Audit services Archives - 成人VR视频 Institute https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/topic/audit-services/ 成人VR视频 Institute is a blog from 成人VR视频, the intelligence, technology and human expertise you need to find trusted answers. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:21:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 5 growth strategies every tax firm leader must get right in 2026 /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/5-growth-strategies/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:26:45 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=69377

Key takeaways:

      • Ways of achieving growth has changed 鈥 Sustainable growth now depends less on raw revenue and more on improving income per partner through smarter leverage, intentional service mix, and disciplined pricing.

      • Proactive firms will be better positioned 鈥 Firms that adopt data-driven pricing, bundled offerings, and subscription models will be better positioned to communicate value, raise fees confidently, and protect margins.

      • Differentiators are shifting 鈥 Leadership depth, culture, and succession planning are emerging as decisive differentiators as demographics shift, private equity reshapes the tax market, and next-generation partners step into control.


Tax, audit & accounting firms are still growing, but not all that growth is reaching the bottom line 鈥 indeed, 2026 is shaping up as a separate or be separated moment for many tax firm leaders. To sustain income per partner while the market shifts, firm leaders need to be far more intentional about how they grow, price, staff, and position their tax practices.

Here are five important ways that tax firm leaders can ensure their bottom-line growth keep pace with their top-line revenue:

1. Be deliberate about how you grow

Revenue is rising, but margins are under pressure. For example, for firms with revenue of more than $2 million, revenue grew 7.9%, yet income per equity partner (IPP) increased only 3.2%. This may imply that although firms are bringing in more money, the remaining profits available to distribute to equity partners isn鈥檛 growing at the same rate. This could mean that it鈥檚 costing firms more to generate more revenue possibly because expenses are eating into margins.

Meanwhile, 13.9% of total growth for firms whose revenue is more than $2 million now comes from mergers, and for firms with revenue of more than $20 million, more than one-fifth of growth is merger-driven.

For growth strategy, leaders should clarify their organic growth plans in light of this robust M&A drive, deciding when acquisitions are truly about capacity, specialization, or geography and when they are merely propping up lagging organic growth.

Leaders need to protect IPP metrics by focusing relentlessly on revenue per partner and revenue per person as primary levers, rather than chasing top-line growth for its own sake. Leaders also need to build optionality 鈥 with private equity, mega-firm consolidators, and independents all active, factors such as succession, capital, and ownership design have become core strategic decisions that can no longer be left to chance.

2. Treat pricing as a growth discipline

In the 成人VR视频 Institute’s pricing report for tax, audit & accounting firms, 64% of decision-makers said their firms saw revenue increases, but only 45% reported increased profits 鈥 a clear indication of margin compression. Further, just about 1-in-5 professionals said they feel 鈥渉ighly confident鈥 that their firm鈥檚 current pricing reflects the expertise of its professionals.

To be sure, key pricing work now involves moving beyond what the market will bear. While hourly billing still dominates (according to the report firms said over 40% of client engagements are billed on an hourly basis) 鈥 value-aligned methods such as fixed fees, subscriptions, and bundled packages are strongly associated with higher pricing confidence and a firm’s greater ability to raise fees.

To excel in this area, tax firm leaders need to use data rather than their gut. Although only 30% of respondents said their firm regularly benchmark their pricing against competitors, leaders overwhelmingly say better market intelligence would increase pricing confidence. Also, firms should expand subscription and bundle pricing options, since respondents form subscription-billing firms report significantly higher confidence that their pricing reflects value. Indeed, many firms using bundled packages have raised prices 10% to 24% or more over the past two years.

3. Build a capacity model that scales

The Rosenberg data is blunt: The fastest path to higher income per partner is not logging more partner hours 鈥 it is using smart leverage and stronger rates. Elite tax firms (those with IPP above $800,000) generate roughly $3.9 million in revenue per equity partner and maintain staff-to-partner ratios of around 17:1.

Several capacity dynamics matter in practice. Leverage drives profitability, for example, and those firms that have staff-to-partner ratios above 10 report IPP roughly double that of firms with ratios below 3, even though they may carry higher salary percentages.

Further, outsourcing has become mainstream. More than 4-in-10 firms (42%) with more than $2 million in revenue now outsource full-time equivalent (FTEs) employees, a figure that rises to 63% among firms with more than $ 20 million dollars. Interestingly, turnover has eased to about 11%, the lowest for the industry in years, but expectations have shifted as firms intentionally reduce average billable hours per staff member to prioritize sustainable workloads.

In fact, the key growth question is no longer Can we find the work? but rather Can we design a capacity model 鈥 onshore, offshore, AI-enabled 鈥 that supports higher rates without burning out our people?

4. Formalize strategy, marketing & service mix

Firms with written strategic plans earn about 4.5% more IPP than those without, according to the data, and firms with a formal marketing plan enjoy about 9% higher IPP. The most profitable firms are also more intentional about service mix, tilting toward advisory and financial services.

Growth-enabling practices start with written strategic and marketing plans. Firms that document these plans consistently outperform their peers, particularly when navigating private equity interest, AI adoption, and succession decisions. Many leading tax firms are deliberately shifting from compliance to advisory, reducing their reliance on commodity tax compliance and expanding into higher-value advisory work to drive stronger profitability. These firms are also packaging and communicating value more effectively by bundling compliance and advisory services into tiered packages, which in turn gives them greater ability to raise fees and justify premium positioning in the market.

5. Invest in leadership, culture & succession

Growth without leadership depth is fragile, especially in the tax profession in which the average partner age has remained high. Most recently, however, the average partner age has dipped slightly to about 52 years old as more retirements occur. And female partners now account for roughly one-quarter of partner groups overall, showing progress but also a persistent equity gap.

For many firms, succession remains a primary concern, and leadership-related growth priorities begin with treating succession as strategy, not an HR project. More firms are revisiting buy-in levels, which average around $133,000, and are experimenting with non-equity roles and alternative practice structures to create more flexible pathways to ownership. At the same time, leaders must protect and modernize their firm culture, recognizing that poorly managed PE transactions, rigid return-to-office policies, and underinvestment in technology-forward talent can quickly erode the very engines of growth they depend on.

Additionally, firms are elevating the managing partner role. In larger practices, managing partners鈥 chargeable hours are now meaningfully lower, reflecting an intentional shift toward having that role work on the business 鈥 strategy, talent, pricing, and M&A 鈥 rather than in it.

For tax firm leaders, these five considerations form a practical checklist for 2026 planning. Grounding each strategic initiative in data and taking visible action can help ensure that the next wave of growth shows up not just in revenue, but in sustainable, rising income per partner.


