Now that tax season is over, it’s time to refocus on identifying and implementing business strategies that drive your firm’s growth and keep you ahead of the curve in an ever-changing economic environment. 

The market is shifting fast, and accounting firms that spot these changes early will come out ahead. According to Intuit QuickBooks’ Entrepreneurship in 2025 survey, one in five small business owners say they don’t currently have an accountant but are actively looking for one. That’s a lot of potential clients who need your expertise. Is your firm ready to meet this demand?

Here are three small business trends for your accounting firm to keep in mind this year:

1. Accountants may be scarce, but new small businesses continue to increase

It’s no secret that the accounting profession is facing a talent shortage as more experienced accountants retire or leave the industry and fewer young professionals enter the field. The requirements to become a CPA have deterred prospective candidates, leading to a decline in new accountants joining the workforce. 

But at the same time, the number of small businesses is steadily growing, creating a major opportunity for your firm to expand its client base this year. The Entrepreneurship survey found that more than half (54%) of respondents plan to start a new business this year. That’s a wave of new entrepreneurs who will need the right financial guidance, tax planning and compliance support to ensure their first year in business is successful and represents the beginning of long-term success. 

Accounting firms can position themselves to take advantage of this demand using technologies like AI to help close the gap. Additionally, for firms looking to grow, targeting the right clients is key. Whether through niche specialization, local networking, or strategic marketing — meeting business owners where they are can help firms build lasting relationships. Investing in outreach now can pay dividends in the form of long-term growth-potential clients and a stronger, more resilient practice. 

2. Small businesses are prioritizing technology — and so should your firm

Small business owners are jumping on the tech bandwagon, and they’re not slowing down.  From AI-powered bookkeeping to automated invoicing, they’re leaning on new tools to streamline operations, save time, and run their businesses more efficiently and effectively.

Why should your firm take note? Because business owners want more from their accountants than just tax returns and payroll. They’re looking for real-time financial insights, business advice and hands-on support to help them navigate evolving economic challenges like rising costs and higher interest rates. 

That’s where technology and human expertise come together. On average, firms planned to invest $25,000 in accounting and bookkeeping technologies last year. Investing in technologies like AI-enabled tools helps firms automate repetitive tasks and crunch data faster. These tools are powerful when paired with an accountant’s experience and industry knowledge. They arm accountants with insights that can shed light on big-picture trends, guide a client’s financial decisions, and keep back-office operations running smoothly.

3. Errors are common for entrepreneurs who manage their own business taxes

Financial management is not always a small business owner’s expertise. While entrepreneurs need some level of financial literacy to run and grow their businesses, most are learning as they go. One of the biggest areas of concern? Taxes. In fact, 34% of business owners say they’ve made an error when filing business taxes in the past. This includes overpaying or underpaying taxes, filing at the wrong time, or using the wrong forms.

Across the board, business owners cite understanding tax laws and regulations as the most challenging aspect of filing business taxes, followed by keeping track of necessary documentation and maximizing tax credits and incentives. For accountants, this represents a clear opportunity to provide guidance and strategic support, helping clients navigate complex financial requirements while positioning their firms as trusted advisors.

With entrepreneurship on the rise this year, accounting firms have an opportunity to play an important role in small business success. Whether it’s tax season or beyond, keeping these small business trends in mind will help your firm stay competitive and drive long-term growth for both your business and the clients you serve.

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