and freed up time to focus on growth.

ROI of Virtual Staffing: How Smart Firms Measure Value

When accounting firms consider outsourcing, the first question isn’t just “how much will it cost?” It’s “What do we get back?”
The real ROI of virtual staffing goes beyond reducing expenses. It’s about expanding your firm’s capacity, improving delivery, and freeing up your team for higher-value work—all without the overhead that comes with local hiring.
According to a 2024 CPA.com survey, over 55% of firms that adopted outsourced accounting services reported faster turnaround and improved staff efficiency within the first year. At Unison Globus, the firms we support consistently see gains across three areas.

01. Capacity expansion without full-time hires

First, there’s the increase in capacity. Adding just one or two offshore team members often raises overall output by 30 to 40 percent. Whether it’s monthly bookkeeping, tax preparation, or reconciliation work, having consistent, review-ready support allows your team to take on more clients without adding internal workload.

02. Reduced overhead with consistent output

Second, the financial impact is significant. Offshore professionals cost less to onboard and retain compared to U.S.-based staff. With virtual accounting staffing, firms can reduce per-role staffing costs by up to 60 percent. The savings go beyond salaries—they extend to benefits, training time, and office resources. That margin can be reinvested into growth, technology, or retained as profit.

03. Stronger workflows, better client delivery

Third, client experience improves. By removing routine production work from your local team’s plate, you give them more time for review, communication, and client-facing conversations. According to Accounting Today, firms that use offshore support are twice as likely to meet deadlines during peak season. That translates to fewer errors, better relationships, and more space for advisory conversations that drive revenue.

So while many firms begin this journey to reduce accounting overhead, the return is far more valuable. When measured against capacity gained, delivery speed, and profitability, virtual staffing isn’t just worth it—it’s a competitive edge.

Here’s what that ROI looks like in action, across the three pillars firms care about most:

Virtual Staffing vs Local Hiring for Accounting Firms

Still deciding between offshore staffing and hiring locally? Here’s how the two models compare:
Category Virtual Staffing Local Hiring
Cost Up to 60% lower overall staffing cost High fixed costs (salary, benefits, space)
Time to Deploy 5–7 business days to go live 4–8 weeks average hiring cycle
Scalability Easy to scale up or down as needed Difficult to scale without long contracts
Talent Access Access to trained accounting & tax professionals Limited local talent pool
Oversight & Control Full visibility with structured SOPs Requires hands-on daily management
Workload Flexibility Part-time, full-time, or seasonal models Typically full-time only
Retention Risk Managed transition plans and backups are available Higher risk of attrition and rehiring

Case Study Highlights: How 3 Firms Increased Accounting Capacity

Real results start with the right structure. These three firms used Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0 to unlock capacity, reduce pressure, and serve more clients, without hiring in-house.

Firm A: From Backlog to 7-Person Offshore Team Over 5 Years

A leading U.S.–U.K. tax advisory firm initially engaged Unison Globus in 2019 to address a critical backlog of expat tax returns. Within just 2.5 months, over 250 returns were completed under the Ad-Hoc Tax Package model.

What began as a cleanup project soon expanded into full-year engagements:
  • Year 2–3: Over 1,400 complex tax returns completed across two years
  • Year 4: Transitioned to a dedicated full-time team: 3 Tax Accountants, 1 Senior, 1 Reviewer
  • Year 5+: Scaled to a 7-member offshore team; expanded into Trust filings and investment account analysis
  • Notable collaboration: Client-led in-person training visits to India, now an annual tradition

Results

  • Cleared major backlog within 10 weeks
  • Expanded into new services and compliance areas
  • Built a trusted, high-performing offshore team from the ground up

Firm B: Building Year-Round Tax and Accounting Capacity

A regional U.S.-based CPA firm began its offshore journey in 2020 with a three-member full-time tax team focused on 1040 preparation.

Within two years, their offshore structure evolved into a fully integrated extension of their practice:
  • Year 2: Added business tax returns; onboarded a full-time Tax Reviewer during peak season
  • Year 3: Promoted talent internally; migrated software systems with Unison’s support; added ERTC and accounting services
  • Year 4: Expanded team; handled 200+ tax returns and year-end books
  • Year 5: Ongoing support across payroll, 1099s, and accounting—plus standout feedback:

    “We’re having trouble keeping pace with them.”

Results

  • Multi-disciplinary team spanning tax, bookkeeping, and ERTC
  • Reduced partner workload and review pressure
  • On-demand capacity without hiring locally

Firm C: Managing Peak-Season Bottlenecks with Flexible Offshore Support

A U.S.-based regional firm with a 15-person team partnered with Unison Globus to manage persistent Q3 and Q4 bottlenecks. The goal: improve turnaround without hiring locally or compromising delivery quality.

