KPMG Launches New Tax AI Accelerator Program

On February 3, 2026, KPMG LLP announced the launch of its Tax AI Accelerator Program, a strategic initiative designed to help corporate tax departments bridge the gap between AI experimentation and full-scale operational integration.

As tax leaders face mounting pressure to address talent shortages and manage increasing regulatory complexity, the program provides a structured path for implementing Generative AI (GenAI) into daily tax workflows. Duke Energy was unveiled as the first major participant in the program, utilizing the accelerator to manage the high tax complexity inherent in the regulated utility sector.

The Accelerator Framework: Scaling AI in Tax

The program moves beyond “off-the-shelf” solutions, focusing on building a bespoke AI foundation tailored to the specific data and regulatory needs of each enterprise.

Hands-on Training & Upskilling: The program includes intensive workshops and training sessions to help tax professionals develop practical AI skills, moving from manual data handling to AI-driven interpretation and strategy.
Custom Use Case Design: KPMG works with participants to identify and implement company-specific use cases, such as automated tax classification, indirect tax determination (VAT/GST), and real-time regulatory monitoring.
The “Digital Gateway” Integration: The accelerator leverages the KPMG Digital Gateway, a cloud-based platform that allows tax teams to deploy virtual assistants, automate document generation, and collaborate across global jurisdictions.

Strategic Pillars of the 2026 Initiative

The program is built on four core pillars intended to transform the tax function from a cost center into a strategic business enabler.

Pillar	Focus Area	Expected Business Outcome
Trusted AI Governance	Ethics, transparency, and regulatory alignment.	Ensures AI outputs are fair, explainable, and compliant with global tax laws.
Operational Efficiency	Automating routine reconciliations and data modeling.	Frees up senior tax talent to focus on high-value planning and risk management.
Risk Management	Real-time pattern recognition and anomaly detection.	Proactively identifies tax risks and opportunities that may be missed by human review.
Strategic Storytelling	Converting complex data into narrative insights.	Enhances communication with stakeholders and tax authorities using AI-generated visualizations.

Industry Adoption: The Duke Energy Case

By joining the Tax AI Accelerator, Duke Energy is positioning itself as a leader in the digital transformation of the utility back office.

Complexity Management: For a multi-state utility, AI can dramatically reduce the time spent on cross-jurisdictional compliance and multi-layered tax filings.
Talent Bridge: With 86% of tax leaders believing AI can address talent gaps, the program helps Duke Energy maintain a high-functioning tax department amidst a tightening labor market for specialized tax professionals.

“Technology alone isn’t enough. The companies pulling ahead are the ones investing in their people’s ability to use these tools effectively. Our goal is to make AI a daily reality for the tax professional.” — Rema Serafi, Vice Chair of Tax, KPMG LLP, Feb 2026