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We write The Sales Tax Institute blog to help keep you informed on all things sales tax and the profession. You will find articles about hot topics like nexus, detailed information on important legislation, and professional development insights to help you pave the path of your career.

Featured Resources

A Practical Guide that Answers Your Biggest Sales Tax Questions

Do you have questions about the ins and outs of sales tax? You’re not the only one. Professionals at all levels of experience often find themselves with more questions than answers when it comes to deciphering the rules and regulations…

Sales Tax 101: Determining When Sales Tax Applies

This blog details key items in understanding when a sale is taxable or exempt and what you need to know to ensure that an exemption can be claimed.

A Sneak Peek at the 2026 Sales Tax Outlook 

Get an early look at the 2026 sales tax landscape, emerging state tax trends, nexus changes, digital goods rules, compliance priorities, and what tax professionals should watch this year and beyond.

Who Is Exempt, What Is Exempt, and Where Sales Tax Exemptions Are Headed

As long as there have been taxes, there have been decisions made by legislators to encourage investment in states or to provide opportunities to minimize taxes for identified taxpayers or products. In fact, in the United States, sales tax exemptions…

Pearls of Wisdom: Sales Tax Institute Leaders Share What They Give to Gain for International Women’s Month

In honor of International Women’s Month and Sales Tax Institute’s 30th anniversary, female leaders share practical insights on gender equality, service, mentorship, and the future of leadership in tax.

How States Really Select Businesses for Sales Tax Audits

Sales tax audits are rarely random. Learn the real triggers states use to select businesses for audit, from nexus gaps and exemption certificate errors to filing inconsistencies, industry outliers, and digital compliance red flags.

Pioneers of Progress – Celebrating Black History in Tax, Accounting, and Finance

Explore the influential Black professionals and leaders who shaped tax, accounting, and finance. From trailblazers in policy to innovators in practice, learn their contributions and legacy in the industry.

A Sneak Peek at the 2026 Sales Tax Outlook

Get an early look at the 2026 sales tax landscape, emerging state tax trends, nexus changes, digital goods rules, compliance priorities, and what tax professionals should watch this year and beyond.

5 Surprising Truths About Why Your Company Isn’t Thriving (And How to Fix It)

Is your business stuck despite hard work? Discover 5 surprising truths that hold companies back—like unclear priorities, weak execution, and misaligned accountability—and practical steps to rebuild momentum and drive growth.

6 Critical Data Points You Must Track for Compliance and Efficiency in Sales Tax Administration

Learn the 6 key data points—nexus, registration, taxability, compliance, reporting, and staffing—that you must track to effectively manage modern sales & use tax administration.

2025 By the Numbers: A Year with the Sales Tax Institute

Explore the milestones and insights from the Sales Tax Institute in 2025. Discover key numbers, program growth, and what shaped their sales tax landscape this year.

New Audit Areas and Hot Topics in Sales Tax Audits

Explore the top triggers, emerging trends, and red‑flag audit areas for 2025 sales‑tax audits — from nexus and digital goods to exemption misuse and e‑invoicing. Stay prepared and audit‑ready.

The Expanding Digital Tax Net – How States are Taxing Digital Goods and Services in 2025

Discover how U.S. states are broadening sales tax bases in 2025—targeting SaaS, digital advertising, data processing and more. Stay ahead of emerging state‑tax risks and compliance trends.

The Hidden Cost of Bad Data & Why Sales Tax Compliance Starts Long Before the Return

At its core, sales tax compliance means accurately preparing and filing sales and use tax returns. Once a business is registered in a jurisdiction, it is responsible for filing returns and remitting the appropriate tax on time, every time. While…

Meet Nathan Yoder, Winner of the 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award

Discover why Nathan Yoder was selected as the 2025 Sales Tax Nerd Award winner for his passion, innovation, and mentorship in the sales tax field. Learn about his journey, impact, and advice for future tax professionals.

Retailers Beware! Sales Tax Tricks, Treats, and Traps

Retailers — don’t get caught by hidden sales tax pitfalls. Learn the common tricks, treats, and traps, from nexus surprises to misclassified items, and how to protect your business.

Rethinking Goals Through the Lens of The 4 Disciplines of Execution

Learn how the 4 Disciplines of Execution can transform goal setting—from chasing many priorities to focusing on Wildly Important Goals, lead measures, scoreboards, and accountability. Apply this to tax‑education strategy or any mission‑critical initiative.

From Reactive to Proactive: The Case for Reverse Audits

Discover how proactive reverse audits can uncover overpaid sales/use tax, improve compliance, boost cash flow, and reduce audit risk. Learn why more businesses are taking control of their tax strategy.

29 Years Strong: With Gratitude for the Past and Looking Forward to 30!

Join us in celebrating 29 years of Sales Tax Institute, our history, milestones, and heartfelt gratitude to students, clients, and faculty, as we gear up for an exciting Year 30.

How to be an Advocate for Change In Tax Policy

Here\’s how to influence tax policy effectively, from identifying issues and crafting key messages to engaging decision‑makers and mobilizing support, for meaningful policy change.

Back to School and Back to Sales Tax Holidays: A Quick History Lesson

Discover the history of back-to-school sales tax holidays and how they became a key tax break for shoppers. Learn when and why states adopted these popular events.

What Western States Can Teach Us About Sales Tax Trends

Western U.S. states are shaping the future of sales tax policy with innovative sourcing, digital tax rules, and economic nexus trends. Discover what tax pros need to know.

Celebrating Growth with a Week in Chicago

From strategy sessions to team outings, the Sales Tax Institute celebrated a week of growth and connection in Chicago. See how in-person collaboration sparked new energy.

From Macros to LLMs: The Evolution of Sales Tax Automation

Discover how sales tax automation has transformed, from early macros to today’s cutting-edge AI and large language models (LLMs). Learn what this means for tax pros.

Sales Tax Institute Book Club: Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life by Jane Sherron De Hart

RBG\’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to justice. She wasn\’t just a legal scholar.

How to Build a Sales Tax Function That Won’t Crack Under Pressure

Learn how to build a resilient sales tax function that can scale with your business. Discover best practices, key tools, and expert strategies to reduce audit risk and stay compliant.

The Unexpected Connection Between Sales Tax and Sustainability

Explore how sales tax policies intersect with sustainability goals. Learn how tax incentives, exemptions, and green initiatives can shape a more sustainable future.