Free Download
2026 Tax Market Insights & Salary Guide
Our 2026 Tax Market Insight and Salary Guide gives clients and candidates a clear view of the forces reshaping hiring, retention and career decision-making across the tax profession. 627 tax leaders and qualified tax professionals participated within Technology, Manufacturing, Retail, Energy, Private Equity and beyond — from FTSE 100 to high-growth start-ups across the UK, Europe and North America. The findings are clear: the profession is at an inflection point.
Key Highlights
remain in early-stage digitalisation. 72% cite data quality as the primary barrier to automation. Only 3% are making good progress on AI adoption.
struggle to find candidates with tax technology and automation knowledge. The skills that defined success five years ago are no longer sufficient.
say commercial thinking and the ability to influence strategy will define success over the next five years. Technical depth still matters — but it's no longer enough.
plan to prioritise automating compliance and reporting. 47% would fund technology and automation training as their single upskilling initiative.
Comprehensive UK in-house tax salary benchmarks across corporate tax, indirect tax, transfer pricing and employment taxes — including permanent salaries, bonuses and day rates.
"The crossroads isn't about whether to transform. Market forces, regulatory change and technology have already decided that. The crossroads is much simpler and yet harder: will you shape what tax becomes, or adapt to what others decide?"
Bethany Kopiski, Head of Tax Recruitment, The Consultancy Group