A new era for tax compliance

The 2025 BDO Global Tax Outlook arrives at a pivotal time. Around the world, tax leaders are managing complex compliance demands amid mounting regulatory change, tighter budgets and faster digitalisation.
 Our latest research reveals how organisations are adapting - investing in technology, upskilling teams, and rethinking the balance between in-house control and outsourced support.

Inside the 2025 report

Based on insights from 500 global tax and finance leaders, the report explores:

• The biggest compliance challenges – from real-time reporting and Pillar Two to increasing enforcement.
• Rising costs and stretched resources – and how hybrid outsourcing models are helping manage both.
• Data as the weakest link – why poor integration, incomplete inputs and communication friction remain major risks.
• AI’s emerging role – where automation delivers results and where human insight still leads.
• Building trust with tax authorities – as scrutiny grows and proactive relationships prove essential.

Key findings

• 66% of businesses expect compliance costs to rise in the next 12 months.
• 61% struggle with missed filing deadlines.
• 71% of companies now outsource at least part of their tax compliance.
• 86% of leaders rate team quality as the top factor when choosing a compliance partner.
• 59% cite data quality as the biggest barrier to successful outsourcing.

What this means for tax leaders

The tax function is evolving from a reactive compliance unit to a strategic business partner. Future-ready teams are:

• Embedding tax risk frameworks across the organisation
• Combining technology and training to stay ahead of digital mandates
• Building trusted partnerships for agility, accuracy and resilience
• Leveraging AI and analytics to drive proactive compliance