SALTovation: Making Sense of State and Local Tax - podcast cover

SALTovation: Making Sense of State and Local Tax

Welcome to SALTovation. The SALTovation show is a podcast series featuring the leading voices in state and local tax (SALT). Here we talk about issues, strategies, and planning tools to help you make sense of SALT. Because, in SALT, there is no “one and done.” SALT is a puzzle of ever-changing pieces. Solving that puzzle is our business at SALTovation. Tens of thousands of listeners know they won't get tax talk as usual with the SALTovation team. Our team is known for straight-talk with a flair for fun, providing clarity and opinions that move businesses forward with confidence. Attorney, CPA, speaker, and writer Judy Vorndran leads the SALTovation team as they go inside business to help deal with the daily operations and long-term strategies of making SALT less “taxing.” Judy has spent more than 25 years advocating for businesses with innovative strategies, renowned knowledge and experience. She has helped guide thousands of taxpayers across the nation and globally through the morass of SALT, freeing them to concentrate on growth. Joining Judy are the wickedly smart members of the SALTovation team, who have seen, worked with and tamed some of the most prickly issues in SALT. They enjoy sharing their stories and knowledge with listeners. Solving the SALT puzzle doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it takes a community. So, we invite leaders in business and state and local tax to share their stories, challenges and successes on this show. Drop us a line at SALTovation.com if you'd like to join the conversation and tune into our regular series at TaxOps.com.
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Episodes

Incentives and Impediments: Navigating Colorado’s Business Landscape

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we unpack the complex and shifting economic landscape of Colorado, focusing on how recent tax policies are reshaping the business environment. We continue our conversation with Ed Sealover, VP of Strategic Initiatives at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, and explore key legislative developments, including new targeted tax credits designed to spark innovation and boost tourism across the state. We take a closer look at the evolving role of the Taxpayer’...

Jul 04, 202530 minEp. 119

Revenue, Reform, and Resistance: Colorado’s Fiscal Crossroads

As Colorado heads into 2025, big fiscal decisions loom. In this episode, we sit down with Ed Sealover, VP of Strategic Initiatives at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, to unpack the state’s growing budget deficit and what it could mean for both businesses and residents. We explore hot-button issues like the proposed rollback of software tax exemptions and the controversial retail delivery fees. Ed breaks down the tough balancing act lawmakers face, and how to fund essential services without stif...

Jun 25, 202532 minEp. 118

Illinois vs. Everyone: Digital Goods, Legal Fights, and the Future of Tax Policy

This week we continue our conversation with Diane Yetter, President and Founder of Yetter Tax and the Sales Tax Institute. We unpack recent changes to Illinois tax law—specifically through the lens of the PetMeds case—and explore the broader impact of South Dakota’s use tax ruling. We also break down what these shifts mean for taxpayers and why it’s more important than ever to stay alert in the ever-changing world of state and local taxation. From choosing the right software to understanding key...

Jun 04, 202531 minEp. 117

From Sales to Income Tax: States Are Watching

More than a dozen states have repealed the 200 transaction threshold for economic nexus, aiming to ease the burden on small sellers. Our guest Diane Yetter, President and Founder of Yetter Tax and the Sales Tax Institute, breaks down what these changes mean for businesses, particularly those navigating multi-state sales. Diane explains why small sellers can no longer rely solely on transaction counts to determine nexus and why a broader understanding of tax obligations is now essential. We unpac...

May 21, 202530 minEp. 116

Brent Reeves, Co-Founder of CereTax: Balancing IT and Tax

In this episode of the Saltovation Podcast, we continue our conversation with Brent Reeves, co-founder of CereTax. Brent unpacks the power of API-first architecture and explains why seamless integrations are critical, often solving problems businesses don’t even know they have. Together, we explore key topics like audit readiness, the pitfalls of legacy systems, and the importance of building tax processes right from the start to avoid costly missteps. Brent also shares insights on the growing t...

