2026 Market Perspective
In-house tax
Insights into the pressures, capability gaps and hiring trends shaping in-house tax functions across the UK.
WHAT'S INSIDE
Market intelligence and salary data.
In one place.
The in-house tax market is under increasing pressure, driven by colliding transformation programmes, AI investment, and gaps in leadership pipelines.
The organisations responding well aren’t just doing more of the same. They’re taking a step back and rethinking capability, team structure, and what effective hiring looks like now.
This report was developed by our in-house tax recruitment specialists at JSS. It draws on live mandates, recent placements, and ongoing market insight across the UK.
Inside, we cover:
- Where pressure is building in leadership pipelines
- Why hiring is picking up at Senior Manager level
- How expectations are moving beyond technical expertise
- Live salary benchmarks
Role-by-role benchmarks
Mid-level through to Head of Tax. Based on real placement data from the last 12 months.
The leadership pipeline gap
Where succession risk is emerging and how organisations are responding to it.
Live hiring dynamics
Hiring trends, demand shifts, candidate availability and the conditions shaping in-house tax right now.
INSIGHTS BY
Dominic Watt
Associate Director | Tax specialist
Dominic specialises in in-house tax recruitment, with a strong track record built since 2016. He focuses on permanent direct tax hires at mid to senior level across banking, fintech, insurance, asset management and private equity.
He has supported organisations at every stage, from first tax hires to scaling established teams, and brings a clear understanding of what good looks like in a complex, time-sensitive market.
For clients, Dominic offers a well-connected and knowledgeable perspective on tax hiring. For candidates, he takes a considered approach, focusing on opportunities that align with long-term career goals rather than short-term moves.
IN-HOUSE TAX | 2026 MARKET PERSPECTIVE
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