Survey of 1,000 accountants finds 60% of firms now use AI-powered tax research, up from 33% in 2025

TORONTO and NEW YORK (June 8, 2026) Blue J, the leading AI-powered tax research solution, and CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, today released the second annual AI Tax Research Solution Outlook Report, examining how AI-powered tax research adoption is reshaping accounting firms and changing how practitioners work.

Based on a survey of more than 1,000 tax professionals across the United States, practitioners are no longer experimenting with AI — they’re increasingly relying on it as a core part of their workflows and broader firm transformation strategies.

Key findings from the report include:

• AI-powered tax research adoption has nearly doubled over the past year. 60% of respondents now use AI for tax research at least weekly, up from 33% in 2025. At the same time, the percentage of firms considering adopting AI in the near future has risen to 32%.
• AI is now embedded across different workflows. Respondents are using AI across a wide range of applications. Advisory projects (44%) and tax planning (40%) lead the list, with compliance research (39%), document analysis (36%), and drafting (35%) close behind.
• AI is changing practitioners’ relationships with time and people. 84% of respondents agree AI saves time, and many are focusing on reinvesting that time towards people: 50% toward improving client response and delivery timelines, 47% toward staff work-life balance and 46% toward delivering higher-quality advice.
• AI is changing how practitioners bill. As AI commodifies routine tax knowledge, 69% of respondents anticipate moving to a value-based, hybrid, or fixed-fee billing model.

"A year ago, we were talking about how AI-powered tax research adoption was rising. Now we’re past the tipping point," said Benjamin Alarie, CEO and co-founder of Blue J. "What we’re seeing now is AI humanizing the profession by giving practitioners the time and headspace to exercise their judgment, engage more deeply with clients, and step into the role of trusted advisors."

At the heart of these findings is the human shift. As AI takes on more of the routine work of tax research, practitioners are gaining time to focus on the uniquely human contributions AI can’t replace which includes judgment, relationships, and the kind of personalized advice that turns a one-time transaction into lasting client partnership.

"We're seeing a change in what clients are looking for,” said Matt Brewer, Tax Partner & National Tax Software and Automation Leader, at Sorren. “They're looking a lot more for that trusted advisor, that relationship. With the old processes, people are so bogged down in compliance that it's really hard to find the time to address that need. AI is freeing up our staff to move up quicker — and ultimately elevate them to become that client-facing relationship builder and build that trust with the client."

“AI-powered tax research is quickly becoming foundational to the modern tax workflow,” said Brandon Allfrey, senior director, Tax Transformation at CPA.com. “As firms advance their tax transformation strategies, AI is helping practitioner deliver more proactive, higher-value advisory services. Working alongside innovators like Blue J, we’re seeing firms reimagine how tax work gets done — creating new opportunities for growth, talent development and stronger client relationships.”

CPA.com continues to support firms navigating broader tax transformation efforts through its tax advisory services initiatives, including ongoing research, benchmarking and thought leadership focused on workflow modernization, technology adoption and advisory evolution. Firms interested in benchmarking their own tax transformation strategies and technology adoption can participate in CPA.com’s Tax Transformation Benchmark Survey.

The full report is available now for download at www.cpa.com/2026-ai-report.

About Blue J
Blue J is the leading AI-powered tax research solution, delivering defensible tax answers in seconds—all backed by a rigorously curated content library. Founded in 2015, Blue J is trusted by thousands of organizations, including Big Four firms and Fortune 100 companies. With over 8 million tax questions answered to date, Blue J empowers tax professionals to spend less time researching and more time applying their judgment where it matters most.

About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

Top 25 U.S. accounting firm uses DAS to equip professionals with intelligence, confidence and the tools to grow into trusted advisors from day one

NEW YORK (June 3, 2026) – Caseware, the leading AI platform for assurance and financial reporting software, today announced that Withum, one of the most innovative and technology-forward accounting firms in the United States, has built its audit practice on the Dynamic Assurance Solution (DAS). As an early adopter of DAS, the firm is harnessing the platform’s transformative methodology, engagement-aware intelligence and integrated platform to drive efficiency, develop its professionals, and deliver higher quality audits.

Withum has deployed the DAS Suite, including DAS, DAS PCR and DAS EBP, to support the firm’s audit and assurance practice transformation. The firm currently has more than 1,000 active users on the platform and has completed more than 6,000 engagements to date.

DAS operates within the Caseware AI ecosystem, where workflow-native intelligence, methodology and engagement data are unified across the end-to-end audit lifecycle. It delivers a fully integrated solution that connects risk assessment and responses to audit workflows within a single system of record. Powered by a transformative methodology, developed by the AICPA in partnership with audit professionals from leading firms, DAS enables a data- and risk-driven audit approach that eliminates the need for disconnected tools, while enabling greater efficiency, audit quality and client value.

An AI platform built for firms that lead

Across Withum's audit practice, team members recognized the power of DAS immediately — and the results have been measurable from day one. Tasks that once took hours are being streamlined, allowing for gains in both efficiency and effectiveness. Professionals at each level are spending time on what matters most, enabling a higher-value auditor and client experience.  