What began as a seasonal engagement soon became a proven model for handling high-volume periods:
  • Year 1: Deployed 3 offshore professionals on a project-based contract during Q4
  • Scope: Tax preparation, reconciliations, and cleanup tasks
  • Delivery model: Short-term, high-impact engagement with built-in scalability
  • Outcome: Achieved faster turnaround and eliminated reliance on temp hires
  • Ongoing use: The firm now uses flexible offshore staffing to consistently manage seasonal workload spikes

Results

  • 30% improvement in turnaround time during peak season
  • Protected team from burnout without sacrificing client satisfaction
  • Maintained delivery standards without adding full-time headcount

Why Firms Choose
Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0

Choosing the right offshore model isn’t about finding short-term help.
It’s about building dependable, long-term capacity that matches
how your firm works.

Here’s how Unison Globus Offshore Staffing 2.0 delivers that consistency:
Designed for professionals, not just processes We support the specific needs of CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms. Our teams are trained in U.S. tax and accounting workflows, with a focus on compliance, accuracy, and timely delivery.
Fast onboarding without added complexity Most firms are fully up and running within a week. From the first day, every team member follows structured task flows and clearly defined scopes, reducing training time and misalignment.
Seamless integration into your operations We align with your checklists, software, and review cycles. No need to adopt new systems or workflows. The goal is to strengthen what already works, not replace it.
Scalable support, sized to your needs Whether you need help during peak periods or consistent year-round coverage, we provide flexible engagement models that let you scale up or down with ease.
A reliable partner with industry depth As a leading accounting staffing firm in India, Unison Globus brings 18+ years of experience supporting U.S.-based professionals. Our engagements prioritize security, transparency, and continuity.

Conclusion : Scale Smarter with Unison Globus Offshore Support

Firms that scale well aren’t just doing more. They’re doing it with less friction, lower overhead, and better alignment between teams and priorities.
That’s exactly what Unison Globus Offshore Support is built for.
Whether you’re navigating seasonal demand, planning for long-term growth, or simply need more room to focus on advisory, our model gives you the flexibility to expand without overextending your team.
We’ve helped hundreds of CPAs, EAs, and accounting firms implement reliable, review-ready workflows that boost productivity and protect quality. Our accounting firm capacity solutions are designed to reduce bottlenecks, improve margins, and create the kind of capacity that leads to real profit, not just survival.
If you’re ready to explore what offshore staffing for CPA firms can look like inside your practice, we’re ready to help.
Let’s build smarter, together.
Categories
Accounting Uncategorized

AI and Offshore: Friends, Not Foes

AI and Offshore: Friends, Not Foes

For many firms, the rise of AI raises a familiar question: If automation is getting better, do we still need offshore teams?
It’s a common misconception and one that quietly limits growth.
The truth is that AI isn’t replacing people. It’s changing how teams operate. When paired with skilled offshore professionals, it creates a faster, more accurate, and more scalable way to deliver accounting services.

That’s exactly what we’ve built at Unison Globus. This collaborative approach was recently featured in Accounting Today, where AI and offshore accounting were recognized as complementary, not competing. Unison Globus further highlighted how AI-powered automation reduced invoice processing time by 40 percent, allowing our offshore teams to focus on review work, client cleanup, and advisory preparation.

If you’re thinking about where AI-powered accounting solutions fit in your business or how to scale without overloading your local team, this article walks you through what works and why.

The Big Myth: AI Will Replace Offshore Accounting Teams

For years, the rise of AI sparked predictions that outsourcing would become obsolete. Automation, many assumed, would be able to handle everything from data entry to tax prep without human intervention.
But that theory hasn’t played out in the real world.
What firms are finding instead is this: while AI can speed up workflows and eliminate repetitive tasks, it doesn’t replace the human lens that accounting still requires. Tasks may be faster, but trust, compliance, and client context still depend on people, often the same offshore professionals firms once thought they’d outgrow.

Prediction vs. Reality in Accounting Automation

What Was Predicted

  • Firms will eliminate offshore roles
  • Firms will reduce headcount
  • AI will significantly lower staffing costs
  • Firms would pick AI or outsourcing, not both

What’s Happening in Practice

  • 80–90% of firms retained or restructured offshore teams to lead review and QA
  • Staff roles evolved—less data entry, more supervision, exception handling, and review
  • Automation reduced task time, but increased oversight and governance needs
  • High-performing firms are combining the two strategically for better output

Why the Myth Hasn’t Held Up

AI works well when rules are clear and data is clean. But real-world accounting rarely fits into that box. Client records are messy. Scenarios aren’t always standard. And the stakes, whether it’s filing taxes or finalizing financials, are too high for unchecked automation.

That’s why firms haven’t replaced their teams. They’ve redefined their roles.

Today, offshore teams aren’t just processing data. They’re reviewing AI-generated drafts, validating results, resolving edge cases, and flagging inconsistencies that machines miss. They’re still essential, just no longer buried in manual work.

Even major publications such as Accounting Today have noted the shift. Their 2024 feature observed that as AI adoption rises, firms are increasingly pairing it with offshore accounting, not as a fallback, but as a strategic combination. AI handles the volume. People ensure the quality.

