Tax-related uncertainties are the primary concern for small business owners, according to new data drawn from users of Lili’s Accountant AI.
The data, collected from more than 1,200 Lili customers, reveals that most queries relate to tax matters, with business owners seeking guidance on selecting the appropriate tax structure and maximising savings on taxes.
The results show that more than half of all queries (52%) put to the Accountant AI are related to taxes.
These included issues such as selecting the most suitable tax structure for a business, ways to maximise deductions, and strategies to reduce tax liabilities legally.
Specifically, 27% of all tax-related queries focused on understanding which structure would be most beneficial or how to make the most of available deductions.
Questions around business audits also featured prominently, making up about 16% of queries.
Business owners sought guidance on what might trigger an audit and how they could prepare to avoid problems.
Nearly 20% of questions dealt with broader finance topics, such as budgeting, seeking investment, and business growth, indicating an appetite among business owners for practical advice beyond just immediate tax concerns.
The five most common questions asked by Lili’s small business customers were: What is the best tax structure for my business?; How can I maximise deductions for my business?; How can I minimise my business taxes legally?; What are my options for raising capital?; What triggers a business audit, and how can I prepare for it?
Lili CEO and co-founder Lilac Bar David said: “Our Accountant AI was built to give small business owners instant, personalised answers to their most pressing accounting questions—drawing directly from their own financial patterns.
“It’s no surprise that more than half of all the questions we receive are about taxes, whether it’s structure, deductions, or compliance. This shows just how critical it is to provide AI-driven tools that not only save time but also give business owners the confidence to make smarter financial decisions.”
Lili’s Accountant AI uses businesses’ financial data and current industry information to deliver recommendations, offering guidance based on each user’s banking activity and trends from similar businesses, and answers questions using its training and the latest tax policy updates.
The questions highlight business owners’ challenges with taxes and cash flow, as well as their growing expectation for financial platforms to provide immediate answers, integrated tools, and proactive guidance to support decision-making, according to Lili.