You can download a copy of the 成人VR视频 Institute’s pricing report for tax, audit & accounting firms, here

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How private equity can accelerate technology & enable growth in accounting firms /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/pe-enable-tech-growth/ Mon, 05 Jan 2026 15:00:55 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=68912

Key takeaways:

      • Technology investment drives PE interest 鈥 Private equity firms provide patient capital for multimillion-dollar technology transformations that traditional partnerships struggle to fund.

      • Strategic focus over expansion 鈥 PE-backed firms are shifting from growth through breadth to growth through depth, eliminating underperforming service lines to concentrate resources on areas where they can win.

      • Competitive pressure is mounting 鈥 While most firms remain uninterested in PE transactions, well-capitalized competitors are pulling ahead in technology capabilities, talent attraction, and market positioning.


A competing accounting firm down the street just acquired its fifth firm this year. Another launched an AI-powered tax platform that can deliver work in hours instead of weeks. And a third is recruiting top talent with equity packages your partnership structure can’t match.

What do they have in common? Private equity backing.

Four years ago, when EisnerAmper announced its deal with TowerBrook Capital Partners 鈥 one of the earliest and largest forays of PE money into the tax, audit & accounting industry 鈥 most practitioners dismissed it as an anomaly. Today, roughly half of the top 25 accounting firms have completed or are pursuing PE transactions. This isn’t a trend 鈥 it’s a fundamental restructuring of the profession.

Why traditional partnerships are losing ground

Consider Citrin Cooperman after New Mountain Capital made its investment in 2021. In four years, Citrin Cooperman has acquired more than 20 accounting firms, expanding to 2,800 professionals across 27 offices. That’s strategic acceleration, not organic growth.

Traditional accounting firm partnerships face a structural problem 鈥 they can’t easily fund multimillion-dollar infrastructure buildouts. When firms need enterprise relationship intelligence systems, unified data architectures, or AI-enabled delivery models, where does the capital for these initiatives come from? Partner contributions? Bank loans? Retained earnings that take years to build up?

PE-backed competitors can deploy patient capital 鈥攎oney designed for long-term technology transformation without immediate return pressure. And the gap between what PE-backed firms can do compared to traditional partnerships is widening.

For example, here’s the efficiency paradox: Partners billing at $500 per hour spend significant time on work that should be automated at a $50-per-hour equivalent cost.

That’s not a cost problem 鈥 it’s a revenue capacity problem.

PE-backed firms liberate high-value talent, so they are then free to pursue high-value work. When automation and AI-driven tools handle the more routine tasks, partners can focus on complex client challenges, strategic advisory, and relationship building.

The strategy shift: Depth over breadth

The most counterintuitive transformation PE brings is the shift in strategic focus. Traditional firms pursue growth through breadth by launching practice areas because clients asked for them or competitors offer them. The result? A dozen service lines, with about half of them underperforming.

Instead, PE firms ask one simple question: Where does your firm have a right to win?

This PE-backed strategy eliminates hobby businesses 鈥 those practice areas that exist because they always have, not because they generate competitive returns. Instead, PE-backed firms concentrate their resources on fewer service lines, focusing on those at which firms genuinely excel. Thus, PE-backed firms are reducing service line breadth while firms鈥 depth and increasing profitability and market share as well.

Private equity firms鈥 interest and investment in the tax, audit & accounting industry isn鈥檛 by happenstance. PE firms have done their due diligence to understand the industry 鈥 and not just from firms鈥 perspective, but from that of their clients too.


PE-backed firms liberate high-value tax talent, so they are then free to pursue high-value work, leaving automation and AI-driven tools to handle the more routine tasks.


Private equity firms have spent millions of dollars studying the accounting industry, not only tax firms including firms鈥 clients, and analyzing competitors. The information they鈥檝e gathered represents a cultural shift that has been taking place 鈥 something that many firms themselves hadn鈥檛 noticed. This shift, from relationship-driven but assumption-based service models to data-informed decision making, has helped PE-backed firms know which services clients value, which delivery models they prefer, and for which services they’ll pay premium rates. That intelligence has become competitive advantage.

Further, PE-backed firms can offer equity incentives to next-generation leaders, which is something traditional partnerships struggle to match. PE-backed firms can provide clear career paths, sophisticated training, and professional development resources. As traditional firms ask young partners to buy in at barely affordable valuations, with unclear leadership paths and outdated technology, PE-backed firms are building employer brands that appeal to professionals who want cutting-edge technology and transparent advancement.

It鈥檚 not surprising which firm attracts the best talent.

The skepticism is real 鈥 and justified

Despite these benefits, the accounting profession remains skeptical. More than half of industry practitioners say PE isn’t on their radar, and another third aren’t interested, according to the recent Tax Firm Growth Report 2025 from the 成人VR视频 Institute.

Their concerns are legitimate. Two-thirds say they believe PE investment will negatively impact firm integrity and independence, according to the report. And these skeptical practitioners say they worry about culture, client relationships, and an emphasis on earnings over service quality.

Clearly, PE ownership does add complexity to auditor independence, regulatory compliance, and risk management. But PE firms are exceptionally risk-averse when investing in professional services, and the last thing they want is bad press or audit scandals. In fact, their risk management frameworks are often more sophisticated than traditional partnerships maintain.

Yet, for accounting firms seeking growth but determined to stay independent, PE partnership isn’t the only path. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer tax advantages and an employee ownership structure while maintaining independence. Firms like BDO and Grassi successfully implemented ESOPs to better provide liquidity while keeping control localized. Other alternatives include traditional financing, mergers between equals, minority capital deals, and targeted asset sales. Each has advantages and limitations.

The key insight: All alternatives require deliberate strategic action; and none involve maintaining the status quo or standing still.

The coming crossroads

The accounting profession continues to be at junction, and all firms will have to decide on their next move. PE-backed competitors are pulling ahead in technology utilization, market positioning, and talent acquisition. The opportunity window for firms to respond isn’t infinite.

Firms that delay action risk entering merger agreements or partnerships from weakened positions. Worse, they risk becoming acquisition targets, joining PE-backed platforms on terms dictated by necessity rather than choice.

Winners won’t be determined by capital structure alone, of course 鈥 they’ll be determined by execution speed and strategic clarity. However, PE investment can be a critical enabler in an industry facing unprecedented technological disruption and competitive pressure.

The fundamental question isn’t whether to embrace private equity; rather, it’s whether your firm can achieve necessary transformation speed and scale without it. Every firm leader must answer honestly, urgently, and with clear-eyed assessment of their competitive position and their competitors’ accelerating capabilities.

The profession has changed, and accounting firms have to decide whether they鈥檒l be changing with it, or whether they鈥檒l be changed by it.


