Symbiotic dance of tax policy and technology

After nearly a decade entrenched in the world of tax consulting one recurring theme emerges: the symbiotic relationship between tax policy and technology. With each technological leap forward system integrators (SIs) eagerly flock to tax authorities armed with promises of revolutionising tax collection through the power of machine learning predictive analytics and more recently artificial intelligence (AI). While these propositions often lack immediate solutions they serve as glimpses into the realm of possibility for tax departments worldwide.

Indeed the impact of technology on tax department processes is palpable. We witness the emergence of leaner more efficient operations over time. However amid this technological whirlwind tax policy remains a steadfast driving force. It is through improvements in tax policy that greater adoption of new technologies becomes possible.

Antipodean example

Consider the case of the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department a beacon...