Can I switch CPAs in the middle of the year?

Yes. There is no rule requiring you to stay with a CPA for a full year. You can switch at any point, though the most natural transition points are after filing your annual return (May–June) or at the start of a new tax year. Mid-year switches require your new CPA to get up to speed on your year-to-date situation, which is manageable with good records.

How do I get my records from my old CPA?

Your tax returns belong to you. Submit a written request to your former CPA asking for copies of all returns they prepared, workpapers they prepared on your behalf, and any original documents you provided. CPAs are required by professional standards to return client-provided original documents. They may charge a reasonable fee for copies of their workpapers, but many waive this as a professional courtesy.

What should I tell my new CPA about why I'm switching?

Be honest. If your prior CPA was unresponsive, missed deadlines, made errors, or did not provide proactive advice, your new CPA needs to know. This helps them understand your expectations and identify any issues in prior returns that may need correction. A good CPA will not judge you for switching — they have seen every situation.

When to Switch CPAs: Signs It's Time and How to Do It

May 28, 2026

Signs It's Time to Find a New CPA

Most people stay with their CPA far longer than they should out of inertia or loyalty. Here are the clear indicators that it is time to start looking:

Missed Deadlines or Extensions Without Notice

A CPA who files for automatic extensions without informing you — or worse, who misses deadlines entirely — is putting you at risk. You are responsible for penalties and interest on late returns, even if your CPA caused the delay. One missed extension, proactively communicated with plenty of notice, is forgivable. A pattern of deadline problems is not.

Reactive, Not Proactive

If you only hear from your CPA in January asking for documents, and they never proactively reach out with tax planning opportunities or regulatory changes affecting your situation, you have a tax preparer — not an advisor. A CPA should be reaching out proactively about major tax law changes, year-end planning windows, and strategies relevant to your situation.

Errors on Your Returns

Mistakes happen, but they should be rare, promptly corrected, and fully disclosed. If you have discovered errors on your returns — unreported income, missed deductions, incorrect depreciation schedules — and your CPA was not forthcoming about them, that is a serious red flag. Patterns of errors suggest either carelessness or inadequate expertise for your situation.

Poor Communication

If emails go unreturned for days, phone calls are not returned, and you feel like an afterthought, the relationship is not working. Your CPA does not need to be immediately available at all times, but a 24-hour response time for routine questions and immediate response for urgent matters (IRS notices, impending deadlines) is a reasonable standard.

Your Situation Has Outgrown Their Expertise

A CPA who was perfect when you were a solo freelancer may not have the expertise for a $5 million business with employees and multiple entities. As your business grows, your CPA's capabilities need to grow with it. If your CPA seems uncomfortable with questions about cost segregation, S-Corp structuring, or multi-state nexus, you may need someone with broader expertise.

How to Switch CPAs Without Disruption

Find your new CPA first. Do not fire your old one until you have a confirmed replacement. Conduct interviews, check credentials, and sign an engagement letter with the new firm before making the switch.
Request your records. Send a written request to your former CPA for all returns prepared, workpapers created on your behalf, and any original documents. Keep this professional and businesslike.
Sign a Form 8821 or 2848. Authorize your new CPA to obtain your tax transcripts directly from the IRS, so they can independently verify your filing history without depending entirely on documents from your former CPA.
Have your new CPA review prior returns. A fresh set of eyes on your last 2–3 years of returns often identifies missed deductions, errors, or strategies that were never implemented. Amended returns can recover overpaid taxes for up to 3 years back.
Notify your old CPA professionally. A brief, professional note thanking them for their service and informing them that you are transitioning is appropriate. You do not owe a detailed explanation.

Start your search for a new CPA by browsing our city directory to find licensed professionals with verified credentials and client reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch CPAs in the middle of the year?: Yes. There is no rule requiring you to stay with a CPA for a full year. You can switch at any point, though the most natural transition points are after filing your annual return (May–June) or at the start of a new tax year. Mid-year switches require your new CPA to get up to speed on your year-to-date situation, which is manageable with good records.
How do I get my records from my old CPA?: Your tax returns belong to you. Submit a written request to your former CPA asking for copies of all returns they prepared, workpapers they prepared on your behalf, and any original documents you provided. CPAs are required by professional standards to return client-provided original documents. They may charge a reasonable fee for copies of their workpapers, but many waive this as a professional courtesy.
What should I tell my new CPA about why I'm switching?: Be honest. If your prior CPA was unresponsive, missed deadlines, made errors, or did not provide proactive advice, your new CPA needs to know. This helps them understand your expectations and identify any issues in prior returns that may need correction. A good CPA will not judge you for switching — they have seen every situation.