2026 Global Tax Market Assessment
The 12th Annual Global Tax Market Assessment
Presented by TaxTalent
Download the Full Report Download the Executive Summary
Executive Summary
Introducing the 12th Annual Global Tax Market Assessment (GTMA) from TaxTalent, TaxSearch, TaxForce, and BPA. This year’s report provides forward-looking insights into the trends shaping the tax profession across staffing, retention, and talent development.
Each year, the GTMA reviews the accuracy of prior predictions and delivers actionable guidance for navigating a rapidly evolving tax landscape. For 2025, the profession is being shaped by major shifts in tax leadership expectations, demographic and talent supply challenges, the growing influence of private equity, rapid advancements in AI and technology, and increasing economic and political uncertainty.
This report equips tax professionals with the insight needed to guide Finance and HR leadership in today’s environment. Below are the top four takeaways for 2025:
U.S. & Global Predictions
Across industries and company sizes, the role of the tax leader is expanding. Technical excellence remains essential, but it no longer differentiates top performers. CFOs and CEOs increasingly expect Heads of Tax to:
- Communicate clearly with non-technical executives
- Act as strategic advisors on business growth, risk, and transformation
- Lead and develop teams in an increasingly competitive talent market
Middle-market companies are now competing directly with multinationals for leadership talent, tightening succession pipelines across the board. Globally, political volatility, aggressive tax authorities, and increased scrutiny have amplified expectations even further. In this environment, leaders who can interpret data, influence senior stakeholders, and guide technology-enabled transformation will be best positioned for success in 2026.
2. Demographics, Talent Supply, and the Private Equity Impact
Demographic pressure is no longer theoretical — it is here. Baby boomers continue to exit the workforce, and a growing share of Gen X leaders are accelerating retirement plans. At the same time, fewer early-career professionals are entering the field, intensifying competition for experienced talent.
Adding to this, private equity investment in major accounting firms is poised to reshape the traditional talent pipeline that feeds corporate tax departments. Potential impacts include:
- Increased offshoring and outsourcing
- Rising cost structures
- More professionals opting for corporate roles as firms reorganize
To stay ahead, tax leaders will need to strengthen succession planning, expand development efforts, and proactively address compensation expectations.
Around the world, skill shortages and limited mobility are pushing organizations toward more structured workforce strategies, including interim leadership, flexible staffing models, and better forecasting of future talent needs.
3. Technology, AI, and Data Consistency
AI and automation are moving quickly, but the tax function is still in the early stages of understanding how — and where — to deploy these tools responsibly. Missteps can be costly. Budget cuts or headcount reductions tied to untested technology increase operational and compliance risk.
AI can organize and process data, but it cannot apply business judgment, assess risk, or communicate intent.
As a result:
- Governance and validation remain essential
- Alignment with IT is no longer optional
- Companies must maintain a consistent and reliable Single Source of Truth
Meanwhile, tax authorities globally are embracing technology even faster than corporations. Audits are increasingly data-driven, pattern-based, and automated. This shift raises the bar for data quality, documentation, and standardized reporting processes.
Many companies will need new or expanded partnerships with external consultants to manage and implement evolving tax-technology solutions.
4. Economic and Political Uncertainty
Higher interest costs and tighter budgets are pushing governments to use tax policy more aggressively, raising the level of political scrutiny for corporations. Tariffs, customs enforcement, global tax reform, and shifting trade dynamics all add complexity.
Despite this volatility, multinationals have shown resilience — and those that adapt quickly may find new opportunities as conditions stabilize.
For tax departments, the most significant implications include:
- Increased enforcement and audit risk
- Pressure to deliver more with fewer resources
- Heightened need for scenario planning and real-time visibility
- Rising expectations for cross-functional collaboration
The most effective tax leaders in 2026 will pair technical expertise with strategic influence — engaging policymakers, interpreting political intent, and helping their organizations anticipate and shape future tax policy.
Non-U.S. Predictions
Interested in learning about the 2026 forecasted trends throughout the rest of the world?
Barrie Pallen and Will Sheppard, Directors at BPA Search, are offering private meetings with those who wish to discuss Non-U.S. tax issues further. Please email Will directly at will@bpasearch.co.uk to schedule a meeting.
Questions???
The teams at TaxTalent, TaxSearch, TaxForce, and BPA will be available to discuss any questions you may have around these topics. Please reach out to Jake Tuchmann and he will direct you to one of our team members.
Stay Up To Date With Industry Trends
TaxTalent delivers accurate, relevant, and timely data for tax professionals and the departments they lead. Membership includes free access to expert coaches, mentors, resources, content, and valuable tools for both career and leadership growth.