According to Accounting Today, a recent survey shows that tax season still takes a real toll on accountants’ health, well-being, and personal lives. 

The Tax Season Survival Index, created by Hitendra Patil of Accountaneur Advisory, surveyed 438 accountants and tax professionals after the April 15 deadline. The survey looked at sleep loss, caffeine use, workplace disorder, disruptions to personal life, and stress from deadlines. A score over 50 means there is clear strain, while a score over 70 points to long-term damage that could get worse. 

On average, respondents scored 55.6, which put most people in the index’s “Survived” category. In total, 78% said tax season affected their sleep, health, relationships, or decision-making. 

The results show that stress is common in the field. Almost two-thirds of those surveyed said they woke up thinking about tax returns during filing season. Before April 15, 55% rated their stress at eight or higher out of 10. More than half slept less than six hours a night, and 47% had caffeine withdrawal after the deadline. Also, 44% said their personal relationships needed repair after tax season. 

“The profession has normalized something that shouldn’t be normal,” Patil said. “We have gotten so good at pushing through that we have stopped measuring what it costs.” 

The survey is still open and could provide more ideas on how firms can handle workload, staffing, and well-being issues in the profession.