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The future of in-house tax is creative, connected, and tech-powered. But it’s also complex, fast-changing, and demanding. Continuous learning isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation...
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Knowledge-sharing and cross-functional alignment are now mission-critical for in-house tax teams. Whether it's navigating regulatory changes, embedding new technology, or supporting cross-functional...
Tax functions are undergoing a quiet revolution. Once back-office compliance engines, they’re evolving into commercial operators, powered by data, technology, and strong internal operations. Operational...
The future of in-house tax is creative, connected, and tech-powered. But it’s also complex, fast-changing, and demanding. Continuous learning isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation of a successful tax career in 2025 and beyond.
The majority of in-house tax teams are stepping into strategic territory, partnering with the business, driving value, and influencing commercial decisions. According to the In-house Tax Technology Report 2025, the next generation of tax leaders must know their tech stack as well as they know the tax code. And that means learning is critical.
Tax teams are grappling with a more intricate global environment than ever. Nearly two-thirds (61%) of survey respondents cite cross-border complexity as the biggest shift in how they work. Add to that evolving regulations (51%) and cybersecurity concerns (57%), and it’s clear: technical knowledge needs constant refreshing.
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Tax professionals can no longer rely solely on their qualifications. They must stay sharp, agile, and informed.
Technology is now a permanent fixture in the in-house tax toolkit. More than half (51%) of tax professionals expect tech skills to become more important over the next one to three years. Yet despite this, 57% say embedding new tech is the slowest-moving part of their job.
That lag highlights a skills gap. Bridging it means tax professionals must develop digital fluency, understanding not just the tools, but the logic behind them.
As Peter Dobson, Group Head of Tax at Amey, puts it:
“A successful tax function needs to understand architecture and operations… not just use the tools, but shape how they’re used.”
Tax doesn’t operate in isolation anymore. Teams must work with IT, finance, and operations to deliver results. But 32% of in-house tax professionals say communication with other departments is slow. And only 28% feel their cross-functional conversations are fast.
Training helps close these gaps. It builds the confidence to speak the language of other departments, explain tax impacts clearly, and become a trusted voice in commercial discussions.
“The most impactful tax professionals are finding creative ways to solve problems, structure solutions, and support fast-moving commercial decisions,” says Jonathan Scriven of LexisNexis.
Strong leadership is less about memorising legislation and more about strategic thinking, commercial insight, and stakeholder influence. Communication (53%), attention to detail (53%) and commercial awareness (32%) are now the top traits of a successful tax leader.
These aren’t fixed traits. They’re skills that can be honed through training, mentoring, and real-world experience.
And as AI reshapes the tax landscape, these human skills become even more valuable. As routine tasks are automated, it’s the strategic, creative, commercially minded professionals who will drive transformation.
“Hopefully AI will be able to do some of the work we do,” one tax professional commented, “and give us more time to focus on strategy and advice.”
Continuous development doesn’t mean sitting in a classroom all year. It means creating habits of curiosity and growth. Here’s how leading tax teams are doing it:
In-house tax is no longer just about interpreting regulations. It’s about shaping outcomes. That shift demands continuous development, technical, digital, and strategic. The most effective professionals will embrace change, pursue learning with intent, and lead from the front.