Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept (you know, like in 2001: A Space Odyssey)—it’s here, and it’s already reshaping industries from law to finance to retail. For tax and accounting professionals, AI presents the opportunity to improve compliance, keep clients happier, and free time for strategic advisory work. But where do you begin?

Below are 10 actionable tips for integrating AI into your tax or accounting firm right now.

1. Identify Key Workflow Bottlenecks

The first step is to evaluate which tasks consume the most time or resources—think repetitive data entry, document review, or client onboarding. Pinpointing these pain points helps you understand how artificial intelligence systems can best help your practice.

Pro Tip: Start with one or two targeted use cases (e.g., automating invoice categorization) before rolling out AI solutions more widely.

2. Choose Tools that Fit Your Specialty

Because you deal with sensitive data for your clients – and because tax laws change quickly – it’s imperative to choose AI tools that are designed specifically for professionals in your field. CountingWorks PRO’s MAX, for example, is regularly trained on tax code changes and was built by tax pros for tax pros.

3. Prioritize Security and Compliance

Due to the personal nature of the data you handle in your tax office, any AI solution you adopt must adhere to robust security standards—especially regarding data encryption and user access controls. Additionally, ensure the tool follows relevant regulations (like GDPR if you serve European clients).

4. Keep the Human in the Loop

Even the best AI tools are the most effective when you consider them a partner in your practice – NOT a replacement for your human expertise. Implement a hybrid approach where AI handles busy work, but you still sign off on final decisions or critical reviews. This “human in the loop” system reinforces trust with your clients and gives you peace of mind.

Pro Tip: Establish clear review protocols. For example, if an AI tool flags a potential deduction, a senior accountant should verify it before finalizing a return.

5. Train Your Team

If you’re a solo practitioner, the decision to introduce AI into your practice is yours and yours alone. But, in tax offices that have a staff, rolling out AI solutions should be a team effort. Provide adequate training so your team understands the capabilities and limitations of new tools like MAX. Encourage open communication—your team may have innovative ideas about how to use artificial intelligence based on their personal workflows or interactions with your clients.

Pro Tip: Consider designating an “AI champion” on staff to lead the onboarding process, track usage, and share best practices.

6. Document Everything

As artificial intelligence regulations evolve worldwide, maintaining clear documentation of your AI usage can help protect your firm. Keep logs of which tools are employed, under what circumstances, and how final decisions are made. This could become essential if you ever face compliance inquiries or client disputes.

7. Keep a Client-Centric Perspective

Clients value accountability, especially when algorithms are involved. Transparently explain how AI aids your process—for instance, “We use an AI tool to scan for potential tax credits, and then our CPAs review each result. This saves you money in the long run.” This helps clients see how technology supports, rather than replaces, your professional expertise – and, in the end, is beneficial for their bottom line!

8. Review Applicable Vendor Agreements and SLAs

Vendors of AI solutions typically provide service-level agreements (SLAs) and data privacy clauses. Read these carefully. Clarify who owns the data, how backups are handled, and the vendor’s liability in case any breaches or errors occur.

9. Measure Client Satisfaction

AI adoption shouldn’t be a “set it and forget it” scenario. Track metrics such as reduced turnaround time on deliverables, fewer client complaints, or hours saved per project. Similarly, gauge client feedback to understand the effect that AI-enabled processes are having on the tax and accounting services you provide.

Pro Tip: Run A/B tests. For instance, you might compare how long it takes to complete a certain task with AI versus a manual approach to quantify efficiency gains.

10. Stay Abreast of Tech Shifts

AI itself is evolving quickly, and so are the rules governing its use. Keep an eye on IRS announcements, state-level tax authorities, and professional bodies like the AICPA, which may potentially issue guidance on responsible AI use. Staying informed helps you remain compliant—and positions your firm as a local leader.

Pro Tip: Subscribe to relevant newsletters or alerts so you’ll be among the first to know about any regulatory changes that affect AI in tax and accounting.

For accountants, AI is not about cutting corners – it’s about freeing valuable time to do what you do best: applying professional judgment and delivering strategic advice that drives client success. By responsibly using AI—focusing on security, compliance, and a balanced integration—you’ll set your practice on the road to success for years to come.

Now’s the time to explore how AI can augment (not replace) your role, transforming time-consuming tasks into opportunities for deeper insights and stronger client relationships. Schedule a MAX demo today.