Tax Professionals Remain Critical as Over 50% of Americans Seek Expert Review for Filings Amid AI Advancements

New York, NY – The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into tax preparation is enhancing efficiency but simultaneously underscoring the indispensable role of human expertise, according to Gavin Nachbar, Co-Founder and CEO of Column Tax. Nachbar highlighted that over half of American taxpayers currently file with a tax professional, a figure that has steadily increased over the past five years, contrasting with a decline in do-it-yourself (DIY) filing.

"AI is making the human part of tax filing more important, not less," stated Gavin Nachbar in a recent social media post. He added, "AI will streamline data entry and repetitive tasks, but it won’t solve the core problem for many taxpayers."

Column Tax, a fintech company focused on democratizing access to tax and financial advice, is addressing this evolving landscape with its "Expert Review" product. This offering combines automated data ingestion, powered by AI, with the assurance of human professional oversight. The company aims to provide a filing experience that leverages technology for efficiency while delivering confidence through certified experts.

The "Expert Review" service connects users with tax professionals from leading firms, ensuring accurate returns, timely filing, and maximized refunds. This approach acknowledges that despite technological advancements, many taxpayers still seek the peace of mind and personalized guidance that only an expert can provide, particularly for complex financial situations. Column Tax, which raised a $21.7 million Series A round led by Bain Capital Ventures, offers its API-first tax filing solutions by embedding them into existing financial applications, partnering with mobile banks and fintech companies.

Nachbar emphasized that the next era of tax filing will be characterized by this dual approach. "The next era of filing will be defined by efficiency powered by AI, with confidence delivered by professionals when filers want it," he explained. This strategy positions Column Tax to cater to a broad spectrum of filers, from those comfortable with DIY methods to those who prefer expert assistance.