2023 has brought a lot of focus on Artificial Intelligence. Intelligence may exist in humans in spite of all the evidence to the contrary. There are some pretty damn smart people and not all are scientists or cosmic thinkers. When you watch a good plumber solve problems, it is clear that he has a certain intelligence in his area. Same for a Kindergarten teacher who figures out how to get Johnny to behave a bit better.
In my world of numbers, it appears to be one of those areas that is perfect for an AI takeover. Even simple tax form programs can be considered a form of AI and there are very few Accountants and Tax Preparers still using a calculator and a pencil. In fact, Accountants know the benefit of having a reliable numbers cruncher program like spreadsheets etc. It can be amazing to plug in one number and watch the entire spreadsheet jump to attention and change accordingly. Admittedly, I am a bit of a wonk.
The problem in an AI take over replacing Accountants comes into the picture when addressing oddities like the IRS. I must say, AI would be a big improvement since there is so little thoughtful intelligence in that agency. But, IRS agents are humans too and much more complex than anything we now have as its imitator. One day perhaps. But that is not today.
A typical Accountant is a super combination of math skills and people skills. Both sit on top and share importance. Could AI someday mimic this combo? Yes. But note I said mimic. If my experience were to be part of the learned know how an AI was given, it would still need to develop its own new responses because the landscape of humans is constantly in flux. The idea that a good tax man or Accountant would behave logically in all circumstances is a nice idea but a false assumption. I've been erratic at times and I've seen even the most stoic tax man go berserk. Clients too.
I do see a special AI devoted to audit potential assessment as useful. Or one that can in an instant analyze quick ways/methods to reduce a persons tax burden by application of breaks allowed by law. Of course, Accountants do that and some better than others. An AI might do tax returns based upon a questionnaire answered and inputted by tax payers and in fact that more or less exists. The use of a tax interview is an old tool and the QA style makes it easy.
I am not concerned about being replaced. Time will take care of that. As the old pass, the new get born. I see that as an exciting prospect. I believe, tax systems will get an AI influence if not already being done and that could have major implications. I think any AI worth its salt or silicon will find the current US tax system nutty and suggest other system like a National Sales Tax to replace it. Unless it is given a mandate to keep inflated bureaucracy going, that is one hope.
I used to play chess and had a very computer chess board. I rarely won but did. Winning made me be much more logical in my decisions and that included deeper thought of consequences into the future, even immediate future. Many chess players will tell you that a game is won in the opening move. I disagree. It's the second move.
Until the time arrives when AI takes over my world, I will apply what Intelligence I may have to helping my fellow humans.
Best,
Donn Marier or is it?
DM-Your Own AI