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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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March 09.2025
3 Minutes Read

Collaboration in Tax Technology: Insights to Drive Business Growth

Business team discussing tax technology trends in a modern office.

Tax Tech: How Collaboration and Innovation Drive Success

In the rapidly changing landscape of corporate tax management, the role of technology cannot be overstated. As Tracy Davis, a tax technology expert at Thomson Reuters, highlights, tax technology managers must work closely with other departments to ensure that new tools align with broader business objectives. This collaboration not only fosters integration but also enhances overall efficiency across the organization.

Understanding the Need for a Comprehensive Needs Assessment

The first step in incorporating new tax technologies is conducting a thorough needs assessment. This critical practice allows organizations to identify specific challenges within their tax departments and ensure that any new technology directly addresses these issues. Clear communication between tax, finance, and IT professionals is essential. By involving cross-functional teams, companies can preempt potential compatibility problems and enhance smooth integration.

Staying Ahead in the Technology Game: Continuous Learning and Resources

Corporate tax professionals should engage in continuous learning to keep pace with innovations. Whether through industry conferences, webinars, or subscriptions to leading publications, staying informed about technology advancements can significantly impact a tax department's effectiveness. Innovations like artificial intelligence and data analytics tools play a pivotal role in automating processes and improving compliance outcomes.

The Evolution of the Workforce: Embracing Change

As technology evolves, the workforce must adapt. A recent EY study emphasizes that only a fraction of tax departments fully utilize advanced technologies, suggesting a gap that organizations must address. Training and upskilling are paramount; tax professionals need both traditional tax knowledge and technological expertise. Collaborating with IT experts and outsourcing where necessary can help bridge this gap, enabling tax teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual data processing.

Implementing Technology: Common Roadblocks and Solutions

Even with a solid implementation plan, organizations face roadblocks. Insufficient data management and resistance to change can impede the effectiveness of new technologies. It's crucial for tax leaders to prioritize internal tech investments and ensure data integrity, as technology relies heavily on accurate information. Regular assessments and iterations post-implementation help to identify areas for improvement and ensure continued alignment with business goals.

The Future of Tax Technology: Collaborating to Transform

The integration of tax and finance operations represents a transformative opportunity. This coupling drives enhanced decision-making and positions the tax function as a vital strategic partner within organizations. By leveraging the data created through technological tools, tax leaders can provide invaluable business insights, influencing expansion strategies and enhancing overall efficiency. Embracing a collaborative approach not only aids compliance but also fosters innovation and strategic planning.

Take Action to Embrace Tax Technology Transformations

As the landscape of tax technology continues to evolve, it is clear that tax professionals must equip themselves with the right tools and knowledge. Being proactive in seeking out training and resources will not only enhance individual capabilities but also drive organizational success. The future belongs to those who are willing to collaborate and innovate. Are you ready to transform your tax function with technology?

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11.19.2025

How Tax Firms Can Overcome the AI Trust Gap for Success

Update Understanding the AI Trust Gap in Tax Firms As the tax and accounting industry transitions into a more technologically sophisticated era, the adoption of AI tools presents both immense opportunities and significant barriers. Recent insights reveal that a substantial 47% of tax firms are interested in implementing artificial intelligence solutions, yet many remain hesitant. This paradox often arises from the so-called 'AI trust gap'—a blend of uncertainty, security concerns, and fears about the accuracy of AI outputs. The Consumer AI Trap: A Lessons Learned Many tax professionals’ hesitation is rooted in their early encounters with consumer-grade AI tools. While these tools introduced the general capabilities of AI to a broader audience, they also triggered doubts due to their limitations. Important concerns such as the lack of audit trails, generic training, and potential inaccuracies in data processing can have severe repercussions in the tax sector where precision is paramount. In contrast, professional-grade AI offers domain-specific training managed by experts, ensuring more reliable and secure applications. Addressing Security Concerns According to the 2025 Future of Professionals Report, about 42% of tax professionals cite data security as a major barrier for AI investment. The anxiety around data privacy and confidentiality is more than just a statistic—it’s a lived experience for many in the industry. Professional-grade AI tools mitigate these fears by utilizing dedicated, isolated environments. This ensures sensitive data remains secure and enhances overall trust in AI applications. Overcoming Onboarding Anxiety The implementation of AI doesn't just involve technology; it requires an understanding of workflow disruptions and the need for thorough training. Professionals often worry about how integrating AI solutions will affect established practices. Studies show that uncertainties around the ROI of these technologies lead to prolonged evaluation periods. Thus, a structured onboarding process with the right technology partner can alleviate concerns and ensure smoother transitions. Building Lasting Partnerships for Success Effective AI adoption doesn't just hinge on choosing the right technology; it relies on building partnerships with vendors who understand the unique requirements of the tax industry. Collaborating with such partners can guide firms towards the right solutions, aid in training, and provide ongoing support. Success in AI implementation should involve assessing current workflows, identifying high-impact use cases, and ensuring continuous improvements based on measurable outcomes. Future Predictions: The Path Forward The landscape for tax firms is shifting rapidly, with those embracing AI outperforming their competitors significantly, seeing returns at a rate of 3.1 times that of firms without AI strategies. This trend underscores the urgency with which tax firms must act. As noted by Elizabeth Beastrom from Thomson Reuters, developing a meaningful AI strategy is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for staying competitive. Ultimately, firms that can harness professional-grade AI effectively will enjoy enhanced productivity, efficiency, and a stronger competitive edge. The time for tax professionals to embrace AI—overcoming fears and adopting the right tools—is now.