And it’s this blended model that firms are now leaning into, not because they have to, but because it works.

The bottom line is – AI hasn’t replaced outsourced teams. It’s changed what those teams do. And for firms looking to scale without compromising quality or client trust, that shift isn’t a threat, it’s an advantage.

Offshore Staffing 2.0: An Evolution, Not Just a Cost Strategy


As firms adopt AI to improve delivery speed and task automation, many are also revisiting how their staffing models support that shift. For most, the answer isn’t more headcount, it’s more structure.

That’s why the conversation around offshoring is evolving. It’s no longer about lowering costs. It’s about building capacity that integrates with the firm, adapts to new technology, and supports long-term growth.

At Unison Globus, we refer to this model as Offshore Staffing 2.0. It’s a different approach to offshore support, one designed to fit how firms work today, not how outsourcing used to be done.

Instead of standalone teams completing tasks in isolation, Offshore Staffing 2.0 offers a more technology-driven accounting support model. It’s about offshore professionals working inside your systems, aligned to your workflows, and focused on consistent delivery.

This is what makes it a scalable accounting team model, not just a cost center, but a functional extension of the firm.

What Makes Offshore Staffing 2.0 Different?

Offshore Staffing 2.0 is shaped by the realities firms face today: talent shortages, increasing client expectations, tighter review cycles, and the growing need to integrate new technology without disrupting delivery. This model is designed to respond to those pressures, not just with people, but with structure.

Here’s how it meets the evolving needs of modern accounting firms:
  • Continuous training in AI workflows Firms are adopting AI tools for efficiency, but they still need people who know how to use them responsibly. Offshore teams in this model are trained not just in platforms but in how automation fits within accounting workflows, how to validate AI-generated workpapers, handle system exceptions, and align outputs with firm-level review standards. This reduces rework and makes automation viable, not risky.
  • Direct integration with your tech stack Disconnected systems are one of the biggest sources of delay and duplication in firm operations. Offshore Staffing 2.0 eliminates this by working directly inside the firm’s environment, from accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and CCH Axcess to workflow and file-sharing tools like Karbon, Jetpack, or SharePoint. That integration minimizes back-and-forth, gives managers visibility, and ensures offshore work feels like a seamless part of the team, not a bolt-on function.
  • Role-based team design Generic outsourcing creates review fatigue. Firms need clarity on who is preparing, who is reviewing, and who is answering client questions. Offshore Staffing 2.0 brings that structure. Teams are built with defined roles and escalation paths, so work moves in line with how the firm is already organized. This makes delegation easier, reduces partner review time, and improves accountability at each stage of the engagement.

    Offshore support isn’t new. But firm expectations have changed. They’re no longer looking for just more hands. They’re looking for a better fit, better flow, and better use of both people and technology.

    Offshore Staffing 2.0 is built for that. It reflects where the industry is headed and how leading firms are adapting.

What We’ve Learned from Supporting 150+ Firms Worldwide

Working with more than 150 firms has taught us that growth isn’t limited by technology or talent; it’s limited by how work is structured.

Most firms we support already use cloud tools, automation software, and even offshore help. But here’s the pattern: the right tools in the wrong hands still create bottlenecks. And the wrong staffing model, no matter how cost-effective, will slow down even the best processes.

The difference comes down to how firms manage flow. The ones that improve delivery consistently do a few things differently:
  • They treat the review as a designed function, not a rescue phase
  • They assign complexity based on skill, not location
  • And they don’t over-rely on partners to fix what prep teams miss
In other words, they don’t just add people or tech. They realign who does what, when, and why.

How This Shows Up in Practice

We’ve helped firms reduce month-end delays, restructure review queues, and shift cleanup work away from senior staff. Not because we did more, but because we helped the team do less of what wasn’t theirs to fix.

As we mentioned earlier, Accounting Today featured our model for how it reduces turnaround time, highlighting a 40% drop in invoice processing. But what’s behind that stat is more important: fewer escalation loops, clearer accountability, and front-loaded quality control.

That’s not just about outsourcing. That’s about building systems that hold up under real deadlines.

How AI and Offshore Teams Work Together in Real Accounting Workflows

AI brings speed. People bring context. But it’s not a handoff, it’s a shared workflow.

Firms seeing the best results aren’t separating tech and talent. They’re designing accounting processes where automation and offshore support operate in sync.