For more on the impact of private equity in the tax, audit & accounting industry, you can access the recent Tax Firm Growth Report 2025 from the 成人VR视频 Institute here

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Tax advisory services: The new growth engine for modern tax firms /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/tax-firm-advisory-services-report-2026/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:09:53 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=68678

Key insights:

      • Advisory is becoming the strategic core of tax practices 鈥 Tax firms are no longer treating advisory services as an add-on to compliance work but rather as a fundamental driver of business strategy, client relationships, and sustainable revenue growth.

      • Frequent client engagement drives measurably better outcomes 鈥 Professionals from firms that meet with clients quarterly or more frequently report significantly higher satisfaction across every dimension.

      • Technology and capacity are the keys to breaking through barriers 鈥 Firms are rapidly adopting automation to free up their professionals for advisory work, while addressing staff skills gaps through training and strategic hires.


For decades, tax firms built their practices around the predictable calendar of the annual compliance cycle, punctuated by occasional client requests for advice. Over the past five or more years, however, there’s been a seismic shift. Tax advisory services are emerging as the defining strategic function within successful firms, and it鈥檚 being driven mostly by an unprecedented convergence of regulatory complexity, technology capabilities, and evolving client expectations.

Jump to 鈫

2026 Tax Firm Advisory Services Report

 

As a result, many firm leaders are fundamentally rethinking their business models, reimagining what a tax practice can be as they move from being transactional service providers to becoming more strategic advisors that can guide clients through complex financial decisions year-round.

To delve into this deeper, the 成人VR视频 Institute has published the 2026 Tax Firm Advisory Services Report, that clearly shows that as regulatory complexity and client expectations mount, firms that systematically invest in building advisory capabilities are outperforming their peers by significant margins 鈥 and the performance gap is widening.

From compliance shop to strategic advisor

For tax firm leaders, this transformation represents both validation and opportunity. The numbers tell a compelling story, especially for firms that are proactively leading the strategic elevation of their advisory capabilities. Among surveyed respondents from firms experiencing revenue growth, 88% report that advisory revenue is growing faster than compliance revenue and that advisory services now represent an average of 31% of total firm revenue.

Not surprisingly, many forward-thinking firms are backing this shift with concrete plans. Nearly 9-in-10 respondents say their firms are planning to expand their advisory services within the next year.

tax advisory

The engagement advantage

What’s driving this transformation? According to the report, the quality and frequency of client relationships have fundamentally recast what’s possible in tax advisory services. Firms that meet with clients quarterly or more frequently see dramatically different outcomes than those meeting clients just once or twice a year.

Tax professionals from firms with quarterly touchpoints rated their own satisfaction significantly higher across every dimension measured, such as knowledge of the client’s business, understanding the client’s industry sector, the overall strength of the client relationship, and the range of services the client uses. Even more compelling, almost 90% of respondents from firms with more frequent client engagement report that advisory revenue growth is outpacing compliance growth compared to just 65% of respondents from firms with less frequent client contact.

As the report underscores: This message is unmistakable 鈥 relationship depth directly drives revenue growth. Firms that use quarterly or more touchpoints with clients are more successfully converting compliance-only relationships into comprehensive advisory partnerships at substantially higher rates than their less-engaged competitors.

The challenging landscape

Despite the opportunities that abound in advisory services, many firms face real obstacles in expansion, the report shows. More than half (52%) of respondents cite staff skills gaps among their colleagues as their biggest challenge, followed closely by client resistance to paying for advice (47%).

These challenges create a reinforcement loop that can trap firms in their current state: Staff lack advisory skills, so they focus on compliance work, leaving no time to develop advisory capabilities or engage clients proactively. Then, clients don’t see the value of advisory services because they haven’t experienced them, and the cycle continues.

Breaking this loop requires intentional strategy and systematic execution 鈥 which is exactly what leading firms are doing differently, the report shows.

How strategic priorities are reshaping the profession

The ripple effects from this advisory transformation have dramatically reshaped strategic priorities for tax firms beyond routine concerns about service expansion. These new priorities represent fundamental shifts in how firm leadership view the purpose of their firm, its client relationships, and competitive positioning.

Interestingly, while revenue objectives dominate the top priorities, 13% of firm leaders cite developing more intellectually stimulating work for their teams as a key objective, the report shows. This speaks to a deeper strategic consideration 鈥 that advisory work itself offers the kind of challenging, engaging work that attracts and retains top talent in an increasingly competitive labor market.

Today, the opportunity is here for tax firms to capitalize on this momentum and operationalize their advisory services offerings through formalized processes, systematic client engagement, technology leverage, and value-based pricing that creates enduring competitive advantages.

As the report shows, tax advisory today is moving beyond simply offering occasional consulting services alongside compliance work. And with the strategic elevation of tax advisory services already underway, it鈥檚 those firms that move quickly enough to capture the opportunity that will flourish.


You can download

a full copy of the 成人VR视频 Institute’s “2026 Tax Firm Advisory Services Report” by filling out the form below:

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Brazil Tax Reform 2025: Are tax & accounting professionals ready for the transformation? /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/brazil-tax-reform-2025-tax-firm-professionals/ Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:24:08 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=67864

Key findings:

        • Strategic blind spots remain 鈥 Despite widespread awareness, many tax firms have yet to fully assess the operational or financial impact of the reform, highlighting the need for more proactive planning as changes approach.

        • Technology investment leads the way 鈥 Firms are prioritizing technology and now are beginning to complement these efforts with increased attention to staff training and client support, aiming for a more balanced and complete transition.

        • Client guidance is gaining momentum 鈥 While clients will be among the most affected, professionals are recognizing the urgency of providing clearer communication and tailored support to help clients navigate the reform more confidently.


Brazil鈥檚 tax, audit & accounting sector is on the verge of a historic transformation. The country鈥檚 new tax reform, approved by the National Congress, will gradually unify several existing taxes into a dual value-added tax (VAT) system. The reform aims to simplify compliance, promote transparency, and help citizens better understand how public resources are allocated.

Jump to 鈫

Brazil Tax Reform for Tax Firm Professionals 2025

 

So how prepared are Brazil鈥檚 tax & accounting professionals for this upcoming shift? A new report from the 成人VR视频 Institute reveals a gap between awareness and action. While most professionals understand the reform and its implications, only a minority have moved into active preparation. Only a small group of firms have established internal teams or concrete plans; however, many others are now beginning to shift from passive monitoring to more decisive steps.

Brazil

Definitions: Incipient: I am aware of the Tax Reform, but I am not keeping up with the changes. Beginner: I am following updates through the press and reports to evaluate information that fits the firm鈥檚 and customers鈥 profile. Preparatory: I have an internal working group and/or a developing plan. Advanced: I have allocated resources and a transition project in progress. Leader: I have the structure prepared for the transition and I am working with my team and external providers to anticipate our adaptation.

