The Woodard Report

Why Mid-Size Firms Should Consider Outsourcing Tax Advisory Services

Written by Maanoj Shah | Oct 22, 2024 1:15:00 PM

Tax preparation and accounting are tedious and time-consuming jobs regardless of the size of your business. Time is money for business owners, accounting and tax professionals, or stakeholders. If you have been in the accounting business for a long time or have been researching to make an entry, you know that the complexities of the taxation side of businesses have no plans of slowing down. The regulations and unique demands of each of your clients require a specialized team of experts who know what they are doing and can do it fast.

Many things can be incredibly difficult for in-house tax professionals—tax computation, keeping up with changing regulations, and keeping the books clean to make tax season less stressful. That is where outsourcing comes to your rescue.

When it comes to mid-size accounting firms, one of the key areas they need help with is tax advisory. There is a constant growth progression, and tax advisory is a key area where they can expand their horizons. However, some of their common hindrances include a lack of resources and expertise to take on newer responsibilities and a lack of time. However, these can be addressed through outsourcing tax advisory services.

Top reasons why mid-size accounting firms should outsource tax advisory services

1. There is an increasing complexity of the tax laws:

  1. Tax regulations are constantly changing, with new guidelines being introduced each year. It can be difficult for mid-size firms to keep up, requiring significant time and expertise. There are two possibilities here - the firms might lack in-house resources completely, and even if they do, they are already stuffed with other tasks. These shortcomings may lead to compliance issues or missed opportunities for tax savings.
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  3. By outsourcing tax advisory services, these firms get access to a team of experts who are always updated with the latest regulations and can manage tax affairs. These experts ensure compliance while optimizing tax strategies that are in line with the current legal landscape. Outsourcing can help firms operating in multiple jurisdictions with specific tax laws. 
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2. Gives firms access to expertise:
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  2. Tax advisory is not just about understanding the tax laws; it is also about accounting, auditing, and financial management. For mid-size firms, finding professionals who can help in all of these aspects can be challenging and expensive. Outsourcing allows mid-size firms to access a network of seasoned professionals with a wide variety of specializations.
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  4. Outsourced advisors have experience in a multitude of industries. They can provide in-depth insights that are uniquely curated to meet their clients’ specific needs. From tax planning to risk mitigation and strategic growth, outsourced advisors can help with all of it. Some common examples of the specialized services you can access with outsourcing include international taxation, transfer pricing, and industry-specific tax strategies
3. Aids in budget management:

  1. One of the primary reasons why mid-size firms should consider outsourcing tax advisory services is the potential for cost savings. Having an in-house tax advisory team is not just cost-extensive, but comes with its share of concerns - salaries, benefits, ongoing training, and tech are some of them. When you outsource, you get access to a team that can do all you need at a significantly lower cost.

    When firms outsource, they can convert the fixed costs associated with an internal tax team into several variable costs. When you partner with an outsourcing partner with a
    flexible pricing model, you pay only for what you use. Since mid-size firms may not have a lot of workload around the year on the tax advisory side, this is financially beneficial for their books.

 4. Helps in the mitigation of compliance issues
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  2. One key reason many accounting firms face penalties, legal action, and reputational damage is non-compliance with tax regulations. Outsourcing tax advisory services can reduce the risk of non-compliance, as experts ensure that the firms stay updated and relevant. Professional tax advisors know the current tax regulations and understand the potential risks associated with non-compliance.
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  4. Outsourced tax advisory services often include risk assessment in their offerings. These advisors can identify red flags in a firm’s financial activities and suggest corrective actions before they arise. This approach can help firms remain compliant with regulations and avoid costly penalties.
5. Helps improve data security and confidentiality:
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  2. Managing sensitive financial data is one of the key concerns for mid-size firms. There is so much data available, and with the high volume of security threats, these data are always at risk. Outsourcing tax advisory services can help ensure that financial data is protected with the highest security and confidentiality. Firms that offer tax advisory services invest heavily in data security technologies and have strict protocols to protect client information.

  3. Outsourcing can also help reduce the risk of internal data breaches, as fewer employees within the firms have access to this information. It also helps maintain impartiality and unbias in the treatment of the data. Since mid-size firms may not have the resources to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures, this might be the right solution for them.
     
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6. Helps in strategic tax planning for long-term growth:

  1. Outsourced tax advisors do more than just handle compliance. They play an important role in strategic tax planning to help mid-size firms achieve long-term growth. These professionals have a forward-looking approach. They also help firms structure their finances and reduce tax liabilities, which is a key action in maximizing profitability.

    Strategic tax planning includes everything from managing capital gains and losses to optimizing the firm’s legal structure for tax purposes. Outsourcing these tasks can help mid-size firms develop a strategy that supports sustainable growth.

Tips for finding the right outsourcing provider

When hiring a tax advisory outsourcing partner, find one who understands your business, has expertise in the required service area, and meets your expectations. Outsourcing tax advisory services is not just a cost-effective solution but a strategic move that can unlock significant growth potential for mid-size firms. By leveraging external expertise, firms can ensure compliance, optimize their tax strategies, and mitigate risks, all while improving operational efficiency and securing sensitive data.

As tax laws evolve and businesses scale, outsourcing allows firms to focus on core business functions without the burden of staying up-to-date on complex regulatory changes. In the long run, outsourcing tax advisory services can drive sustainable growth, enhance profitability, and provide firms with a competitive edge in the market.

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