If you're running a U.S. business—especially as a non-resident founder—you’ve probably realized that good accounting support makes a big difference. But what happens if you already signed up with a platform or firm that isn’t working for you?
Maybe they don't answer questions. Maybe they don’t understand your needs as a foreign-owned business. Maybe you’re just paying too much. Whatever the reason, switching accounting providers is easier than you might think.
This guide explains why founders choose to make a change, what’s involved in switching, and how Bookmate makes that transition smooth and stress-free.
Signs It May Be Time to Switch (or Find) an Accounting Solution
Even if your current setup hasn’t completely failed you, there are warning signs that it might be time to move on—or to get started with a provider in the first place. You don’t have to wait for a disaster to take action.
For example, if you're unsure whether you’ve filed all required forms like 5472 or 1120, that uncertainty is a risk. If your taxes were filed late—or not at all—you could be exposed to steep IRS penalties. Many founders who start out doing everything themselves quickly realize how stressful and time-consuming it is to stay compliant while running the business.
Maybe your bookkeeping is unclear, missing, or non-existent, which leaves you unable to make confident decisions.A major red flag is poor communication: if it takes days or weeks to get a response from your accountant—or worse, if you feel like a burden every time you ask a question—that’s not a sustainable relationship.
Founders deserve accountants who respond clearly, quickly, and helpfully. If you rarely hear from your accountant and aren’t sure what’s happening behind the scenes, it’s probably time for a change.
If any of these issues sound familiar, finding a dedicated accountant—especially one who understands foreign-owned U.S. companies—can make a huge difference.
Why Founders Decide to Switch
Accounting isn’t just about sending off a tax form once a year. The right provider helps you stay compliant, save money, and make smart decisions as your business grows. Many founders switch providers because they feel let down—either by slow response times, a lack of clarity, or unexpectedly high costs.
Sometimes, the problem is simple: you're emailing your accountant but getting no reply for days. Or when they do respond, the answers are vague or incomplete. That’s especially risky when IRS deadlines are involved. Others find they’re paying far too much for basic services—thousands of dollars per year without a clear understanding of what’s being delivered.
Another common issue is the lack of real CPA involvement. Some platforms promise “tax support,” but you never actually speak to a licensed professional.
This is especially problematic for international founders, who need help navigating forms like 5472, 1040-NR, and pro forma 1120s. And as your company grows, your needs shift. A provider that worked when you had zero revenue might not work when you're onboarding employees, raising capital, or expanding operations.
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a change.
Is It Hard to Switch Accounting Providers?
Not at all. It’s actually very straightforward. Most of what you need to switch lives in your email inbox, cloud storage, or accounting software. Here’s what the process generally involves:
1. Gather your past tax filings and financial records. This includes your most recent tax return (1120, 1065, 5472, etc.), your EIN letter, and any past correspondence with the IRS. If you’ve been using bookkeeping software like QuickBooks or Wave, export your reports. If your previous provider did your books, ask them for a backup copy.
2. Confirm your business structure and formation details. Know whether you’re a C-Corp, single-member LLC, or multi-member LLC. Also have your U.S. state of incorporation handy (usually Delaware or Wyoming).
3. Choose a provider that fits your needs now—not what seemed fine last year. If you’re a foreign founder, choose a firm that’s designed to support non-U.S. owners. That means they know how to file Forms like 5472, 1120, and 1040-NR, and can advise you clearly without vague answers or guesswork.
4. Make the switch early, not right before a deadline. While we can take over a tax return on short notice, switching in advance gives us time to review everything properly and avoid last-minute stress.
What to Look for in a New Accounting Partner
If you’re thinking about switching, don’t just go with the first provider that looks affordable. Start by asking the right questions: Does the firm specialize in foreign-owned U.S. businesses? Do they understand the IRS forms you’re required to file based on your structure—like 5472, 1120, or 1040-NR? Can they explain your obligations clearly without generic or confusing language?