Here’s how those systems work inside growing firms:
  • Document Collection and Draft Generation Clients upload financials such as bank statements, invoices, and payroll exports into the firm’s cloud environment. AI tools extract the data and auto-generate first drafts: journals, reconciliations, and even return templates. But these aren’t ready to file. They’re a foundation.
  • Data Validation and Cleanup Skilled offshore professionals step in next. They don’t repeat the AI’s work; they build on it. Their tasks often include:
    • Cross-checking extracted numbers against source files
    • Matching transactions with prior-year context or client-specific rules
    • Completing entries that the AI left blank or misinterpreted

    In one recent case, a firm reduced review rounds by 30% simply by inserting QA at this point in the process.
  • Exceptions and Edge Cases AI can flag anomalies, but it can’t determine what matters. Offshore teams resolve issues like:
    • Misclassified journal entries
    • Duplicated expenses across systems
    • Incorrect carryforward logic in tax returns

    Trained teams now resolve 90% of these issues before escalation, saving time at the partner level.
  • Final Review and Output Preparation Once the file is complete, it returns to the in-house team, often needing minimal changes. Partner review becomes cleaner and faster. And clients receive a delivery that’s complete, accurate, and on time. This is how AI-powered offshore teams operate: automation handles the routine. People ensure it’s correct. Together, they create AI-powered accounting processes that are built to scale.

Why Combining AI and Offshore Is the Competitive Edge in 2025 and Beyond

As observed above, AI has already proven its value in automating intake, organizing data, and reducing turnaround time. For many firms, it was introduced to save time. But its biggest advantage is something deeper. It allows teams to rethink how work gets done.

Firms that combine AI tools with structured offshore support are no longer patching together deadlines. They are redesigning their workflows to move faster, cost less, and support higher-value services.

Here’s where this model is already delivering results:
  • Invoice processing is faster when AI handles the intake and offshore teams manage cleanup and categorization
  • Month-end close cycles are shortening because reconciliations begin earlier and get flagged automatically
  • Tax review queues are moving faster when AI drafts and offshore staff validate entries before they reach the partner
  • Sales tax and compliance prep is less manual, with automation handling rate mapping and teams focused on exceptions
These are not one-off wins. They are repeatable gains created by systems that combine automation with trained offshore teams from day one.

As Accounting Today pointed out, offshoring is no longer defined by location or labor cost. It is defined by structure, and firms that align it with automation are gaining a clear edge.

The firms that succeed in 2025 will not be the ones that simply adopt AI or outsource repetitive work. They will be the ones that integrate both into a cohesive, accountable model that is ready to flex with client demand.

This is the future of accounting staffing. Not more hours. Not more hires. Just a better way to work.

Final Conclusion

AI is not replacing accountants. Offshoring is not a shortcut. Together, they are reshaping how accounting firms operate by improving speed, accuracy, and team capacity.
Firms that integrate automation with trained offshore support are not just reacting to deadlines. They are building workflows that are more efficient, more scalable, and better aligned with what clients need.
This is the human and AI accounting model in practice. It is already helping firms reduce review cycles, clean up bottlenecks, and create room for advisory growth.
For firms planning, the path is clear. The future is not about choosing one solution over another. It is about building a structure where technology and talent work together from day one.
Categories
Accounting

CPA Tax Calendar: Key Deadlines for Estimated Payments and Extensions

July changes the pace but not the workload.
With Q2 behind you, the focus shifts to what’s next – finalizing extended returns, prepping Q3 estimated payments, and closing out sales tax and 1099 follow-ups.
It’s the kind of work that takes time but rarely gets priority. Documents are still trickling in. Review queues are backed up. The calendar says “mid-year,” but for most firms, it still feels like a catch-up.
This period may not bring the intensity of April, but it comes with its friction in the form of steady deadlines, limited bandwidth, and work that still needs to move forward.
For firms considering offshore support, July through early September is the window.
The work is already in motion, with extensions, estimated payments, bookkeeping, and compliance cleanup. This is one of the only stretches in the calendar where onboarding help won’t slow you down.
In this blog, we discuss what firms are navigating during this phase and where offshore capacity shines.

Extension Returns: Clear Scope, Ideal Timing

For most firms, extended returns aren’t new work. They’re unfinished work.

The prep began months ago. The scope is already defined. What remains are follow-ups, missing documents, and that final push to review and file before the extended tax deadline of September 15.

This makes extension returns one of the easiest points of entry for offshore CPA accounting support. The workflow is already set, the data is mostly in, and the process just needs to move forward. If a firm is exploring tax extension outsourcing in the USA, this is the kind of work that elevates the model. No disruptions only streamlined progress.

That’s why many firms start here. Not because it’s less important, but because it’s less risky. With the right IRS extension filing service, firms can delegate defined work without taking their eyes off more strategic clients.

IRS Tax Filing Statistics: Deadlines, Extensions & Trends

Return Type Filing Deadline Filed by Deadline Filed Under Extension % Filed Under Extension Notes
Form 1120 (C-Corp) April 15 ~6.5 million ~1.5 million ~19–20% Complex reporting often leads to extensions
Form 1120S (S-Corp) March 15 ~4.2 million ~0.8 million ~16–18% Common for pass-through entities
Form 1065 (Partnership) March 15 ~4.5 million ~1.0 million ~18–20% K-1 delays often drive extensions
Form 1040 (Individual) April 15 ~160 million ~19 million ~12% Includes self-employed and freelancers
Total Business Returns Varies ~15.2 million ~3.3 million
Reference: IRS Filing Season Statistics – 2025
Whether it’s closing out Form 1065s, 1120-S filings, or trust returns, this is where external support delivers visible results. By attaining clean files, faster reviews, and fewer bottlenecks heading into the final stretch.

