Why Accountants Must Ensure ADA Compliance for Their Websites

In today’s digital world, having an accessible website is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For accounting firms, especially those serving a wide variety of clients, ensuring your website is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential. Not only is it the right thing to do from an ethical standpoint, but failing to comply with ADA standards can also result in significant legal and financial consequences.

In this article, we’ll explain what ADA compliance means for accounting websites, the risks of non-compliance, and how to ensure your website meets accessibility standards.

What Is ADA Compliance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and access to public and private places open to the general public.

With the rise of the internet, the ADA has been interpreted to apply to websites as well, especially those that offer services or act as an extension of a physical business. That includes accounting firms, whether you’re a solo practitioner or a multi-location firm.

To be ADA compliant, a website must be accessible to people with various disabilities, including those with:

• Visual impairments (blindness, color blindness, low vision)

• Hearing impairments

• Mobility issues (difficulty using a mouse)

• Cognitive or neurological conditions

If your website acts as a digital gateway to your services, it’s subject to accessibility guidelines. Courts across the country have ruled that websites that are integral to the goods and services a business offers must be accessible under the ADA.

What Happens If Your Website Isn't Compliant?

Failure to comply with ADA regulations can lead to serious consequences, including:

1. Legal Action and Lawsuits

One of the biggest risks is litigation. Thousands of ADA website accessibility lawsuits are filed every year in the U.S., many targeting small and mid-sized businesses. Plaintiffs don't need to prove they intended to visit your physical location—just that your digital presence was inaccessible.  Most of these lawsuits are being brought by law firms that specialize in ADA compliance, not the Federal Government.  

2. Fines and Penalties

While the ADA itself doesn’t provide for monetary damages in private lawsuits, other laws (such as state civil rights laws) may allow plaintiffs to collect damages. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) can enforce the ADA and has levied civil penalties of up to $75,000 for a first violation and $150,000 for subsequent violations.

3. Reputational Damage

Getting hit with a lawsuit over ADA non-compliance can damage your firm’s reputation. Accessibility is not only a legal requirement—it’s also a reflection of your brand's values. Clients want to work with firms that are inclusive and accommodating.

Key Features of an ADA-Compliant Accounting Website

To avoid legal trouble and serve your entire audience, your website should follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are widely accepted as the standard for ADA compliance. These guidelines focus on four key principles: your site must be Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

Some practical steps to improve accessibility include:

• Text alternatives for images (alt text)

• Keyboard navigation for all website functions

• Proper color contrast between text and background

• Captions and transcripts for video or audio content

• Clear headings and structure for screen readers

• Avoiding content that causes seizures (like flashing lights)

• Making sure online forms are usable by assistive technology

Why Accountants Can’t Afford to Ignore This

1. Increased Digital Interactions

As more clients interact with their accountants online—especially after COVID-19—your website is often the first point of contact. An inaccessible site can alienate potential clients and create legal exposure.

2. Broad Client Base

Accountants often work with elderly clients, many of whom may experience visual or cognitive impairments. If your website isn’t accessible, you risk excluding the very people who need your help the most.

3. Regulatory Scrutiny

The DOJ has stated that Title III of the ADA (which applies to public accommodations like accounting firms) does apply to websites. There is also growing momentum for federal legislation that mandates stricter enforcement of digital accessibility.

Final Thoughts

ADA compliance is no longer optional—it’s a crucial part of operating a professional, modern accounting firm. It protects your business from lawsuits, opens your services to a broader audience, and demonstrates your commitment to equity and inclusion. By taking steps now to ensure your website is accessible, you’ll not only safeguard your firm but also provide a better experience for every visitor who comes your way.