The reform is expected to impact core areas of tax, audit & accounting work 鈥 including tax calculation, pricing strategies, and advisory services. Professionals widely acknowledge these areas will be disrupted and are starting to take steps to assess and prepare for the changes. Technology investment is accelerating, with many firms upgrading systems and digital infrastructure to meet new requirements. At the same time, there is growing recognition that staff training and client education must advance in parallel to ensure a successful transition.

Many professionals have expressed a need for more resources and structured plans to help them guide clients through the reform, especially as they face changes in tax burdens, pricing structures, and compliance requirements. Encouragingly, firms are beginning to respond 鈥 developing communication strategies and training programs to better support both their teams and their clients.


You can download a full copy of the 成人VR视频 Institute’s “Brazil Tax Reform for Tax Firm Professionals 2025” in Portuguese here


One major area still evolving is the financial planning around the reform. Despite the potential for significant operational changes, most organizations have yet to estimate the cost of adaptation. As new requirements take effect, understanding and preparing for these costs will be essential to avoiding unexpected disruptions.

Opinions on the reform鈥檚 complexity remain divided. Some professionals expect simplification, while others anticipate greater difficulty in tax and accounting practices. This uncertainty only reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring and the development of flexible strategies.

While technology remains a central focus, the sector is now beginning to align its efforts 鈥 recognizing that human capabilities and client engagement are equally essential. The transition is no longer just about systems and infrastructure, but also about empowering their professionals and building trust. Firms are taking steps to ensure that their teams are prepared and their clients are supported, thereby laying the groundwork for a more complete and resilient transformation.


You can download

a full copy of the English-language version of the 成人VR视频 Institute’s “Brazil Tax Reform for Tax Firm Professionals 2025” by filling out the form below:

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Smart auditing: How Mexico鈥檚 SAT is transforming tax compliance /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/mexico-smart-auditing/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:45:27 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=68383

Key points:

      • Technological transformation 鈥 SAT is modernizing its auditing with machine learning and graph analytics to detect fiscal risks and tax evasion networks.

      • Greater operational demands 鈥 Taxpayers and accounting firms must adapt to faster, more precise reviews that will be driven by AI.

      • Efficient and preventive auditing 鈥 AI enables SAT to anticipate irregularities, promote self-correction, and maintain effective tax collection at low cost.


In 2024, Mexico鈥檚 tax authority, the Tax Administration Service (SAT), introduced its Master Plan, marking a new chapter in tax auditing. This plan includes the integration of technologies such as machine learning to identify high-risk taxpayers who potentially could be involved in illicit activities. The aim of the plan is to detect complex structures of tax evasion and avoidance through the analysis of transactional patterns and relationships among entities.

Additionally, the plan seeks to uncover inconsistencies in Digital Tax Receipts (CFDI) that may indicate simulated operations, smuggling, or the use of shell companies, thereby strengthening fiscal oversight and the prevention of financial crimes.

This approach relies on large-scale data analysis, with AI playing a central role. Through algorithms that learn from historical patterns, SAT aims to anticipate irregular behavior and act proactively. Indeed, this represents a profound shift in how tax auditing is understood and executed.

Although AI is a major innovation in the field, it鈥檚 not the starting point. Since 2020, SAT has been consolidating its four-pronged strategy, aimed at i) increasing collection efficiency; ii) reducing tax evasion; iii) combating corruption; and iv) improving taxpayer service. This strategy has supported the development of programs such as Compliance Monitoring, Deep Surveillance, and Coercive Collection, which have enabled the authority to act with greater precision and speed.

To better understand the scope of this transformation, certified public accountant Roberto Iv谩n Col铆n Mosqueda, a member of the Mexican Institute of Public Accountants, shares his expert insights on how these tools are redefining tax auditing and what they mean for taxpayers and professionals in the field.

The role of advanced analytics

SAT鈥檚 2024 Master Plan places special emphasis on machine learning to strengthen auditing. This approach is divided into two main models:

      1. Analytical techniques, which allow the review of large volumes of data from CFDIs, tax returns, and audit reports. The goal of this is to detect irregularities in real time, especially in sensitive sectors like fuel distribution, where illegal trade and irregular commercialization are targeted.
      2. Statistical learning models, which enable AI to identify previously detected tax evasion patterns and apply them to uncover new networks or similar schemes. This model is particularly useful for identifying operations linked to fake invoicing companies or importers engaged in irregular practices.

The combination of these models allows SAT not only to react to non-compliance but to anticipate it, resulting in smarter, less invasive, and more resource-efficient auditing.

鈥淭he authority has been closing gaps and tightening controls, and the reality is that electronic invoicing now provides highly reliable information,鈥 explains Col铆n. 鈥淏ased on this, along with tax returns and other data it receives, SAT can implement artificial intelligence to develop analytical and statistical learning models that will undoubtedly continue to deliver strong results.鈥

Direct impact on taxpayers & accounting firms

SAT鈥檚 technological transformation doesn鈥檛 only affect large taxpayers or strategic sectors. It also has direct implications for ordinary taxpayers and the accounting firms that support them.

Indeed, Col铆n warns that this new auditing will be more dynamic and demanding. 鈥淚n the daily life of a regular taxpayer, this will mean increased auditing,鈥 he says. 鈥淭he authority will detect non-compliance and omissions more quickly, which will generate more work for both taxpayers and accountants, who will need to constantly review and correct.鈥

Additionally, accounting firms must adapt to a more sophisticated auditing process that goes beyond numbers to better analyze relationships between data, behavioral patterns, and connections among taxpayers. This implies greater responsibility in validating transactions, ensuring consistency in reported information, and maintaining traceability of digital tax receipts.

鈥淭hese analytical techniques will allow the authority to detect irregularities more quickly. Today we already see reminders before a tax declaration is due, and invitation letters requesting explanations. With artificial intelligence, this pace will intensify,鈥 Col铆n adds.

Efficient collection and preventive auditing

One of SAT鈥檚 most notable achievements is its operational efficiency. Currently, for every 100 pesos collected, the authority spends only 28 cents, compared with the United States鈥 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which . This figure reflects a modern fiscal management model based on the strategic use of technology to maximize results with limited resources.

Preventive auditing, supported by AI, allows SAT to expand its coverage without significantly increasing its operational structure. By detecting irregularities before they become serious omissions, it encourages taxpayer self-correction, reducing the need for formal audits and improving voluntary compliance.

This proactive approach not only optimizes government resources but also fosters a more transparent and collaborative relationship between the authority and taxpayers.