Estimated Payments: The Deadline That’s Easy to Miss, and Hard to Rush

The September 15 deadline for Q3 estimated payments often overlaps with the extension season but the work involved is very different. Estimated payments depend less on filing forms and more on having clean, current financials that reflect the client’s actual position.
This is where gaps in books and reconciliations begin to affect advisory work. Clients with fluctuating income, investment activity, or pass-through structures rely on accurate data to avoid underpaying or overcompensating unnecessarily. If the numbers aren’t clear, even basic mid-year tax planning for businesses becomes guesswork.

Firms offering full-spectrum CPA accounting support in the USA recognize this period as a pressure point. Not because the filings are complex, but because poor data slows down decision-making. Estimated payments may seem routine, but they sit at the center of cash flow planning, year-to-date strategy, and client trust.

The firms that are ahead right now aren’t doing anything radical. They’re simply working from clean books, with processes that haven’t paused since April. The ones that aren’t? They’re still finalizing Q1 numbers and wondering how to back into an estimate before the 15th.

Catch-Up Season: Sales Tax, 1099s, and Everything That Slipped

By mid-year, most firms are juggling extension returns and planning for Q4 but there’s another category of work that quietly builds up: cleanup.

Sales tax filings, 1099 reconciliations, and lingering bookkeeping gaps don’t always come with hard deadlines, but they’re essential to keeping client files current. Whether it’s multi-state sales tax reports, outdated W-9s, or missing transaction data from earlier in the year, this kind of backlog tends to surface at this moment, when teams are already stretched.

This is also the time when clients start asking for records: lenders want updated P&Ls, investors need clean ledgers, and tax planning requests pick up. And when those reports are behind advisory stalls.

For firms that manage sales tax compliance services, this stretch is often the moment to get ahead, while the pressure is lower and the October deadlines haven’t yet hit. The same goes for 1099 tracking. Cleaning up now means smoother year-end prep later, without the last-minute rush.

It’s not just about staying compliant; it’s about staying ready.

Mid-Year Bookkeeping Services: Scope, Impact & Ideal Use Cases

Service Type What It Covers Why It Matters Mid-Year Ideal For
Cleanup Fixing historical errors, reclassifying transactions, removing duplicates Ensures accurate data for tax planning, estimated payments, and advisory Firms finalizing Q1/Q2 books or preparing for audits
Catch-Up Bookkeeping Entering missing transactions, updating payroll, reconstructing records Supports timely estimated payments and reduces year-end backlog Firms behind on monthly closes or onboarding new clients
Reconciliation Matching bank, credit card, AR/AP, and inventory balances Prevents discrepancies that delay filings or mislead advisory Firms offering full-spectrum CPA support or cash flow planning

Turn mid-year challenges into
opportunities with Unison Globus.

Streamline tax filings, catch up on bookkeeping, and stay
ahead of deadlines with expert offshore support tailored
to your firm’s needs. Get in touch now

What to Act on Before October Hits

By now, the patterns are familiar: known deadlines, structured scopes, and a pace that’s steady but no longer frantic. It’s not downtime, but it’s not firefighting either.

That makes this stretch ideal for strategic decisions, not just about what gets done, but how.

Some firms use this time to tighten internal reviews or prep clients for Q4. Others use it to revisit capacity and decide which parts of the work truly need senior attention, and which can be shifted elsewhere.

That’s where offshoring quietly becomes part of the equation. Not to solve a crunch, but to prevent one, by handling the kind of defined, repeatable work already in motion.
Mid-Year Accounting Health Checklist
  • ✅   Q1/Q2 books closed
  • ✅   Bank accounts reconciled
  • ✅   1099s and W-9s updated
  • ✅   Sales tax filings current
  • ✅   Estimated payments reviewed

Mid-Year Tax Work Breakdown: Extension vs. Payments vs. Cleanup

Here’s a breakdown of the three most common mid-year accounting tasks comparing deadlines, risk levels, client sensitivity, and suitability for offshore support.
Aspect Extension Returns Estimated Payments (Q3) Cleanup Tasks (Sales Tax, 1099s, Books)
Deadline September 15 September 15 Flexible, but impacts Q4 prep
Nature of Work Continuation of prep already started Requires clean, updated financials Backlogged tasks that accumulated in Q1/Q2
Risk Level Low, defined scope and prior documentation Medium needs clarity but follows standard workflows Medium, structured, recurring tasks
Dependency Final documents, review, and IRS compliance Year-to-date financials, cash flow status, income projections Transaction history, vendor records, sales tax logs
Client Sensitivity Moderate, often familiar with extension process High, affects over/underpayment, cash flow decisions High, often client-triggered (lenders, investors, advisory needs)
Ideal for Offshoring? ✅   Yes, well-scoped, repeatable, minimal disruption ✅   Yes, with clean books and clear templates, offshore teams can execute ✅   Yes, ideal for task-based support like reconciliation and data gathering
Common Deliverables Form 1065, 1120-S, trust returns Q3 estimated tax calculations, safe harbor projections 1099 tracking, sales tax returns, ledger cleanup, updated P&Ls

Why Offshore Support Starts Here

When workflows are already defined, volume is steady, and support can be added without disruption. That’s what makes this phase so valuable. Not because the work is easy but because it’s ready to be handed off.

