Navigating global tax reforms: The importance of technology in compliance

Global tax reforms are reshaping how multinational enterprises manage their obligations, introducing unprecedented complexity into compliance processes. As jurisdictions worldwide implement stringent regulations, businesses must leverage advanced technology to maintain accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory adherence in a more interconnected tax landscape.

  • Understanding the Impact of Global Tax Reforms

The OECD/G20’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) 2.0 framework is a fundamental shift in international taxation, establishing a global minimum tax rate of 15% for multinational enterprises with revenues exceeding €750 million. As of August 2025, 65 countries have either introduced draft legislation or adopted final legislation implementing Pillar Two’s model rules into their national laws. This initiative addresses profit shifting to low-tax jurisdictions whilst guaranteeing fair taxation across borders. The reforms affect large corporations but also create ripple effects throughout supply chains, requiring businesses of all sizes to reassess their tax strategies and compliance frameworks.

  • The Role of Technology in Tax Compliance

Technology has become indispensable for managing modern tax obligations. According to an International Monetary Fund technical note, artificial intelligence offers significant benefits for tax functions, including improved efficiency, accuracy, and the ability to uncover insights from large datasets that would be impractical to analyse manually. Machine learning techniques have been heavily invested in for compliance research and risk analysis since the 2010s, allowing for real-time data processing, error reduction, and streamlined reporting requirements. These technologies allow businesses to automate routine tasks, analyse historical tax data to identify patterns and anomalies, and proactively address compliance challenges. The shift from reactive to proactive compliance saves time and also reduces audit risk.

  • Challenges in Implementing Tax Technology

Despite the clear benefits, businesses face substantial obstacles when integrating tax technology solutions. High implementation costs present a significant barrier, particularly for mid-sized enterprises that lack the capital resources of larger corporations. Data privacy concerns have intensified as systems handle more sensitive financial information across borders, requiring solid security measures and compliance with varying data protection regulations. Additionally, the shortage of skilled personnel who understand both tax requirements and technological systems creates implementation bottlenecks. Successful adoption needs strategic planning, including phased rollouts, training programmes, and partnerships with technology providers who understand the subtleties of international tax compliance.

  • The Role of Global Tax Specialists in Technology Integration

Expert guidance proves critical when implementing tax technology solutions. Engaging with global tax specialists guarantees that technology solutions are tailored to meet specific requirements of international tax regulations whilst aligning with broader business objectives. These professionals bridge the gap between complex regulatory frameworks and technological capabilities, helping organisations choose appropriate platforms, configure systems to address jurisdiction-specific requirements, and establish governance protocols that maintain compliance as regulations evolve. Their expertise becomes particularly valuable when going through the intersection of BEPS 2.0 requirements, digital reporting mandates, and existing enterprise resource planning systems, ensuring seamless integration that enhances rather than disrupts business operations.

The convergence of global tax reforms and technological advancement has created both challenges and opportunities for multinational enterprises. Organisations that invest strategically in compliance technology, supported by expert guidance, position themselves to navigate regulatory complexity whilst maintaining operational efficiency and competitive advantage in an evolving global marketplace.