Preparing for the future of tax compliance

SAT鈥檚 technological evolution presents new challenges for all actors in the tax system. For taxpayers, it means maintaining more rigorous accounting, staying alert to messages in the tax mailbox, and responding quickly to any requests. For accounting firms, it鈥檚 an opportunity to strengthen their services, adopt analytical tools, and provide more strategic advice to their clients.

Smart auditing works to move revenue services beyond enforcement, enhancing the ability of auditors to prevent, educate, and collaborate. In this new environment, transparency, traceability, and cooperation will be key to building a fairer, more modern, and efficient tax system in Mexico.


You can find out more about the regulatory and legal issues impacting Mexico here

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Modern R&D tax reporting: Navigating burden, audit & AI solutions /en-us/posts/corporates/rd-tax-reporting/ Tue, 28 Oct 2025 17:42:36 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=68174

Key takeaways:

      • Tax requirements have become more complex 鈥 The 2025 R&D credit reporting requirements have become significantly more complicated, demanding detailed business component and expense breakdowns.

      • AI may offer solutions 鈥 AI-driven platforms that are aligned with new IRS expectations can offer practical solutions to strengthen substantiation, simplify technical narratives, and ease the documentation burden.

      • Pre-planning and preparation are key 鈥 Proactive audit preparation, strategic communication, and awareness of recent IRS procedural changes are critical for successful resolution of R&D examinations.


This year marks a milestone for the corporate tax community as the tax code鈥檚 Section G Research & Development credit reporting enters the mandatory phase for returns exceeding $1.5 million in qualified research expenses or $15 million in gross receipts. Formerly, taxpayers faced little more than two simple fields on 鈥 now, however, filers must provide granular detail at the business component level.

These new requirements include breaking out employee expenses (direct, supervisory, and support), and separating additional qualified categories like supplies, computer leasing, and contract research for every component. The new requirements mirror global trends seen in countries such as Germany and France, where R&D credit documentation has historically been much more burdensome.

How documentation has changed

Historically in the United States, many aspects of R&D substantiation were included in the study and not presented on the tax form itself. In June 2024, the IRS released a revised draft of Form 6765 鈥 and provided 鈥 that included the updated stance demanding transparency. Wherein every business component, its relation to controlled groups, the type of component, and the wage/expense breakdown must be represented on the tax return. The implication is clear: Taxpayers must bolster their documentation, ensuring contemporaneous evidence that is not solely prepared for tax purposes.

Compared to many foreign jurisdictions, especially those in Europe, the US still offers relatively less burdensome requirements; however, this directional shift is unmistakable. Complex, technical project narratives and granular wage allocation are increasingly expected by US tax authorities. The IRS indicates that it presumed all filers already performed this granular breakdown. Now, the reporting burden moves from optional best practice to taxable necessity.

Shifting audit terrain

In a , presented by 成人VR视频 and Tax Executives Institute, panelists also discussed audit shifts. Indeed, 2025 brings procedural shifts within the IRS鈥檚 audit playbook. Notably, the elimination of the agreement of facts process at the conclusion of Large Business & International audits in early 2026 removes a formal avenue that filers can use to respond to the IRS鈥檚 versions of events before the Notice of Proposed Adjustment is issued. This heightens the importance of detailed, factual Information Document Request (IDR) responses throughout the entire audit, ensuring a well-documented appeals record if needed.

Additionally, tools like the Accelerated Issue Resolution (AIR) and Fast Track Settlement programs are expanding. These initiatives streamline multi-year disputes and improve the odds of reaching taxpayer-favorable outcomes, particularly as IRS management and appeals officers seek more efficient, resource-aware resolutions. Recent experience shows a trend: Fast Track settlements are securing more positive outcomes for taxpayers 鈥 sometimes even when the parties are far apart on the numbers.

State audits add their own complexity, especially because many states don’t recognize federal Accounting Standard Codification 730 directives. Tax departments must proactively develop full substantiation for state reviews, rather than relying solely on federal documentation standards or shortcuts. Partnering with audit-experienced professionals, especially those with IRS backgrounds, can further improves audit results.

Turning burden into benefit

The new mandates from Section G are not a signal to retreat from claiming the credit. Despite elevated standards, the credit remains a vital incentive for businesses. Rather than being deterred, corporate tax departments can use this to bolster their requests for more technology investment, including AI-driven tools and solutions.

The arrival of advanced generative AI (GenAI) models makes R&D credit substantiation faster and more precise than ever before. These tools have capabilities that include:

      • Ingesting and organizing vast quantities of technical and operational documentation into IRS-compliant formats
      • Translating technical jargon into tax-speak, ensuring that every business component gets a concise, accurate, and compliant technical narrative
      • Assisting in quantifying R&D time at the individual level, mapping granular time and activities to precise expense categories
      • Generating contemporaneous documentation referenced directly to underlying evidence or regulatory authority for bulletproof

Corporate tax professionals also can take tedious and manual tasks 鈥斅 such as interviewing engineers, mapping activities, and defending allocations 鈥 and now use AI to manage this work at scale. Real-time views of qualified R&D activity, lessened reliance on labor-intensive surveys, and immediate provisioning all contribute to faster, more rigorous studies, bigger credits, easier audits, and happier R&D teams.

Preparing for 2025 returns and beyond

There are several actions that corporate tax teams can take now to prepare for 2025 returns, including:

      • Embrace AI and contemporary documentation workflows to meet new substantiation and reporting burdens
      • Build IDR responses, audit narratives, and documentation as if they will be reviewed in appeals or in court 鈥 precision and completeness are paramount
      • Cultivate constructive auditor relationships, whether federal or state, with a mindset focused on problem-solving rather than confrontation
      • Consider Fast Track and AIR strategies for accelerated and possibly more favorable dispute resolution in multi-year credit audits
      • Continually monitor IRS and state developments, regulatory guidance, and prominent cases as precedents shift norms and expectations.

R&D credit compliance has evolved from simple reporting to sophisticated, data-driven substantiation. With increased detail required for every dollar claimed, corporate tax departments must adapt quickly.

They now need to be leveraging advanced technology, have subject matter expertise, and create more transparent auditor relationships. Having AI-powered tools is a necessity to making more accurate credits and smoother audits a tangible reality. The bottom line is that R&D credits are valuable and corporate tax department teams will now need to invest time and expertise to get them right.


You can find more about how tax professionals are planning for future tax changes here

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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act means for state & local taxes /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/one-big-beautiful-bill-act-state-local-taxes/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 17:21:20 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=68015

Key findings:

    • State-level changes States are responding to the impact of OBBBA on state-level taxation.

    • Budget shortfalls may result Several states are already projecting reduced revenue collections because of the OBBBA.

