Birmingham, October 23, 2025
News Summary
SmartWiz, a Birmingham-based financial tech firm, is set to create 66 new jobs in the next five years as part of its growth. Utilizing advanced AI for tax professionals, SmartWiz has gained significant funding and local support to establish a strong workforce.
Birmingham Financial Tech Company to Create 66 New Jobs
SmartWiz, a Birmingham-based financial tech company, has announced plans to create 66 new jobs over the next five years as part of its expansion efforts. Currently employing 10 people at Birmingham’s Innovation Depot, SmartWiz is looking to boost its team with talented engineers, sales, and customer support professionals.
Founded in 2021 by five Auburn University students, SmartWiz utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the work of tax professionals. The company is notable for being one of only 16 IRS-approved tax software providers worldwide, aiming to have its software used by every tax professional in the U.S. within five years. To fund its growth, SmartWiz has received financial support, including $50,000 in early seed funding through the Alabama Launchpad and $500,000 from Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
Reasons for Expansion
SmartWiz’s decision to expand operations in Birmingham, rather than relocating to Los Angeles despite a lucrative $3 million offer, has been attributed to the local support and business environment. Elements contributing to this decision include support from Innovation Depot, a favorable local atmosphere, and the overall ease of doing business in Alabama. Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair remarked that SmartWiz’s growth in Birmingham highlights the available talent and supportive business climate in the state.
The Birmingham Business Alliance has projected that SmartWiz’s expansion will generate an economic impact of $9.6 million over the next 20 years. To further incentivize this growth, the Alabama Department of Commerce is offering tax incentives related to job creation milestones, while the state workforce development agency AIDT is providing services valued at $780,000. Additionally, the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County are contributing local job creation incentives totaling $231,000.
Future Aspirations
SmartWiz CEO Tevin Harrell has emphasized aspirations for the company to become a billion-dollar entity in the next five years. Attracting top talent to Birmingham is seen as crucial to achieving this goal, ensuring the company has the capabilities needed to spearhead innovation in tax technology.
Overall, SmartWiz’s plans to create new jobs and foster economic growth underscore its commitment to leveraging technological advancements in the financial sector while contributing positively to the Birmingham community.
FAQ
What is SmartWiz planning in Birmingham?
SmartWiz is expanding its operations and plans to create 66 new jobs over the next five years.
What technology does SmartWiz utilize?
SmartWiz utilizes advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the work of tax professionals.
How much economic impact is SmartWiz’s expansion expected to generate?
The Birmingham Business Alliance estimates that SmartWiz’s expansion will have an economic impact of $9.6 million over the next 20 years.
What support has SmartWiz received for its expansion?
SmartWiz has received $50,000 in early seed funding through the Alabama Launchpad and $500,000 from Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
Key Features of SmartWiz’s Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Jobs | 66 new jobs over five years |
| Current Employment | 10 employees at Innovation Depot |
| Funding Received | $50,000 from Alabama Launchpad, $500,000 from SSBCI |
| Projected Economic Impact | $9.6 million over 20 years |
| Locations of Incentives | City of Birmingham, Jefferson County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SmartWiz Expands Operations in Birmingham
Alabama Fosters a Growing Startup Ecosystem
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham-Based AI Tax Software Company Expanding
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Alabama News Center: EDPA Acquires Tech Company
- Google Search: Job Creation in Alabama
- Financial Content: Nebius Group Shares Soar
- Google Scholar: Financial Technology
- Banking Dive: Fifth Third Expanding to Alabama
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Organization
- The Business Desk: TLT Reports Record-Breaking Financial Results
- Google News: Alabama Business Expansion
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.
