Bloomberg BNA released the findings of its survey of over 250 corporate tax executives at public and private corporations nationwide, with 85 percent responding that they their most fundamental challenge in the months to come is potential changes to U.S. federal income tax policy.  The survey also explores other significant challenges facing senior tax professionals in the next 12 to 18 months, including international developments and organizational concerns.

The Trump administration's proposed sweeping overhaul of the tax code is the most commonly cited concern among respondents as they continue to seek guidance on the impact it will have on their companies, with apprehension over potential bottom-line impacts. Over half of all respondents have unease over potential developments including include the implementation of a border adjustment tax, the implementation of a territorial system or limitations on interest deductions.

On the international front, country-by-country reporting requirements loom as a challenge for over six in ten tax practitioners — nearly half of all respondents said the same for the implementation of such rules.  And nearly three in ten respondents' companies plan to operate in more international jurisdictions in the year ahead, which creates additional compliance requirements for tax departments.

However, not all tax managers' concerns are attributable to external issues, with organizational challenges a barrier to success, most notably lack of alignment between their accounting systems and their tax compliance or provision processes.  With the possibility of a federal tax overhaul looming ahead, over half of all tax managers (52 percent) expect no change in staffing levels while 40 percent are looking to add personnel. And on the horizon for many tax departments are mergers and acquisitions as the vast majority of respondents (81 percent) expect their companies to pursue corporate transactions in the year ahead. 

"As highlighted by the survey's findings, corporate tax professionals are facing a wealth of challenges as they look to prepare their businesses for what could be seismic changes," said George Farrah, Editorial Director, Bloomberg BNA's Tax & Accounting division.  "Whether those changes are to international, federal or even state tax regimes, Bloomberg BNA's extensive collection of resources — from news and analysis to practice tools —will help tax departments comply with potential changes and best plan to mitigate risk and seize opportunities."