Five factors shaping the future of tax

What’s important to the tax executive in 2025

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How tax executives can unlock greater C‑suite influence

For today’s tax executive, the only certainty is uncertainty. In 2025, key individual provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 expire, and changing TCJA international provisions could result in US corporate and individual tax increases. Pillar Two, an expected uptick in controversy and mounting compliance demands will further pressure tax teams with insufficient bench strength. But these unresolved issues also create an opportunity for you to expand your C-suite influence by demonstrating how tax factors into all business decisions, from credits and incentives to private equity and M&A.

In the spotlight

Tax bills not the only thing at stake as new risks loom

A Trump White House likely closes the door to concerns about a significantly higher corporate tax rate. Tax leaders had been worried about an increase to the corporate rate and considered potentially cutting labor costs, relocating revenue-generating activities outside the US or both, according to our October Pulse Survey. While a major increase in the corporate tax rate is likely off the table, the government will still be looking for ways to offset some of the cost of extending the individual tax relief that expires at the end of 2025. With so many issues on the table, tax leaders will want to stay focused on 2025 — a year for significant "must-pass" tax legislation.

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What to focus on in 2025

Tax policy

Expect even more legislative and regulatory change

Your team needs to be poised for inevitable changes in 2025 — or potentially 2026 — as lawmakers wrestle with US and global tax policies before key TCJA individual tax provisions expire Dec. 31, 2025. Without action, key corporate rates are scheduled to automatically increase in 2026, including:

  • Global intangible low-taxed income (GILTI) from 10.5% to 13.125%
  • Base erosion and anti-abuse tax (BEAT) from 10% to 12.5%
  • Foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) rate from 13.125% to 16.4%

On the global stage, companies are establishing processes to comply with Pillar Two requirements and to plan for the potential of key US international business rate increases taking effect. Now is the time to model scenarios and detail the impact that policy choices may have on your company and the broader economy.

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Compliance

Prepare for an uptick in tax controversy

Countries are intensifying their search for revenue, leading to an unprecedented surge in tax authority audits and litigation. US federal, state and foreign governments are escalating their efforts, with jurisdictions increasingly coordinating and sharing information. This growing demand for transparency heightens the risk of reputational damage. An adverse dispute can attract greater scrutiny from tax authorities and strain relationships with other regulatory bodies.

Stay ahead of potential issues by boosting operational efficiency and leveraging technology for scenario planning. AI can assist in identifying and tracking evolving tax regulations. If there are gaps in in-house talent, processes or technology, a tax controversy managed services provider can help develop a strategic approach across the entire tax life cycle from planning to provision and compliance to controversy.

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Capital markets

Guard against tax surprises in private capital

Corporations aren’t the only entities bracing for tax changes in 2025. Tax executives at private companies and in private capital — from private equity and venture capital to real estate — could also be affected. Portfolio companies, for example, could still face potential corporate tax rate increases and Pillar Two.

Navigating these challenges requires discussions on operating models to help to control costs, structuring transactions for tax efficiency, identifying potential savings and managing compliance. Although deal activity has remained sluggish in 2024, the focus on value creation remains strong with investors eager to put cash to work.

Tax can be integrated into the strategy at every stage of the investment cycle, considering each global location. Effective tax planning can enhance liquidity, for example, and directly impact return on investment (ROI).

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Understand your current tax footprint to determine where potential changes in legislation would require you to {take action}.

Workforce

Find new ways to develop and retain talent

It can be challenging to develop and retain a core base of talent as industry reports show that the number of CPAs continues to decline. In other instances, hiring freezes and layoffs may also reduce the number of tax professionals. To position your function for success, consider how you can help your team build a diverse skillset, look for professionals with nontraditional experience like technologists, project managers and data analysts, and equip all your staff with the right technology. For example, data automation tools can coalesce real-time data from enterprise-wide platforms for better decision-making, while generative AI and other emerging technology can help deliver efficiencies.

Managed services, outsourcing or co-sourcing models can also provide access to additional talent, processes and technology to help fill the gaps in your tax department.

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Strategy

Expand your influence by enhancing cashflow

Tax is becoming a central focus in business decision-making as the C-suite seeks timely insights to guide investment decisions, explore new markets and identify cash sources. Strategically leveraging tax incentives and re-evaluating your tax accounting methods could help you reduce operating costs, increase the ROI and improve cash flow.

Research and development credits can fuel innovation, while green incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act can fund sustainability initiatives. Monetization provisions, such as direct payment and transferability of tax credits, offer alternative financing structures for investments. However, fragmented data sources or outdated systems may impede the information gathering necessary to be a strategic business partner. By investing in technology for modeling and analytics, you can accelerate decision-making, meet increasing compliance demands and strengthen your relationships across the enterprise.

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