How to be an Advocate for Change In Tax Policy
Many people assume that only lobbyists, lawyers, or long-time government insiders have the power to shape tax policy. The language can be highly technical, and it often feels like the process moves behind closed doors. Add to that the challenge of staying up to date, and it is no wonder that many professionals believe they lack the time, resources, or expertise to make an impact.
It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that only large, well-funded organizations have a significant influence on tax outcomes. The reality is far more encouraging, as influence is not reserved for a select few. The path to becoming an advocate is often more accessible than you think, and the work can be both engaging and rewarding. Individuals and companies of all sizes can play an active role in shaping tax policy. It starts with one realization: your voice matters.
“When I first got started, I did not know all the ins and outs of tax policy, but I knew I wanted to understand the ‘why’ behind the rules. Over the years, working for both state government and the private sector, I have found that diving deep into these topics is not only rewarding but it can also be fun. You meet fascinating people, you see the process up close, and you realize that you can make a difference.” – Deborah Bierbaum, Senior Tax Policy Advisor at Multistate, instructor at the Sales Tax Institute.
Knowledge builds both confidence and credibility. By understanding how tax law works, recognizing the trends shaping policy today, and being aware of the tools available to you, you can take meaningful steps toward becoming an effective advocate.
Advocacy Starts with Awareness
You do not need deep technical expertise to begin your advocacy journey, but you do need a clear understanding of the policy environment. Start by scanning the broader landscape, then focus on topics that directly affect you or your business. Searching for terms like “state tax law changes 2025” or “sales tax legislative updates [Your State] 2025” can quickly lead you to relevant information.
Reliable sources include state Departments of Revenue, trade publications such as Tax Notes or the Sales Tax Institute’s News and Tips section. The following organizations also serve as excellent resources for breaking down policy developments in plain language and explaining their implications:
- Council on State Taxation (COST): COST is a nonprofit trade association representing large multistate corporations on state and local tax issues. It provides education, advocacy, and resources to help businesses navigate complex tax environments. COST is known for its conferences and schools including its Annual Meeting, taking place September 16-19, 2025, which offers opportunities for businesses to engage with not only practitioners but also state lobby organizations.
- Multistate Tax Commission (MTC): The MTC is an intergovernmental agency that works with states to promote uniform and equitable tax administration. One of its key contributions is the Multijurisdictional Uniform Sales & Use Tax Exemption Certificate, which simplifies exemption documentation across participating states. For information on their current uniformity projects click here.
- Streamlined Sales Tax (SST): SST is a national initiative aimed at simplifying and modernizing sales and use tax collection. It helps reduce the compliance burden for businesses by promoting uniform tax definitions, centralized registration, and technology-driven filing solutions. States participating in SST offer benefits like consolidated registration and simplified reporting for remote sellers. For more information on SST, click here.
- MultiState Associates: MultiState works with businesses to provide them unparalleled government relations expertise. They offer tools and knowledge to track mission-critical issues, launch an advocacy campaign, plug into the right stakeholder groups, comply with lobby/ethics laws, and find the right lobbyist.
As Deborah Bierbaum notes, “One of the best things you can do is tap into the resources that already exist. The Multistate Tax Commission, for example, offers a front-row seat to how tax issues are discussed across jurisdictions. Once you start following those conversations, you will spot opportunities to contribute, and you will be better equipped to make your case.”
These resources help you see how tax systems reflect each state’s priorities. Differences in income, sales, property, and excise taxes often stem from political decisions, and each state’s reliance on revenue sources—such as corporate income tax, taxation of services, or digital taxation—can signal the direction of future legislation. Reviewing state-by-state revenue projections and understanding how federal law changes impacts state revenues offers insight into what might drive policy changes in the areas that matter most to you.
Once you understand the current environment, you can better identify where to make an impact, whether through public comment, professional group participation, or direct engagement with policy makers.
Understanding Your Options
There is no single “correct” path into advocacy. Larger groups, such as COST, SST, and MTC, are important players, but they are far from being the only avenues available. State CPA societies, Chambers of Commerce and Business and Industry Associations often welcome members from a variety of backgrounds, offering networking opportunities, continuing education, and policy engagement channels. These organizations often also have tax committees. Your business might already be a member offering your opportunities to get involved at no additional cost to your company.
Industry-specific trade associations are another entry point. In manufacturing, property tax, sales and use tax on equipment, and corporate income tax are key issues. Groups such as the National Association of Manufacturers, the Manufacturers Alliance, and state-level manufacturing associations frequently engage in advocacy on behalf of their members. The National Federation of Independent Businesses is a leading advocacy organization that represents the interests of small and independent business owners.
Communications is another heavily regulated sector where taxes and fees play a significant role. Organizations such as USTelecom, The Rural Broadband Association (NTCA), National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA).com and the CTIA work to influence tax and regulatory policy, often coordinating public comments and lobbying efforts. State-level telecom associations provide localized channels for engagement.
Deborah Bierbaum emphasizes the value of working at the state and community level: “National groups are powerful, but local chapters bring issues closer to home. They can help you connect with lawmakers who represent your district, and they understand the local nuances that can shape tax policy in real, tangible ways.”
Partnering with established organizations offers several advantages. It allows you to contribute to collective advocacy efforts without exposing yourself or your business directly. Even small steps, such as following their initiatives through social media, attending public meetings, or participating in comment periods, can help you stay informed and involved.
“One of the most satisfying things I’ve been involved in recently is being a member of the SST Business Advisory Council (BAC). I’ve been able to advocate on behalf of small businesses on things that can impact the burden national sales tax collection brings to them. It started out just getting states to publish their rules in clear and consistent ways and turned into being invited to testify before the Senate Finance Committee. From there, some states did react to my testimony and eliminated their 200-transaction test from economic nexus. What a win!” – Diane Yetter, Sales Tax Institute
Building Company Advocacy
If you are ready to move beyond individual involvement and integrate advocacy into your organization’s operations, you will need a strategic approach.
- Be Realistic About Capacity: Evaluate how much time and resources your team can dedicate to advocacy. Leverage teams and structures that are already in place where possible, especially in departments like tax, legal, or planning which often have existing processes that can support this work.
- Work in concert with your Company Government Affairs team: Understand their priorities and determine how your team can partner with them to address tax policy concerns.
- Understand Your Company’s Footprint: Identify the states and localities where you have nexus and where tax laws have the most impact on your operations. Check out this insightful resource to answer your biggest sales tax questions related to nexus, collection responsibilities, and more!
- Identify Risks: Weigh the exposure your company may face from taking public positions on tax matters.
- Include Local Taxes in Your Review: Consider both state and municipal tax structures in your advocacy planning.
Once you have mapped these factors, you can develop a strategy that aligns with your capacity, risk tolerance, and business goals. Proactive engagement not only helps shape favorable policy outcomes but can also improve compliance, strengthen financial planning, and provide a competitive advantage.
Curious about how to build a tax function that won’t crack under pressure? Click here to read Sales Tax Institute’s tips and tricks for building a solid foundation within your company.
Moving from Awareness to Action
Whether you are just beginning to follow tax policy developments or you already have years of experience, there is always another level of engagement available to you. The more informed you are, the more effectively you can represent your interests and influence outcomes that matter to your business and community.
“You do not have to know everyone and everything to get started. The important thing is to start somewhere. Every comment, every meeting, every connection adds to your understanding and impact.” — Deborah Bierbaum