Firms aren’t outsourcing for coverage. They’re doing it to stay consistent. Extension returns, IRS filing services, 1099 follow-ups, and sales tax compliance – these aren’t reactive tasks. They’re planned, scheduled, and time sensitive. The kind of work that moves faster with clear documentation and a focused team behind it.

Mid-year is when offshoring aligns without friction. The goals are already set. The deadlines are clear. And the opportunity isn’t about saving time; it’s about using it better.

If tax extension outsourcing in the USA is on your roadmap, this is the window where it works on your terms, before year-end volume takes over.
Clean books = better estimates, faster reviews, and smarter planning.

Unison Globus: Global Offshore Accounting Solutions

It’s when the calendar finally loosens its grip just enough to think about structure, not just output. And that’s exactly when Offshore accounting delivers the most value, especially for firms seeking CPA support for businesses that need consistency and scale.

At Unison Globus, we’ve built a model that’s different from traditional outsourcing. Offshore accounting means dedicated, U.S.-aligned professionals who work inside your systems, follow your workflows and integrate without friction. Whether you’re managing catch-up bookkeeping services or looking for offshore accounting for CPA firms, there’s no retraining, no chasing just capacity that feels like your own team, only global.

Ready to explore what offshore support could look like for your firm?

Let’s talk timing, scope, and what it would take to get you set up.
Categories
Accounting

How Solving Capacity Transforms CPAs from ‘Expense’ to Indispensable Strategic Partner

You’re working late again. Reviewing files, replying to client emails, and clearing a never-ending backlog. You’ll bill for the time, and you should. You’ve earned it.
But from the client’s perspective, it doesn’t always feel like value. They see delayed replies, rushed check-ins, and tax conversations that come too late. When the invoice arrives, they question what they’re paying for.
Over time, that disconnect shifts how they see your firm, from a trusted advisor to an operational cost.
It’s not that you’re doing less. You’re just stuck in a system that doesn’t give you the time or structure to do more of what client’s value. And the problem isn’t unique. According to the AICPA, 73% of firms cite staffing as their top challenge.
However, the core issue isn’t just headcount. It’s a capacity design. The traditional model – more people, more hours, more files – no longer scales. When partners are buried in review, seniors are pulled into admin, and juniors turn over too quickly to gain traction, even if the best firms fall behind.
This isn’t just operational fatigue. It’s a structural failure in CPA firm capacity, and it’s directly responsible for the growing gap between what clients expect and what firms can deliver realistically.
In this blog, we’ll explore how solving that gap by rethinking how capacity is structured and deployed can shift your firm’s role from an expense to an indispensable strategic partner.

Compliance vs Advisory: Why Clients See Your Firm as a Cost

Compliance is necessary work. It’s technical, time-sensitive, and essential to your client’s operations. It’s the kind of work that protects businesses, keeps filings clean, and avoids regulatory issues. In many ways, it’s the backbone of the profession.
But companies aren’t built to maintain, they’re built to grow. And a strategy that only focuses on survival, while draining team capacity, becomes unsustainable over time. Hard work alone doesn’t build firm value. Smart work does.
This is where the divide between compliance vs advisory CPA services starts to shape how clients see you. While you may be delivering accuracy and effort behind the scenes, clients often judge value by what they experience directly: proactive guidance, strategic input, and time spent thinking ahead.
And that’s where perception shifts.
As client expectations continue to evolve, they’re looking for more than transactions. They expect insight, context, and a relationship that helps them make smarter decisions, not just stay compliant.
If your firm doesn’t have the bandwidth to provide that, it’s not just a service gap. It’s a CPA firm value perception problem. One that turns even your best work into something clients question instead of trust.
The fix doesn’t start with messaging. It starts with capacity. It starts with making room for strategy, so your clients stop seeing you as a cost and start depending on you as a partner.

Capacity Planning for CPA Firms: A Strategic Shift

Most CPA firms still think of capacity in terms of headcount. How many people are on the team, how many hours can they give, and how much work can be squeezed in before another deadline? However, effective capacity planning for CPA firms goes beyond headcount. It’s about structure, clarity, and how workflows through your firm.
High-growth firms don’t just throw people at the problem. They redesign how work gets done. They rethink who does what, where it happens, and how smoothly it moves across the firm. This shift turns capacity from a bottleneck into a true growth lever.

