The Hidden Story of the AI Economy — Who Gets Taxed When No One Does the Work? 

Artificial intelligence is often discussed in terms of productivity, automation, and workforce transformation. But a less explored—and potentially more consequential—question is emerging: What happens to tax systems when economic value shifts away from labor and toward compute power, data centers, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure?

In this episode we explore whether AI could fundamentally reshape tax policy at the federal, state, and international levels, raising important questions about the future of revenue collection, economic development, and public finance.

For decades, tax systems have been built around wages, payrolls, consumer spending, and physical business presence. As AI shifts economic value toward compute power, data centers, semiconductors, and energy infrastructure, policymakers may need to rethink who gets taxed, where taxes are paid, and how governments fund essential services.

We explore the implications for governments, businesses, and taxpayers. Could payroll taxes become a less reliable source of revenue? Will states begin targeting AI infrastructure more aggressively? Are international tax rules already outdated? And ultimately, does AI require a fundamental redesign of the tax systems that have governed modern economies for generations?

Join us for a forward-looking conversation at the intersection of artificial intelligence, tax policy, and public finance as we explore whether AI is not only changing how work gets done—but also rewriting where and how taxes are paid.

If you would like top explore this topic further, I invite you to read, AI Is Rewriting Where and How Taxes Are Paid, a Bloomberg Intelligence research paper written by Andrew Silverman.

Lynn Gargano

Lynn Gargano

Lynn is Editor of the Financial Executives Journal, Host and Moderator of The Financial Executive's Edge podcast, and a Strategic Advisor to The Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG), where she contributes to thought leadership, business strategy, and the continued growth of the organization's digital and content platforms.
She is also the Founder of Thought Capital Amplified, a Strategic Authority Advisory that helps executives, founders, consultants, and organizations transform expertise into influence. Through strategic positioning, thought leadership, and relationship cultivation, she helps leaders and organizations leverage their Thought Capital to shape decisions, strengthen partnerships, and unlock growth opportunities.
An accomplished senior financial executive and thought leader, Lynn operates at the intersection of finance, strategy, and thought leadership. Drawing on extensive experience in Financial Services and Asset & Wealth Management, she brings a CFO-informed perspective to business growth, helping organizations translate insight and perspective into influence and strategic authority for measurable business outcomes. She drives P&L performance, uncovers revenue opportunities, supports strategic decision-making, and cultivates partnerships that create long-term value.
The Right Conversation Makes All the Difference.
https://Thoughtcapitalamplified.com

Andrew Silverman

Andrew Silverman

Lead Transactional & Tax Policy Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence

Senior tax policy and transactional analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, a platform within Bloomberg Professional Services on the Bloomberg Terminal.

I have a broad tax, policy and transactional focus. I write about international and US federal and state tax change, the OECD BEPS initiative, tax controversy, transfer pricing and tax issues related to M&A and capital markets. I also cover M&A, IPOs and other corporate transitions.

I appear on Bloomberg Radio and TV to discuss tax issues, corporate actions and policy prognostication.

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