Apr 30, 202525 minEp. 115

Brent Reeves, Co-Founder of CereTax: Accidental Beginning to Technological Insights

We’re talking with Brent Reeves, a seasoned entrepreneur and trailblazer in tax technology, on the SALTovation podcast this week. Brent shares the story behind launching SureTax and how that journey led to the creation of his latest venture, CereTax. We dive into what it takes to disrupt the sales tax space—from building agile teams to staying ahead of constantly shifting compliance demands. Brent breaks down how his approach to solving real-world tax challenges with smart, scalable tech has hel...

Apr 16, 202523 minEp. 114

California Tax Developments: The Implications of New Regulations with Michael Cataldo: Part 2

This week on the SALTovation podcast we continue our conversation with Michael Cataldo. Michael breaks down Public Law 86272 and how it affects businesses in California. He discusses the market-based sourcing rules and key cases like Bindley and Luber, which highlight the challenges of tax compliance in the state. Meredith, Stacey, and Michael talk about Governor Newsom’s budget proposals and how they could impact financial institutions, especially with the potential switch to a single sales fac...

Mar 19, 202536 minEp. 113

California Tax Developments: The Implications of New Regulations with Michael Cataldo

This week on the SALTovation podcast, Michael Cataldo breaks down the key market-based sourcing regulations that will shape state tax practices in 2025 and beyond. We explore the shifting landscape of state and local taxation, with a strong focus on California’s latest regulatory developments. Join us as we unpack the complexities of these changes, their broader implications, and why tax professionals must stay ahead of the curve. We also dive into the controversial “look-through” approach, whic...

Mar 05, 202529 minEp. 112

Data Security and Tax Administration Insights with Ryan Minnick, COO at FTA: Part 2

This week on the SALTovation podcast we continue our conversation with Ryan Minnick, COO at FTA, about the technological hurdles tax agencies are facing today. We examine the tension between user-friendly taxpayer portals and the need for strong security measures, noting that legislative complexities and resource limitations contribute to cumbersome interfaces. Ryan highlights the importance of balancing accessibility and security to improve voluntary compliance. He also discusses the significan...

Feb 19, 202530 minEp. 111

Data Security and Tax Administration Insights with Ryan Minnick, COO at FTA

This week on the SALTovation podcast we speak with Ryan Minnick, COO at FTA, about the crucial role The Federation of Tax Administrators plays in connecting tax administration authorities across the United States, encompassing all 50 states and several major municipalities. We delve into the organization's pivotal role in fostering collaboration among tax agencies, emphasizing its efforts to streamline communication and share best practices among its diverse members. Ryan shares how the FTA ende...

Feb 12, 202527 minEp. 110

Grassroots Effort to Simplify Colorado Sales Tax with Paul Archer: Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with Paul Archer, exploring the complexities of Colorado's sales tax system and the grassroots efforts to simplify it. Paul shares his journey from attending a national political convention to collaborating with key industry leaders in advocating for tax reform. Judy and Paul discuss the formation of a coalition that successfully passed important legislation aimed at improving audit fairness and simplifying sales tax proces...

Jan 31, 202534 minEp. 109

Grassroots Effort to Simplify Colorado Sales Tax with Paul Archer

This week, Paul Archer joins the SALTovation podcast to discuss his efforts to simplify Colorado's complex sales tax system, which he describes as a significant burden for businesses. Currently serving as a senior missionary in Nairobi, Kenya, Archer shares his journey from being a business owner to advocating for tax reform. He highlights the challenges of navigating a convoluted tax structure that varies widely across municipalities. Archer’s commitment to change began when he recognized the d...

Jan 24, 202531 minEp. 108

Simplifying Sales Tax in Colorado: A Conversation with Legislator Cathy Kipp: Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with Legislator Cathy Kipp. Her recent election to the Colorado State Senate marks a significant development in Colorado's tax landscape. Cathy discusses the importance of stakeholder engagement, as tax professionals and legislators work together to simplify the tax system for small businesses. The conversation reveals the frustrations faced by taxpayers and the necessity for clear regulations amidst the state's unique home...