What Happens When Firms Prioritize Design Over Desperation

Take Sexton & Schnoll, a mid-sized CPA firm in Florida. Facing the usual tax-season overload, they hired offshore support via TOA Global. Unlike firms that rush to scale, they paired that decision with clearly documented SOPs and intentional task segmentation. The outcome? Faster turnaround, more bandwidth for partners and seniors, and improved client delivery. It wasn’t just about offshoring – it was about structure.
Compare this to what often goes wrong when firms scale without design. A QX Accounting report highlights that firms that add staff without set workflows or process alignment end up worsening the problem. They cause miscommunications, deteriorate the work quality, and heighten the pressure. In these cases, the real issue isn’t hiring. It’s the lack of a system.

The Magic Trifecta: A Smarter Model for Capacity

The firms that succeed use a modern operating model. We call it the Magic Trifecta. This approach blends:
  • Technology to automate low-value admin (like document requests or deadline reminders)
  • Process through standardized SOPs that create consistency and speed
  • Talent deployed strategically- onshore, offshore, or AI-assisted, based on task complexity
Together, these elements drive real accounting process improvement. They reduce bottlenecks, protect partner capacity, and create space for higher-value client delivery.

How High-Growth Firms Create Capacity

Firms that thrive in the current accounting landscape are not just working harder. They also work smarter. They solve their CPA capacity problems by redesigning workflows to be lean, intentional, and scalable. It isn’t about pushing more work through an overwhelmed team. It’s about creating clarity in how work gets done and protecting high-value time for strategy and client service.
That clarity starts with a shift in mindset. Instead of reacting to overload with more hires, high-growth firms build capacity by design, using a combination of the right people, the right tools, and the right processes.
Here’s what the default model looks like in many firms:

Scenario 1: Capacity-Strapped CPA Firm

A typical client request spirals into confusion, rework, and bottlenecks. Without structure, firms fall on overburdened partners, unclear handoffs, and rushed deliveries – all while clients lose confidence.
Now, compare that to firms that apply a capacity design strategy from the start.

Scenario 2: How High-Growth CPA Firms Work

With documented SOPs, automation, and offshore staffing aligned to task complexity, workflows are executed efficiently. Partners stay focused on advisory. Clients get timely, strategic input. Capacity becomes a growth level, not a constraint.

Why These Systems Work

The difference lies in how workflows.
In capacity-strapped firms, every client request sets off a domino effect of delays and rework. In capacity-designed firms, work is triaged based on complexity and routed intentionally – junior prep handled offshore, admin by automation, strategy by senior staff.
This structure transforms daily operations into a scalable accounting model. It reduces errors, improves client service, and most importantly, protects the one resource firms can’t afford to waste: partner capacity.

From Surviving to Leading, From Expense to Partner

When your firm finally has room to breathe, everything changes. Partners stop operating in crisis mode. Seniors have space to mentor. Juniors grow into roles with clarity. And most importantly, clients start to see your value not in what you file, but in what you foresee.
At Unison Globus, we enable this shift through Offshore Staffing 2.0, a model designed to extend your team with skilled, U.S.-trained professionals who integrate into your workflows. It’s not about cost-cutting. It’s about creating strategic accounting operations that let your firm lead.
This is what turns a firm from a necessary expense into an indispensable partner. Not with better marketing, but with better operations.

Ready to stop firefighting and start leading?

Build real capacity with Offshore Staffing 2.0 — and give your firm the space to be strategic.
Categories
Accounting

The ‘Magic Trifecta’ in Action: How Technology, Process, and Top Talent Unlock Your Firm’s Advisory Potential

Talk to any forward-looking firm, and you’ll hear the same thing: “We know we need to focus on advisory.”
But turning that intention into action and finding real accounting solutions for advisory firms is the part where most get stuck. Because the reality is, most firms are still caught in a loop: too much compliance work, too little bandwidth, and not nearly enough time to turn insights into value.
Dominique Molina, in our latest webinar, captured it perfectly:
Compliance is like brushing your teeth — it’s necessary, but it doesn’t move the needle.
And yet, that’s where most firms live. In the must-do. The checklists. The deadlines. So when do you find time to actually build out advisory services, the kind that grows client relationships and firm revenue?
Here’s the truth: advisory doesn’t scale on good intentions. It scales on structure.

The firms that are actually making advisory work aren’t trying to do it all. They’ve found a better way, aligning three core levers that unlock serious advisory capacity: Technology. Process. Talent.

In this blog, we’ll explore how three core pillars, when aligned and optimized, become the foundation of advisory services that are not just effective, but scalable, repeatable, and sustainable.

Pillar One: Technology - Not the Answer, But the Accelerator

Of the three pillars, technology is the one most firm believe they’ve already figured out. And to be fair, many have made the right moves:
  • Cloud-based accounting software? Check.
  • Workflow tools? Probably.
  • Dashboards, portals, maybe even some AI-powered prep tools? It’s all there.
But here’s the catch: technology only works when it’s connected. Tools that operate in silos don’t drive advisory, they stall it. When data lives in one system, your team in another, and your workflows in spreadsheets or inboxes, all that tech becomes noise. Not leverage.

