There is some debate as to the size of the accounting practice sales market in the United States. Research recently undertaken by the Accounting Practice Exchange estimates that at any one time approximately 500 accounting, CPA and tax practices are on the market with brokers at any one time.
However, whilst it is relatively straight forward determining the 'brokered' market, some considerable debate exists as to the percentage share of the brokered to total market.
The Accounting Practice Exchange conservatively estimate that the total accounting practice sales market can be split 50% brokered and 50% 'For Sale by Owner'. However, having spoken to a number of brokers, most of whom have served the accounting practice sales market exclusively for a number of years, estimates of the for sale by owner market vary wildly from 50% to 90% of the market!
What is clear, is that a large number of accounting and tax practices are sold without ever going to the open market. Estimating the size of the 'unknown' is therefore a difficult task.
The online marketplace for accounting practice sales.