    • Multi-state business impacts Businesses with multi-state operations should re-evaluate where their operations are located for tax purposes.


The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) ushered in sweeping federal tax changes including provisions aimed at stimulating domestic business investment, particularly in manufacturing and research & development. While many businesses welcome the enhanced federal deductions, the changes are also significantly shifting the landscape for taxation at the state and local levels.

The impacts of the OBBBA are playing out differently across states, depending on each state鈥檚 own tax rules. In addition, the Act is likely to have fiscal ripple effects for states, including new budget challenges. How states respond to these combined impacts promises to dramatically reshape the tax environment, particularly for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions.

These are among the considerations that seem to be keeping clients up at night 鈥 despite the federal tax benefits of the Act, many business owners and tax professionals are nervous about what it鈥檚 going to be mean at the state and local levels.

Impact on state-level tax policies

For businesses that operate across multiple states, the state and local tax landscape is suddenly more dynamic and much less predictable. States generally start their income tax calculations based upon federal taxable income, but they then modify those numbers based on their own rules and legislative priorities. That means federal changes, such as bonus depreciation or research expensing, are often partially or fully clawed back at the state level. So key provisions of the OBBBA, particularly those involving deductions and R&D expenses, will impact specific businesses differently depending on a state鈥檚 existing tax rules and policies.

For example, the OBBBA allows immediate 100% expensing for federal purposes for fixed assets placed in service after January 19, 2025. However, many states already decouple their assessments from federal bonus depreciation. Other states adjust the percentage or disallow the bonus entirely, forcing an addback and requiring businesses to instead use standard federal depreciation schedules. In fact, OBBBA threatens to widen these differences for deductions.


The impacts of the OBBBA are playing out differently across states, depending on each state鈥檚 own tax rules.


Similarly, the OBBBA enhances the ability of businesses to expense qualifying domestic R&D costs. Historically, only a few states followed the federal shift from expensing to capitalization under prior law. Some states, such as Indiana, may now conceivably permit a double deduction for these expenses under concurrent federal and state codes. Meanwhile, other states will likely reassess or restrict the treatment of these deductions because of concerns over the potential negative impact on state revenues.

Michigan and Rhode Island, for example, recently enacted legislation decoupling from the OBBBA provision that allows for the immediate deduction of domestic research and development expenses, resulting in the continued requirement to capitalize such amounts for state purposes.

State budget concerns

Meanwhile, concerns about the effect of the Act on state revenues could result in far more significant impacts.

One of the most immediate consequences of the OBBBA has been already observed in several states: Illinois, Maryland, Nebraska, and Oregon are among the states that have publicly acknowledged that major federal funding cuts in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, and broader social services are likely to trigger budget shortfalls. And Colorado recently announced a projected $1 billion shortfall, prompting tax increases and a November 2026 referendum to raise income tax rates on certain high-income levels.

While clearly, nobody has a crystal ball, the OBBBA is already putting a lot of strain on state budgets and more states will likely follow in Colorado鈥檚 footsteps.聽 Indeed, at a Massachusetts Department of Revenue roundtable held September 30, Commissioner Geoffrey E. Snyder declared that the OBBBA is projected to reduce the state鈥檚 revenue collections by almost $700 million in their 2026 fiscal year.

Impact on businesses

For businesses, navigating through all these changes complicates everything from daily operations to long-term strategy planning 鈥 and the stakes are considerable.

New tax increases or other changes in state tax rules could change asset deployment strategies, shift business expansion plans, and even encourage relocation to more favorable jurisdictions. Robust proactive tax planning is now a competitive necessity rather than a defensive maneuver.

To get on top of this, tax professionals should look into adopting more customized, multi-state mindsets for their clients. It鈥檚 essential that tax professionals fully grasp the substance and trajectory of each material state, or those states in which their clients鈥 businesses have significant business activity. Given that most states currently apportion taxable income primarily based on revenue, rather than physical presence, the rules governing each material state should be monitored closely in addition to the state in which the client is headquartered.


To get on top of this, tax professionals should look into adopting more customized, multi-state mindsets for their clients.


Further complicating matters is that the ripple effects from state responses will vary considerably in terms of timing. Some state legislatures only meet biennially, while some states may call special sessions to address urgent revenue needs or adjust their rules to conform with federal law. States also may enact rapid changes in response to headline-making budget projections 鈥 often with little warning.

Tax professionals need to stay proactive and vigilant, and most importantly, keep their finger on the pulse of state tax policies to best keep their clients informed. Some key steps for tax professionals include:

      • Conduct a 鈥渕aterial state鈥 audit 鈥 Proactively identify and monitor those states in which clients have meaningful revenue, as those locations will now drive new tax risks and opportunities.
      • Stay informed on legislative developments 鈥 Closely track statements from state governments, economic development departments, and relevant tax and economic authorities on budget forecasts and discussion of anticipated responses.
      • Educate and advise clients with flexibility and understanding 鈥 Provide clients with regular updates on state-level changes and counsel them to build flexibility into their business forecasts and strategies, especially around capital expenditures and R&D investments.

While the OBBBA is ultimately a federal catalyst 鈥 the state and local reverberations of the Act are just beginning to be felt. For tax professionals, this is a moment to lead by educating clients, anticipating legislative shifts, and building resilient tax strategies across jurisdictions. State and local responses to the OBBBA will be diverse and are only beginning to unfold. Steady guidance from tax professionals can make the difference between whether their clients thrive or flounder amid all these changes.


You can find more of our coverage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act here

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Harnessing technology and AI for efficiency and growth: A 5鈥憇tep playbook for tax, audit & accounting firm leaders /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/tax-tech-playbook/ Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:17:28 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=67597

Key takeaways:

      • Create a customized strategy 鈥 Leaders of tax, audit & accounting firms need to build a formal, growth-linked tech strategy that maps end-to-end workflows, targets a few high-impact fixes, and is reviewed twice a year.

      • Improve efficiency with automation 鈥 Firms should seek to automate repetitive work with integrations and AI-assisted prep and review, while leveraging standardized portals, e-signatures, and digital checklists to free capacity and improve accuracy.

      • Push toward advisory services 鈥 Leaders need to shift their firms from compliance roles to advisory services by turning data into proactive insight, offering and packaging services, retraining teams, and sustaining client engagement with a disciplined clients-first cadence.


The ground under tax firms is shifting 鈥 fast. Client expectations are rising, compliance timelines are tightening, and AI is redefining what great service looks like. For ambitious firms in the tax, audit & accounting industry, this moment isn鈥檛 a threat 鈥 it鈥檚 a runway to greater opportunity.

