Birmingham, October 23, 2025
News Summary
SmartWiz, a tax software technology company based in Birmingham, is set to expand its operations, creating 66 high-paying jobs over the next five years. Founded in 2021, the company utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to simplify tax compliance. The expansion, supported by local and state incentives, is anticipated to have a significant economic impact of $9.6 million in the region while reinforcing Birmingham’s status as a technology innovation hub.
Birmingham
SmartWiz, a Birmingham-based tax software technology company, has announced significant expansion plans that will lead to the creation of 66 high-paying jobs over the next five years. The initiative was disclosed by Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair and is seen as a major boost for the local economy.
Founded in 2021 by a team of five tech entrepreneurs and tax professionals, SmartWiz is known for its innovative use of advanced artificial intelligence to simplify tax compliance for professionals. Currently, the company employs 10 individuals at its base in Innovation Depot. SmartWiz is recognized as one of only 16 IRS-approved tax software providers worldwide, making its solutions pivotal for tax professionals across the United States.
The company will invest $125,000 in equipment as part of this expansion, which aims to reinforce Birmingham’s reputation as a hub for technology innovation. The average annual salary for the new positions is projected to be $81,136, with this figure excluding benefits.
SmartWiz’s ambition is to make its software accessible to every tax professional, CPA, and accountant in the U.S. within five years. The company has received notable funding support, including $50,000 in seed funding from the Alabama Launchpad program and an additional $500,000 from Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Furthermore, the company is backed by funding from Techstars Los Angeles, Google, and entertainer Pharrell Williams.
In a strong indicator of its commitment to Birmingham, SmartWiz declined a $3 million offer to relocate to Los Angeles, choosing instead to stay in the city. This decision was influenced heavily by the support received from Innovation Depot and the vibrant local business ecosystem.
The project is further bolstered by support from the Alabama Department of Commerce, which is providing tax incentives tied to job creation milestones, while the Alabama workforce development agency AIDT is offering services valued at $780,000 to assist with the expansion. Local incentives for job creation are provided by the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County, totaling $231,000.
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) has estimated that this expansion will generate a substantial economic impact of $9.6 million over the next 20 years. Local officials have welcomed SmartWiz’s growth, noting that it highlights the entrepreneurial spirit in Jefferson County. The company has set a lofty goal of becoming a billion-dollar entity within the next five years.
Summary of Key Information
SmartWiz is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Birmingham’s economic landscape by creating high-paying jobs and reinforcing its technology sector. The company’s strategic decisions are expected to yield significant benefits for the local community and economy.
FAQ
What is SmartWiz?
SmartWiz is a tax software technology company utilizing advanced artificial intelligence.
Where was SmartWiz founded?
SmartWiz was founded in 2021 in Birmingham by a team of five tech entrepreneurs and tax professionals.
How many jobs will SmartWiz create with its expansion?
SmartWiz intends to create 66 new jobs over the next five years.
What is the average salary for the new positions?
The average annual salary for new positions is projected to be $81,136, excluding benefits.
What funding has SmartWiz received?
SmartWiz has received $50,000 in seed funding from the Alabama Launchpad program and an additional $500,000 from Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
What is the economic impact of the expansion?
The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) estimates the expansion will have an economic impact of $9.6 million over the next 20 years.
What incentives are being provided for the SmartWiz expansion?
The project is supported by tax incentives from the Alabama Department of Commerce, services valued at $780,000 from AIDT, and local job creation incentives totaling $231,000 from the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County.
SmartWiz Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2021 in Birmingham |
| Existing Employees | 10 |
| New Jobs Created | 66 |
| Projected Average Salary | $81,136 (excluding benefits) |
| Total Equipment Investment | $125,000 |
| Total Economic Impact | $9.6 million over 20 years |
| Local Job Creation Incentives | $231,000 |
| Funding Received | $50,000 from Alabama Launchpad, $500,000 from SSBCI |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Alabama Fosters a Growing Startup Ecosystem
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham-Based AI Tax Software Company Expanding
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Made in Alabama: SmartWiz Expansion
- Google Search: AI Tax Software
- Spot on Alabama: Fast-Growing AI Tax Software Firm SmartWiz
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Taxation
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
