45 Accounting Industry Statistics (2026)
The accounting industry is undergoing one of its most significant transformations in decades. Driven by cloud technology, AI-powered automation, and shifting client expectations, accounting firms of all sizes are rethinking how they deliver services. From tax season surges to year-round advisory work, these statistics reveal the current state and future direction of the profession.
45 Accounting Industry Statistics (2026) reveal key trends in scheduling and appointment management. This page compiles 45 data points from industry sources to help you make informed decisions. Sources include G2, Capterra, and published industry research.
Table of Contents
Accounting Market Size & Growth
Global accounting services market size in 2026.
IBISWorld Global Accounting Report
U.S. accounting, tax preparation, and payroll services market size.
IBISWorld U.S. Industry Report
Annual growth rate of the global accounting market (2023–2028).
Grand View Research
Active CPAs in the United States.
American Institute of CPAs
Number of accounting firms operating in the U.S.
IBISWorld
Combined revenue of the Big Four accounting firms globally.
Big Four Annual Reports
Of U.S. accounting firms have fewer than 10 employees.
AICPA Practice Management Survey
Average annual revenue growth for small and mid-size accounting firms.
Rosenberg Associates MAP Survey
U.S. tax preparation and advisory services segment size.
Statista
Tax Season Trends & Volumes
Individual tax returns filed in the U.S. in 2025.
IRS Data Book
Of individual tax returns prepared by paid professionals.
IRS Statistics of Income
Average cost of professional tax preparation for a standard 1040 return.
National Society of Accountants
Of all tax returns are filed in the final two weeks before the deadline.
IRS Filing Season Statistics
Of tax preparers report increased complexity in client returns year-over-year.
Thomson Reuters Tax Professionals Survey
Average cost of a 1040 with itemized deductions and a state return.
National Society of Accountants Fee Survey
Of individual returns are now filed electronically.
IRS E-File Statistics
Business tax returns filed annually in the U.S.
IRS Data Book
Of taxpayers say they'd switch preparers for better technology and communication.
Intuit ProConnect Survey
Client Acquisition & Retention
Client retention rate for the average accounting firm.
Rosenberg Associates MAP Survey
Of new accounting clients come from referrals.
AICPA Marketing and Growth Survey
Of consumers search online when looking for an accountant.
BrightLocal Local Consumer Survey
Average customer lifetime value of a tax preparation client.
AccountingWEB Revenue Report
Of firms say client advisory services (CAS) are their fastest-growing revenue stream.
CPA.com CAS Benchmark Survey
Of accounting firms actively invest in digital marketing.
Hinge Research Institute
Of clients say responsiveness is the most important factor in choosing a firm.
2020 Research Client Satisfaction Study
Average annual client churn rate for accounting firms.
AccountingWEB
Of clients prefer a firm that offers a client portal for document sharing.
Thomson Reuters Digital Readiness Survey
Accounting Technology & Automation
Of accounting firms use cloud-based accounting software.
Accounting Today Technology Survey
Of firms have adopted or are evaluating AI tools for bookkeeping and analysis.
AICPA Technology Practices Survey
Reduction in manual data entry for firms using automated bank feed tools.
Xero Small Business Insights
Of firms say technology is critical to remaining competitive.
Thomson Reuters State of Tax Professionals
Global accounting software market size in 2026.
Fortune Business Insights
Of accountants use automation for invoice processing and bill pay.
Sage Practice of Now Report
Of mid-size firms plan to increase technology spending in the next year.
CPA Practice Advisor Technology Survey
Of firms report client self-service portals reduced admin time by 20%+.
Canopy Accounting Trends Report
Of solo practitioners say they couldn't operate without cloud accounting tools.
Intuit QuickBooks Accountant Survey
Accounting Workforce & Pipeline
Licensed CPAs in the U.S., but the pipeline is shrinking.
AICPA Trends Report
Decline in the number of students sitting for the CPA exam since 2016.
AICPA Exam Candidate Data
Median annual salary for accountants and auditors in the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Projected employment growth for accountants (2022–2032) — slower than average.
BLS Occupational Outlook
Of CPA firm leaders say talent shortage is their top concern.
AICPA Private Companies Survey
Accountants and auditors who left the profession between 2020–2023.
Wall Street Journal / BLS Analysis
Of accounting firms have increased starting salaries by 15%+ to attract talent.
Robert Half Salary Guide
Of younger CPAs say work-life balance is their top career priority.
AICPA Young Member Survey
Of firms now offer fully remote positions to expand their talent pool.
Rosenberg Associates Practice Management
What the Data Tells Us
The global accounting market is valued at $675 billion, with the U.S. at $160 billion across 130,000+ firms.
59% of individual tax returns are professionally prepared, with 98.7% filed electronically.
Client referrals drive 67% of new business, but 41% of consumers now search for accountants online.
78% of firms use cloud accounting, and 58% are adopting or evaluating AI for bookkeeping.
The profession faces a talent crisis: 300,000+ accountants left since 2020, and CPA exam candidates dropped 33%.
53% of firms say advisory services are their fastest-growing revenue stream, signaling a shift from compliance work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the accounting industry?
The global accounting market is $675 billion, with the U.S. segment at $160 billion. There are over 130,000 firms and 1.4 million CPAs in the U.S., though 86% of firms have fewer than 10 employees.
How much does tax preparation cost?
A standard 1040 return costs an average of $220, while a return with itemized deductions and a state return averages $360. 59% of individual returns are prepared by paid professionals.
Is there an accountant shortage?
Yes — over 300,000 accountants left the profession between 2020–2023, CPA exam candidates declined 33%, and 75% of firm leaders say talent shortage is their top concern. Firms are raising salaries 15%+ to compete.
How is technology changing accounting?
78% of firms use cloud software, 58% are exploring AI, and 44% automate invoice processing. The global accounting software market is $18.3 billion, and 67% of firms say technology is essential to staying competitive.
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