The findings were part of the 2022 PCPS CPA Top Firm Issues Survey, sponsored by the American Institute of CPAs’ practice management section. Conducted online from April 19 through May 23, the survey drew 752 respondents of all sizes.

The PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey was conducted online from April 19 to May 23. The 752 respondents represent a mix of practice types and firm sizes, from sole practitioners to large firms with more than 21 professionals.

The IRS issues, which due to slow responsiveness, backlogs or other performance issues, were a Top Five challenge listed last year for all firm sizes, except those with 21 professionals or more.

This year, IRS challenges was the top issue for three categories of respondents: sole practitioners, firms with two to five professionals and those with six to 10. It was the No. 2 issue for firms with 11 to 20 professionals and No. 3 for the largest category.

Historically, Finding Qualified Staff has been a top issue for all firms, except for sole practitioners and continued to be No. 1 those with 11 to 20 professionals and those with more than 21. It was the No. 2 issues for those with six to 10 professionals and No. 3 for those with two to five while retaining qualified staff was the No. 2 issue for the biggest firms

The survey is usually offered every two years but was conducted last year and this year to ascertain firm response to issues stemming from the pandemic.