DITT: updated syllabus in an evolving tech landscape

The tax technology world has evolved rapidly since the initial launch of the CIOT’s pioneering Diploma in Tax Technology (DITT) in 2022, especially since our first annual syllabus update last year. More than ever, the need for tax practitioners to embrace technology and the worldwide shift towards digital tax administration is not only advantageous, but essential to stay competitive in this field.

In July 2025, the CIOT is unveiling the second DITT syllabus update, reflecting the advances and transformations in technology that tax professionals will encounter more frequently in their day-to-day work. With new learning materials and assessments delivered in partnership with industry leaders Coefficient and Tolley Exam Training, the updated syllabus offers candidates the opportunity to build their skills and understanding of the key principles that define tax technology today.

A focal point of this update is the rapid development and utilisation of AI across the tax profession. The latest developments in AI powered applications, tax solutions and project management software are incorporated, alongside updated references to the latest UK government and international AI ethics guidelines. There’s also an increased focus on digital finance, with new material on crypto regulation, stablecoins, global disclosure standards and real-world use cases such as Digital Product Passports and DePIN.

The 2025 syllabus also addresses recent legislative changes, including the UK’s GDPR rules, HMRC digital mandates, post-Brexit VAT rules and global frameworks such as the OECD’s BEPS Pillars. With advancements in technology generating increasing public apprehension about data privacy, the 2025 syllabus pays particular attention to updated GDPR compliance within new digital tools and workflows.

The latest processing tools also feature, from cloud-based ERP integrations and no-code platforms for digital invoice processing and real-time data automation, to cloud-native data workflows and iPaaS tools for data integration and transformation practices. These revolutionary technologies and tools offer tax practitioners unprecedented assistance in everyday data analysis, automation and integration.

The growing shift towards digital tax transformation continues to be a key theme throughout the DITT syllabus update this year, with particular focus on agile methods and best practices for compliance. The use of real-world scenarios will also illuminate the challenges that this transformation incurs. For the UK, new digital tax transformation content will include the changes made to HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD), such as adjustments to the guidelines of MTD tax reporting requirements. Initiatives such as these underpin how tax reporting and compliance is digitally reframing, further signalling the demand for tax professionals to employ technological tools and practices in their work, to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

This year’s DITT syllabus update reflects the CIOT’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, relevant learning materials to students, as the qualification consistently adapts to the evolving tax landscape. With the CIOT, candidates completing the DITT can study with confidence, knowing that they are equipped with cutting-edge resources and a tax education that remains at the forefront of industry standards and expectations.

Find out more and future-proof your tax-career today by registering for the DITT at: www.tax.org.uk/ditt