11.15.2025

Navigating Tax Industry Trends: Insights on Automation and AI for 2026 Success

Update Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Tax Industry Trends for 2026 As we move towards the tax season of 2026, the challenges and dynamics within the tax industry are evolving dramatically. Tax professionals are grappling with staffing shortages and increasing pressures to adopt advanced technologies such as automation and AI. These trends were illuminated during a recent panel discussion with industry experts Bob LeMay, Keestan Willes, and Amanda Wyerick, who shared valuable insights on how firms can prepare for success in an uncertain environment. Automation: The Key to Managing Staffing Shortages One undeniable trend is the rising importance of automation in accounting firms. With fewer candidates entering the accounting profession, firms face a critical staffing shortage. Keestan Willes reported a significant decrease in the availability of seasonal interns, a vital resource during busy tax periods. Instead, firms are increasingly turning to technological solutions to streamline operations and make the most out of existing staff. Automation not only fills the gap left by fewer employees but also frees professionals to focus on higher-value tasks—a shift highlighted by Bob LeMay, who noted that technology allows teams to engage in more fulfilling work rather than mundane manual processes. Preparing Ahead: Strategic Planning for Busy Seasons Timing is everything in tax preparation. Both LeMay and Willes emphasize the importance of planning ahead. As Willes stated, there is a unique opportunity in the slow months of November and December to evaluate software systems and processes. By implementing changes before the busy season hits, firms can avoid the chaos that often complicates late January preparations. Thorough evaluations of current systems lead to more productive tax seasons where firms can concentrate on client service and compliance rather than internal struggles. The Role of AI in Enhancing Productivity The insights shared during the panel also touched on the rapid adoption of AI and its potential for transforming the tax landscape. AI not only streamlines compliance tasks but also enhances decision-making through data-driven insights. A report from Accountancy Age highlighted that over 79% of accountants anticipate growth in strategic advisory services, which AI is poised to support by managing routine tasks effectively, thus allowing professionals to focus on client interaction and quality service. As firms recognize the efficacy of AI, those that invest in these technologies are likely to enjoy competitive advantages in both efficiency and client satisfaction. Staying Ahead of Regulatory Changes Tax laws and regulations are continuously evolving, contributing to the complexities that accountants face. The uncertainty surrounding regulations means clients are increasingly seeking proactive tax guidance. Industry experts predict that tax professionals who can effectively navigate these changes will differentiate themselves through the trust and reliability they provide to their clients. Technology platforms that integrate AI can assist in this endeavor by alerting firms to compliance issues and automating adjustments based on regulatory changes. Conclusion: Embracing Change for Future Success As the tax profession grapples with staffing shortages, technology adoption, and changing regulations, firms that are willing to embrace these challenges will position themselves for success. The insights gained from the Q&A panel reflect a broader narrative within the industry: adapting to an evolving landscape through strategic planning and technological integration is not just beneficial but necessary. For firms looking to thrive in the busy season and beyond, investing in robust software solutions and focusing on innovative strategies will undoubtedly yield positive results. For more in-depth resources to navigate tax preparation and tech advancements, firms should reach out to industry experts who can guide them through these critical transitions.

11.14.2025

Unlocking Year-End Success: How AI Can Help Tax Professionals Avoid Mistakes

Update Transforming Tax Challenges into Strategic Advantages As year-end approaches, tax professionals enter a crucial period marked by rising stress levels and increasing data complexity. The challenge is multifaceted, including a deluge of information, changing regulations, and the ever-looming possibility of human error. Fortunately, solutions like Thomson Reuters' CoCounsel Tax are emerging as game-changers, transforming how firms navigate year-end tax research by utilizing AI technology. The Role of AI in Tackling Common Pitfalls Tax professionals often face common pitfalls during year-end preparations, such as overlooking critical information, inaccuracies in data entry, and inefficient workflows. By integrating AI tools into their processes, firms can systematically address these challenges. With AI assistance, tasks that previously required extensive manual effort can be performed in minutes, improving the speed and accuracy of tax research and ultimately enhancing client service. A Case for Automation: Enhancing Accuracy and Efficiency One significant advantage of AI in tax practices is its ability to enhance accuracy. As noted by experts from Bloomberg Tax, small inaccuracies can lead to large compliance failures. Automated data collection and analysis through AI minimize the potential for human error, ensuring that tax forms are both compliant and precise. This is critical not just for meeting regulatory standards but also for maintaining the trust of clients. Upcoming Trends: The Evolution of AI in Tax Services The future of AI in tax isn't just about efficiency; it's also about predictive analytics and proactive measures. By evaluating historical data, AI tools can forecast changes in client circumstances and regulatory environments, allowing tax professionals to anticipate client needs and prepare accordingly. With generative AI expected to surpass a market value of $1.3 trillion, its integration into taxation and accounting practices is poised to redefine industry standards. A Proactive Approach: The Importance of Staying Updated As tax laws evolve rapidly, staying updated becomes paramount. AI tools like CoCounsel Tax offer real-time alerts on regulatory changes, ensuring tax firms are prepared and compliant. By ensuring that tools are up-to-date, professionals can focus on delivering strategic advisory rather than merely compliant outputs, transforming traditional tax advisory roles. Empowering Tax Firms to Drive Value The core of AI's impact lies in its ability to free up human resources for higher-level advisory tasks. As AI handles tedious data analysis and regulatory compliance, tax professionals can engage more deeply with clients, providing insights and strategies that foster deeper relationships and greater service value. This shift enhances not only the workflow within firms but also creates opportunities for business growth. Conclusion: The Future is AI-Powered In summary, the integration of AI technology into tax research is no longer an option but a necessity for professionals looking to thrive in today's complex environment. By adopting AI tools, businesses can mitigate risks, increase accuracy, and transform year-end chaos into strategic advantage. As we move forward, embracing these technologies will be key for firms aiming to not just survive but thrive in a competitive landscape.

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