The best prompting techniques for tax accountants 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has ushered in sweeping changes to the tax code, presenting both challenges and opportunities for tax and accounting professionals. With new deductions, modified SALT caps, and the permanence of key TCJA provisions, staying ahead of these changes is essential.

In this blog, we’ll build on the beginner’s guide we wrote for prompting to explore how advanced prompting techniques and AI tools can empower tax researchers to navigate this complex landscape with precision and confidence.

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Understanding OBBBA: Why it matters for tax and accounting

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed swiftly in July 2025, is a landmark piece of legislation that reshapes the tax landscape. Key changes include:

Permanent TCJA provisions: Individual tax rates, including the 37% top rate, are now permanent.
Modified SALT cap: Increased to $40,000 ($20,000 for married filing separately), with phaseouts for high-income earners.
New deductions: The “Big Four” deductions—no tax on tips, overtime pay, car loan interest, and a senior deduction—are now in effect.
Business incentives: 100% bonus depreciation, increased Section 179 limits, and retroactive R&D expense deductions for qualifying small businesses.

These changes demand a more strategic approach to tax research, especially as professionals prepare to advise clients on both immediate and long-term implications.

Stay ahead by leveraging AI in tax research

Traditional tax research workflows—manual data gathering, cross-referencing primary sources, and interpreting legislation—are time-consuming and prone to gaps. AI tools like CoCounsel are transforming this process by:

Automating research: AI agents can simultaneously analyze multiple provisions and client scenarios.
Ensuring accuracy: Responses are grounded in primary sources with citations.
Enhancing security: Platforms like CoCounsel offer bank-level data protection, crucial for handling sensitive client information.

As Rich Marlatt shared in our webinar, Navigate the One Big Beautiful Bill: AI research strategies for tax professionals, his firm uses CoCounsel to research across 36 states, reducing weeks of work to days. The key? Crafting effective prompts that guide AI tools to deliver precise, actionable insights.

Advanced prompting techniques for tax pros

Effective prompting is the cornerstone of successful AI-assisted research. Here are some techniques to elevate your queries:

1. Anchor your prompts in legislation

Start with the full name of the bill (e.g., “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) rather than acronyms. This ensures AI tools understand the context.

2. Provide detailed scenarios

Include client-specific details such as income level, filing status, and relevant deductions. This helps AI tailor responses to real-world cases.

3. Define clear objectives

Use action verbs like “evaluate,” “compare,” or “summarize” to guide the AI’s reasoning engine.

4. Specify output format

Whether you need a table, memo, or email draft, stating your preferred format saves time and improves clarity.

5. Use templates for efficiency

Platforms like CoCounsel allow you to create reusable templates for recurring research tasks, streamlining workflows across clients and jurisdictions.

Research smarter, serve clients better

Tax professionals must evolve their research strategies to keep pace with OBBBA and future legislation. By mastering advanced prompting techniques and leveraging secure, intelligent AI tools, you can deliver faster, more accurate, and client-focused advice.

Ready to turn insights into impact? Don’t let the complexity of OBBBA slow you down. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your research strategies or explore how AI can transform your workflow, we’ve got the resources to help you lead with confidence.

Visit the Thomson Reuters OBBBA Resource Center for up-to-date guidance, tools, and industry insights tailored to help you serve your clients better.