What to do when your accountant retires
By Doughy licensed tax advisors · Last updated 2026-09-27
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When your accountant retires, your files should move to you or to a successor you choose, with clear authorization and a timeline. Ask what happens to portals, payroll, and upcoming deadlines. Doughy can take over books and tax work from retiring firms so clients keep continuity without a rushed sale.
What happens to my tax files?
You should receive copies of returns, workpapers, and authorization letters that belong to you. Cloud folders, portal logins, and bookkeeping files should be exported or transferred with your written permission.
The IRS expects you to keep records that support what you filed. Your retiring preparer should help you download what you need even if they are closing the practice.
What should I ask before they close?
Ask who will sign returns still in progress, how long portal access lasts, and whether payroll or sales tax filings need a new authorized signer.
Ask for a list of open items: estimated payments, extension deadlines, bookkeeping cutoff dates, and any state accounts tied to the firm's address.
Ask whether they recommend a successor or a wind-down plan if no buyer exists.
How should a handoff work?
A good handoff has a dated letter authorizing the new firm, a single inventory of accounts and deadlines, and at least one overlap meeting where the outgoing and incoming advisors share context.
You should never feel rushed to sign with the first name on a list. You can interview replacements and move on your timeline if filings are covered.
How does Doughy take over from a retiring firm?
Doughy works with retiring tax professionals through a Client Value Exchange: the retiring pro introduces clients who want continuity, Doughy performs reviews and ongoing work, and the retiring pro can stay involved with clients they keep.
From your side, it feels like onboarding with a new advisory team: you connect books, share prior returns, and get a savings-first review before filing season surprises you.
If your preparer mentioned Doughy, or you found this page on your own, start with the calculator and read the Retiring Tax Pros page for how firms partner with Doughy (written for pros, but it explains the client experience too).
For Retiring Tax Pros · Free Tax Savings Calculator · How It Works · Pricing
Who is this path not for?
If you only need a one-time return filed and already have another local preparer, you do not need a platform handoff.
If you are a retiring advisor evaluating succession options, the Retiring Tax Pros page is the starting point rather than this article.
Common questions
Do I legally have to use the successor my accountant picks?
No. You choose who receives your records and who prepares future returns.
Will Doughy contact me if my firm partners with you?
Only if your preparer introduces you or you reach out. Doughy does not buy client lists without consent.
Can Doughy get my files from the retiring firm?
Yes, with your authorization. The retiring firm sends exports or grants access the same way they would for any new advisor.
Does Doughy do bookkeeping and filing after takeover?
Yes. Doughy can handle ongoing books, planning, and filing after your review and onboarding. Scope and pricing depend on what you need.
Where do I start if my accountant already retired?
Gather last year's returns, open the free calculator, and review pricing for a Tax Savings Review so your next preparer starts with a savings plan, not just data entry.
Sources
Next step
Start with the free calculator. When you are ready, see review pricing on one page.