Jump to 鈫

Harnessing technology and AI for efficiency and growth

 

The leaders who win won鈥檛 simply stack more tools. They鈥檒l align technology and AI directly to growth, modernize the firm鈥檚 operating backbone, and upskill teams so they can deliver advisory at scale. This playbook offers a clear path to cut low鈥憊alue work, elevate client experience, and convert compliance efficiency into profitable, year鈥憆ound guidance.

To offer firms a leg up, the 成人VR视频 Institute has published a new five-step playbook for firm leaders, Harnessing technology and AI for efficiency and growth, that outlines how firms can align their technology and AI to promote better growth and more modernization, while expanding service offerings to clients.

Starting with growth in mind

This path starts with a growth鈥慶entric technology strategy, the playbook shows. Instead of plugging leaks with point solutions, you should instead design an architecture that compounds value and ties every tech decision to measurable outcomes. Define what growth and efficiency mean for your firm 鈥 is it more clients without an increase in headcount? A step鈥慶hange in advisory revenue? Or materially faster turnaround? Then, let that clarity inform choices.

You also should map the end鈥憈o鈥慹nd workflow from intake to delivery to identify re-keying, gaps, and bottlenecks. Then, choose a small set of high鈥慽mpact upgrades and review your roadmap every six months so firm resources flow to what actually moves the needle. When technology, people, and processes align, each investment accelerates the next.

In this way, automation becomes the force multiplier. Human attention is your scarcest resource 鈥 don鈥檛 spend it on copy鈥憄aste, reconciliations, or document hunting. Integrations that pull data from banks, accounting systems, payroll, and other portals reduce touchpoints and errors. And intelligent document management makes retrieval fast and sharing secure.

Leveraging AI for preparation and review can pre鈥憄opulate forms, flag anomalies, and locate what鈥檚 missing so your team can focus on judgment, not drudgery. Automated reminders, e鈥憇ignature nudges, and orchestrated handoffs can be used to keep work moving. The result is hours returned to your staff, faster cycles, fewer corrections, and capacity you can now redirect toward creating client value.

Indeed, a modern workflow backbone transforms both delivery and experience. Cloud鈥慴ased platforms bring real鈥憈ime visibility to tasks, deadlines, and dependencies, giving partners a live view of progress and bottlenecks. Secure client portals create one clean place for uploads, approvals, messages, and payments. And e鈥憇ignatures and digital checklists remove friction from every engagement. Instrumentation 鈥 tracking turnaround, queues, response lag, and rework 鈥 turns daily operations into a continuous improvement engine. Predictability rises, emergencies fall, and clients feel the difference.

People remain the key

Of course, none of this sticks without people. Technology doesn鈥檛 transform firms, people do. You need to make tech fluency a core competency for your team, one that鈥檚 woven into on-boarding, performance, and career paths. Empower champions who pilot tools, share playbooks, and mentor peers so curiosity becomes capability 鈥 and encourage low鈥憆isk experiments, act on feedback, and normalize iteration. You also should recognize teams that deliver real gains in accuracy, speed, and satisfaction. Let culture become the multiplier that unlocks higher returns on your firm鈥檚 tech stack and attracts talent that wants to grow along with your firm.

As compliance work automates, your differentiator with the market and your opening with clients is advisory services. Use analytics to proactively surface trends, opportunities, and exposure before clients ask. Package planning, owner optimization, restructuring, and readiness into clear, repeatable product offers. And as prep time shrinks, retrain staff to lead planning sessions, scenario modeling, and outreach.

Stay close to clients with a thoughtful cadence that tracks milestones and prompts timely conversations. This way, relationships can deepen as revenue diversifies, and your firm earns its place as a strategic partner 鈥 not a seasonal vendor.

Such transformation isn鈥檛 a project 鈥 it鈥檚 a leadership discipline. Proactive leaders of tax, audit & accounting firms need to offer a clear vision, choose a few high鈥憀everage moves, execute in tight loops, and measure what matters.


You can download

a full copy of the 成人VR视频 Institute’s “Harnessing technology and AI for efficiency and growth” by filling out the form below:

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A strategic imperative for audit firms: Transforming workflows with data analytics /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/audit-firms-transforming-workflows/ Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:30:30 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=67176

Key insights

      • Data analytics empowers full-population testing 鈥 Leveraging data analytics is enabling audit firms to move beyond sampling and achieve deeper risk identification, fraud detection, and process optimization.

      • Audit efficiency and client value increase 鈥 Audit firms are advancing through the use of automation, real-time dashboards, and analytics-driven insights that support strategic business advisory, not just compliance.

      • Successful adoption requires investment 鈥 Firms need to put their resources into technology, data governance, and auditor upskilling, which would position firms to lead in a future of continuous, AI-enhanced auditing.


Outside audit firms are experiencing a profound shift as data analytics becomes central to the profession. Leveraging advanced technologies to analyze entire data sets, rather than just samples, enables auditors to deliver more accurate, efficient, and comprehensive engagements. For firms committed to growth and innovation, the use of data analytics is a vital pathway to better risk identification, optimized fieldwork, and expanded advisory capabilities.

Strategic benefits for audit firms

Modern clients expect more from their outside auditors than basic compliance. They look for insights that can help them make strategic business decisions. The use of data analytics enables auditors to go beyond verification, drawing out meaningful observations from trends, anomalies, and key performance indicators. This approach allows firms to provide valuable advice on emerging risks 鈥 such as those in supply chains or revenue cycles 鈥 and pinpoint operational bottlenecks or cash-flow inefficiencies. By viewing audit data through a strategic, advisory lens, auditors can become trusted business partners that deliver value far beyond traditional compliance.

Indeed, audit efficiency also is significantly enhanced through analytics. Fieldwork, often the most labor-intensive part of the audit, is streamlined as automation handles the reconciliation of large volumes of transactions, invoices, and payments. Visual dashboards empower teams to quickly identify high-risk areas, focusing attention where it matters most, rather than relying on fixed checklists. This data-driven prioritization results in more focused audits, broader coverage, and reduced risk of oversight. The time saved can then be invested by audit professionals in addressing higher-order concerns or engaging in more meaningful discussions with clients.


Fieldwork, often the most labor-intensive part of the audit, is streamlined as automation handles the reconciliation of large volumes of transactions, invoices, and payments.


Further, by incorporating analytics into risk management, auditors can transform their ability to detect fraud and other irregularities. Predictive models can highlight patterns that warrant closer scrutiny, such as unusual journal entries or transactions that were processed at odd hours.

These kinds of anomalies are often missed by traditional sampling methods. In an environment in which regulators and clients are increasingly vigilant about fraud, having the tools to identify the early signs of risk not only strengthens audit integrity but also builds client trust and confidence in the firm鈥檚 capabilities.

