New research by Adobe has revealed that the majority of Australians find filing taxes challenging, with paperwork and complex rules emerging as the main difficulties faced by consumers and small business owners.
The 2025 Adobe Acrobat Tax AI Survey, which included over 1,000 consumers and 269 small business owners in Australia and New Zealand, paints a picture of ongoing struggles during tax season, despite increasing adoption of digital tools to support the process.
Paperwork and complexity
The research highlighted that 40% of consumers consider the process of filing taxes to be both gruelling and time-consuming. The need to manage physical documents, organise materials for tax professionals, and navigate changing tax rules were cited as core pain points.
According to the survey, more than half the respondents file their tax returns early in hopes of receiving refunds quickly, yet only 29% of consumers express full confidence in their ability to properly prepare their return. This general lack of confidence can lead to stress, delayed submissions and oversights such as missed deductions or filing mistakes.
Whether it be a time-poor professional or small business operator, when you don’t have the resources or understanding to comb through complex rules and regulations, one overlooked detail can lead to costly mistakes. It’s no wonder that tax time leaves many feeling overwhelmed and underprepared.
said Narelle Behn-Carey, Principal Digital Strategist, Digital Media Enterprise, APAC at Adobe.
Small business owners’ approach
Among small business owners, the research found that time and complexity are significant burdens during tax preparation. Nearly one in four small business respondents reported spending in excess of 11 hours to complete their tax returns. While seven out of ten prioritise filing early and accurately, less than 18% felt confident about their accuracy in preparing business taxes.
Digital tool adoption and AI confidence
The survey reveals widespread agreement on the potential benefits of technology in supporting tax lodgements. Eight in 10 small business participants recognised that artificial intelligence could be beneficial, with 53% agreeing that AI tools can help organise and navigate documents, and 51% stating they help in consolidating materials. Consumers also cited convenience and speed as the most significant advantages offered by AI-powered solutions.
Behn-Carey commented,
AI-driven platforms such as Acrobat AI Assistant with its contract intelligence capability has potential to transform how people approach tax time, helping them file their returns more accurately and confidently. Some taxpayers are already seeing AI’s potential, but there is opportunity for more people to harness its potential to their advantage.
Despite this enthusiasm, the research shows that a majority of taxpayers have not yet fully utilised AI in their tax processes, and there are still concerns around whether such tools can guarantee the accuracy of tax filings.
Tax time priorities
The survey results indicate that both consumers and small businesses are motivated to address their tax obligations promptly. Over half of consumers and 70% of small business owners reported filing taxes early, largely to avoid errors and to access refunds without delay.
Behn-Carey also stated,
Tax season doesn’t have to be a source of dread. AI tools can transform tax prep from a last-minute scramble into a streamlined, informed, and proactive process. With Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant users can summarise tax details, digitise receipts, and now even navigate legal agreements with confidence. Our contract intelligence feature built within AI Assistant can further help consumers and businesses compare terms, spot key dates, and verify content faster all while keeping their data secure.
Contract review and security
Beyond tax filing tasks, contract review has become a growing area where consumers seek clarity. Behn-Carey noted that Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant’s contract intelligence feature helps users identify key clauses in contracts, compare multiple versions, and summarise complex information, all within a platform designed to maintain data security and privacy. Adobe specifies it does not use customer data for AI training and restricts third-party access. Since February 2024, the company has reported a doubling of customer interactions with the AI Assistant each quarter.
The Adobe Acrobat Tax AI Survey underscores that despite advancements in digital technology and AI’s increasing role in tax preparation, confidence and full-scale adoption are still developing within the Australian market.