Jan 17, 202526 minEp. 107

Simplifying Sales Tax in Colorado: A Conversation with Legislator Cathy Kipp

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we are taking a deep dive into the complexities of Colorado's sales and use tax administration, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for reform. Legislator Cathy Kipp prepares to take her seat in the Colorado State Senate in January 2025 and discusses the significance of this moment in Colorado's tax landscape. Cathy talks about the importance of stakeholder engagement, as tax professionals and legislators work together to simplify the tax syst...

Dec 20, 202427 minEp. 106

The Evolution of IPT: Why Tax Education is So Important with Chris Muntifering (Part 2)

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with Chris Muntifering, Executive Director at the Institute for Professionals in Taxation. We explore the role of the Institute for Professionals in Taxation (IPT) and its unique position in the landscape of tax organizations, highlighting how it distinguishes itself from competitors like the Council of State Taxation. Chris discusses the rigorous process behind IPT's advocacy efforts, including the criteria for supporting ...

Nov 18, 202420 minEp. 105

The Evolution of IPT: Why Tax Education is So Important with Chris Muntifering

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, Chris Muntifering, Executive Director at the Institute for Professionals in Taxation. Chris shares his journey from a finance graduate to a seasoned tax professional, emphasizing how he fell into property tax and eventually became a key player in IPT. Chris discusses the importance of education in tax management, with IPT providing resources for professionals at all levels, from basic to advanced training across various tax disciplines. Listen this wee...

Nov 11, 202424 minEp. 104

The Importance of Consulting with Industry Veteran Kim Blascoe: Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with industry veteran Kim Blascoe. Kim discusses the critical need for upskilling talent within public accounting firms to meet the growing demand for advisory services. Kim shares why firms must assess their current skill sets and develop their teams to deliver effective advisory services as the industry shifts from a compliance-focused model to a more client-centric approach. Listen this week as we discuss how firms can a...

Oct 25, 202430 minEp. 103

The Importance of Consulting with Industry Veteran Kim Blascoe

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, industry veteran Kim Blascoe. With over three decades of experience, Kim shares her professional journey from owning a tax and accounting practice to leading Whipley's national accounting practice and her current role at CPA.com. Kim sheds light on the importance of mentoring in accounting, the strategy behind merging firms, and how to best support CPA firms in their growth and transformation efforts. Listen as we discuss the challenges CPA firms face ...

Oct 11, 202427 minEp. 102

From Passion to Paycheck: Revolutionizing the CPA Pipeline with Alicia Gelinas Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with Alicia Gelinas, President & CEO of COCPA. Alicia takes a deep dive into the evolving nature of professional networking, the impact of technology on relationship-building, and the significance of in-person interactions in an increasingly virtual world. With a focus on enhancing the CPA profession, she navigates through the challenges posed by remote work, the Amazon effect, and the need for robust personal connectio...

Sep 25, 202425 minEp. 101

Women to Watch in Sales Tax: Meredith Smith

In this episode of the Women to Watch in Sales Tax series, Diane Yetter of the Sales Tax Institute sits down with Meredith Smith, senior tax manager at TaxOps. Meredith shares her journey from starting in public accounting with a focus on income tax to becoming a self-taught sales tax expert at TaxOps. She sheds light on her role within TaxOps' State and Local Tax Group and offers insight into her pride in being adaptable and client-focused in the sales tax domain. Meredith discusses the importa...

Sep 13, 20246 minEp. 100

From Passion to Paycheck: Revolutionizing the CPA Pipeline with Alicia Gelinas

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we speak with Alicia Gelinas, President & CEO of COCPA. Alicia explores the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, the need for better marketing to young professionals, salary disparities, and the importance of creating supportive professional networks. She also touches on the critical role of advocacy and lifelong learning and offers insights into the systemic challenges and solutions facing the field today. Listen this week as Judy and ...

Sep 11, 202431 minEp. 99

Winning Strategies: How to Approach SALT Litigation with Sam Breslow Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our conversation with Sam Breslow on the complexities of state and local tax regulations, highlighting the challenges of accessing historical tax information, the implications of different source and destination tax laws, and the intricacies of Colorado's local tax system. Through real-world case discussions like Ohio's VBF case and Illinois's leveling the playing field regulations, Sam provides valuable insights for businesses navigating t...