The firms that are actually scaling advisory don’t have more tools. They have more alignment – between systems, people, and delivery.

What That Looks Like Inside a Firm

Let’s say a client’s income spikes mid-year, maybe from a bonus, liquidity event, or unexpected gain.

In a connected system, that activity automatically triggers an internal alert.

That alert routes to an offshore analyst, who updates the tax projection, flags a planning opportunity, and pushes a note into the dashboard. The partner gets a real-time view before the next meeting.

So instead of walking in reactive, they lead with:

“We noticed your projected tax liability jumped, we’d recommend a SEP IRA contribution. That move could save you close to $18,000 this year.”

That’s not extra effort. That’s what happens when your technology works inside your process, not around it.

This isn’t about adding more software. It’s about making the systems you already have work harder, together. So, insight surfaces automatically, and prep doesn’t live on your calendar.

That’s the impact of true technology-driven accounting solutions: not new tools, but smarter orchestration of the ones already in play.

Firms that treat tech as infrastructure not inventory are already delivering advisory that’s faster, cleaner, and more profitable. Let’s be one of them.

Pillar Two: Process - The Most Overlooked Advantage in Advisory

Technology gets the attention. Talent gets the investment. But it’s often the process, the quiet, unglamorous, and underrated counterpart, that determines whether advisory actually works.

Many firms assume structure will develop over time. That once you’re offering advisory services, the workflows will follow. But the process doesn’t evolve by accident and advisory doesn’t scale without it.

The results of that assumption are easy to spot: partners still handling prep work, clients receiving inconsistent deliverables, and conversations starting too late or not at all.

And the impact runs deeper than just inefficiency. According to recent studies, 42% of firms regularly turn down new work due to internal capacity constraints. Nearly 25% cite burnout and operational inefficiency as the biggest barriers to growth. And with over 300,000 professionals exiting the U.S. accounting workforce since 2020, the pressure on remaining teams continues to grow.

That doesn’t mean firms need more people. It means they need more clarity: in how work moves, who owns what, and what happens next. Because when advisory depends on availability instead of structure, it drains the team and dilutes the value. Process doesn’t just help you keep up; it lets you deliver consistently, delegate confidently, and scale sustainably.
If your advisory work still depends on memory, good intentions, or whoever happens to be free. It won’t scale.

But when the process is structured and supported by the right systems and people, advisory becomes predictable, profitable, and far less stressful to deliver. That kind of clarity also frees up your best people to focus on what they do best, which brings us to the third pillar: Talent.

Ready to elevate your advisory services?
Discover how integrating technology, process,
and top talent can transform your firm’s growth.

Contact Unison Globus today to learn more.

Pillar Three: Talent - The Pillar That Holds It All Together

While technology powers the engine and process provide the roadmap, it’s the people pillar that truly holds everything together: sustaining growth, driving results, and making advisory possible.

Today’s accounting professionals are stretched thin.
The reality today is clear: domestic staffing models are struggling to keep pace with growing demands, and the impact is felt most deeply by the people who make firms run. Burnout is rising, turnover is climbing, and without change, growth can stall.

A major contributor to this strain is the relentless pressure of compliance work. While essential, compliance consumes vast amounts of time and energy, leaving little bandwidth for proactive advisory. This constant cycle of “must-do” tasks acts like a glass ceiling: capping growth, innovation, and the potential to truly serve clients at a higher level.

We’ve already seen how technology can turbocharge efficiency and automate routine processes, but technology alone isn’t enough.

The next game-changer? Offshoring.

When done right, it’s not just about cost savings; it’s about adding skilled, embedded talent that becomes a natural extension of your team. Offshore staffing unlocks new capacity, taking on compliance and back-office work so your internal experts can focus on strategic advisory that drives real business impact.

Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a break and the opportunity to grow.

Bringing It All Together: Offshore Staffing 2.0

Every day, you, the ambitious accounting firm owner, get bogged down in the weeds of compliance work. You know your value lies in strategic advisory, in guiding your clients to greater success, but with over 50% of small and medium-sized accounting firms lacking documented processes, this cycle can feel inescapable.

At Unison Globus, we understand this struggle intimately. Founded by accounting professionals who’ve walked in your shoes, we act as your experienced guide, offering a clear path to reclaim your strategic focus.

Our proven plan of, built on “Offshoring Staffing 2.0” model and the “Magic Trifecta” of cutting-edge technology, streamlined processes (addressing that critical documentation gap), and top-tier global talent, is specifically designed to offload those time-consuming compliance tasks effectively.

Imagine your senior CPAs, now freed from up to 15-20 hours per week of lower-value work, finally having the bandwidth to cultivate client relationships and drive increased revenue.

Ready to unlock your firm’s advisory potential with Offshore Staffing 2.0?

Contact Unison Globus today to learn how we can help you scale smarter and grow faster.