India's Tax Talent War Heats Up

India's premier audit and advisory firms are locked in an intense battle for top tax professionals. In the last six to seven months, more than 100 partners and senior executives have moved between firms, marking one of the busiest hiring periods in years.

This surge in demand is fueled by companies seeking guidance on complex tax issues, including retrospective tax, cross-border transactions, and mergers. The increasing adoption of AI-enabled tax solutions is also driving recruitment, with firms actively poaching talent from rivals. Top firms like EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG, along with others such as BDO and Grant Thornton Bharat, are competing fiercely for experienced professionals.

Executives report that these moves often come with incentives of up to a 30% salary increase, greater team responsibilities, and promotions. This "musical chair" phenomenon sees senior talent, including partners with over 15 years of experience, shifting firms and often bringing their teams along. This trend reflects an evolving industry where firms are increasingly competing across tax, consulting, and advisory services, with specialized talent being a key differentiator.