Enrique Ortega discusses the challenges faced by boards of directors in tax | Expansión

Enrique Ortega takes part in Expansión’s Tax Governance Observatory: boards of directors increasingly involved in tax affairs.

Last week, our Tax Partner, Enrique Ortega, took part in Expansión’s Tax Governance Observatory alongside Rubén Gimeno, Technical Secretary of the REAF at the General Council of Economists, and Jesús González Ruiz-Jarabo, Partner at PKF Attest. Together, they discussed the transformation of the tax function in recent years and how risk prevention, regulatory compliance, and reputational defense have become central pillars of corporate strategy—and therefore of board-level oversight.

“The modern tax function must cover the entire lifecycle of an operation, from its conception to its defense.” Ortega emphasized.

In summary:

1. Transformation of the tax function:
Tax is no longer a mere exercise in filing and paying taxes—it has become a strategic pillar of corporate management. In an environment shaped by regulatory complexity and technological disruption, boards of directors now bear an indelegable responsibility for tax oversight, requiring deeper expertise and a proactive approach to risk prevention and reputational protection.

2. Governance and prevention as key pillars:
Experts agree that investing in robust tax governance and compliance systems is no longer optional—it’s essential. Such investment not only minimizes contingencies but also creates value for the company and its shareholders. The modern tax strategy spans the full lifecycle of an operation, from its inception to its legal defense, demanding comprehensive preparation and a cross-functional view of the tax role.

3. Technology and artificial intelligence as catalysts:
Digitalization and AI are reshaping the tax landscape. While tax authorities gain unprecedented control capabilities, companies can automate repetitive tasks and focus more on strategic analysis. However, this evolution also raises the challenge of regulating the role of the tax advisor, which still lacks clear legal recognition in Spain—opening a debate on the professionalization of this vital sector.

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