Discover how tax leaders are navigating regulatory complexity, managing risk and positioning tax for lasting strategic impact in the year ahead.

Original article published by BDO USA

From influence to impact: how are tax leaders sustaining their strategic role?    

Tax leaders have solidified their role as trusted advisers to the business. Amid frequent regulatory changes, global tax complexity and tariff uncertainty, tax has demonstrated its strategic value beyond a single period of disruption.

The 2026 BDO Tax Strategist Survey reveals that the tax function’s influence is increasingly concentrated in key areas of business strategy. While tax leaders are involved in critical business decisions, gaps in cross-functional collaboration, data infrastructure and operating models are creating risk exposure at a time when expectations have never been higher.

Based on insights from 300 tax executives, this year’s report examines how tax functions are navigating rising complexity and what it will take to translate influence into lasting enterprise value.

Discover key insights on the following topics:

• How are tax leaders focusing their influence across key enterprise decisions?
• What is the greatest source of tax risk and how are teams keeping up?
• How is global tax complexity reshaping cost structures and resourcing models?
• What does year-one adoption of new accounting rules reveal about data and process readiness?
• How are state and local tax fragmentation and tariff volatility increasing compliance pressure?
• How are tax leaders aligning technology, data and operating models to meet growing demands?

Download our report to benchmark your tax function, understand emerging risks and access data-driven insights into how tax leaders are adapting to a new era of complexity.

 

What tax leaders are saying

94% are invited to weigh in before key business decisions are made, and say that their recommendations carry significant weight.

The #1 source of tax risk in the next 12 months will be the inability to keep up with changing regulatory requirements.

92% of tax leaders at multinational enterprises say global tax complexity has substantially increased in the past two years.

86% say implementing tax provisions in OBBBA is a challenge.

79%  plan to increase investment in tax technology, up from 67% last year.

 

How BDO can help

BDO in Indonesia supports organisations in navigating regulatory complexity and managing risk.  Our dedicated team of tax professionals possess a deep understanding of both local regulations and international tax standards and are well-placed to assist organisations in positioning tax for lasting strategic impact in the year ahead.
Contact BDO in Indonesia today to discuss how our tax advisory services can optimise your risk management and ensure long-term fiscal resilience.