Sep 04, 202431 minEp. 98

Winning Strategies: How to Approach SALT Litigation with Sam Breslow

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we speak with Samantha Breslow, a seasoned expert in state and local tax, who is serving as a prominent attorney at HMB, a firm recently acquired by Kilpatrick. Sam shares her thoughts on the intricacies of tax compliance, the significance of maintaining professional relationships, and the hurdles faced when dealing with aggressive tax authorities. Listen as we take a deep dive into the Colorado local tax landscape, revealing the challenges and strateg...

Aug 28, 202436 minEp. 97

Mastering International VAT: Insights from Florian Hanslik, Partner at terraVAT GmbH Part 2

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we continue our discussion with Florian Hanslik, a seasoned tax professional specializing in VAT. Listen as we take a brief detour from U.S. taxation to explore European VAT systems. We cover the regulatory framework, audit processes, and the fascinating trajectory of VAT towards digitalization within the EU. Florian provides foresight into the increasing digitalization of VAT compliance and how businesses need to adapt to these evolutionary changes in...

Aug 15, 202429 minEp. 96

Mastering International VAT: Insights from Florian Hanslik, Partner at terraVAT GmbH

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, we speak with Florian Hanslik, a seasoned tax professional specializing in VAT. Transitioning from a rich background in politics to becoming an indirect tax expert, Florian discusses how his international upbringing and previous work with the European Parliament seeded his deep interest in global tax systems. Florian discusses the importance of understanding VAT in different countries, the role of comprehensive networks, and the need for businesses to ...

Aug 01, 202422 minEp. 95

Women to Watch in Sales Tax: Tram Le

In this enlightening episode of "Women to Watch in Sales Tax," host Diane Yeter sits down with Tram Le, Senior SALT Manager at TaxOps, to delve into the intricacies of state and local tax compliance. Tram shares insights into the multifaceted services provided by TaxOps and underscores the importance of proper tax strategy and audit support. As an expert in the nuanced area of sales tax, Tram's perspective is a must-listen for those navigating this often misunderstood field. TaxOps is portrayed ...

Jul 31, 20247 minEp. 94

Defining and Developing a Sales Tax Automation Cycle with Judy Vorndran (Part 2)

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, Judy Vorndran focuses on the current challenges facing the accounting profession, particularly the shrinking pipeline of accountants. Judy highlights how the SALT field offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating career path. She also discusses the various career trajectories within the field, from litigation to compliance to technology implementation, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. *The number of taxing jurisdictions in the U...

Jul 14, 202413 minEp. 93

In the Halls of Power & More: Hot Topics with Diane Yetter (Part 2)

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, Diane Yetter, President and Founder of YETTER Tax and the Sales Tax Institute shares insights on streamlining tax administration, the impacts of COVID-19 on tax enforcement, and the critical importance of choosing the right tax automation solutions. Diane also addresses the complications arising from differing taxability rules within Colorado, Louisiana, and Arizona, highlighting the need for conformity and how the current tax automation tools often fa...

Jul 09, 202433 minEp. 92

Defining and Developing a Sales Tax Automation Cycle with Judy Vorndran

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, Judy Vorndran discusses the vital role data plays in sales tax compliance, especially in an era where businesses often operate beyond traditional storefronts. She elaborates on why software often fails to completely address tax needs, and takes an in-depth look at the complexities introduced by home rule jurisdictions and how they influence the overall tax compliance profile of a business. *The number of taxing jurisdictions in the U.S. is hard to capt...

Jul 02, 202426 minEp. 91

In the Halls of Power & More: Hot Topics with Diane Yetter

In this episode of the SALTovation podcast, Diane Yetter, President and Founder of YETTER Tax and the Sales Tax Institute returns to share valuable insights into sales tax education, significant legislative updates, and advances in the industry. Diane discusses the challenges businesses face with Nexus, audit complexities, and the importance of choosing the right sales tax software. She also shares her experience testifying before the U.S Senate Finance Committee, emphasizing the need for standa...

Jun 18, 202432 minEp. 90
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