Equally important to Withum is how DAS helps develop its people. By embedding contextual, engagement-aware intelligence directly into the workflow, the platform enables practitioners to build genuine understanding from their earliest engagements, learning not just what to do, but why and how it relates to the professional standards. A first-year auditor can now understand disclosure checklist requirements, trace outputs to supporting evidence, and develop the judgment that makes them a trusted advisor, faster.

“Embracing new technology is part of the Withum way. The team’s response since day one has been overwhelmingly positive. Tasks that used to take hours are being streamlined, and professionals at every level are signing off with real confidence. DAS gives our staff the tools to grow into trusted advisors earlier in their careers.” — Kevin McElgunn, Audit Partner and Team Leader Digital Audit Solutions, Withum

David Marquis, chief executive officer at Caseware said, “Withum has long set the bar for what a technology-forward audit practice looks like. They need a platform that can match their ambition and deliver intelligence embedded directly in the engagement, delivering value from the moment it’s deployed. DAS was built for exactly that standard. We’re thrilled that Withum has chosen to build their agentic future on the Caseware Verity AI Platform and look forward to partnering with them as they continue to lead the profession forward.”

Dedicated training and implementation support Withum’s audit transformation journey

Kalil Merhib, executive vice president, Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, commented, "Withum came in knowing exactly what they wanted. Our role was making sure they could get there fast and get there right — building a program that matched their pace and ensured every professional was confident from day one. When a firm is this prepared, the focus shifts from change management to velocity."

Looking ahead, Withum plans to expand its use of Caseware’s Verity AI platform. They participated in the testing of the recently launched Verity Disclosure Checklist Agent which automates the review of financial statements, generating citation-backed suggestions auditors can review, refine, accept or override directly within the DAS audit engagement workflow, saving 2.7 review hours per workflow on average. Additional AI-powered tools, including award-winning Extractly and Validate, will extend its use of embedded intelligence across its end-to-end engagement workflow.

About Withum
Withum is a forward-thinking, technology-driven advisory and accounting firm, committed to helping clients be in a position of strength. Withum’s services include audit and assurance, tax, and a wide range of advisory services. With over 3,500 professionals across offices in major markets, Withum serves a diverse range of clients across industries including industrial and consumer products, technology, financial services, not for profit, real estate, healthcare and life sciences. For more information, visit withum.com.

About Caseware
Caseware is the leading global AI platform for accounting professionals, serving 23,000+ firms in over 130 countries. Caseware’s platform powers audit, financial reporting, and compliance workflows for firms of every size — from regional practices to the world’s largest networks. Caseware enables the world of audit and accounting to unlock efficiency, deliver excellence and grow with confidence. Through precision, partnership and innovation, we are powering trust in the global economy.  

About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

Prominent US Top 25 accounting firm selects DAS to deliver efficiency, innovation and quality at scale

NEW YORK, April 21, 2026: Caseware, a global leader in AI-powered audit and financial reporting software, today announced that Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI), one of the largest accounting firms in the United States, will adopt the full Dynamic Audit Solution (DAS) Suite of applications. This milestone win marks a significant step in CRI's transformation to a cloud-first, technology-driven audit practice.

The agreement will see CRI deploy the complete DAS Suite, which includes DAS, DAS PCR and DAS EBP, as well as Caseware's Taxflow and Sherlock, to support assurance and advisory practice transformation, with a full US rollout beginning in summer 2026.

DAS is built on the Caseware platform and is the profession's most advanced and only fully integrated, end-to-end suite of cloud-based audit solutions. Powered by a transformative methodology developed by the AICPA in partnership with audit professionals from leading firms, DAS reimagines the audit process with a data- and risk-driven approach that enhances efficiency, promotes a higher quality audit, and deepens the use of data to strengthen value delivered to clients.

DAS continues to gain ground across the Top 100 firms

Ranked among the top 25 accounting firms in the US, CRI is widely recognized as an innovative, technology-forward firm. The decision to transition to Caseware's integrated cloud environment reflects a firm-wide commitment to modernization by centralizing operations and enhancing security as CRI continues to grow through acquisitions, positioning the firm to scale significantly over the next two years.

Key factors in CRI's decision included confidence in Caseware's product vision and AI roadmap, AICPA's transformative DAS methodology, and the strategic partnership with CPA.com. The firm was looking for a partner that could help them secure an end-to-end workflow in an agentic world – and found that in Caseware. This, combined with the implementation expertise provided through CPA.com, will enable CRI to deliver greater client insights and enhance both the client and auditor experience.

Driving efficiency and audit quality

Prior to adopting the DAS Suite, as powered by Caseware, CRI faced challenges common to high-growth firms: time-intensive file management, inefficiencies in testing and risk assessment and the operational complexity of scaling across a rapidly expanding client base. DAS delivers an end-to-end, single workflow audit experience that dynamically leverages data from client acceptance through reporting and lockdown, streamlining engagement flow, enabling effective risk assessment, reducing redundancy and supporting integrations while promoting quality.

