ADA Compliant Websites for CPA Firms — Why Most Accountants Are at Risk of Fines or Enforcement

Websites for Accountants Accounting Practice Management

When most accountants think about compliance, they think about the IRS or state boards of accountancy—not the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Yet today, a growing number of CPA firm and tax professional websites are out of compliance with ADA standards, putting firms at risk of lawsuits, fines, and costly settlements.

1. What “ADA Compliance” Means for Websites

The ADA was passed in 1990 to protect individuals with disabilities from discrimination, covering public spaces, employment, and services. Over time, courts have ruled that websites are considered “places of public accommodation” under the law.

For a CPA firm, that means your website must be accessible to people with disabilities, including:

Visually impaired visitors who use screen readers
Hearing-impaired visitors who need captions or transcripts for audio/video content
People with mobility challenges who navigate using keyboard-only commands
Those with cognitive impairments who require clear navigation and readable fonts

2. Why CPA Firms Are at Risk Right Now

Most accounting websites are not ADA-compliant
Many CPA firms use older website templates or generic designs that don’t meet accessibility standards (like WCAG 2.1).
ADA lawsuits are on the rise
Law firms have increasingly targeted small businesses, including professional service firms, for “demand letters” that allege non-compliance.
Enforcement doesn’t require intent
Even if you didn’t know your site was inaccessible, you can still be held liable.
Your audience includes those with disabilities
Clients and prospects with vision or hearing loss may not be able to navigate your current site—and they have legal recourse if it blocks them from accessing your services.

3. Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failing to meet ADA accessibility standards can lead to:

Fines and Penalties — The Department of Justice can impose civil penalties starting at $75,000 for a first violation.
Private Lawsuits — Many cases are settled out of court for tens of thousands of dollars.
Loss of Clients — An inaccessible site sends a message that your firm doesn’t prioritize inclusivity.
Reputational Damage — Public records of ADA lawsuits can harm your credibility with both clients and potential hires.

4. What an ADA-Compliant Website Includes

A fully compliant accounting firm website typically addresses:

Screen Reader Compatibility — Proper HTML tags, alt text for images, and logical heading structures.
Keyboard Navigation — Allowing full site access without a mouse.
Color Contrast — Meeting minimum standards for text/background visibility.
Captions & Transcripts — For all videos, podcasts, or webinars.
Accessible Forms — Labels, error messages, and instructions that can be read by assistive technology.

5. How to Protect Your Firm

Audit Your Website — Use automated accessibility scanners (and human testing) to identify issues.
Work With an Experienced Developer — Ensure your design meets WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
Add an Accessibility Statement — This signals your commitment to inclusivity and provides a way for visitors to report access issues.
Maintain Compliance — Accessibility is not a one-time fix; update features as you add new content or design changes.

6. The Opportunity in Compliance

While many firms treat ADA compliance as a burden, it can be a differentiator. A fully accessible website:

Expands your potential client base
Improves SEO (search engines reward accessible sites)
Demonstrates professionalism and social responsibility
Reduces your legal exposure

Bottom line: Most CPA firms are unintentionally at risk for ADA-related enforcement because their websites fail to meet accessibility standards. By acting now, you can protect your firm from fines and lawsuits, while also making your services more inclusive to every potential client.

Hugh Duffy