Implementation considerations for audit firm leaders

Adopting an analytics-driven audit approach requires more than new tools, it demands a comprehensive strategy. Technology infrastructure must be modernized to support secure, integrated data management and visualization. Ensuring data quality is critical, as the accuracy of analytics hinges on structured, reliable client data. This means establishing protocols for data extraction and cleansing while working closely with client IT teams from the outset of each engagement.

Equally important is investing in people. Audit professionals need training not only in the use of analytics tools but also in the interpretation of data and the ability to draw relevant conclusions. New roles, such as audit data specialists or digital audit leads, are emerging as essential. Also, learning and development programs should integrate analytics into continuing professional development, fostering a culture in which data fluency is as valued as technical accounting knowledge. Cross-functional collaboration among auditors, data scientists, and IT specialists is quickly becoming the norm.

Another consideration? Client protection. With greater use of client data comes increased responsibility for ethics, security, and privacy. Firms must implement robust data governance, including strict access controls, encryption, as well as compliance with data protection regulations like the European Union鈥檚 General Data Protection Regulation or California鈥檚 Consumer Privacy Act. Transparent communication with clients about how their data will be used and protected not only ensures compliance but also strengthens the client relationship.


With greater use of client data comes increased responsibility for ethics, security, and privacy.


Forward-thinking audit firms already are embedding analytics into every aspect of their operations 鈥 from pricing models and engagement-scoping to client relationship management. By offering deeper risk assessments and real-time dashboards, firms can win new business and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. Further, automation drives efficiency, reducing the need for non-billable hours and enabling more competitive pricing. With scalable tools and processes, midsize audit firms now can take on larger, more complex clients, expanding their reach and capabilities.

In the long run, a reputation for analytics-driven insight makes a firm more attractive to both clients and top audit talent.

The road ahead: Continuous auditing & AI integration

The future of audit lies in continuous auditing, a process in which transactions are monitored in real time. The integration of AI and machine learning will enable predictive risk alerts, automatic anomaly detection, and context-aware report generation. Firms that invest in these advanced technologies now will be at the forefront of a new, smarter, and more strategic audit paradigm.

Data analytics is not just a technological upgrade 鈥 it鈥檚 a mandate for transforming how audit firms deliver value. By adopting data-driven approaches, firms can provide higher quality audits, richer client insights, and more resilient business models. Those who act decisively today will not only meet current audit challenges but also secure their place as leaders in the profession for the years ahead.


You can find out more about how firms are here

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New report shows tax, audit & accounting firms need to optimize pricing for profitability in 2025 /en-us/posts/tax-and-accounting/tax-firm-pricing-report-2025/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:25:40 +0000 https://blogs.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/?p=67143

Key takeaways:

      • Most tax professionals feel their rates are competitive, but few are confident that those rates reflect the true value of their expertise.

      • Subscription and bundled pricing models lead to greater pricing confidence and more successful price increases.

      • Regular benchmarking, reviews, and transparent client communication are underused but essential methods for aligning pricing with value and market trends.


The manner in which tax, audit & accounting firms price their services is often a complex mixture of accounting, strategy, and intuition. Many firms set their rates based on tradition or perceived market standards. Yet, according to a new report on pricing from the 成人VR视频 Institute, Steps for increased confidence in pricing, there鈥檚 a notable lack of confidence that these fees truly capture the value of the expertise provided.

Jump to 鈫

Steps for increased confidence in pricing

 

Indeed, this pricing confidence gap could be a missed opportunity for firms to improve profitability and enhance their client relationships.

Despite healthy demand, the report found that almost two-thirds of respondents surveyed say their firm saw its revenues rise last year, but less than half experienced an increase in profits. While the vast majority of tax professionals believe their rates are competitive, less than 1-in-5 say they feel certain their pricing reflects the real value they deliver. This suggests that firms may be undervaluing their professionals鈥 expertise and leaving revenue on the table.

Evolving price models

One significant insight from the report is that alternative pricing models can help close this confidence gap. Hourly billing still dominates, accounting for less than half of client arrangements, but models like subscriptions and bundling are gaining traction, the report shows. Subscription pricing, which ties fees directly to ongoing value and offers clients clear expectations and predictable budgets, is clearly associated with higher pricing confidence.

In fact, almost one-third of respondents from firms using subscriptions for most clients say they have high confidence in their pricing, compared to a much smaller percentage of respondents from firms relying on hourly or fixed fees. Although subscription billing has grown by almost four-fold in the past year, it remains significantly underutilized.

tax firm pricing

Bundled services are also proving effective, as the report explains. By packaging offerings into tiered levels based on client needs and complexity, firms can more easily communicate the value of their services. Most respondents from firms offering bundled packages say this has enabled them to raise prices, thanks to improved confidence that their fees align with the value delivered.

Beyond pricing models, the report highlights the importance of market intelligence and data-driven decision-making. Less than one-third of respondents say their firm regularly benchmarks its rates against competitors, often relying instead on informal data sources like websites or trade publications. The report makes the case that robust benchmarking and accurate data give tax, audit & accounting firms the confidence to set fees that are both competitive and justifiable.

Another missed opportunity is the frequency of pricing reviews, according to the report. Most firms review rates annually, but only a small percentage do so quarterly. More frequent reviews allow for quicker adjustments in response to rising costs, regulatory changes, or shifts in service offerings. Even simple mid-year check-ins or pricing health checks against key metrics can prevent margin erosion and ensure firms鈥 pricing strategies stay relevant.

Communication is key

The report also cites how critical client communication and transparency is to effective pricing, noting at less than 1-in-10 respondents say their firm surveys clients about pricing satisfaction, meaning most are missing out on valuable feedback. Regular discussions with clients can help explain pricing structures, provide updates on tax law changes, and ensure that the services offered are aligned with client needs and goals. Demonstrating return on investment (ROI) and value 鈥 something that less than 1-in-5 respondents say their firm currently does 鈥 also helps clients see fees as a worthwhile investment, not just a cost.

As the report makes clear, the path to more profitable and value-driven pricing for tax, audit & accounting firms involves more than just being competitive enough. By adopting flexible pricing models, leveraging better data, conducting regular pricing reviews, and communicating more openly with clients, firms can move closer to a pricing strategy that truly reflects the value of their professionals鈥 expertise and strengthens client relationships.

The ultimate result will be not just improved confidence for the firm鈥檚 tax professional, but also greater profitability and long-term success for the firm itself.


You can download

a full copy of the 成人VR视频 Institute鈥檚 tax, audit & accounting firm pricing report, “Steps-for-increased-confidence-in-pricing” by filling out the form below:

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