Bill Carr, chairman at Carr, Riggs & Ingram commented, "At CRI, we're building a firm that's ready for what's next and that means investing in technology that doesn't just keep pace but leads the way. This collaboration will give us the efficiency and insight we need to deliver higher quality audits at scale, with Caseware's AI platform providing the foundation that supports our ambitious growth plans."

David Marquis, chief executive officer at Caseware said, "CRI chose Caseware because of our shared belief that AI-powered audit must be built on a foundation of trust, governance and professional integrity - not just capability. That conviction is at the heart of everything we build, and we are proving that transformation at scale is not only possible but repeatable. Through our partnership with CPA.com, we're able to deliver the implementation rigor, change management and platform depth that firms like CRI need to move with confidence. We are excited to be part of CRI's journey and look forward to supporting them every step of the way."

Dedicated training and implementation to support CRI's audit transformation journey

CPA.com played a critical and hands-on role throughout the CRI adoption journey to develop and collaborate with CRI on a comprehensive data migration plan, implementation program and training curriculum. Specializing in firm enablement and practice strategies, CPA.com will deliver the change management expertise to help CRI's leadership communicate and navigate the transition across its firm - from technology adoption strategy through to user readiness.

Kalil Merhib, executive vice president, Growth & Professional Services at CPA.com, commented, "CRI's adoption of the DAS suite reflects the accelerating momentum behind modernizing the audit. CPA.com is committed to supporting CRI through every stage of their transformation; from planning and implementation consulting to data migration evaluation, change management and end-user training - ensuring their team is equipped to succeed in a modern audit environment."

Looking ahead, CRI plans to expand its use of Caseware's platform with additional AI-powered tools, including award-winning Extractly and Validate, further embedding intelligence across its end-to-end engagement workflow.

About Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI)

Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) is a nationally ranked, top 25 accounting and advisory firm committed to cultivating growth through valued relationships. With a full spectrum of services - from traditional accounting to advanced business, technology, and assurance solutions - CRI empowers clients nationwide to achieve a competitive edge, guided by local, trusted advisors. For more information about CRI, please visit CRIadv.com.

About Caseware

Caseware is the leading global AI platform for accounting professionals, serving 23,000+ firms in over 130 countries. Caseware's platform powers audit, financial reporting, and compliance workflows for firms of every size — from regional practices to the world's largest networks. Caseware enables the world of audit and accounting to unlock efficiency, deliver excellence and grow with confidence. Through precision, partnership and innovation, we are powering trust in the global economy.

About CPA.com

CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

Respondents who complete the survey will gain access to in-depth, individualized data to help shape their CAS practice strategies

NEW YORK (April 20, 2026) – CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, is currently accepting responses to the bi-annual CPA.com and AICPA PCPS Client Advisory Services (CAS) Benchmark Survey, which aims to understand the transformation and growth of the client advisory services practice area.

The survey is open to practitioners and firm leaders offering transactional accounting through advisory services in the U.S., regardless of firm size.

The 2026 survey will help firms benchmark their successes, identify areas for improvement, and create new goals that drive practice transformation. Participants will receive extensive data to assess how they compare to peer firms and the highest-performing practices in the country. The insight will help CAS practices identify where they are excelling, areas for improvement and key KPIs and benchmarks to apply moving forward.

Survey responses will be accepted through late June.

Only survey participants will receive robust, individualized comparison data. A summary of key survey insights will be included in the 2026 CAS Benchmark Survey report that will be released later this year.

For more information or to get started, please visit the CPA.com CAS Benchmark Survey page.

About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.

Tax transformation leader to help firms navigate emerging technologies and modern service models

NEW YORK, NY (March 10, 2026) — CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, announced that Brandon Allfrey, CPA, CGMA has joined the organization as Senior Director, Tax Transformation. Allfrey brings extensive experience in tax practice leadership and technology-driven transformation that will further advance the organization’s efforts to support firms in the shift from compliance-only tax services toward higher-value, advisory-driven offerings.

In this new role, Allfrey will drive CPA.com’s tax transformation vision, leading practice development and service delivery strategies enabled by technology to help firms modernize their tax practices, improve efficiency and unlock new growth opportunities.

Prior to joining CPA.com, Allfrey served as a partner and tax practice area leader at Squire & Company, a Top 100 firm, where he directed firmwide tax transformation initiatives and technology adoption strategies. He has also held volunteer leadership roles with the AICPA, including the Tax Practice Management Committee, and is a graduate of the AICPA Leadership Academy.

“Early in my career, I saw firsthand how technology can elevate the quality and effectiveness of tax services. Since then, I’ve focused on reimagining how firms bring together their people, processes, and technology,” said Allfrey. “I’m excited to help firms strengthen their role as trusted advisors through emerging technologies, modern service models, and advisory-focused mindsets that shape the future of tax.”

To learn more, visit www.CPA.com.

About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.