Ask how often you’ll hear from them. A good accounting partner won’t just pop up at tax time; they’ll be available throughout the year to help you navigate changes in your business. Check whether they offer guidance on international ownership structures, payment platform integration, or even how to structure distributions if you’re a nonresident.
Transparency matters too. Avoid firms that give vague pricing or bundle services you don’t need. Look for clear scopes of work, fixed pricing when possible, and access to a real human—ideally a licensed CPA. It’s also worth checking whether they can help you catch up on missed filings or handle IRS notices without charging extra.
You want a partner who understands your unique situation and can grow with you as your business scales—not one you’ll outgrow or struggle to get answers from.
Common Mistakes When Switching Accounting Providers
When making the switch, a few common pitfalls can delay your progress. One is waiting too long—many founders start the process right before a filing deadline, which limits what your new provider can do in time.
Another is not gathering past documents. Even if you don’t have everything, share what you can: tax returns, your EIN letter, past communication, and any bookkeeping reports.
Also, make sure to communicate clearly with your old provider. Ask for a copy of your tax filings and any accounting files. You don’t need to explain your full reasoning for leaving—but you do need your data.
Why People Choose Bookmate
Bookmate isn’t just another tax platform or automated software tool. We’re a firm built specifically to support U.S. companies with non-U.S. founders—especially when other providers fall short. People switch to Bookmate because we make taxes understandable, processes smooth, and pricing fair.
Many clients come to us after a bad experience elsewhere: they were confused about what forms they needed to file, they paid high fees and still felt unsupported, or they couldn’t get real answers when they needed help.
Others simply outgrew their old provider and needed a team that could guide them through more complex needs like investor compliance, cross-border ownership, or scaling operations.
At Bookmate, our work is always done by licensed professionals and CPAs who specialize in foreign-owned companies. We keep our communication responsive and straightforward, and we never charge for basic questions or form explanations.
Whether you’re an early-stage founder or managing growing revenues, we adapt our support to meet your needs—no upsells, no bundled packages you don’t need, and no surprises.
After working with a wide range of providers—from large, software-driven platforms to boutique firms—many founders switch to Bookmate because of our deep experience, responsiveness, and transparent pricing.
We focus heavily on international compliance, which means we understand the exact forms foreign-owned companies need to file and when.
But beyond that, our clients tell us it’s our service that stands out. You don’t feel like a number. You won’t get vague answers. Check out our Trustpilot reviews to see what others say about working with us. And you won’t be asked to pay thousands of dollars just to file basic paperwork.
We’re flexible, too. We don’t lock you into monthly subscriptions or bundled packages you don’t need. Whether you’re early stage or scaling up, you’ll get advice tailored to your structure and goals.
How Bookmate Makes Switching Easy
We’ve worked with hundreds of founders who came to us from other accounting firms—many of whom were frustrated with high fees, lack of expertise, or delayed communication. We make switching as simple and low-stress as possible.
It starts with a free consultation over Zoom. We'll ask about your current setup, past filing history, and any problems you've run into. Once you're ready to move forward, we send an engagement letter and invoice to make things official.
Next, you'll fill out a secure onboarding form where you can upload your past tax filings, EIN letter, and ownership information. From there, our team reviews everything, prepares the necessary forms (whether it’s Form 5472, 1120, 1065, or others), and handles submission.
All of this is done 100% remotely. No mailing, printing, or scanning required. And if the IRS sends a notice afterward, we’ll help you respond to it at no extra charge.
It’s expert support, simplified.
Ready to Make the Move?
We built Bookmate specifically for founders like you: international, digital-first, and looking for reliable, affordable, and expert support. If you're thinking about switching accounting firms, let’s talk. We’ll show you how simple it can be.
Book a free consultation or visit trybookmate.co to learn more.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or tax advice. Every business has unique tax needs. Please speak to a qualified advisor before making decisions.
