CPA Shortlist: Offshore Accounting and Tax Staffing for US CPA Firms
The CPA section of Offshore Shortlist: independent rankings of offshore tax and accounting staffing firms, the IRS and AICPA rules, and tools built for US CPA and EA practices.
CPA Shortlist scores 10 offshore accounting and tax staffing firms for US CPA firms on six criteria, using only what each firm publishes. MYCPE ONE leads at 9.2 out of 10. Before you shortlist anyone, read the Section 7216 rules: the taxpayer must sign a consent before any return information goes to a preparer abroad.
Which offshore accounting firms rank highest?
MYCPE ONE, QX Accounting Services and CapActix lead on published pricing, security evidence and fit for US CPA firms. The full ranking lists every firm’s watch-outs and the question to ask first.
| # | Firm | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | MYCPE ONEDedicated tax and accounting staff at the lowest published rate | 9.2 /10 |
| 02 | QX Accounting ServicesA managed team with a built-in second review | 8.2 /10 |
| 03 | CapActixTrying a team before you commit | 7.0 /10 |
| 04 | Madras AccountancyA small specialist that works only for US CPA firms | 6.8 /10 |
| 05 | TOA GlobalFirms that prefer the Philippines over India | 6.8 /10 |
What must you do before client returns go offshore?
Get the taxpayer’s signed consent before any return information leaves the United States.
That is the IRS rule under Section 7216, and it is one of three obligations. The consent generator builds the form with the mandatory IRS wording.
Signed Section 7216 consent
Required before disclosure to a preparer outside the US. If the SSN goes too, both firms must keep adequate safeguards, otherwise mask it.
A written information security plan
The IRS says federal law requires tax and accounting firms to keep one, and the FTC Safeguards Rule expects you to oversee service providers by contract.
AICPA third-party provider rules
Sign a confidentiality agreement with the provider and tell clients you use one, preferably in writing and before you share their data.
Where should your firm start?
Cost and compliance first, then the shortlist. These pages are written for partners and practice managers who have never hired offshore before.
Offshore staffing for accounting firms
Models, costs, timelines and the mistakes firms make in year one.
Offshore staffing cost calculator
Tax preparer, staff accountant, bookkeeper or any role.
Section 7216 consent for offshore tax prep
The rules, the mandatory wording and a template.
Section 7216 consent generator
Fill in six fields, print or send for e-signature.
MYCPE ONE review
Pricing from $11 an hour, security claims and what to confirm.
Time zone overlap planner
How much of your workday an India or Philippines team shares.
What do CPA firms ask most?
Is it legal for a US CPA firm to use offshore accounting staff?
Yes. US firms can use preparers and accountants outside the United States, but federal rules apply first. Before you send tax return information to a preparer abroad, the IRS requires the taxpayer to sign a consent form. If the Social Security number goes too, both firms must keep adequate data safeguards. Our Section 7216 guide walks through each step.
How much does an offshore accountant cost per hour?
Published starting rates run from $10 to $15 an hour. Meru Accounting lists bookkeepers from $10 and tax preparers from $11, and MYCPE ONE starts at $11. Experienced reviewers and seniors cost more, so treat these as floors and get written quotes. The cost calculator lets you plug in your own numbers.
Do I need my clients’ permission to use offshore staff?
For tax return work, yes. The IRS says a taxpayer must agree and sign a consent form before return information goes to a preparer outside the United States. AICPA ethics rules separately expect you to have a confidentiality contract with the provider and to tell clients you use one, preferably in writing.
Which offshore accounting firms have SOC 2 Type II?
Among the firms we ranked, MYCPE ONE, QX Accounting Services and CapActix name SOC 2 Type II (or Type 2) in plain text on their websites. Ask any firm for the report itself under NDA before you rely on a badge.
Want three firms matched to your practice?
Tell us your roles, tax software and busy-season dates. We reply within two business days with three firms that fit and the questions to ask each one.