Tax professionals are sending a clear message. Adapt to AI or risk losing top talent. A new report from Tolley, part of LexisNexis, reveals that a growing number of tax practitioners are feeling the pressure to embrace AI, and they’re not willing to wait around.
The AI shift is happening – fast
The use of generative AI in tax work is on the rise. According to a survey of over 350 UK tax professionals, AI adoption has climbed from 35% to 40% since May 2024. Even more striking, the number of tax professionals planning to adopt AI has surged from 32% to 49%, while those with no plans to integrate AI has plummeted from 33% to just 8%.
Despite this momentum, firms are struggling to keep up. Nearly half (48%) of tax professionals say their organisation is slow or very slow in adopting new technologies. That sluggishness is having consequences.
Frustration is growing and talent is at risk
Without the right tools and training, tax professionals fear for their careers. More than a third (35%) worry that a lack of AI investment will negatively impact their professional future. For some, it’s a dealbreaker. 1 in 5 say they would consider leaving their organisation if it doesn’t embrace AI.
To drive AI adoption, tax professionals are calling for better support:
- 60% want additional AI training.
- 47% seek clearer communication on AI guidelines.
- 40% need better integration of AI tools into their workflows.
Measuring success
While many businesses are exploring AI, few are effectively tracking its impact. The report found that only 41% of organisations measure AI’s time-saving benefits, and just 21% assess cost savings. Even more concerning, 42% of tax professionals say their firms aren’t tracking any significant AI-related metrics at all.
Invest in AI, invest in people
Jonathan Scriven, Director of Tax Markets at LexisNexis, emphasises the need for a structured approach:
“Although there is a clear desire within the tax profession to expedite the integration of AI technologies into tax workflows, it is evident that many businesses are encountering challenges with implementing technology at speed.
Developing a robust change management strategy is crucial for success. Business leaders must be able to demonstrate the benefits of the technology and offer their teams comprehensive training and guidance to ensure its safe implementation.
The survey clearly indicates that businesses that fail to effectively implement this technology may face challenges in retaining key talent.”
The takeaway?
AI isn’t just a future consideration. It is a necessity. Firms that fail to invest in AI and equip their teams with the right tools and training risk falling behind, both in innovation and talent retention. The tax profession is evolving. Will your organisation keep up?
Read the report here: https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/tolley-tax/tax-ai-report-2025.html
